Car Battery

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by ChItalian1027, Dec 15, 2016.

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  1. ChItalian1027

    ChItalian1027 Junior Member

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    Hi guys, since it has been sub zero here in Chicago my sister took her Prius to the dealer for an oil change (even though I said I would do it) I'm half way through work and I get a text from her saying the tech couldn't get her car started, so I was looking around mainly on rockauto for a battery but all I got was the hybrid battery, does the Prius have a car battery and how much would it cost?

    Thanks!
     
    #1 ChItalian1027, Dec 15, 2016
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, a small 12v battery in the back right fender in the hatch. $150. - $200. depending on aftermarket or oem. if you want to save a few bucks, check exide, duracell and optima. make sure it has the right size posts, dimensions, vent tube and chemistry, since it's inside the car.

    curious, the dealer couldn't start the car, and didn't know what to do?
     
    #2 bisco, Dec 15, 2016
  3. ChItalian1027

    ChItalian1027 Junior Member

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    Thank you bisco!! I'm not sure if they didn't know how or if the tech was new but she said that the car wouldn't start. I told her to get a battery test done, but I don't know if Toyota Dealers test the batteries. I know when I was a lube tech for Acura/VW we tested the batteries (was a lube tech last year).
     
    #3 ChItalian1027, Dec 15, 2016
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    they can test the battery if necessary. she probably should have asked someone. however, the car not starting isn't necessarily a 12v problem.
    what year prius and how many miles?
     
    #4 bisco, Dec 15, 2016
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Dealerships should be able to do an electronic load test on the battery, assess it's Cold Cranking Amps and at-rest Voltage, and should have the correct OEM battery on hand, or readily available. It might be a bit pricier than chasing down an aftermarket. OTOH the car's there, and they're more likely to be fresh batteries.

    2010, in December in Chicago, assuming it's the original battery: good time for a new one.

    Here it's sub-zero, but that's in centigrade, still: unseasonably cold for us, being right on the west coast: was -8C (18F) when I checked, just before noon. Up to -4C (25F) now, around supper time.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Dec 15, 2016
  6. ChItalian1027

    ChItalian1027 Junior Member

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    bisco MY 2005 with 50k+miles (not 100% sure because I don't drive her car I do know that it is about 50k). The starter shouldn't be starting to go bad with this milage

    Mendel dealer told her that they don't have any batteries in stock, said it will be until Monday December 19! I told her that I would replace that battery but she said not to worry about it.
     
    #6 ChItalian1027, Dec 16, 2016
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    there is no starter. but there are a number of things that need to go right for the car to start properly. hopefully just the 12v, and she can get a battery in many places, but the 19th is monday.
     
    #7 bisco, Dec 17, 2016
  8. ChItalian1027

    ChItalian1027 Junior Member

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    Yeah it sucks that it won't be done until the 19th, she is driving my car since I'm working from home. I'm glad that there is no starter, I hope it is just the 12v and not the hybrid battery, if it was the hybrid battery I would just recommend that she trade the car in for a slightly used Prius.
     
    #8 ChItalian1027, Dec 17, 2016
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