I bought a 2009 Prius with 230,000 Miles.

Just ordered the yellow top Optima 'specific' for Prius (pencil posts) from Amazon. With tax it was $170.

My voltage this AM was just above
11V with minor radio and headlight load. Since I was going to get one anyway soon I thought why not now.

Thanks,
Simba

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Any installation issues? The ac delco was $30 cheaper.
Thanks
Simba

 

Cancelled the Optoma and ordered the AC Delco. Its guranteed to fit without modifications. Thank you.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

I have another SKS key fob on its way from Amazon.

Is there a definite good 'chicken dance' that works? Also, I have Premium AAA Membership where they will pay up to $150 for programming costs to a lcoksmith. Anybody try this service?

Thank you,
Simba

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Today, I drove the car to my oil change place and had them do the the transaxle fluid change and replace the 12 V battery for me. I took the ATF WS, washers and battery with me (all obtained from Amazon Prime). They charged me $50 and it was totally worth it to me.

I am shopping for some All Season tires and am thinking to go with Nokian Entyre--getting all 4 for $213. That includes shipping and taxes. Walmart will charge me $50 for installation.

Thank you,
Simba

 

Weird problem.
I placed a new 12 V battery about 2 weeks ago.
Yesterday, I installed a trailer hitch and did the trailer wiring. Everything eorked well.
Several hours later I turned the car on and the dash is dark but I can drive the car fine. I stopped and tried to turn the car off but couldnt.
Decided to go home and check my cables to the battery but while driving the dash suddenly cam back on and no problems since.
Anybody with ideas other then checking the connections to make sure all cabkes are tight?
Thank you
Simba

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

The Dark Dash has NOT reappeared in the last two days--but I will check the wiring for my trailer soon.

Currently using Winter Tires but will need to order new all seasons tires soon--I prefer Walmart as they have been good with me. The tires I have on my year round wheels are 185/65/15. My needs for all season are comfort and hydroplanning protection more than FE.

Any Walmart recommendation?

Thank you,
Simba

 

So far I am very happy with my 2009 Prius that I bought with just about 229K Miles, I have now put about 1500 Miles on it.

The following is what I have done to it:
1. Bought a set of Winter wheels and tires (Goodyear Nordics) off Craigslist.
2. Replaced the 12V Battery.
3. Synthetic oil/filter change.
4. Toyota ATF WS transaxel fluid change.
5. Cabin filter.
6. New tires at Walmart-- Hankook Optimo 195/65-15 H724. Compared to my Winter tires (Goodyear Nordics) these Hankook are excellent when it comes to road noise and comfort. The Winter Tires were over inflated (42/40) and felt extremely harsh and 'poor' MPG (about 45). The Hankooks are factory recommend PSI and I am already getting about 52MPG.
7. Hitch, wiring, and a small motorcycle trailer.

I have set aside $$ for a future hybrid battery replacement. I hope I don't have to tap into this reserve anytime soon.

Thank You all,
Simba

 

Yes the acquisition price reflected new tires, $1000 allowance for hybrid battery and cost off power door latch mechanism replacement. The Seller would not budge anymore and I did not want to push it as the car was otherwise very clean.

Engine air filter looked clean at a recent inspection (the cabin filter was very dirty). I will address the spark plugs this fall. Also, I will need to research an engine block heater before next Winter.

The Winter wheel/tire set is off and back to oem wheels and new tires. I took the plastic 'rings' off and I am liking the look. I may put the 'rings' back on. Hey, I am an 80's kid and I like the cheap Autozone hubcaps. NOT!

Thank you
Simba

 

I got the 42" X 48" HF trailer. Its listed for $238. I had a 20% discount that clearly states that the coupon cannot be used be a trailer or generator, etc. I cried foul and the Manager used a store 20% Customer Satisfaction Coupon that gave me 20% off the entire receipt not just one item.

I like this trailer a lot--use real Mobil 1 synthetic bearing grease and also use Loctite for all the fasteners Make sure your rail for your bike (I used wood) goes all the way to the front of the tongue. Make sure you get a hitch tightener otherwise you will hear rattling.

I got the hitch and wiring harness from Amazon. I saw the youtube video installation from etrailer.com for both the hitch and the wiring. I am not mechanical and I had everything done in 2 hours.

I took it for a long 30 Miles shakedown test today. No issues at any speeds up to 72 MPH. I also took it on some dirt (farm gravel roads) and the car, trailer and bike did well.

Simba



I had a simple grounding issue that is why the left rear light/turn signal was dim. Make sure you have a decent ground connection. Use a drill to 'chip' off a little paint off the trailer.

 

Here is everything one needs to pull a trailer with a Gen 2 prius:









If planning to use a HF trailer, you will also need a 1 7/8 towing ball.