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08 Prius Won't Start - Lights still work

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Jonfen, Jan 10, 2018.

  1. Jonfen

    Jonfen Junior Member

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    In the midst of a major cold snap late last week, I tried to start my 08 prius and while my FOB worked to unlock the doors, and I was able to turn the headlights on, the car would not start. Nothing on the dashboard is lighting up aside from a flashing icon that looks like a car with a key inside it. I've tried jumping it from both the front and back with no luck. I thought maybe it had something to do with the severe cold we were experiencing (single digits with below zero wind chill), but it has since warmed up and the car still won't start. Anyone ever encountered something like this?
     
    #1 Jonfen, Jan 10, 2018
  2. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    How old is the 12 V. battery? I would take the battery to the parts store and have them test it. Check all battery connections both positive and negative. This is always a good starting point. A bad battery can't be jumped very easily.
     
    #2 padroo, Jan 10, 2018
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    could be a bad multi info display as well, but test the battery first as padre says above, or replace if original.
    you can also take the battery out of the circuit and try jumping.
    the flashing lock is the immobile which always flashes when the car is off.
    try holding the start button for 4 or 5 seconds.
     
    #3 bisco, Jan 10, 2018
  4. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    That depends on how bad and why it's bad.
    Most batteries that are just getting weak will jump very easily..........IF the donor battery really is healthy and fully charged.
    At 0F, it might not have had much strength either.
     
    #4 Sam Spade, Jan 10, 2018
  5. Jonfen

    Jonfen Junior Member

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    Thanks for the responses everyone. I'll start with testing the battery and go from there!
     
    #5 Jonfen, Jan 10, 2018
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Have you tried putting the keyfob in the key slot to start the car?
     
    #6 JC91006, Jan 10, 2018
  7. Jonfen

    Jonfen Junior Member

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    I did try putting the fob in the slot, no luck
     
    #7 Jonfen, Jan 10, 2018
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Did you have the keyfob in the keyslot when you were jump starting it?

    You might have an issue with the combination meter and it's not lighting up when your car is on. Try to jump start it and then after you start the car, wait 30 seconds and see if the engine turns on. If the engine turns on and you don't have dash lights, it just means you have a bad combination meter
     
    #8 JC91006, Jan 10, 2018
  9. 550/440

    550/440 New Member

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    I’m experiencing this same exact problem. What was the solution? I can’t roll up my windows and it looks like it’s going to rain tonight.
     
    #9 550/440, Jul 11, 2019
  10. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    What is the status of your 12v. Can you get a jump from someone?
     
    #10 ericbecky, Jul 12, 2019
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