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2012 Prius wont start!!!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Gilbert, Jul 11, 2017.

  1. Gilbert

    Gilbert Member

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    hello! this is the first time ever since i purchased this car that I've had an issue with it. today, got off work for lunch and doors wouldn't unlock. i could head the unlock chime when pressing the remote, but it was really low and short. used the key to open the door, and of course car wouldn't start either. took about 10 tries and it started up by itself to READY after a few seconds of last pressing the button. car has about 175k miles, original OEM 12v battery. is that the cause? did it again a few times after throughout the day. hasn't done it last 2 times I've unlocked and started the car.

    dropbox link for video

    Dropbox - 19912822_856099584546315_5694251440420159488_n.mp4

    any input would be greatly appreciated.
     
    #1 Gilbert, Jul 11, 2017
  2. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    replace your battery.
     
    #2 NutzAboutBolts, Jul 11, 2017
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  3. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    to be more specific, the 12V battery is implied above, I believe. You could have it tested at a battery shop, but at over 5 years old, it is likely to be at its end of life. And you said the behavior did not occur the next two times you tried "starting" the car, so the 12V could have charged just enough to allow a normal power-up sequence. But you are driving on borrowed time, to be sure.
     
    #3 FuelMiser, Jul 12, 2017
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    I'll do my morning grumpies now:

    Who do you think is better equipped to answer that? The world wide web, or you, with the car on hand?

    If you're DIY inclined:

    Start by checking it's voltage with a multimeter, with the car off. You can do that at the jumpstart point, under the hood. Better, get something like the Solar BA5, hook up directly to the battery posts, will give you a fuller assessment of the battery's condition.

    Don't want to get into this? Then:

    Get the car to a battery retailer, they should have a pro version of the Solar BA5, will be able to assess it for you. Likely for free. Or the dealership can do similar, for a small charge.

    Google "the 12 volt side of life", for a little light reading.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Jul 13, 2017
  5. Holly Clenin

    Holly Clenin New Member

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    Was wondering if this was the problem? I have a 2012 prius c and I'm having the same problem however it is only not starting for me once or twice a week.
     
    #5 Holly Clenin, Oct 10, 2017
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    possible, also, check your brake light switch.
     
    #6 bisco, Oct 10, 2017
  7. Gilbert

    Gilbert Member

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    Sooo. Not even a year after replacing the battery seems im having the issue again?

    I camt even unlock the back and icons flicker, also noise from engine doesnt stop.

    Is this the battery again?
     
    #7 Gilbert, Apr 16, 2018
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    What voltage are you reading, with the car off, say measured at the jump start point?
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Apr 16, 2018
  9. Gilbert

    Gilbert Member

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    #9 Gilbert, Apr 16, 2018
  10. Gilbert

    Gilbert Member

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    I don’t have anything that read the voltage :(
     
    #10 Gilbert, Apr 16, 2018
  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Well...
     
    #11 Mendel Leisk, Apr 16, 2018
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  12. Gilbert

    Gilbert Member

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    Called the ins company and they’re sending someone to jump it... how can I get the back open when the unlock buttons don’t work ?
     
    #12 Gilbert, Apr 16, 2018
  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    You can jump start it under the hood, the jump start point.
     
    #13 Mendel Leisk, Apr 16, 2018
  14. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    You can open the trunk manually from the inside, there’s a black plastic cover that’s covering the lever.
     
    #14 NutzAboutBolts, Apr 16, 2018
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  15. Gilbert

    Gilbert Member

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    All good after a jump. Battery seems to have discharge for some reason but health test passed so just needs to be recharged completely again.

    Had to jump thru backseat since we couldn’t open the hatch..
     
    #15 Gilbert, Apr 16, 2018
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  16. Gilbert

    Gilbert Member

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    Good to know for next time..
     
    #16 Gilbert, Apr 16, 2018
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  17. Gilbert

    Gilbert Member

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    That’s what they guy said, but when he went to look he wasn’t able to find it
     
    #17 Gilbert, Apr 16, 2018
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  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it is in the fuse box. next time, you will be able to show him. hopefully, no next time.:)
     
    #18 bisco, Apr 16, 2018
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  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you may want to invest in a cheap volt meter and jump pack. once you drain these little batteries, the trouble soon begins. could be you left a light on or something.
     
    #19 bisco, Apr 16, 2018
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