Display sometimes not working; Sign of dying 12v Battery?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by CharlesPrius, Sep 25, 2018.

  1. CharlesPrius

    CharlesPrius Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2017
    154
    60
    2
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Sometimes when I crank (well, "start") her up the right side of the Multi-Information Display (the consumption & odometer side) doesn't show up. I'm guessing from foruming around that the 12v battery is giving up the ghost. I don't know if it's the original battery, I'm the 2nd or 3rd owner -- I guess I could look. It seems to act up first thing in the morning, and the rest of the day the display is fully visible.

    She also sometimes doesn't "start" the first time I press the brake and mash the start button. (Please no sexual jokes, stop it! Stop it!)

    What are the other symptoms of a dying 12V battery? She might be displaying impotence in other ways, to which I'm currently unapprised.
     
    #1 CharlesPrius, Sep 25, 2018
  2. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2006
    7,028
    1,116
    0
    Location:
    South Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Half of the display not working isn't a symptom of a bad 12v battery. Why guess? Just measure the battery voltage.

    12v battery symptoms include slow windows, dim headlights, no interior lighting, no SKS.

    My guess is that a weak contact in the combination meter is starting to fail. When it is warmer things expand and make contact.

    Could there be something wrong with the brake position switch or the pedal isn't being pressed hard enough?
     
    #2 JimN, Sep 27, 2018
    davecook89t likes this.
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,479
    50,212
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    sounds like it. run it by an auto parts store for a free load test. if it's good, you might need a new combo meter.
     
    #3 bisco, Sep 27, 2018
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    57,155
    39,458
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I'm "guessing" it is the display malfunctioning. As far as checking the 12 volt battery condition, there's a couple of ways you can do it:

    1. Start a thread, ask for opinions on your battery's state of health, let it drag on for maybe 12 pages.
    2. Get something like a Solar BA5, and check it.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Sep 27, 2018
    Last edited: Sep 27, 2018
    davecook89t likes this.
  5. CharlesPrius

    CharlesPrius Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2017
    154
    60
    2
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    That would indeed be bad
     
    #5 CharlesPrius, Sep 27, 2018
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,479
    50,212
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    yes, that is a big labor job. much more prevalent on gen 2 though. half my daughters meter went out and the battery was the culprit.
     
    #6 bisco, Sep 27, 2018
  7. CharlesPrius

    CharlesPrius Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2017
    154
    60
    2
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Thanks, I'm hoping that's it. Yes it's only the right half the display (Odometer side) that's gone out completely, but only every few days, seemingly after it sits for more than 12-14 hours.
     
    #7 CharlesPrius, Sep 28, 2018
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,479
    50,212
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    battery voltage drops the longer it sits
     
    #8 bisco, Sep 29, 2018
  9. CharlesPrius

    CharlesPrius Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2017
    154
    60
    2
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    [SOLVED}: Yesterday was the day! Car wouldn't start, display fading & flickering, excited triangle. Got AAA out for a jump & battery test. 87 CCA, should be 325 wow! The amazing part: that was the OEM factory battery, lasted 10 years! AAA wanted $350 for a new one -- I've bought batteries from them before, so I'm not against AAA, but I knew I could go down to Pep Boys and get a Bosch 12v with a 48 month warranty for $152. Did so and put it in myself yesterday, easy job. So far so good, seems strong. I will update this if I have problems.
     

    Attached Files:

    #9 CharlesPrius, Oct 18, 2018
    Raytheeagle likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)