12V Battery Dies - Pulled over to rest on long trip

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Shesakillatwo, May 13, 2022.

  1. Shesakillatwo

    Shesakillatwo New Member

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    2008 Prius
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    My wife has recently taken a few trips (150 Miles), and has pulled over part of the way because she is tired. She has done this three times and each time after about a 1 hour nap the car will not function properly or start. In each case the 12V battery appears to have drained to the point will not allow the car to be started. All three times I drove out and jump started her without any issues and the car runs normally once started.

    The first two time she had left the Key (FOB) in the ignition so after those adventures I instructed her to remove the key if she pulls over to rest. This last time she had removed the key but the same issue happened.

    Between each of these adventures the car runs well day or night regardless of the weather. So lights being on fro example do not seem to have an impact. I am curious if there is something that stays operational that would possibly drain the battery simply because she is sitting in the Drivers seat or has not exited the car? Any thoughtwas would be helpful.....
     
    #1 Shesakillatwo, May 13, 2022
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    nothing i can think of. she isn't listening to the radio or phone plugged in is she? that will drain it, or any other usage unless in ready.
    how old is the battery?
     
    #2 bisco, May 13, 2022
  3. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Are the headlights turned off? At least on my Gen3, the headlight Auto-Off timer (0 to 90 seconds, configurable) isn't triggered until the driver door is opened. If I don't open that door, the headlight Auto-Off is defeated.

    After being drained several times, the battery just might be mortally or severely wounded too.
     
    #3 fuzzy1, May 14, 2022
    dolj and rjparker like this.
  4. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    Is the power button in ‘accessory’ mode instead of ‘off’ or ‘ready’ mode?
    In accessory mode a lot of things could be running the battery down.
    In ready mode she should be able to sit there indefinitely even with the air conditioning on.
     
    #4 Another, May 14, 2022
  5. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    The first time that battery died probably cooked it especially if it was killed by a light bulb. So it’s been bad ever since.

    Stop the 12 volt jumping that’s very dangerous seen somany blown up Prius on this site from jump starting especially by jumping it directly to the battery.

    Buy a new battery.
     
    #5 edthefox5, May 15, 2022
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