The 12V battery on my 2012 Prius C suddenly died. I had it boosted, but I don't know how to charge it since I can't seem to be able to keep my engine running (how I normally loved that feature ). Plus, it's still the original 12v battery, so likely it is well past end of its life anyway (never had a problem before though). All my previous cars, I usually just call CAA to get a new battery installed. However, does Prius C use a regular 12V battery? And if so, would their technician know how to install it given it's under the back seat? Or is it better to get it towed to dealership to install a new battery (the car wouldn't start again now that I turned it off)? Many thanks.
you don't need to keep the engine running to charge the 12v. it charges whenever the car is 'ready'. the hybrid battery charges the 12v, and the engine comes on as needed to top up the hybrid battery. that being said, 10 years was a great run, and i would replace it. i can't say if they can do it or not, because it is a bit of a special battery (size and posts) so call them and ask. it is also under the rear seat, making it a bit more difficult. i know AAA down here won't do it. all the best!
Thx. Checked with them, they said it's not in their database. Toyota dealer quoted $330CAD for the battery, not sure about the labour although it looks simple enough to replace. Tried to charge it again by driving for 4 hours, dead right after I turned it off, so definitely need a new battery (also smells like rotten eggs a little, although given the kids, it might just be some rotten eggs somewhere back there). Yeah, I have put off replacing the battery for far too long. Unfortunately, they won't get the battery for another week. Amazing car. 9 years, 170K kms, three minor accidents and still runs well (engine started to make noises, but gas mileages remains great). Given the current car market, I hope it will last me another 10 years.
i'm in the same boat with lower mileage. i hope i can hold out until things normalize again. i had to replace my battery in 2019
That’s not bad from dealership, if including install. in the last year I emailed SaskBattery, and while it’s not on their website, they can ship the Yuasa battery to me (anywhere in Canada) for $229 CDN, plus ONLY GST on top of that, no provincial tax. Install is pretty simple.
I've been checking for that particular battery for my daughter's Prius C and Saskatoon Battery has no stock for that vehicle, strange!
Did you check with them by email, ask if they have or can get a specific battery? Their website is not that good.
Just received a e-mail from SaskBattery and the size of 7.67 inches needed for a 2014 Prius C is not available in AGM format! Not good news for a cheaper $$ option Some auto part web store has the battery for a Prius v fitting a Prius C so beware and double check dimensions, etc..,
Yeah this is an ongoing pain. If I see the post action “stalled”, I first copy what I’ve typed, then try refreshing the outcome page several times. Usually after 2-3 refreshes, surprise surprise: it’s been posted.
Hi Prius C Forum! New here, but been watching, and thought I should contribute. Like many of you, my 2012 Prius C Two’s 12V Battery was nearing end of life. So called Toyota, after regaining consciousness, I realized there had to be a better solution. This is what I found at a place BatterySpecialist in Burlington, ON. They specialize in UPS, Scooter, ATV, UTV, Golf Cart Batteries. But with a bit of research, I got these two items from them. With these two items, and some terminal clamps from CT, I have a perfect replacement for about 1/2 the Toyota branded aftermarket battery sold at dealerships for $330+++. Hope this helps, while this is for a 2012 Prius C Two, it likely would fit later/similar Prius C’s. Note the battery area for the 12V battery is quite generous, maybe because the Prius C Fours have a higher capacity battery? Let me know if you have any questions.
We all have a UPS battery backup for our home computers and they use similar batteries inside them. The only difference between them with a Prius, the charging system has more amperage on the Prius versus a golf cart which I think has to be slow charged overnight. This is where the vent tube came about, it might be for car manufacturers way of covering their butts! Who knows, it might be fine going this route for all I know.
