2012 Prius will not start

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by pran, Aug 31, 2023.

  1. pran

    pran Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2021
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    strange behavior on my 2012 Prius

    on the key fob, i click the unlock button, i an see the door unlock. I get in and press the brake and press the start button. First the breaks are hard and unable to press all the way down. Second, no display on the front panel, no display on the LCD Screen. i can hear a low sound as if something is trying to start but not able to.
    the sound is coming from the metal covered box to the fuse box.
    This goes on for while and then suddenly everything starts working. All the lights are up as normal and am able to drive the car as usual. some times it 10 minutes, some time it starts in 2 minutes,
    So, i called AAA and check the batteries and battery is OK as per the towing company.
    Any ideas?
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    How old is your 12v battery? How did AAA test it?
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Check the voltage with a simple/cheap multimeter, with the car off, post the reading.
     
  4. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2012
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    Location:
    Arcadia, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    If AAA tested the 12 V as okay, then I worry it’s something else…