Triple A jump started it but when he unplugged his battery it kept turning off. He says he thinks this means it's the alternator. Does this sound correct? I guess I have it towed to a mechanic? Can someone tell me about how much $ I'm looking at? Thanks.
There's no alternator in a Prius, the hybrid motor and battery pack acts in place of the alternator. The most likely problem you have is your 12v battery is no longer holding a charge and needs to be replaced.
Do you have a digital multi-meter? Not optimum, but checking the battery's voltage will give you some idea where it's at. More than 12.5 (volts) is ok, more than 12.7 is in-the-pink, 12.0~12.5 it's time to start shopping, less than 12.0 you'll need alternate transportation to get the battery. All that said, it's likely replacement time.
Your Prius does not have an alternator. If the car was in "ready," and the car was running and then turned off after disconnecting the jump starter, this may indicate a problem with the DC/DC converter which is located inside the inverter assembly. FYI, there is a 20-year extended warranty with certain problems with the inverter. To qualify for the warranty, you need to have certain trouble codes. How old is your 12v battery? Are there any warning lights on the dash?
I'm sorry are you talking about the reg battery or the hybrid battery? I don't really know the language for it, but I know that it's a big deal if I need to replace my hybrid battery.
The regular battery, aka 12 volt battery. This is what I'd be looking at, in CDN funds, from nearby Canadian Tire: There's a $20 "core charge" tacked on, which you recoup when you bring them your old battery. This is something you "can" do in a store parking lot, in a pinch: ^ That's a 10mm box wrench he's using, for the battery clamps. It could also work for the bracket bolts. I'd bring a few washers too, just in case the replacement battery is slightly taller, to shim the finicky bracket. ^ One caution: you always want to cognizant, that electrons are always ready ready to make a jump from one battery post to the other (I'll never remember which direction), and if for example you were using an extra long wrench, that could provide the bridge. You maybe shoult keep any wrench handle closer to vertical, avoid any chance of providing that bridge. Another good trick is to wear safety glasses.
I just went over to my local Batteries+ and they switched it out right there in the parking lot for 235 with tax and it was all good from there. So that or an equivalent store and you should be OK. Mine still had the original battery from 2012 in it, and this was in 2023.
That's a great price... Can you please tell us what specifc brand and model of battery they sold you?
Absolutely! I kept the receipt: "Duracell Ultra Platinum AGM 325CCA BCI Group S46B24R Car and Truck Battery" It was 219.99 back then, and the guy changed it out in minutes, no problem. Which I could find someone to do that with my engine!
This one is better/ more amp-hours and only $118: 12 Volt (12V) 55 Amp (55Ah) VRLA AGM Sealed Lead Acid Battery 55 AMPS HIGH CAP | eBay
