Is anyone else having problems getting the Toyota 12v Battery for their older Prius (2002). My prius has been at our local Toyota dealer for 2 weeks. At first they said they'd get a battery in in 7-10 days. Now they are telling me that they don't know when they will get one as it is on backorder. I see from the forums that others ordered battery kits from 12 Volt (12v) Toyota Prius Auxiliary Battery for 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 with installtion kit and free shipping to 48 states Are these recommended for the "not mechanically inclined" ?? Should I phone other Toyota dealerships on my own?
As far as the battery kit, anybody who practises reasonable safety precautions should be able to install it. By "reasonable" keep in mind: A 12 vdc battery has very high short circuit capability. Any contact with a wrench will probably ruin your day. batteries contain an electrolyte, sulfuric acid. If the battery should happen to have a wrench dropped on it and explode, you could be showered with acid. If you don't feel comfortable working on batteries and/or don't understand the safety precautions, then have a pro do it It certainly sounds like you will receive the battery kit faster than waiting for a Toyota battery. Make sure the 12 vdc battery is fully charged before installation, the Prius 12 vdc charge system is marginal to charge a severely discharged battery
Thanks, I'll have to recruit my husband. He's pretty much had a hand's off policy to my prius and just let me deal with the dealership but if I want to drive it anytime soon...