Car Talk Prius Question Not Really Answered

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by TonyPSchaefer, May 17, 2009.

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  1. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    I sit here corrected. At lunch when I checked, I must have not seen the indicator due to the sun. In the evening, I decided to check again and sure enough you were correct: the light indicator is still illuminated even after I powered down the car.

    During lunch, I was able to turn the lights off using the steering wheel stick and then turn them back on. All without opening the driver's door. I didn't think to test that this evening to see that the indicator would go off and then on again. But I'm suspecting that it would.
     
    #21 TonyPSchaefer, May 18, 2009
  2. yardman 49

    yardman 49 Active Member

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    Right after purchasing my Prius, I went to Walmart and bought the Black & Decker "Start It" model VEC012CBD. After reading about the lack of "foolproof" design in the Prius' 12v power management, I figured that I should have some "insurance", in case we ever managed to drain the 12v battery. Also, I'm used to carrying a tire inflator around with me. This unit handles both duties. I've attached a picture.

    Interestingly, the only time that I've used it was to jump a dead battery in my minivan. It did that without breaking a sweat, and still has almost a full charge left! Nice unit.

    Best wishes,
     

    Attached Files:

    #22 yardman 49, May 18, 2009
  3. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    David makes a good point about corroded connectors in the 12 volt system. Something we all might consider looking at, because it makes the Prius' little battery even littler.
     
    #23 tochatihu, May 18, 2009
  4. daniel

    daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb

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    It's entirely possible that the woman, being in need of a nap, didn't notice the headlight icon.
     
    #24 daniel, May 19, 2009
  5. fgoodyear

    fgoodyear New Member

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    '07's have the icon on the dash



     
    #25 fgoodyear, May 19, 2009
  6. Politburo

    Politburo Active Member

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    I'm not sure I understand what setting is being changed here. AFAIK, on the US models the car doesn't care when you turn the lights on.. the behavior is the same.
     
    #26 Politburo, May 19, 2009
  7. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    I finally listened to the podcast and the owner has a 2007 and everything points to the auxiliary battery draining while parked. It may be a little early but their advice was to go to the dealer. Problem solved.

    Now if the owner ever wanders here, we can give her advice on getting some heavier duty, replacement batteries. I believe good Prius friend Hobbit did the Omega battery replacement.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #27 bwilson4web, May 19, 2009
  8. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    I took the liberty of submitting this entire thread to Car Talk...let's see if they use it.
     
    #28 efusco, May 19, 2009
  9. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Looks like Beteljuice posted there
    Car Talk - Why won't Elsie's Prius won't start after naps

    I got the following reply from the Car Talk staff:

    Thanks. I've passed it along to Tom and Ray. There's also a reference to your chat here:

    Car Talk - Why won't Elsie's Prius won't start after naps

    Thanks for sharing. They'll be interested to see this.

    Best,

    Doug Mayer
    Car Talk
    (and happy Prius owner)
     
    #29 efusco, May 20, 2009
  10. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    Elsie wrote back. She had come to the same conclusion as we did.
     
    #30 TonyPSchaefer, May 20, 2009
  11. daniel

    daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb

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    Woo-hoo!!! I was right! :cheer2: :rockon:
     
    #31 daniel, May 27, 2009
  12. Betelgeuse

    Betelgeuse Active Member

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    Was it ever in doubt? ;)
     
    #32 Betelgeuse, May 27, 2009
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