question: i have been gone 5 months and will return and attempt to start up my prius next week. I've had a battery tender attached to the engine red (hot) point and a ground point. Battery terminals were still attached. Do you think i'll have any problems starting the car. I know to leave it run for at least 30 minutes to have all the systems reset
No need to let it run for 30 min. There are no systems to reset. The car was always powered (you didn't disconnect the 12V battery). The traction battery -may- be down a few bars, but should still be fine. Just drive it. The traction battery will recover fully to its' "normal" charge level in a few minutes. Be sure to check the oil before starting it. Just in case. It's a Toyota so there isn't likely to be a problem, but better safe than sorry. Remember, that 5 months counts on the oil change interval.
Well, the Toyota TSB that discusses vehicle storage suggests that the car should be started up every two months and left READY for at least 30 min. for the purpose of charging the traction battery. I suggest that once the OP starts the car, that he look at the traction battery SOC and if low, plan to drive the car or leave READY for at least the 30 min. period, or until the SOC returns to the normal blue range.
Bob749--I'm wondering if you could let us know if you left the car inactive for 5 months with the windows open or closed, and if you sense any unusual odors inside the car. Thanks
I sure will. I put the car on jacks...no fully off the floor but enough to take some of the weight off the tires. I tried to disconnect the battery but was "afraid" that I'd get into trouble being such a small space and seeing a lot of the "RED" cable near the Black. Might be braver next time.
Next time just unbolt the -ve cable where it connects to the chassis, if you really want to disconnect the battery. Remember though, if you then close the hatch you won't be able to open it easily. I think the way you did it is the best method.
An alternative to disconnecting the negative battery cable is to open the main relay/fuse box near the inverter, then pivot open the red plastic cover over the dedicated positive jump start terminal. Use a 10 mm socket to remove the nut on the terminal. Remove the red cable attached to the terminal. Replace the nut. Close the red cover and place the cable over the cover so that it does not contact anything. Then close the relay/fuse box cover, close the hood, and you are done.
I am in Stuart FL and I plan to do exactly the same thing next month. Can you let me know if you were successful? (I plan to use a battery tender under the hood and plan not to disconnect the 12v battery in the back of my '06 Prius) Also what voltage was the tender set to? I am thinking 12.5 volts.
