12v battery help

Yes, I did. I didn't need one in 2009, but was considering getting the kit for the Optima battery to have on hand. Unfortunately, I dawdled too long and in January 2012 one day the 12 volt battery died without warning. I ended up just picking up one from the dealer that day and installing it. 7.5 years on the original battery, and 5 years so far on its replacement.

 

Thanks for sharing the DIY video!

 

I wonder why this was posted to the Gen 1 section? Couple of things, the battery you suggest isn't the right one for the Gen 1's. & the price is up to $159.41. Amazon carries the correct battery, while Amazon doesn't list it for Gen 1's, this is the correct one https://www.amazon.com/dp/ B0013ZGZ9Q/ref=psdc_15719921_t1_B006VFEJJQ (remove the space just before the "B") It has to do with the battery post locations. Also somewhere along the line, Toyota changed the size of the terminal post connectors. The Gen 1's came with post that were the size of those jumbo pencils we had as kids. The Optima has that size posts. My Prius had the larger, US style posts and they wouldn't tighten down enough to connect. I found a set in a junk yard, but they aren't readily available on the 'net. These folks have the correct battery and the right connectors, Optima battery and installation kit for Prius 2001 to 2003

A little comment about good mechanics practice. The first thing you should do when disconnecting a battery (on any car, golf cart, motorcycle, etc.) is disconnect the negative (ground) connector from the battery. Makes the battery less likely to arc which can do damage to delicate electronics.

Thanks for posting, and Welcome!