12volt battery replacement

Depending on the type of 12v battery they gave you. Regular 12v last between 4 to 5 years. Deep cycle 12v should last longer. If I were in your situation, I would first check the voltage with a meter and then hook another 12v battery in parallel to the Prius battery. If you still have problem after that, then the issue may not be the battery.

There are plenty of videos you could search for in youtube showing you how to change the 12v battery.

 

In the US, there are at least two replacement 12 volt batteries sold for the Prius.
Here is an online Optima Yellowtop dealer
Optima DS46B24R Optima battery direct fit replacement for Prius 2004 + & Plug-in Prius with Instructions
they include detailed instructions, should take under an hour if you stop and read each step.

Here is an online Exide Edge dealer

Exide AGM Car Battery (Group S46B24R)


Either battery may be available locally as well, just get a Group S46B24R battery.

The ideal replacement battery will be AGM, externally vented, size 51, JIS posts, with the positive post away from all the metal sides of the car. Both of these are, as would any other S46B24R battery.

 

I assume you know how to "jump start" a Prius. That would be a way to go before you buy a new battery. Once you determine your problem is the battery, then you probably should get a new one to replace the old one.

 

It's also possible that you ran the battery down somehow (leaving a door ajar, etc.). In that case, it would be a good idea to jump it using the contacts located under the hood (see your owner's manual). If the battery does not respond to jump-starting and then charging, it is quite possibly dead. It is not terribly difficult to change that battery, but does take some time bending over the rear hatch area. I had the dealer replace the one in my 2005 and it cost approx. $450, so choose your options carefully.

 

Jump starting the Prius is not something to do lightly. If you do not need to do it "do not do it!" One wrong connection with the jump leads can be and is very expensive to put right, as many on this forum will attest. Many so called experts (road side assistance) have caused extensive damage trying to jump start the Prius.

John (Britprius)

 

The 12v battery typically lasts 6 to 7 yrs. Unless you routinely let it sit for long periods of time, perhaps you should be checking for other problems as well.

SCH-I535

 

The Prius battery is know for it's inability to withstand being fully discharged without suffering lasting damage.

I suspect one of the problems with the OEM battery is that it's maximum charge rate is only 4 amps "quoting instruction label on the top of the battery" but the Prius will and does charge a discharged battery at at leased 15 times that rate (60 amps).

The Prius also discharges the battery when the car is not in use, so ideally the car should be used for an hour or so every 2 weeks to keep the battery in a healthy state.

John (Britprius)

 

I have the 2010 model for about 45 months. The 12v battery was drained a few months ago. Not sure if it was just a drained out or dead battery, I ordered a new Optima Yellow Top battery. While waiting for the new battery to arrive, I charged up the original battery overnight. The original battery still runs till today. The new Optima battery still sits in the factory shipping box. That's ok. At least I have a spare whenever the old one dies. BTW, it is not difficult to replace the battery which sits at the corner of the trunk. It is actually easier because it is lighter than most standard batteries.

 

If the car is going to sit then a BatteryMinder will keep the 12v charged up. I did not have the correct tools or an ideal workspace and it took me 2 hours to swap out my battery. I bought the Optima on line and it was charged up upon delivery. The OEM Prius batteries only last me 3+ years. When they are weak they'll still get the car to boot up and run but there will be a hit to the fuel economy as the ICE will be caught running just to charge the battery.

 

You are probably already doing it but to caution anyone else that might have a spare battery sitting in the garage, I would periodically recharge it so it doesn't die ...

 

Or connect it to a small 12-volt float charger. I bought a cheap one at Harbor Freight that plugs into a 120v outlet inside the garage and seems to do the trick.

 

My 12 volt battery just died today. I got a replacement "Platinum Star" From O'Reilly for about $190 included tax. It's not too tough to change out and relatively clean compared to a battery under the hood. It has a 3 year warranty too. They even said they now carry the HV batteries but I didn't inquire as to the price. Hopefully the factory warranty will still be in effect should that one go out.

 

12 volt batteries that fit in a Prius are becoming more common but be careful they do not sell you a regular lead acid battery (wet battery). Because in a Prius the battery sits inside the cabin, fumes generated by a regular lead acid battery will also be released inside the car. That is not too good for your health or safety!

 

There is no difference as far as "fumes" are concerned between a flooded lead acid battery and and AGM battery. As long as the battery has an external vent any "fumes" given off will be vented to outside of the vehicle. The two chemistries are the same. Again they both can be VRLA "valve regulated lead acid"
All of the "Prius fit batteries" that I have researched in the UK have an external vent.

John (Britprius)

 

From the O'Reilly page:




Super Start® Platinum - Battery

• 3 year limited warranty
• AGM
• CCA: 325
• CA: 390
• Minutes Reserve Capacity: 60
• Battery Gasses Need To Be Vented To Outside
• Agm Valve-Regulated Battery Required
• Battery Located In Trunk
• Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 325 CCA
• Cranking Amps (CA): 390 CA
• Group Size (BCI): Prius
• Length (In): 9-3/8 Inch
• Width (In): 5 Inch
• Height (In): 8-3/4 Inch
• Voltage (V): 12 Volt
• Quantity Per Vehicle: 1

Optima YellowTop - Battery

• 3 year limited warranty
• Auxiliary Battery
• 450 CCA
• 575 CA
• 66 Minutes Reserve Capacity
• Non-BCI Group Size
• Battery Is Vented To Outside Of Vehicle
• AGM Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) Is Required
• Installation May Take Up To 45 Minutes
• Battery Located In Trunk
• Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 450 CCA
• Cranking Amps (CA): 575 CA
• Length (In): 9-5/16 Inch
• Width (In): 5-1/16 Inch
• Height (In): 8-15/16 Inch
• Terminal Type: Top Post
• Voltage (V): 12 Volt
• Quantity Per Vehicle: 1

List: Battery - Automotive - 2010 Toyota Prius | O'Reilly Auto Parts

So the Super Start Platinum is a smaller battery, both physically and electrically, but it is an externally vented AGM battery wth JIS posts, so it is a safe choice.

 

Thanks for your pics, JimboPalmer...the O'Reilly battery seems to be an economical choice and just as good as the OEM battery. All it took to get out was a 10mm bolt and a 10mm nut to remove the overhead bracket. The usual clamps to remove the terminals were easy too, but for the negative one, I had to use a small 10mm crescent wrench since it is very close to the body inside.

I had a friend get ripped off by the dealer who charged him $400 for a new OEM battery with installation!!! I told him next time to call me first. My guess is any 12 volt battery would be good for 3 to 4 years depending on climate and use.

BTW, if anyone buys a Platinum battery, be sure you remove the small plastic PVC 90 degree vent attachment - the new battery does not come with it. It just pulls out - I almost let it go with the old core by mistake. All's good now and it's warrantied for 3 years.

 

I replaced the battery on my 2005 prius in 2012 and it still was working.

 

From info I received from talking to the manufacturers of the SuperStar, it seems like the SUperStart is limited to a max charging current of 30% of the AH, which in the case of the SUperStart would mean about 14 Amps. This info needs to be verified by someone more knowledgeable about batteries than myself. By comparison, the new 45 AH TrueStart from Toyota can only be charged at a man of 4.2 Amps and the Optima 10 Amps. The Exide doesn't specify a max current although says charging at 25 Amps will recharge a battery in 75 minutes. It has been suspected that the Prius charger can use high currents > 45-60 AH to charge a battery that's deep-cycled and the high current might be the culprit with many OEM batteries losing their capacity. SO, it might be wise to choose a battery that can take these high currents ... The Exide comes with 4 year free replacement warranty.

I called my local Toyota dealer and they quoted $187.99 plus tax. Installation extra. Comes with 2 year free replacement followed by 5 years pro-rated.

Regarding longevity, my 2010 Prius still has the Original battery as does my 2007 Camry Hybrid.