I am having difficulty with my Prius, (just started) that it won't shift out of neutral to drive or reverse. I have read several posts, one says replace the shifter knob, but I did read one i thought that said the 12v battery might be the problem with low voltage. The battery is 5 years old. Suggestions?
Possibilities: Low 12v - measure it (it should be more than 12v), recharge it (under 2 amp charging) and replace if not holding a charge (I used the Optima Yellow top direct replacement battery) Bad Brake switch - Adjust or Replace Bad shift sensor - Replace it JeffD
Common causes are the brake pedal position sensor and a bad shift lever. If you push really really hard on the brake pedal does it then shift? If so bingo. The 12V battery is an unlikely cause but it's easy to check yourself. Use a voltmeter or the built-in test procedure given here (thanks to jdenenberg): Weird stuff happening? MPGs dropping? Test The Battery | PriusChat
