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2008 Prius not responsive when pushing power button or inserting key fob

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by MrWaster, Nov 8, 2024 at 11:56 AM.

  1. MrWaster

    MrWaster New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Hello all!

    Here's a quick history: (If you want to skip, just go to the "Today" bold text)

    I bought a 2008 Prius from my dad about 7-8 years ago.

    Around 2018 the Prius started having issues with the dash board not lighting up but it wasn’t a big deal because I could reset it with the little trick you do with the lights and lock button and everything or by unplugging the 12v battery.

    During COVID, I wasn’t driving much, so the battery died while in the driveway. Charging it was having issues, so I replaced the 12v and got it working again. Then, a few months later, some low-lifes cut the cat out, and I was out of a catalytic converter. At this point, I never touched it for about six months.

    During this time, the 12v died again. Eventually, I got it charged, and we replaced the Cat with a cheap Amazon one.

    I think we got a couple of months out of it because it would just die constantly. I got the 12v replaced again, but it still kept dying. Towed it to the dealer and they gave a long $3500 repair list. Towed it back home to have a friend help. We replaced on part but still had dying issues.

    Last time I tried turning it on was months ago. It’s just been sitting in my garage.

    TODAY AND THE CURRENT ISSUE:

    I had my 12v battery recharged and installed it today. The security light started flashing again, the power locks worked like the hatch back, and the little pump sound started up when I put my foot on the break. So to me, that sounds like the vehicle is getting power. However, when I pushed the start button, nothing happened. I plugged the fob in and still nothing. No light, no ding, no nothing. Just what I mentioned before.

    I checked the fuse in the engine compartment, which is on the right-hand side and third down. The fuse looked good.

    Do you have any ideas why the vehicle might not turn on? I'm open to trying anything.
     
  2. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Check the three connections at the 12 V battery. The two connections on the battery terminals and the other end of the negative where it connects with the car body. All three need to be clean and tight.

    If you are not driving the car for more than three days, connect a fully automatic multi-stage 12 V battery charger to the battery and leave it connected until you drive it again.
     
  3. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    Model:
    III
    Do you have a volt meter. Measure the 12v battery and report the voltage.
     
  4. MrWaster

    MrWaster New Member

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    I used one just now, and the reading I got was 0.11 on the Digital Clamp Meter.
     
  5. MrWaster

    MrWaster New Member

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    I took a look some images. They look good to me, but open to feedback.
     

    Attached Files:

  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    get a free load test at most auto parts stores
     
    Brian1954 likes this.
  7. MrWaster

    MrWaster New Member

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    Ok. If it's not the battery, what other things would you troubleshoot?

    All of the interior lights work on the vehicle. So, it seems the battery should have enough juice to at least light up the "READY" on the power button or ding a few times when I push the button.
     
  8. MrWaster

    MrWaster New Member

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    Touring
    Quick update:

    I replaced the battery in my key fob and the power locks work. When I got in the car, stepped on the break and hit the power button, i got a bit more life out of the car. The MFD durned on and the light for the start button turned on and the check engine light turned on.
    I was also able to set the prius in neutral.

    It did not start up though. So I will need some help trouble shooting more. But so far it seems to slowly be coming to life!
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Is .11 a typo?
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Rodents might have gotten at some wiring, not an easy fix
     
  11. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    Are you using an amp meter and measuring amperage.?

    You need to be measuring voltage.