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2012 Prius C won’t start sometime no ready sign ! Please help

Discussion in 'Prius c Technical Discussion' started by Billy305, Nov 28, 2021.

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  1. Billy305

    Billy305 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2021
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    Location:
    Miami
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    Hello all I have a 2012 Prius C with 120k miles and this is the problem I am having if anyone can be kind enough to guide me what should I look for myself before starting spending tons of money on rip off mechanics in Miami.


    3 weeks Atl when I turn the key to start it use to make some clicking noise for thr steering wheel area and I turn it off , turn it back on (1-2 ) times and car starts and drives . I ignore the issue . It ran fine for few days and randomly just gives this problem again that when I turn the key to start position , ready sign with not turn on (please note that clicking noice is now gone at all ) I turn it on and off 2-3 times and it starts and runs perfect

    no loss of power no bad fuel mileage , all electronics ac etc runs perfect in the car no dinning of lights whats so ever no funny noises or jerking in engine or anything mechanical .
    This problems started happening less then month ago since weather is changing to some what cold on random days (not sure if that makes a difference )

    I have driven the car over 3000 miles since this clicking noise/starting issue and car drives awsome . No cel ever check engine lights or any issues

    can anyone tell me things I should check to diagnose the issue with my friend who is some what of a mechanic to only point out a issue and thr. Hire a mechanic to fix that problem ?
    It’s very hard for ne at this point of my life to throw money on multiple mechanics to diagnose the issues and most mechanics/shops I know are not hybrid specialist anyways

    thanks in advance and appreciate all help
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,129
    50,045
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    check the 12 volt battery health. how old is it?
     
  3. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
    7,427
    6,913
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    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Very likely a bad 12v battery, which is a $200-300 fix on the 2012 model.

    You can go to any ordinary auto parts store and say "I think my car has a bad battery, can you test it?" and they are likely to be able to help you on the spot.

    Many neighborhood autopart stores have test systems available and are willing to do it for free because they might get to sell you a battery.
     
  4. Billy305

    Billy305 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2021
    5
    1
    0
    Location:
    Miami
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    I purchased the car 4 years ago with 60k miles and I assume it has original battery in it and since then I have never replaced anything on the car so i assume battery is still original from factory
     
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