HI. Our 2014 Prius v, won't start, the key fob doesn't work, dashboard doesn't light up. Vehicle been working beautifully since I purchased it certified in 2017. Has sat for a couple weeks prior to this. 1. I tried holding key fob up to ignition to start 2. I tried jumping the battery..didn't work What should I do...I am not terribly mechanical.
This has all the hallmarks of a low charge state on the 12v auxiliary battery in the right-rear of the trunk. I am guessing you don’t have a digital voltmeter. If you can swing the loan of a meter, read the resting battery voltage. Anything in the 11 volts or lower area is a soft battery. If you can swing the loan of an automotive battery charger, preferably a ‘smart charger’, put the charger on the battery for a couple of hours and try it again.
Agree the 12v battery is too low to jump instantly. A severely discharged battery needs some time to build up its voltage before its high enough to Ready the engine. Often leaving the jump pack or cables on for five or ten minutes may be enough. DANGER: Only safely jump from the underhood fuse box. A mistake in the trunk can blow expensive and hard to get fuses and often worse things. P479 of Owners Manual (Keep Manual on your phone)
Question. I got jump to work and just got it running...can I charge battery by driving around or leaving it running? How long?
about 8 hours, but a smart charger would be better. you would be wise to look for the date code on top, and replace it if it is over 5 or 6 years old.
Yes you can but I would drive it for at least a half hour to Walmart where you buy a "Battery Tender Jr" for $35 and then charge it overnight. Make sure the maplights and rear hatch lights go off, a common issue and charge with the Battery Tender Jr full time if you are not driving it every week. If the battery is six or more years old it may be smart to replace it, ideally with a Toyota AGM, primarily because you can usually get it for about same price as Autozone aftermarket agms. Don't be afraid to ask for a discount at the Toyota parts window. It is important to realize the battery drained (not died) because you were not driving or charging it. These batteries are specially designed to be discharged and live through it, its the whole purpose of an agm versus the cheaper chemistries. An older battery may not last three weeks like a new one can but even a new one left unused is constantly being drained by the car. Especially fast if the keyfob is left within 10-20 feet of the car. Overnight draining with a hatch or map light left on.
I borrowed a charger...(see photo) Can I charge it off the front or do I need to connect it to the battery in the back? Do I use 2 Amp setting. How many hours should I set it for?
Charge from the front for four hours max at the lowest 2 amp settings. These chargers can be dangerous to your battery and even your car if left on too long. That is why having your own smart charger is WAY better. But for now go for it, only on low for a few hours. At high charge rates the charger has to automatically back down. Reversed polarity at high amps can instantly cause damage. Of course the polarity holds true for a car to car jump start which means the smartest thing is to use a lithium jump starter instead of a car to car jump. The Lithium jump start can store under the front seats and work a year later. With polarity protection built in. These are the things that the modern low cost charger can do that the old one can not:
Second this! I’d recommend CTEK 4.3, just because it’s what I’m using, been very dependable. Yes you can connect at the front jump point.
We use the CTEK via a charge state indicator pigtail in the cargo compartment. In fact, we use charge state pigtails on all our ‘fleet’ and battery-start power equipment.
You guys are FANTASTIC. Thank you for all the help. I see that the smart charger is going to be much more fool proof and I will be able to borrow an Optima brand charger tomorrow. You fellas never cease to amaze me with you generosity of expertise and caring for your fella Prius owner! Happy New Year and God Bless!
I wanted to check the age of the battery as RJ recommended. I could not find a date on it. Here is photo of top of the battery. Where would I find a date? Prius is 2014 but I bought it certified in 2017.
Looks like 23 Nov 2013 battery. Only a little over seven years. No need to panic. Charge it up and shop around for a good Toyota battery price.