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Battery problems in my new used Prius?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by chickade, Dec 13, 2010.

  1. chickade

    chickade New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    I
    Hello- We bought a used Prius for my daughter, and paid good money- probably much more than we should have at a dealers, and now the Prius is having problems starting when my daughter leaves the lights on with the engine off for only a few minutes. Later, the battery seems to get charged up again and the car will start.

    The car is still under warranty but I'm afraid that if the problem is the battery, the dealer with do a quick fix that will last a few months and we will be stuck with replacing the entire battery. What would you suggest?
    Thanks for your help. The dealer is in Springfield PA.
     
    #1 chickade, Dec 13, 2010
  2. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    This is only the little 12v battery that is used to turn on the electronics. It should not cost more than $200 (although there are limited purchase options - a Toyota dealer or a particular web site Elearnaid,com). The big Traction battery is not involved in your difficulty turning on your Prius.

    JeffD
     
    #2 jdenenberg, Dec 13, 2010
  3. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    You have two batteries in the Prius. The traction battery that drives the wheels, starts the engine and a 12 volt battery that powers the lights and accessories. The 12 volt probably needs replacing and is marginal in the cold weather. The 12 volt battery needs to supply enough power to get the computer controls running. Then the traction battery can start the engine. The bad news is it's a special battery size that needs to be bought from Toyota. It might cost $200 to replace.
     
    #3 xpcman, Dec 13, 2010
  4. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    Replace the 12v battery...
     
    #4 firepa63, Dec 13, 2010
  5. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

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    #5 ursle, Dec 13, 2010
  6. don_chuwish

    don_chuwish Well Seasoned Member

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    Location:
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    The used Prius is a 2001, as specified in your profile? Not sure if the eLearnAid Optima works, best double check.
    Short of a new battery, buy, beg, borrow (don't steal) a good battery minder type charger. BatteryMINDers.com or Griot's Garage - Battery Manager IV are good options.
    Let them work on the battery overnight and see how it goes after that.

    - D
     
    #6 don_chuwish, Dec 15, 2010
  7. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    If your daughter has the battery replaced it should help her remember to turn off the lights.
     
    #7 richard schumacher, Dec 15, 2010
  8. ozarkgolfer

    ozarkgolfer Junior Member

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    IV
    How long have you had possession of this vehicle? What does the warranty include and how long dos it extend?
     
    #8 ozarkgolfer, Dec 15, 2010
  9. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Go find an Optima Yellowtop, NOT the REDtop, battery.
    ASAP!!!
    Enjoy the car!!
     
    #9 KK6PD, Dec 15, 2010
  10. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #10 JimboPalmer, Dec 15, 2010
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