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Can I charge 12v battery through Cig. Lighter connector

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by 04thelovvve, Oct 19, 2008.

  1. 04thelovvve

    04thelovvve Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2008
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    Location:
    So. Cal
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    We have a dead 12 v. battery, and a xantrex XP 1500 Power Generator. (Sorry, I was unable to retrieve my old password and had to reregister so I am not allowed to post a link to xantrex.com but if I could, you would find it at this page extension: /web/id/63/p/1/pt/10/product.asp )
    The Power Generator has a cable with cigarette type connectors on each end. Can I use that to charge the battery through one of the dc power sockets in the car?

    Thanks.
    Jan
     
    #1 04thelovvve, Oct 19, 2008
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
    Staff Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
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    Not unless you modify it to allow it to be active while the car is turned off.
    Power Outlet Mod
     
    #2 efusco, Oct 19, 2008
  3. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2006
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    Location:
    Pennsylvania USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    right...there's no power to it unless the car is running or in accesory mode.
     
    #3 lenjack, Oct 20, 2008
  4. bruceha_2000

    bruceha_2000 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2004
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    Location:
    Northwest VT
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    It looks like that unit is intended to provide power for 12V DC and 120V AC tools. The writeup doesn't say anything about using it to recharge batteries. The only thing I saw related to cars was the ability to recharge the XANTREX battery FROM a car or RV. I presume this would have to be done while the engine was running because you would be draining the vehicles 12V otherwise.

    If you already have the unit, you could just use jumper cables from it's battery to the Prius 12V. Let the batteries equalize a bit and the Prius 12V should have enough juice to start the computers, the normal charging cycle will top it off. The other possibility would be to use it to jump the car. You would probably have to create 'special' jumper cables by cutting the female end off an extension cord and separating the wires so they will reach the appropriate points in the engine compartment.

    If you don't already have the XANTREX, nor need it for its designed purpose, $400 is a lot of money. Just buy a regular battery charger or better yet, get a free jump from a friend. If this is a regular occurrence, I'd bet the 12V has been damaged and should be replaced.

    The instructions for jumping a Prius are in the manual. You don't connect to the 12V, you connect the positive inside the fuse box in the engine compartment and connect the negative to a stud on the passenger side about as far back as you can get in the engine compartment.

    Oh, and are you sure your profile is right? There was no Touring package in 2004, didn't come out until 2007.
     
    #4 bruceha_2000, Oct 25, 2008
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