So we’ve been having issues with our 2013 Prius II and not consistently being able to start it. But for the last week or so everything has been fine. This morning however it wouldn’t start. Some lights would show up on the dash, but wouldn’t ever say ready. After trying to charge it with a portable charger (we have no way to get a car to jump it), we bit the bullet and bought a new battery. But now nothing comes on in the car. It’s as if there is no power to it at all, and I’m at my wits end. Because of how it is parked, I’m not even sure if we can get it towed. I went and installed the battery (now three times just to make sure) and have double checked all connections. I’ve checked the main fuses under the hood but everything seems to be fine. I also checked the fuse on the battery terminal, but that seemed fine.
I don’t. I live within walking distance from an auto zone though and could check it. I did use a black and decker smart battery charger which said that battery was fully charged.
I know you deleted what you said, but I read the response in the email. I thi o you actually hit on something. the jump point in the fuse box was not registering a charge when I used the smart charger. Is there a way to check if that connection is good?
Checked this morning and no. I was able to use the jump point to jump the car and move it, but as soon as I stopped the gas engine, the whole car died again.
Sorry about that. I had responded thinking it was a Gen 2. Once I realized it was a Gen 3, I deleted the post to prevent adding any confusion. My level of knowledge IRT the Gen 3 electrical system is lacking.
I don't see any mention yet of the battery's negative connection to the car's body. Those can corrode or come loose and it's easy to forget about that connection and fixate on the positive side of the circuit or on just the battery terminals.
So thank you all for trying to help! Spoiler alert: it was a crap battery we were sold. Note to anyone searching for issues like this. If you think it could be and issue with the battery it is. Either get it tested or spend the $8 to get the multimeter and do it yourself. It’ll save you a huge headache and the embarrassment after swearing the battery was good ♀️. Don’t be like me and assume it is a larger problem when chances (and all evidence) says otherwise. Thanks for your patience y’all.
Always call ahead or go in-store to ask for a new battery with 12.7v or higher when you go pick up. have them measure it in front of you at the counter pick up. Chances are you could be stuck back at square 1 with another low battery.
Glad it's fixed!! One of the first rules in troubleshooting is to go for the low hanging fruit first. We appreciate the honesty and humility. Now you'll be like most of us here yelling at people to check the 12V first.