Experiencing a delayed response when key is turned to start 2002 Prius. We turn the key and nothing, but when you continue to hold it turned, then in 15-20 seconds it responds as follows: dash/panel lights seem to come on gradually, and then engine starts. No abnormal noises. Sometimes we turn key off when it doesn't respond, and retry. And when it 'catches', then it's as described above. Never stalls out. Just what we call sluggish in starting. Went to Napa and they put a battery tester on 12v battery in trunk and said it was good. They hooked up their tester, had us turn off the car and then restart, and said battery tested aok. Then took it to Doug's Imports on Atkins Rd, and he said he couldn't get it to act up so didn't know what to do. We took it back from him. No charge.
If you continue to have the problem purchase a 12v jumper pack and hook it in parallel with your 12v and see if you still have the problem. If you don't have the problem anymore it's your 12v battery.
It sounds like your 12V battery needs to be replaced. When the Prius is IG-OFF, turn on the headlights and see how bright they are. If relatively dim, that is good evidence the 12V battery is near-dead.
Yep, def sounds like a 12V battery problem. I don't care what the local Auto Parts Store says, this battery is likely weak at best. Those sound like classic weak 12V battery symptoms to me.
Another possibility, spark plugs. They're cheap, so I'd pop one out, see how dirty they are. And if rather dirty, replace them. I think we got replacements for $7/each
