False "key left in slot" warning leads to battery drain

Since you reached the battery and removed the cables, you'd might as well charge the battery before reconnecting the battery cables. It is a safer approach to charge the battery while it is disconnected from the Prius.

 

Well, you dont have to disconnect the battery cables just to charge the battery But like Patrick states it is safer that way.

 

That's what I figured, and that's what I'll do. It will also give the electronics a chance to "reboot", as well.

I do remember now that when I installed this battery, I did one of the "check your battery voltage/charge" diagnostics after a day or two of running the car, and I remember that one of the numbers was OVER 12v. I'm thinking I remember 13.7v. Could that have created a problem for me, or are there protections in the electrical system that would manage a higher voltage like that?
And, since hindsight is always useful, I do now realize that for the last week or so, I was noticing that the door lock/unlock sound I heard was "weaker" than normal. Kind of anemic. Clearly, I have to get this car to a repair shop ASAP. Heaven knows what it could be, and I really hope I can find a shop that's both knowledgeable and honest to diagnose and do whatever repairs may be needed.

Thank you all so much for your patience, and for your expert advice and knowledge!

 

oh, and now I need to decide; buy a charger from PepBoys, Home Depot, or Target??

 

Do you have a Walmart or Advance Auto Parts nearby?

If you do, I recommend this one (personally):
Buy Schumacher 2/8/12 Amp 12-Volt Automatic SpeedCharge Charger SC-1200A at Advance Auto Parts

 

Just what my BF said to me on the phone, not 5 minutes ago! "get yourself a Schumacher".
thanks!

 

Barbie,

Since you have already disconnected the battery as Patrick suggested, AND if you buy the Schumacher charger that Prius Guy and your BF recommends, I would suggest you charge the battery overnight using the 2 AMP setting. Also make sure you select AGM on the charger. Let the charger charge the batttery a minimum of eight hours. If you have time, charge it for twelve hours or longer. The charger will shut off automatically, so you should not have to worry about possibly overcharging the battery.

If you find that the resting voltage is below 12.6 volts after the battery has been fully charged, I would consider taking the battery back where you purchased it from and request a new battery under the warranty. A fully charged 12 volt battery should register 12.6 volts or higher when checked with a good/calibrated multi meter. If you check it with the MFD on your Prius, it might read a couple of tenths lower than 12.6 (example 12.4). This is normal as the electronics being used during the test will cause the voltage to drop.

FWIW, I recommend a slightly better/more expensive charger than the Schumacher. That charger would be the "BatteryMinder #12248". That charger will also desulfate a battery. I do admit that the Schumacher is cheaper, and is a good charger. I also have to say that I am very happy with the BatteryMinder that I purchased to maintain the batteries here.

BatteryMINDer Battery Charger / Maintainer with Desulphator — 12 Volt 2/4/8 Amp, Model# 12248 | Battery Maintainers| Northern Tool + Equipment

Ron

 

In another string, a contributor suggested that the Exide battery can withstand a higher charging current so if Barbie buys a charger with an 8A setting, I think she should use that overnight. 2A x 12 hours is only 24 Ah and it sounds like her battery is quite depleted so that level of charge will not be sufficient.

 

I do agree that 2Amps @ 12 hours equals 24 Ah. That is why I suggested that she charge it longer. I also did mention that the voltage should be checked after charging and stated that a fully charged battery should read 12.6 volts or higher. Unless the battery's voltage is checked after charging, Barbie will not truly know if the battery is fully charged or not, no matter what setting she uses.

I do agree that the Exide battery can take a higher charging rate, just as the Optima Yellow Top can.

Ron

 

I did get the Schumacher SC-1200A.
I am charging now, at the 10amp rate, but if everyone feels that the 2amp setting is better, I'll go and change it right now. In layman's terms, is the slower charge "gentler" or "easier" on the battery? Why is slower better? I don't know much about batteries, so I'm curious to know.

When I put the charger on the battery, it was reading that there was only 10% charge left in the battery.

 

I don't think "everyone" feels 2 Amps is better than 10 Amps. When you charge a battery, heat is produced. The faster you charge, the more heat that is generated.

Source: Slow charge vs fast charge for 12 volt car batteries

However, if you refer to what some of the manufacturers of batteries suggest, a fast charge would be 20 Amps or higher, and a slow charge would 10 Amps.

Source: Interstate Batteries FAQ :: How long does it take to charge a battery?

10 Amps should be Ok if you are in a hurry. Also, if you smoke, don't do it while you are charging the battery.

For more information, take a look at this: Slow Battery Charging Versus Fast Battery Charging | eHow.com

Ron

 

The battery is "AGM". No caps on it, as far as I can see, just that vent tube. Since I've got nowhere to take it at this point in the evening, I'll let it go slow, overnight.

 

I just remembered that the Prius battery does not have caps on it, and yes it is a AGM type battery. I mentioned that in my first post.

I am sorry if I created any confusion concerning the caps, and have edited my post.

Ron

 

Exide FP-AGM51JIS Specifications as per Exide PDF File

Group - 51 JIS
CCA @ 0 Deg. F - 440
RC MIN @ 25 A - 75
Ah Cap @ 20 Hr -45

Based on that information, if the battery is 10% charged as per the Schumacher charger it should take longer than overnight at 2 Amps to fully recharge the battery, just as Patrick Wong stated. I am estimating it will take a minimum of 20 hours to fully recharge the battery at a 2 Amp setting.

I had no idea that the battery was as discharged as it is. 10% charge is very low.

PDF File found online: http://www.exide.com/Media/files/Downloads/TransAmer/Products/Edge%204%20page%20booklet%20non%20spread.pdf

 

Charge that baby at 8amps overnight. When its done charging, the Schumacher turns into a maintainer.

If it takes the charge - great, if not, time to go battery warranty exchange shopping

 

Hi gang, I'm back...
I'll follow up on what has happened since yesterday over on the thread I actually started, instead of piggybacking onto this one... but let's just say, "the plot thickens"!
Car thinks fob is in the ignition overnight, now won't start | PriusChat