Having issues getting 2013 Prius to start, and shut down.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Lon1, Jun 3, 2020.

  1. Lon1

    Lon1 New Member

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    Hello everyone! This is my first post, and I'd like to apologize if this question has been answered before.

    I have a standard 2013 Prius that I haven't driven in weeks because of lockdown. Today I tried starting the car & the start button LED was red, the dash didn't turn on, & the car gave a low humming noise. I tried to turn off the car but nothing would happen - eventually I was advised to "machine gun press" the power button in three-burst increments. Eventually the red LED on the power button turned off, but the humming kept going.

    I understand this is very likely a battery issue, but I wanted to check with this community to see if people have any advice. Thank you all very much in advance.

    -Lon
     
    #1 Lon1, Jun 3, 2020
  2. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

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    Check boltage
     
    #2 tankyuong, Jun 3, 2020
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  3. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

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    Voltage
     
    #3 tankyuong, Jun 3, 2020
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    moltage
     
    #4 bisco, Jun 3, 2020
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if it is the original battery, pick up a new one, and make sure they charge it before installing
     
    #5 bisco, Jun 3, 2020
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  6. Dxta

    Dxta Senior Member

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    Yes, voltage Bisco!:D
     
    #6 Dxta, Jun 3, 2020
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  7. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Since it has been sitting, smart thing is to charge the 12v battery. 4 amps or less.
    Or jump it. Leave the cables on for 2 or 3 minutes to give it a quick charge, then start the Prius.
    If the battery 5 or so years old, then replacing it would probably be a good idea. But it doesn't
    mean it is bad. Charging is usually the first step, and/or jumping so the hybrid battery can charge it.
    But you'll need to leave it on for a few hours to give sufficient charge.

     
    #7 ASRDogman, Jun 3, 2020
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  8. mjoo

    mjoo Senior Member

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    A marching song: "Don't be a dolt - check your volts"

    Pixel XL ?
     
    #8 mjoo, Jun 4, 2020
    Last edited: Jun 4, 2020
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  9. Lon1

    Lon1 New Member

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    Hehehe I like that quote - I'll definitely use it from now! & apologies for my ignorance. And nope, it's just your standard 2013 Toyota Prius.

    Hi there! Thank you so much for the great advice. I'll ask my friend to help me jump the vehicle & will be sure to let it charge for a good while before I take any next steps. I really appreciate your thorough & helpful response! :)
     
    #9 Lon1, Jun 5, 2020
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 5, 2020
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  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    My wife told me how as a kid, when they bought light bulbs at the corner store, they would screw the bulbs into a socket at the store, to demonstrate they were good when they left the store.

    Automotive battery retailers these days (and dealerships) usually have an electronic load tester for 12 volt batteries. It tests voltage and Cold Cranking Amps, and gives a verdict on the battery's health. It would be smart for both parties if batteries being sold were tested in front of the customer, save a lot of post-sale hassles.
     
    #10 Mendel Leisk, Jun 5, 2020
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  11. Lon1

    Lon1 New Member

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    Hi everyone! Thank you for all your awesome replies, I am truly grateful for your time. I wanted to announce that we were successfully able to get our Prius back in business by jumping the vehicle, and letting it charge for a bit. I've been checking periodically to make sure and so far, after two days, all is well. Again, thank you very much for all your help.
     
    #11 Lon1, Jun 15, 2020
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats, all the best!(y)
     
    #12 bisco, Jun 15, 2020
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  13. Lon1

    Lon1 New Member

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    Same to you, Bisco! :)
     
    #13 Lon1, Jun 15, 2020
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  14. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    If you've got a birthday, Father's Day (or belated Mother's Day) coming up. a few ideas:

    4 amp'ish smart charger
    Electronic load tester
    jump pack
     
    #14 Mendel Leisk, Jun 15, 2020
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