I have a couple wrecked Gen2 that I plan to repair. One was running about 8 months ago when I moved it around and let it charge the main battery til I had light green bars s on the display. I didn't take any battery voltages thou but I did disconnect the main safety plug. Yesterday, I put a freshly charge 12V battery in and the display came up with a red triangle but the charge displayed about 3-4 dark purple bars. I was hoping the engine would start and I could let it charge the main battery but after few minutes the bars started dropping til I only had on bar left. I turned everything off and pulled the main battery disconnect plug again. Today I checked the main battery voltage and I get 188v so is that too low to expect it to crank the engine up and start charging?? I also have another good (was) Gen2 battery in my shop that presently reads 206v. If I put this battery in this wreck will it be able to start the engine and recharge its self?? I will have to deal with the other battery later. Just what is the lowest voltage that one can expect the Prius to be able to start and recharge?? ( I have yet another Gen2 that I haven't checked the voltage on yet. It can't start it because I have no keys so I will have move it into another vehicle.) Your comments and suggestions would be appreciated! Steve
I do not know what the lowest voltage is before the engine will not start, but if there are any bars on the display there is enough voltage to start. It is likely the red triangle is the reason for the no start. One question you say the engine did not start, but did it spin? The grid charger would be useful in your situation unless you wish to build a simple basic charger. John (Britprius)
Just one other thought, you did fit the safety plug correctly? Sliding it after closing the lever. John (Britprius)
Not that there is anything wrong with it, but why do you have so many Gen2's sitting around?? Are you planning on rebuilding/reselling, repairing them, driving them, or are you a hoarder? Lol
+1 on the safety plug being properly seated. It manages to trip up many people. Otherwise, get out your mini VCI and see what the codes are.
I have looked at the grid charger and think this might be a good investment for my situation (and to answer the question "why so many Prius's setting around?" I drive a gen2 with the Plug In Supply 10K conversion, plus between two of my sons there are two more Gen2s and one Gen3 (and looking for another). Kinda makes sense to have a few parts cars around 'would you think'! Two of the gen2 parts cars were originally for rebuild/repair of body damage. I have since started taking parts off of one since the damage was too extensive for my skills. The other is a rather well worn, but low mileage Yellow Cab and I has some rear end damage I think I can manage and plan to use it for a local delivery car with my Plug In conversion transferred over. I also picked up another spare battery from a wrecking yard that was afraid of it, for a good price. It has been setting in my shop for almost two years and still reads 206V. I have been concerned about doing maintenance charging on all these "idle" batteries and expect I will order this Grid Charger now. Thanks for your interest and comments. Steve
If you have a Prius, like to tinker but don't like going to the dealer, Techstream/Mini-VCI is the first tool you should purchase. Troubleshooting without Techstream is just guessing.
