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Start a Prius C with low hybrid battery

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by PriusCee, Aug 22, 2024.

  1. PriusCee

    PriusCee Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Washington
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Is there a way to trigger a start of a 2015 Prius C with a low hybrid battery?

    I didn't notice I was low in gas and I left the car running with the air conditioner on for my dog. The car ran out of gas and must have used the hybrid battery to continue running the AC. When I got back to the car the hybrid battery had run low and there is an indicator on the dash that flashes around once every 15 seconds (see attached).

    Initially, it started a few times and since I didn't realize that the hybrid batteries were that low I thought I would limp to a gas station about a half mile away in EV mode. The car barely moved a few times in EV mode. Then I called AAA and got a couple gallons of gas.

    When I try to start the car it displays a message "Shift into P position to start". So I put the transmission into P, then turn the ignition to start, but when I put it into drive or reverse the engine doesn't start.

    Seems like there would be at least enough juice in the hybrid battery to start the engine but cars are too smart these days. Is there a way to trigger the start of the engine?
     

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  2. MAX2

    MAX2 Member

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    Third Rock from the Sun
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
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    Everything can be charged.
    Which battery is yours dead?
    12V battery or high voltage battery?
     
  3. PriusCee

    PriusCee Junior Member

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    Two
    The high voltage battery is low
     
  4. MAX2

    MAX2 Member

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    2007 Prius
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    N/A
    You can charge each cell separately. But you can use a charger with high output voltage and current limiting.
    You have fewer cells than the Prius Gen2 and Gen3.
    You will need about 150-160 Volts of DC output voltage. These could even be power converters for LED lighting.
    Are you familiar with electrics?
     
  5. PriusCee

    PriusCee Junior Member

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    Apr 14, 2023
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius c
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    Two
    I'm fairly familiar with working with electrical and have done some 240v 3-phase work on manufacturing equipment so I can do it with caution for the high voltages. Thanks for the tip on the LED lighting power converters.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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