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Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by PriusPaddler, Nov 13, 2017.

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  1. PriusPaddler

    PriusPaddler Member

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    Thank you to this community! I lurked here a lot while I was shopping. When I tried to start the car and everything went haywire I could not believe how powerless I felt, pun intended. After a lifetime of diagnosing car problems based on sounds and the way the key turned Etc, it was really strange to have literally no idea how to figure out what was wrong. If I hadn't been in such a hurry, I might have been calmer and more able to research. But being 40 miles from home and due at school was too much stress. Glad i could come here!!
     
    #21 PriusPaddler, Nov 13, 2017
  2. PriusPaddler

    PriusPaddler Member

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    Detached. One thing to be grateful for.
     
    #22 PriusPaddler, Nov 13, 2017
  3. 05PreeUs

    05PreeUs Senior Member

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    A GOOD battery charger would cost about $55 in MSP, a friendly neighbor probably has one you can borrow, especially since you cannot "jump" start a Prius with lots of amps that might scare off some people.

    All you need to do is slow charge the 12v battery over night, there is a "jump link" under the hood and a decent ground on the strut tower nut nearby so you don't have to have the hatch or door open to access the 12v.
     
    #23 05PreeUs, Nov 13, 2017
  4. PriusPaddler

    PriusPaddler Member

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    That will go on my Christmas list. I do have a gigantic charger that I usually use for marine batteries, but it's been acting up lately and I don't dare use it on this car. Will keep my eyes out for a Black Friday deal or see if Santa can bring one. Good idea!
     
    #24 PriusPaddler, Nov 14, 2017
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You'll want a battery charger that charges agm batteries at 4 amps to 10 amps. Nothing higher
     
    #25 JC91006, Nov 14, 2017
    SFO likes this.
  6. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    On the bright side, welcome to PriusChat! You should know that the Prius makes a good emergency power source, too: it cycles on and off as needed to keep the battery properly charged.
     
    #26 kenoarto, Nov 14, 2017
  7. PriusPaddler

    PriusPaddler Member

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    Thank you. Will search forums for recommendations.
     
    #27 PriusPaddler, Nov 15, 2017
  8. PriusPaddler

    PriusPaddler Member

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    FYI - I left the car in "ready" mode in the (detached) garage for 12 hours after I got home. If I ever have to do that again, I will remember to turn off the cabin heat!! I had a window down all the way, and it is Minnesota, so it wasn't too warm in there... but it could have been under different circumstances.

    Now - that really screwed up my mpg!! Oh well, lesson learned and hopefully no permanent harm done!

    Thank you all!
     
    #28 PriusPaddler, Nov 15, 2017
    bisco and Prodigyplace like this.
  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    At least all the little critters that sleep in your car were nice and warm.
     
    #29 JC91006, Nov 15, 2017
    Raytheeagle and Prodigyplace like this.
  10. PriusPaddler

    PriusPaddler Member

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    PLEASE tell me you are joking! Prius replaced a Corolla and there WERE critters in that car regularly. I spent a weekend trying to add screening over every possible entry point and they still got in. Finally learned to leave the car in RECYCLE air just before I parked. That closed a plastic cover over an air vent behind the glove compartment and seemed to prevent them from getting in... as long as I remembered to do that.

    I hope like heck the Prius has a better design and that I will NOT find "evidence" of critters!
     
    #30 PriusPaddler, Nov 15, 2017
    bisco likes this.
  11. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I'm just joking. I've never had a critter in mine
     
    #31 JC91006, Nov 15, 2017
  12. PriusPaddler

    PriusPaddler Member

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    Whew! Good to know... my detached garage is full of mice and chipmunks. We have a truce declared but for the car cabins!!
     
    #32 PriusPaddler, Nov 15, 2017
  13. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    JC maybe joking, but it can be a problem. @cyberpriusII can tell you all about what she'e done to thwart critters setting up home in her Prius.
     
    #33 dolj, Nov 17, 2017
  14. RedUgPri

    RedUgPri Junior Member

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    Also make sure that the doors are always closed tight. I killed my battery the first week I owned the car by not closing the hatch back all the way.
     
    #34 RedUgPri, Nov 17, 2017
  15. 05PreeUs

    05PreeUs Senior Member

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    I would check for an aftermarket starting system or alarm, they are notorious for having high drain with the key off!
     
    #35 05PreeUs, Nov 17, 2017
  16. Dxta

    Dxta Senior Member

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    Maintenance required light comes on, only when the car is due for an oil change.
    Other problems could be what's causing the issue.
    The maintenance required light could be a coincide with what she's experiencing now
     
    #36 Dxta, Nov 17, 2017
  17. Dxta

    Dxta Senior Member

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    Leaving the car for 8hours with READY to charge? I'd suggest she gets a small aux battery charger.
     
    #37 Dxta, Nov 17, 2017
  18. 05PreeUs

    05PreeUs Senior Member

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    See post #23 ;)
     
    #38 05PreeUs, Nov 17, 2017
  19. Dxta

    Dxta Senior Member

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    Seen!:D
     
    #39 Dxta, Nov 17, 2017
    05PreeUs likes this.
  20. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

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    I hate meeces to pieces. If you need more, ask. I am going out in the next 20 minutes to set four traps...

     
    #40 cyberpriusII, Nov 18, 2017
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