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using the CD player & AC at the same time in extreme heat

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Retro-Favorite, Jun 9, 2021.

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  1. Retro-Favorite

    Retro-Favorite New Member

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    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    My thinking is that Running the AC on my 2010 Prius would be taxing enough to the 12 volt battery, especially since the desert heat is well over 100. The thought of using my CD player at the same time
    seemed foolish, however after succumbing to the temptation, the next time I tried to start my car,
    it was not happy, the lights on the dash flickered for a second, and now Nada, nothing, dead as a doornail.
    Any one else agree with this theory?
    My other theory is that when I went to start the car I pushed the power and turned the lights on at the
    same time and immediately geeked it out.
    Only asking so I can avoid making the same mistake in the future.
     
    #1 Retro-Favorite, Jun 9, 2021
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

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    How old is the 12V battery?

    The A/C compressor runs off the hybrid battery so the 12V shouldn't matter as much.
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Jun 9, 2021
    Steph1972 and Mendel Leisk like this.
  3. Maarten28

    Maarten28 Active Member

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    2011 Prius
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    What Tideland Prius says, the AC is run off the HV battery. Using the CD player can not be a problem at anytime, except when you don't have the car in READY mode, then it will not charge the 12V battery. So when you "start" the car without using the brake pedal.
     
    #3 Maarten28, Jun 10, 2021
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    @Retro-Favorite if jumping to conclusions was an equestrian event you’d go far, lol.

    Yeah start by checking the 12 volt. An electronic load tester is the bees knees. Dealerships have them but will likely charge to check. Automotive retailers selling batteries will usually also have them, and offer free checks. For DIY, check out the prosumer level Solar BA9 and similar offerings.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Jun 10, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2021
    Tideland Prius likes this.
  5. privilege

    privilege Active Member

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    2011 Prius
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    a bad ground wire will do stuff like that. clean your terminals and inspect them under the insulation for corrosion.

    if the leads are good the battery is junk
     
    #5 privilege, Jun 10, 2021
  6. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Model:
    Four
    I agree. Some people clean their cars with ac and CD player running together on assessory mode. And some do that with car washes but on neutral and hv bat goes down to one bar.
     
    #6 Grit, Jun 10, 2021
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