I pushed the start button and all that happened is the instrument cluster lights flashed several times I had a hard time getting it to stop. Is my 12 volt battery dead?
Sounds like it. Is it the original one? Do you have access to a digital volt meter? Did you have your foot firmly on the brake pedal?
FYI.. It was the battery. I had to call a mobile mechanic to come replace the battery. Here's where I now think I got screwed: $212 for just the battery. Some 'no-name' brand. I was told it was high because of the small terminals. I had to take it cause I was stuck and had to get to work. There's gotta be cheaper out there. I'm going to look around, but I don't know if I can get any credit back. The new battery is in, seems to work fine. I may just keep an eye on it over the months/years and get a good one next time. Maybe that's the price of calling a mob mech... >:/
If you got charged $212, you didn't get screwed. That's about the going rate, and someone installed it for you.
You got a fair price when you consider you did no leg work, the battery for the Prius is NOT cheap. I paid almost $170 a year ago for a Toyota OEM battery and that was buying it with a discount online through a local dealer who sells online and delivers nationally. It is a special size AGM type battery with the small (JIS) reversed posts. They don't come cheap. Cheapest online would be the yellow top but you still have to put it in. $173.00 Optima DS46B24R Optima battery direct fit replacement for Prius 2004 + , Prius V & Plug-in Prius with Instructions Advanced Auto sells the same thing for $219.00 Car and Truck Batteries & Battery Parts: Visit Advance Auto Parts for deals
That is what I want to know. If so, the OP got a GREAT price. But still a fair price for that battery IMO
Now I have to say the OP only got a fair price if the battery is an AGM battery with vent. If it's a regular group 51 battery that fits in there and is not a sealed unit.....then he didn't get a good deal.
Total bill was right at $400, labor, service call, tax, ect. He did everything right, I watched him the whole time, took about 20-30 min. I checked prices-yea, not cheap! Same batt for $175 @ O'Reilly Oh well, live n learn! Lol!
If you would have taken it to a dealer, it would cost you over $300. This mob mechanic came out to you and installed at your location. His price was based on going to you and serviced what you needed. Triple A offers this service however they don't have this service for a Prius battery installation. For what this job required of this mob mechanic, I still believe the price is quite reasonable for coming to you.
Guy goes to the auto parts store...buys the battery out of his pocket.....goes to your house...install's it outside in the cold while you watch him like a hawk the whole time...probably made $100 off the deal. And he screwed you. How kind you are.
Up yours too ed. It was a local mobile mechanic service, highly recommended, and I was stuck. So yea, I kinda had to use the service. So I guess I shouldn't of said anything, bent over and take it huh??! Thank you sir, may I have another. Get lost unless you can be constructive!
you're up and running, that's the important thing. i've not heard of these mobile mechanic's, it's an interesting idea.
There must be a circle in Dante's inferno for mob mechanics...along the lines of war profiteering perhaps.
is there a charge to come look, or will they give you a free estimate? most pro contractors charge $75. or so just to come to the house.
Only (IMO) OP wasn't really stuck; small battery died on us, we got a jump, drove to the dealer, had it replaced. Not cheap, I certainly agree.
