Won't start - 2003

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BillSun @ Jul 3 2006, 09:13 PM) [snapback]280820[/snapback]</div>

just boost the 12 volt battery but you'll probably need a new one as they never fully recover.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BillSun @ Jul 3 2006, 09:13 PM) [snapback]280820[/snapback]</div>

No, that little 12V won't recover, but why don't you jump it instead of towing to the dealer? Or, if you have AAA, have them jump it. (Jumping contact point, as per OM, is under hood, on right side, under plastic box cover---be careful making sure you release ALL fasteners on sides---I broke mine by not releasing one, and that little plastic piece of nothing costs $87!)

 

I disagree with replacing the battery!
I helped a neighbor jump a 2002 Prius suffering the same fate. Two years later, the 12 volt battery is doing fine.

Any 12 volt lead-acid battery, especially if it is/was still in good condition, can still lead a useful life if it had been drained and not left discharged for long periods of time. The Prius batteries, both the traction battery and the 12 volt battery lead pretty pampered lives. The Prius 12 volt battery, unlike a regular car battery, is not called upon to provide massive amperage to crank start the ICE. To just summarily replace the 12 volt battery is wasteful thinking. I would give it a chance to prove it can still do its cushy job.

Jumping a Prius is not the same as jumping an old technology car. Basically it just needs enough power to get the computers up and running, not massive amperage to simultaneously overcome a dead battery and crank over the car. Even a detached car battery or a deep discharge battery (marine/RV) carried to the Prius would be more that adequate to do the job.

Remember: No using a Prius to jump start another car . . . unless maybe another Prius. We're snobs that way. :lol:

 

I too disagree that the 12V battery should be replaced just because it was discharged once. My 2002 had it's battery discharged (by leaving the interiror lights on overnight) and I simply recharged the battery. It's been fine ever since, or about 2 years.

If you don't have a charger, simply jump start the car, then leave it in a "ready" state (feel free to drive it or park it) for a couple of hours. Don't run too many accessories (lights, fan, radio) during that recharge time. Chances are the battery will be fine.

 

No using a prius to *jump* another car, perhaps, but it's certainly
valid to use a prius to *charge* another car for a little while until
it can start itself. Which should be tried after you've unhooked,
of course.
.
_H*