Hi folks, As of today, my car has done something twice that I’ve never seen it do before: basically I unlock the car, sit in it, and it is 100% dead. The car will not power on or start, and the open door light on the dash struggles to stay on, as well as the map lights which look very dim. I can hear some electronics trying to do their thing, while everything is off. If I try to unlock/lock the car using the fob, it will not work either. Surprisingly, after waiting a few minutes both times, the car started working normally, no CEL, or anything. Before I go any deeper into troubleshooting, this seems indicative of a bad 12v battery - my car is a 2015 model and I don’t believe it’s ever been changed (I’m the second owner). Thoughts/advice? Thanks!
Thanks! Any advice on what type to get and where? Or is dealer the recommended option? I’m used to working on my own cars, but being that the Prius is a different animal, I thought I’d ask.
I got a replacement at AutoZone when it was on sale and it worked well. And they have better hours than most dealers do.
for sure not from the dealer / check out pepboys, they might have coupons for bosch batteries or check amazon for a optima yellow top /
Just any 12v battery, or is anything special required for the Prius? Also, where is the battery on this thing? lol
Find the model number and search for that . The battery is in the back behind the passenger rear wheel.
--If you want to change the terminals that connect the wires to battery, get a Miata sized battery for $50 (25 amp-hour) --if want to change the hardware on the 12v so they fit on existing terminals that connect the wires to battery (bushings/longer bolts), get a mobility / backup power supply for $100-$150 (55 amp-hour) --if you're like all the suckers who go to the auto parts store and ask for a battery to fit a Prius for easy install ($250) (35amp-hour) --if you want to buy a 12v that's dead on arrival or will be dead in a matter of weeks or months, an Optima for $200 (0 amp-hour)
No need to change cable clamps; there's lots of correct sized options. I probably won't go with it next time, Canadian Tire has a correct size/spec battery available now, but the Optima I put in over 4 years back is still like new, according to my tester.
Does the yellow optima have the vent hole on the positive post side to connect the vent tube? I couldn’t see it on pictures online.
Thank you all for your responses - based on reviews and quality, I went with the Optima all is back to normal!
Yes, the vent port is the same, correct orientation. The one thing I noticed, and I would blame Toyota design for this: the Optima is perhaps 1/16" taller or shorter (I forget which), and that necessitated the need to add a shimming washer on one side of the battery hold down bracket. It's a hopelessly short-sighted design, compared to the norm: a bar with a couple of hook-ended rods with threaded ends and nuts. An example of the "accomodating" design:
If your car won't start after you install it, you'll be one of many, many people who post on PriusChat with that problem... At least you'll know why. Congratulations on buying a junk battery... If you're lucky you won't have to replace it for a couple years.
Interesting - I did notice the tight fit but I did not need to add any hardware. If you are able to give the bolt side a few turns, the nut side is more flexible as it doesn't "bottom out". I ended up with a perfect tight fit. Also notice that the underside of the bracket contains a foamy surface, made to contour to the battery's surface, so a bit of pressure it ok.
