Don't know which battery is bad

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Cherry Killingsworth, Apr 8, 2024.

  1. Cherry Killingsworth

    Cherry Killingsworth Junior Member

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    Hi everyone

    We have a 2010 Prius that was working great (few things are wrong with it, but that's beside the point). I went to pick up my son from work and it started like always, but the clock and my preset radio stations were reset. We went to go to the store and it wouldn't start. We went to the store in another car and tried to jump the car over using a jump pack. It started back up and we shut it off. Tried to start it again and it wouldn't start. We jumped it again, took it for a drive for about 20 mins, came home and shut it off. Tried to start again and it wouldn't start. I have mo idea what caused this. If there is a hybrid mechanic on here, could it be the 12v battery or the hybrid battery?

    Thanks in advance for any input

    Cherry
     
  2. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Your 12v auxiliary battery has likely failed. The symptoms you describe about the clock and radio are indicative of a loss of 12v power. Once the 12v battery has become discharged, even if the battery is good, it will take many hours to recharge if you leave the car in READY. If it's bad, it will never reach a good state of charge and will continue to leave you stranded.

    I believe your battery should be a S46B24R model. It's available at dealerships, most Walmarts and NAPA parts stores.
     
    #2 TMR-JWAP, Apr 8, 2024
    Last edited: Apr 8, 2024
    Brian1954 likes this.
  3. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    If it were a hybrid battery problem, there would be no way that a 12V jump start would work. So the problem must be in the 12V system.

    The 12V battery itself is the first suspect, but not the only possible culprit. Loose connections, and excess drain from 12V accessories, or items (especially aftermarket accessories) somehow unintentionally left turned on, are also potential culprits.
     
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  4. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Especially if it hasn't been check or replaced in the last 5 years. You'll need to replace it with a sealed AGM battery, since it resides in the passenger compartment in the car.