Poll on charging and maintaining Gen III 12 volt battery.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by dorunron, Apr 3, 2014.

?

Which is best? Jump post or direct battery connection for maintenance of Gen III 12 volt

Poll closed May 3, 2014.

  1. Connect Battery Minder to jump post

    7 vote(s)
    87.5%

  2. Connect Battery Minder directly to battery

    1 vote(s)
    12.5%
  1. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2011
    3,318
    1,105
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Ok, I did search on the topic, but I want to place a poll to see how the results would end up.

    The poll revolves around specific connection of a battery charger such as a BatteryMinder 12248 using a 4 AMP charging rate with the AGM selection. I do own and use the specified charger for this purpose.

    I specifically want to learn if it is Ok to connect to the jump post under the hood or is it better to connect to the battery directly. I do not intend to disconnect the 12 volt as per the owners manual.

    The BatteryMinder will be used strictly for monthly top off and maintenance of the 12 volt battery.

    The poll will be active for 30 days. I hope I can get a good response on this narrow topic. FWIW, I really like our new Gen III. It is a lot better Prius than our Gen II was. And the Gen II was a great car!

    Thanks everyone!

    Ron (dorunron)

    DSC01548.JPG
     
    #1 dorunron, Apr 3, 2014
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    58,428
    40,231
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I've charged ours periodically, at the connection in fusebox in engine bay. Didn't disconnect the battery in any way. Seems to work fine, no problems.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Apr 3, 2014
    dorunron likes this.
  3. TsKarma

    TsKarma Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2012
    82
    8
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Not sure if this helps you....My battery maintainer/trickle charger has an adopter wire (extends out 2 ft) for the battery posts, so I can plug and charge directly to the 12V battery without lifting/opening the back trunk covers.
     
    #3 TsKarma, Apr 3, 2014
    dorunron likes this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    111,556
    50,800
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i have never charged my 12 volt and had excellent longevity. is this a climate thing? or a short trip/rarely drive thing or what all?
     
    #4 bisco, Apr 3, 2014
  5. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2011
    3,318
    1,105
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    bisco,

    Climate a little (winter only), mainly short trip, rarely drive thing... - you know me - retired, no care in the world. Car used to chauffer the wife and her aunt to the thrift store, motor me to the barber and grocery store and used once in a while to go out of town to see the wife's sister. Usually drive about 10,000 miles a year. Car will sometimes sit three days or more at a time. Usually top off battery once a month to keep it fully charged as much as possible. Poor man that believes in keeping the battery charged for longevity.

    Ron
     
    #5 dorunron, Apr 4, 2014
    bisco likes this.
  6. Merkey

    Merkey Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2012
    290
    264
    0
    Location:
    Birmingham, Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Nice wheels.
     
    #6 Merkey, Apr 4, 2014
    alekska and dorunron like this.
  7. Easy Rider

    Easy Rider Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2014
    982
    210
    0
    Location:
    N. Central Florida
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    Are you trying to find the "right" or best way........or are you just looking for how others have done it ??

    Electrically, for a 4 amp max. connection, it makes absolutely no difference. No need for a poll to answer that.

    You should connect it wherever it is most convenient for YOU and then not worry about it.

    P.S. Regardless of where you attach it, the new wires (assuming that they will be permanently connected) MUST have an inline fuse incase the wire gets pinched and shorts out.
     
    #7 Easy Rider, Apr 4, 2014
    TsKarma likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)