Tried to jump my 2008 and the problem got worse

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by twrestler94, Dec 11, 2017.

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  1. twrestler94

    twrestler94 New Member

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    When I tried to start my prius this morning I got most of the dash lights but the ready light would not come on. I tried a few times and the lights seem to get a little weaker. I got a jump and I tried to roll the window down and did not have enough power to do that normally. I got it down 80% or so. then tried to adjust the jumper cables and they sparked and got worse. Then I only had the green park light, the check engine light and the passenger airbag lights on and nothing else. I then tried jumping the car from the back and nothing changed. The 12 volt seemed weak before today and I was thinking about replacing it in the next week or 2. I'm wondering if when it sparked did something else break, or is it just the battery is totally gone?

    Thank you
     
    #1 twrestler94, Dec 11, 2017
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    could be a fuse.
     
    #2 bisco, Dec 11, 2017
  3. Since2002

    Since2002 Senior Lurker

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    If the jumper cables are connected correctly and providing power the dash lights should light up normally when you press the power button. If they are dim then the jumper cables aren't connecting, maybe a fuse as Bisco suggested. Also are you using actual jumper cables connected to another car or one of those portable battery jump starts? The battery jump starts work okay sometimes but if the battery is heavily drained you need an actual jump start from another car.

    Edit - I just noticed that the question was asked Monday so hopefully he got it started.
     
    #3 Since2002, Dec 16, 2017
  4. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    If you try unsuccessfully to start too many times, you can discharge the HV battery to where it needs to be recharged, IIRC.

    If the jumper cables were connected incorrectly, it could have blown the HV fuse and/or the inverter that charges the 12V battery
     
    #4 Prodigyplace, Dec 16, 2017
  5. tutti57

    tutti57 New Member

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    If there was a shower of sparks, it's likely that the cables we're crossed. Sparking is very minimal when done properly.

    Moto G Play ?
     
    #5 tutti57, Dec 16, 2017
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  6. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I'd check the connection in the back between the ground cable and the body of the car. If that's good, look for other loose or corroded connections on or near the 12V battery. If you come back here and read these.
     
    #6 jerrymildred, Dec 16, 2017
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