How do I know which battery is dead?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Liliana426, Dec 30, 2023.

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  1. Liliana426

    Liliana426 New Member

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    hi guys, i just got a 2013 prius 3 a few months ago and the other day when i tried to drive it my battery was dead. i got a jump and everything was okay, i was able to turn my car off and it turned back on just fine. i left it overnight and then tried to drive it again today and my battery was dead. i know there’s two batteries in the prius but im not sure how to know which is dead? the car wont drive at all, i cant move my wheel, and all the lights inside are glitching. the engine wont turnover either. any advice?
     
    #1 Liliana426, Dec 30, 2023
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The battery that is dead is the 12v battery located at the right rear corner of the car.

    You can try charging the 12v, but if it's over 5 years old (should be a date on the battery), then just replace it.
     
    #2 JC91006, Dec 31, 2023
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  3. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    You should also locate the jump point under the hood; use that to jump start the car. Any small 12VDC battery or jump-pack will work. The big hybrid battery battery actually starts and runs the car. The smaller, normal automotive battery in the right rear corner of the car, runs everything while the larger battery is asleep/disconnected by electronic relays.
    You can jump start the car and drive it to any auto parts store. They will usually test your battery for free.

    DO NOT try to jump start other cars with your Prius - there's a high likely hood that you can damage your electrical system. It's OK for your system to receive 12VDC from other cars; but trying to push 12VDC out of your car, can damage your system.

    Hope this helps....
     
    #3 BiomedO1, Dec 31, 2023
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