12V Battery Prius Prime Advance 2017 Model - replacement labor charge is $200

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by Sid786, May 1, 2026 at 1:31 PM.

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  1. Sid786

    Sid786 Active Member

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    Guys, Is there something special about the replacement of this 12V TrueStart battery replacement in Toyota Prius Prime. I have called multiple dealerships and they both are charging $200 to replace the battery, which cost about $215. So a total of $415+tax just to replace the battery.

    My battery died and I was getting the error message "Pre-Collision System Malfunction Visit your dealer". Called the AAA, which says that low cranking volt. Battery is 5 years old so it needs replacement for sure.

    I asked the AAA guys to just disconnect the Red cable on the battery and reconnect after the jump start and now the error message "Pre-Collision System Malfunction Visit your dealer" is gone. But got the message the ICS is unavailable, which is normal and requires driving for 10 or 15 minutes to go away.

    My key question is that can I just not replace the battery myself. Is there something Toyota dealers do something special to replace the battery.
     
    #1 Sid786, May 1, 2026 at 1:31 PM
  2. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    I believe that battery is under the hood and easy to get to. Anyone can charge you what they want to do the job - unfortunately that's the sign of the times. You may want to check with your neighborhood Les Schwab or tire place - overall cost should be lower.
    Most places like Sam's Club, Costco, and some auto parts store, for the price of the battery; will do that for free, since it's easy to get to. Call around and don't get ripped off.

    Just my two cents......
     
    #2 BiomedO1, May 1, 2026 at 2:02 PM
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Criminal price gouging with Toyota Stealerships keeps getting worse or worse. Meanwhile most auto parts stores will install for free... But more importantly this is an opportunity for you to find a friend or family member to help/teach you how to do basic car repair stuff to save you a fortune in years to come. Or maybe someone on here lives near you?

    I prefer this 12v battery that only costs $118 and you use longer bolts and some washers and have been putting them in Priuses for 15 years: https://www.ebay.com/itm/141206981871

    Also this battery for $175 allows you to control the 12v with your phone and is the most advanced battery chemistry you can buy today: http://www.saltyhybrid.com/products/the-ultimate-12v-battery
     
    #3 PriusCamper, May 1, 2026 at 2:13 PM
  4. Sid786

    Sid786 Active Member

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    Thank you for the response. Let me check around with AutoZone, Napa and Advanced Auto and see what they offer.

    Also note that I do had a AAA Premier membership and just learned today that Premier membership of AAA gives the battery completely free and also do the replacementsi.e., zero dollar. It is one battery per year replacement. The only issue is that AAA dont carry Prius Prime battery i.e., their battery wont fit the battery case. Although they do a load test before giving a free battery and my battery had low cranking volts so it did pass their replacement test.
     
    #4 Sid786, May 1, 2026 at 2:28 PM
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Yeah a 12 volt battery replacement shouldn't cost more than $50 USD, even that's steep. It's 10 minutes work for a pro, at the most. Short version of the drill:

    Disconnect neg cable from battery
    Dsiconnect pos cable from battery
    Remove battery.
    Install new battery
    Connect pos cable to battery
    Connect neg cable to battery

    Additional good practices:

    Employ a memory saver, that maintains 12 volts supply during the swap
    Clean the cable clamps and new battery posts before install

    Maybe worthwhile, but not strictly necessary, assuming new battery is relatively fresh stock:

    Charge up the new battery before install

    Consider DIY?
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, May 1, 2026 at 2:41 PM
  6. Sid786

    Sid786 Active Member

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    DIY seems possible. Looks like someone has already posted a battery replacement video of the same 2017 Prius Prime model that I have:

     
    #6 Sid786, May 1, 2026 at 2:56 PM
  7. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    "Lets do the black one first, maybe" loosens it but leaves it connected.

    Wrong and dangerous.

    Always completely remove the black (negative) cable first. Then there is no chance of a big short from the positive to any metal via the wrench.

    When reinstalling, positive is tightened first and then negative, again to avoid a big short and even worse.
     
    #7 rjparker, May 1, 2026 at 3:30 PM
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  8. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Also spend a couple of extra bucks on a terminal cleaning brush and terminal sealing kit. Clean off the posts & connectors. Put that ring down, connect & tighten, then spray the sealer. You shouldn't have any connection or corrosion issues for the life of that battery.
     
    #8 BiomedO1, May 1, 2026 at 3:40 PM
  9. Sid786

    Sid786 Active Member

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    Thanks for identifying this mistake in the video. ChatGPT says the following:

    Wrench / Socket Sizes
    • 10 mm → battery terminals (most important)
    • 10 mm → hold-down bracket bolts (usually)
    • 12 mm (occasionally) → bracket base or mounting bolts, depending on trim
    Battery Location
    • Open the hood
    • The 12V battery is located on the driver’s side (left side) of the engine bay
    • It’s typically covered with a plastic housing
    Safety Steps
    1. Power Down Completely
    • Car OFF, key fob away from vehicle
    2. Remove Battery Cover
    • Take off the plastic cover over the battery
    3. Disconnect Terminals
    • Negative (-) FIRST
    • Then Positive (+)
    4. Remove Hold-Down Bracket
    • Unbolt and set aside
    5. Swap the Battery
    • Lift out old battery
    • Place new one in same orientation
    6. Reconnect
    • Positive (+) FIRST
    • Negative (-) LAST
    7. Reassemble
    • Reinstall bracket and cover
     
    #9 Sid786, May 1, 2026 at 3:45 PM
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