ON THE GEN 2 and 3 a procedure can be done to show the level of the 12V battery, does the Prius C have this?
You can enter the "system menu mode" by powering the car up in accessory, then while holding the "car" button, turn the lights on and off three times. That will put the computer in the system menu mode. Once in there press the "function check/setting" button, then press "vehicle signal" button. Then that will bring up a screen where you can read the 12 volt battery voltage. To get out of that mode, hold down the setup button and the computer will reboot. Hope that helps.
WOW. Where have you been the past few years ??? Good post. I think most people talking about monitoring the 12 V system voltage are doing it with a scan tool though.
I just bought this car about a month ago. There is a lot to learn. I played one day and found that menu. I also found if you follow the same routine but hold down the "setup" button instead. It brings you into a diagnostic menu. I didn't see much useful info in either one. I'm sure there are more secret menu's, we just need to play.
One recommendation for using the system menu to monitor your 12V battery. The first time that you use it, first measure your 12V with a meter either directly on the battery posts or the jump point in the engine fuse box. The difference between my 12V battery and the system menu was - 0.7 V. I thought I had a bad battery until I measured it at the battery terminals.
Neither system worked, I have a model 2, you may. Have a 3 or higher. The only car on my dash / wheel is for re- Circulation.
I see you do have a Model III, My car has what resembles a actual Ignition key, and works like one, except the rest is pure Prius w/ Ready light, ect.
Which really is the best way to do it anyway. A respectable meter can be had a lot of places for about $10.
