Stuck in neutral after battery change?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by AmyBeth222, Oct 30, 2018.

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  1. AmyBeth222

    AmyBeth222 New Member

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    Hi all, I'm looking after my friend's beautiful 2008 Prius while she's overseas. I had to change the battery (in the back) after it was completely flat last week, however since then it's been difficult to start. I am pressing the power button twice (seeing a dashboard of warning lights!), no hum of the engine, and can't move gear out of neutral. Switching off and trying again sometimes works, sometimes takes 5-10 minutes to get life! I'm not familiar enough with the Prius to troubleshoot this one, and YouTube videos seem to point at a reset needed after a battery change. Advice please?
     
    #1 AmyBeth222, Oct 30, 2018
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Welcome to PriusChat!!

    When starting (or button pressing), is your foot depressing the brake pedal at the same time?

    If that doesn't help, you may need to try starting it multiple times. Foot on the brake, hold in the start button until the vehicle is 'ready'. Then repeat.
     
    #2 SFO, Oct 30, 2018
  3. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    If this Prius has the SKS (Smart Key System) you should deactivate it, since this car is likely not being driven regularly (ie daily).

    If you see a small black rubberish square on the front door handles and one near the Toyota trunk emblem, then this Prius has SKS.

    upload_2018-10-30_17-4-43.png
     
    #3 exstudent, Oct 30, 2018
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  4. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    Have you tested your new battery? Sometimes new ones are lemons.
     
    #4 padroo, Oct 30, 2018
  5. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Why are you pressing the power button twice? Twice puts it in ignition not Ready.

    Hold the brake pedal firmly and push the power button once.
     
    #5 edthefox5, Oct 30, 2018
  6. 05PreeUs

    05PreeUs Senior Member

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    Yup, on older or high mileage cars especially, the brake pedal may need a FIRM press, not hard but not "foot resting on pedal" either.
     
    #6 05PreeUs, Oct 31, 2018
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    another possibility is that you didn't tighten the battery terminals enough, or the negative to body connection is loose or corroded.

    did you change the battery, or have someone else do it?
     
    #7 bisco, Oct 31, 2018
  8. Usle

    Usle Active Member

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    Welcome, the prius has a funny learning curve, it's not funny that the 12v battery goes dead if you look at it with one eye closed, it's tiny and a simple mistake, like leaving the car in acc, or leaving an interior light on will kill the 12v.
    The new one needs to be fully charged, and you need a trickle charger to charge at two amps overnight, or leave the car in "ready" overnight. Ready is what it's in when you start it,
    Keep asking questions here, usually prii act nice.
     
    #8 Usle, Oct 31, 2018
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