Hey guys, I've been having trouble with my car lately. It's a 2005 Prius. Basically what happened was the battery died and when my son went to go jump start it I think he reversed the polarity and the fusible link under the hood broke and I lost power throughout the car. I replace the part and now the problem that I'm having is that I now have a caution triangle on the dash as well as the brake warning light. One the screen I've got a battery icon as well as the icon that looks like a car being cut in half. The radio doesn't work, the interior lights don't work, the keyless entry doesn't work, the clock, the smart key system, the automatic windows and the screen no longer saves the information on consumption and MPG. Any idea what this could be? Thanks PS: I replaced the battery at the same time as replacing the fusible link. -Ariel
Start by checking the DOME fuse. Use an ohmmeter to verify continuity, do not rely upon visual inspection. If that fuse was blown then see what happens after it is replaced. If you still have a problem, check the other fuses, one at a time. Once you get the car to become READY and the dashboard electrical accessories operate, see if any warning lights remain on. If they are still on, it is possible that the DC/DC converter was destroyed by the reverse polarity jump. Then you will need to measure voltage across the 12V battery when READY. If you do not see a voltage close to 13.8VDC, that shows the DC/DC converter has failed, which will require a replacement inverter to be installed.
Thanks for the response. Sorry I should have mentioned that the car runs flawlessly! I have checked all of the fuses under the hood as well as the ones underneath the dashboard with a multi-meter and they were all fine. I will check the voltage on the battery when I get home today. If the voltage is close to 13.8 what should my next step be? thanks
Sir! Could you share the result with me? I did excetly same thing (jumped in reversed polarity). I changed bettery from dealership. Car is running perfectly but the warning signs are remained in the screen. I did not have any electrical issues except the warning lights. Thanks!
Let's hope I'm wrong, but reversing battery polarity can create a nasty power-surge, and I think that may be behind your error message. Let's hope it's something simple and replaceable.
Thanks! I was lucky and blessed with result and the encounter with hybrid special mechanic who has geniune heart! Special thanks for Ron and GregP507!
Another great reason to buy these: Polarity agnostic cables that have a delayed connection so no sparks, no reverse polarity, nothing. And perfect for the Prius. I don't think they make this exact model anymore, but they do make them. They are called "Smart Jumper Cables"
You guys who reversed jump start where are u attaching the jumper cables? In the hatch or under the hood?
I can't find these or anything like these on Amazon or doing a Google search. There's another brand called Astro Pneumatic that are also out of stock everywhere. Seems they've either all sold out or have been pulled from the market. Update: Found some Astro Pneumatic and another brand on eBay...still haven't located the Michelins.
Rule of thumb for booster-cables: "Red-to-red and black-to-black; soon you'll have your engine back." "When sparks are flying, you're not even trying."
