6 Weeks Away

[techi]

Hi guys,

I've heard that a flat Battery on a Prius isn't as simple to fix as an 'ordinary' car. I'm shortly away for at least 6 weeks in Hong Kong and wonder if I should do anything to prevent mine from dying. Should I be concerned? The car's just over a year old so the Battery should be in reasonable condition. Cheers

[Jan&tone]

Provided the interior lights ar all off - ie doors all shut properly, a 1 year old car should handle that without a problem imo...

[timberwolf]

There are lots of variables that it is impossible to predict whether your 12V Battery will last a week or six weeks.

Personally, I'd be prepared for the worst, and then hope everything is okay.

If the car is being kept in a garage with mains power available, then I would definitely buy and use a good quality trickle charger.

Or, if you have family or friends who could run the car in Park for 30 minutes every 10 days.

Check that the mechanical key works (and also the key in the spare fob).

Check your owners manual for the jump start point and then go out in day light to check it out - you may have to assist the breakdown agent with your knowledge.

[capnbirdseye]

Shouldn't 'smart entry' also be turned off as it has been noted to add more drain to the Battery when left standing for any length of time

[Ancient Nerd]

Shouldn't 'smart entry' also be turned off as it has been noted to add more drain to the battery when left standing for any length of time

Can it be switched off?

Sounds like a good idea if it can, under these circumstances. Also a possible solution, if you are worried about the security issues that have been raised recently.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

My understanding is that the smart key system switches itself off after about 4 days.

Regarding jump starting the Prius. You must NOT run the engine off the other vehicle as this will pump too many amps into the Prius and probably fry loads of expensive electronics. Also make damn sure you get the leads the right way round as again the Prius has loads more electronics than other modern cars and chances are you could fry something.

Read and double read the section in the owners manual about how to jump start the car before attempting it yourself. Or you could call Toyota breakdown and let them do it!

[ian rooke]

Hi not used my Gen3 for 7 days and the smart entry worked as normal, if you wish to start the car from a flat Battery use a small 12v jumper, it is only required to start the computers the engine will start on the 200v Battery but do be careful to connect it the right way round.

[techi]

Thanks for all the comments guys, all good advice. I guess the old adage is true - When all else fails, read the instructions (often reduced to RTFM by the more earthy amongst us).