Jump Start?

[zetor]

It didn't occur to me until yesterday when someone ask if I could help and jump start their car, is it possible with a Hybrid? It only has a small Battery in the rear of the car and I wondered if it should be attempted, I did say I didn't think it possible and they managed to get help from another car.

[ian rooke]

Hi you cannot use a prius to start another car as the 12volt Battery is too small its the traction Battery that starts it.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

DO NOT jump start another car from the hybrid - Prius or Auris HSD. You WILL fry your electrics when their car tries to start. The hybrid system is not powerful enough to crank an engine because it doesn't need to be - your hybrid 12v only starts a computer which then starts the engine using the big 250v HV Battery. By helping a neighbour you could cost yourself £thousands in repairs! You have been warned!

ATTEMPT THE FOLLOWING AT YOUR OWN RISK! - If the Prius/Auris hsd has a flat 12v - such as if you left the interior light on, then I UNDERSTAND (but won't guarantee) you can jump off another car BUT the other car must NOT rev its engine as this will fry your electrics/computers - it puts too much load through. Perhaps it is better to not even have the other car running. Also make sure the leads are fitted the correct way round. One mistake and say goodbye to your cars computers! It is best to completely avoid a situation where a jump start is required. If you have a flat 12v, then carefully remove it from the car and charge it using a suitable charger.

Full intructions on jump starting a Prius/Auris hsd are in your handbook. Do not gamble a jump start on a hybrid.

If sitting for a while - such as when the other half is shopping - then listen to the radio in Ready mode. That way you're actually charging the 12v and will use little to no petrol.