Prius refused to turn on

[chana100red]

My Toyota Prius 2006 T3 decided not to start at all.  I was not able to unlock the car with my key fob.  I had to resort to the manual key and once I got in the car the dash lights did not come on. When inserting the key fob nothing happened.

So at the moment the car has been stand still for 2 days.  I called AA road recovery and came and jump started the car and switched on.  To my surprise AA don't go further into diagnosing the problem as they only perform basic fix.

In other words, they simply jump started the car which is something I would have performed.

So I asked what is the issue and answer was to take it to a dealer for a proper check.  The AA guy also suggested that if the car does not start in the morning that it could be the secondary Battery (the on in the boot)

I am at a loss with this one and don't know if I should go and buy the secondary Battery tomorrow and hope for the best.

Has anyone experienced this issue and if you have what was the outcome.

Thank you guys!

[kithmo]

Did you leave anything switched on ? 

The boot light for example, if the boot or a door was not fully closed. If nothing was left on then it probably needs a new 12v Battery they're usually good for 4 years or so, at 12 years old it may be already on it's 3rd Battery and about due for the 4th.

[ian rooke]

Hi the 12v Battery on the Gen2/3 is tiny and prone to sudden failure when old as it only runs the computers without it the traction Battery cannot start the car they have a life of about 5 years and cost about £100 to replace 

[chana100red]

Thank you guys 

I was also thinking of changing the Battery as I think it was changed about 4-5 years ago. 

I always check to ensure nothing is left on and I even switch off the interior lights.

I am thinking of taking a gamble and getting one tomorrow and hope it is that and nothing else.

 

[Catlover]

9 hours ago, chana100red said:

Thank you guys 

I was also thinking of changing the battery as I think it was changed about 4-5 years ago. 

I always check to ensure nothing is left on and I even switch off the interior lights.

I am thinking of taking a gamble and getting one tomorrow and hope it is that and nothing else.

 

Wise move for more then one reason. In my experience a breakdown service usually only covers one fault once ie if it was a flat Battery, they will come and start you, but if the Battery goes flat in say a week or two time, then they will come but make a charge. Works on the basis you know there is a fault and should have had it sorted ie new Battery.

My wifes Auris Hybrid 12v battery went dead, yes they sent someone out, but I was told (nicely) to sort or there could be a charge 2nd time in quick succession. Fair do's.

[chana100red]

Thanks for your reply.  I just Checked on the Toyota service history online and the last Battery was replaced in 2013.  I believe it was only changed twice in its whole 12 years of its life.  So I guessing it is time for another.  It is rather strange for the Battery to just die on me.  The only change I made to the Prius was that I installed an aftermarket stereo.  That’s it!

[Duffryn]

I was told by the AA that they are not allowed to touch anything to do with the HV system (ie anything coloured orange). Too specialised/dangerous to tinker with out on the road. Sounds good sense to me.

[kithmo]

4 hours ago, chana100red said:

Thanks for your reply.  I just Checked on the Toyota service history online and the last battery was replaced in 2013.  I believe it was only changed twice in its whole 12 years of its life.  So I guessing it is time for another.  It is rather strange for the battery to just die on me.  The only change I made to the Prius was that I installed an aftermarket stereo.  That’s it!

Sounds like a good plan 

[chana100red]

Hey guys - cheers for the advice and comments - thumbs up!

I called AA again but this time a different engineer arrived yesterday.  He fully tested the Battery in the boot and also plugged in a full diagnostic.  No issues with the car as such.  Good to hear. Battery is at 12.4v and above.

I told AA that I simply drive 2 miles each way and that's it!  The engineer suggested that I may not be charging the unit everyday and am not driving the car for longer period of time.  This could be the reason for the Battery failing.

I also installed a touch screen display stereo and in doing that i disturbed something as I now have 3 errors on the dash board.  AA confirmed - nothing to worry about, since I never had the errors in the first place!

The error codes need to be reset by Toyota.  Although I am tempted to buy a good quality ODB2 scanner tool.

On the whole good result and is due for service so will get Toyota to clear the codes at the same time.

After the service I am putting it up for sale to consider a 2010 Prius with some better upgrades!!!