If it's like my old Prius, it has two batteries -- the big (expensive) lithium battery which drives the car, and a regular lead-acid battery which runs the lights and other electrical components. If you haven't had any other problems it is probably the latter which has run down, and you "probably" can jump-start it by hooking up to that, but I'm not sure. I think I'd either call Toyota (or look in the manual) before doing anything though ... good luck, and let us know ...
Yep, what Paul said. When my ancient (now deceased) Prius had battery problems,
it was mostly the battery that ran the electrics and that responded to a jump start
by AAA folks in my case.
I don't think it's possible to even attempt to jump start the battery of batteries (so to speak)
that run the car. Weren't there 12 of those in the model we both had, Paul?
I believe the lithium hybrid battery is made up of hundreds or thousands of individual cells, connected to provide proper voltage and amperage -- one of the reasons it takes a day or more to install and costs about $3000. What happened to yours -- I thought it was less ancient than mine?
This is the Car Gods telling you to move up to a Chevy Bolt, Neil. My sister has one and it is just awesome. Incredibly fun to drive and like a 250+ mile range. All electric, no hybrid component. As to jump-starting a Prius, you can do that. I helped out a guy a couple years ago who was parked at the National Seashore with a set of jumper cables and a dead Prius. It was a piece of cake...
What happened to yours -- I thought it was less ancient than mine?
Not stealing your thread, Neil. Just answering Paul's question.
At almost 200,000 miles, early last year, my early 2003 Prius developed $4,000 problems which I paid, because I really
loved this beastie. But when, 6 months later the red light came on again, and another tow to the
dealership promised another $3,500 bill, I caved. The Prius was 'worth' #250. I finagled $500 on a trade in.
Bought a 2015 MINI Cooper with 19,000 miles on it, and while it's necessary to actually climb into the thing,
rather than just enter it, it's a fun vehicle. Unfortunately, even tho it's only 3 cylinder, it still just
gets 21-27 mpg, but it is peppy.
Okay, back to Neil, and I hope your problems with your hybrid are minor ones.
Fortunately, I learned by watching youTube last night how to jump start a Camry Hybrid, at least the unofficial way. The service truck arrived here and that person said he was just a tow operator and had no idea, even though I told them to send someone who knows how to start a hybrid. At one point, he gave up and said he would tow it but I stopped him and called the Toyota place for help. It turns out what I saw on YouTube in an unofficial video was the correct way.
His jumper clips were too big but he used a screwdriver and held it while I start the car. Started right away.
But then I figured I should have it checked out by Toyota, so I drove over there. The batter was only "marginally" good according to them, and in fact, they had recommended a new battery for us last year. But it was good.
In the end, I succumbed to feeling safer and getting the job out of the way so I let them put in a new battery. But the battery, which is not the "hybrid" battery that works instead of gas, was $450 installed! The battery itself was 350 or so and then they charge $100 to replace it. Ouch. My first car (a Pinto) only cost $2000 as I recall (ok, back in 1974, but...)
Anyway, thanks...problem resolved, though not cheaply!
This is the Car Gods telling you to move up to a Chevy Bolt, Neil. My sister has one and it is just awesome. Incredibly fun to drive and like a 250+ mile range. All electric, no hybrid component. As to jump-starting a Prius, you can do that. I helped out a guy a couple years ago who was parked at the National Seashore with a set of jumper cables and a dead Prius. It was a piece of cake...
Test drove one of those, damn seats are too small for my butt. Seriously, I am 6' about 200lbs, not huge by any means and the seats are uncomfortable. I found the e-Golf and Leaf to be much more confortable. Gotta love that range though.
Mind you, in Canada, the wait time for electric vehicles is ridiculous.
