Prius Start Up Problems

Could be a bad 12 volt battery?

Perelandra, I took a peek at that site you recommended, and it looks like the kit is meant to fit a Miata 12-volt battery into the 2001-2003 Prius only. If thoconfam bought the car in 2004, it seems likely that it is a 2004 Prius or second generation. If so, it would be good to compare the two 12-volt battery compartments before buying the kit.

Hi;
I had a 2002 Prius, that year had to small starter battery and if the car was not driven for a while it would not start. I had the battery upgraded to a larger battery and did not have that problem again. The other time it would not start was caused by my Wiemarnier (dog) he would push one of the interior lights on with his head and that would drain the battery.
Hope this helps.

How as the WestCo battery worked out (perelandra)? Do you recommend the kit elearnaid offers or would it be simple enough to adapt the Miata battery on your own with local parts?

I experianced the difficult starting problem this weekend (5-8 starts before my '02 continued to run but with much warning info). The dealer in Boulder said I need an updated ECU and was in line behind 200 others in the Denver area.

The dealer went on to say that my 12 v battery checked good. I believe in preventitive replacement of the 12 volt battery between 4 & 5 years on any vehicle as the cost is (normally) nominal compared to the inconvience of failure problems. However the Toyota price of twice the eLearnaid price gives me some pause and the load test described on the eLearnaid website also gives me some comfort in holding off (if the oem battery tests good).

Someone on a Prius yahoo group had a similar problem. Turned out the fault was in the brake light switch. Can be either adjustment or an intermittent switch. YMMV.

My '04 would just be dead now and then after being parked overnight. It was a faulty 12 volt battery.

CR

did they ever figure out something on your intermitant "no start" problem on your prius. we have been having the same problem, except that it is completely dead.
Hugo

Sounds like you might have a bad switch on the brake pedal?

start function and gear shift function are interlocked to the brake pedal.

Have someone stand behind the car and check to make sure the
brake lights come on when you press the brake pedal.

And make sure you press the brake FIRMLY when starting or trying to shift gears.

Actually, many independant shops are starting to gear up to repair hybrids, and there is the begining of an "after market" parts supply chain begining.

Patronize your local indepentant mechanic and make it worth his while to work on hybrids.

Someone here was talking about Lexus and BMW. I have seen these cars and have not been the lease bit impressed.

Lexus has Styrofoam bumpers and the cheapest sheet metal out of any car I have seen with the most expenive price I have ever seen.

Compair to a Cadillac CTS the Cadillac is a much more solid car that seems a lot safer to me.

The Prius for example is the most Tinfoil car that could be taken out with a shopping cart.

I have a 2 friends with Toyota cars and they have both been in minor accidents with the other car not even showing any damage. However the toyota cars Crumple under any sort of a hit and require over $8k in work.

My point is cheap metal costs you more in the end because of the expensive body work.

So I would never purchase a Lexus.

who cares...the thread is about fixing a problem...not raving about cadillacs vs lexus or toyota...

I have a 2004 Prius and the same start problem. Curiously, it happens every time after taking a nap during lunch time. I turn the car off. I open and close the door to make sure lights are all off. Then I take a nap. The car would not start. I recently realized that if I have the AAA truck give me a jump start the car works just fine after that, as if nothing had occurred (unfortunately, the prior week I had to tow it away and it cost me $100.00 -- then I realized I didn't need to have it towed). The battery seems to be working just fine. I had the car checked at the dealership twice now, and they find no problem with it. I am very frustrated!

Sport: Sounds like you have a malfunction there.

FYI: The Prius computer goes thru a MULTITUDE of function tests on the car every time you start it.

Sounds like the computer is shutting down the car due to a critical safety fault.

Given that you get a "brake" warning light, sounds like you might have a brake problem.

The car does not want to let you drive down the street with no brakes, so it shuts down.

You are aware that the Prius does NOT use engine vacuum to power the power brakes? (because the engine is not always running).

The Pruis uses dual electric hydraulic pumps as power source for the power brakes. Sounds like the computer detected a fault with one or both of the brake hydraulic pumps.

Have you taken the car to a service shop, and checked the computer warning codes?

1. Toyota dealer DOES know that you have bad battery.

2. Toyota makes MUCH more $$$ selling you a new car
than servicing a 5 year old car.

3. Do the math.

I just came back from the dealership. This problem has happened twice in the past week.
Now at least I know I am not crazy, and the dealer does not have a clue. My car is a 2005 as well. The power just locks up and you can not turn it on or off. They told me to get out of the car and star over. I was also asked if I am wearing different shoes, (hah) sure that effects the engine, and do I put my foot on the brake whenI start---, I've only had the car for 33,000 miles 3.5 years -- maybe I don't know how o start it.
(: Dah

Oh well
did anyone come up with a real reason thios has happened. It is a switch issue... something is not connecting?
Thanks

I have a 2007 Prius and and just clocked 80000 km and I have not experienced any problems whatsoever. 12 volt batteries usually only last around 4 years.

I have a very low mileage 2005 Prius. I can't leave it undriven for more that a few days without the auxiliary battery going dead. It starts OK with a jump. The first time it did this I took it to the dealer -- who said that there was no problem. I found this site searching for a way to upgrade the puny auxiliary battery. After reading all the other posts, I think I will take the car to an independent auto mechanic to see if I just need a new battery and/or if I can put a more robust battery in it.

I got it again this afternoon. It might be more dependant on driving. Turning it off for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Then starting it again.

It's almost like a belt slipping noise but without the squeel. More of a rubbing sound.

I just purchased a 2007 Prius 1 month ago. Can you believe that the battery has died already after 1 week of not driving it? I'm also thinking of filing a Lemon Law complaint.

My 2007 Prius is doing the same thing. When I turn it on the system doesn't start up properly, can't put in gear and warning triangle is on. I must push the power button multiple times before it shuts down. 2nd power up everything is fine.What did your dealer find wrong with your car.

i have a 2007 prius (purchased 1 year old) that would not start after not driving for a week or so. My husband jump started it and moved it in the driveway but did not drive it 20 minutes (like I told him to ) to recharge the battery. Of course 20-30 minutes later went to leave and it would not start again. Tried to jump start again, initially interior lights came on but could not get the engine to start or shift gears. Now we get nothing...Anyone have any suggestions...My husband hates these "new fangled" cars but I love my Prius til now...

The Prius CANNOT be converted to petrol only.

1. The hybrid electric motor IS the starter motor for the petrol engine. No electric motor, no starter.

2. The Prius does not have a reverse gear in the transmission. The Prius backs up by running the electric motor backwards.

3. Everything, both petrol and electric is computer controlled. The computer will not permit the car to operate if a major system is malfunctioning.

4. The brakes, power steering and air conditioning are all powered by small 200v electric motors running from the same battery pack that drives the car. They are not "belt driven" from the petrol engine as in a normal car.

If the Hybrid electric motor and battery do not work, the Prius cannot be operated.

Sorry.

AAA does not have the capablity of "jump starting" the 200v engine battery. so obviously, it was your 12v battery that is failing.

There are only TWO possiblities:

1. Your 12v battery is defective, either from old age, or defective construction.

2. There is a "phantom" draw on the battery. Something in the car is consuming power while the car is not running.

The Prius "smart key" system DOES draw a small amount of electricity from the 12v battery. BUT this should not be an issue unless the car is being left for OVER A WEEK without being run. There are instructions in the owner's manual for shutting off the smart key system if you plan on leaving the car parked for over a week.

If the Toyota dealer did not LOAD TEST the 12v battery, then they have no way of knowing if the battery is defective, and they are just blowing you off.

Check the contactor relay

"I own a 2007 Toyota Prius. I tried to start the car. Every single light came flashing on the car, I couldn't put the car in Drive or Reverse. Also the start button was on red and not green. Anybody have any ideas what the problem might be?"

Try starting the car without pressing the brake, you now get the same results, right?

Try pressing harder on the brake when you hit the power button. If this doesn't solve the problem, the brake switch may not be working well anymore and may need to be replaced.

I also have a 2007 and apparently my starter battery just died. Very surprised because the week prior I had my routine maintenance done at the Toyota Dealership. They never mentioned my battery had to be replaced soon. I just have to assume they did not check my battery at all. This starter battery is expensive for being so small. $250 with two hours of work at the dealership.

Pls i am having the same problem,my 2003 prius hybrid wont start.I bought new battery but it wont start.What am i going to do?

Darlene:

1. Have a mechanic check the error codes on the computer (OBDII port), are there any error codes?

2. The only way to really check a battery is to load test it. Many mechanics don't want to bother, because Prius battery (12v) is in an odd location and has non-standard connectors. A Toyota dealer will probably charge $$$ to test the battery.

DO NOT let somebody just stand there, look at the car from 10' away and "guess" what might be wrong. Get the data, get the facts. Don't let a mechanic or dealer waste YOUR MONEY by "guessing" what might (or might not) be the problem.

My SOLUTION!!!!

Similar problem, car would not start, All WARNING LIGHTS came on, (could not put car in gear/Drive/Reverse/nuetral/park) door locks were not responding as normal - like when I pushed the button on the handle on the exterior of the car to lock it it did not beep and lock, it made a repeated clicking sound.

I thought I'd let the car rest, came in and read this forum, and went back out after 15 minutes to try the BRAKE Pedal solution. When I arrived at the car all the same warning signs were there, the car would not open by keyless method, I had to push the unlock button on my FOB; the car beeped key warning as I sat down; *I pressed down hard on the brake pedal* and pushed the Start button; all the warning lights came on again, but I pushed the button again and it went itno normal ready mode and I could put it in gear.

(I live in Winnipeg and it was really cold when this happened, but I don't think that necessarily had to do with the probs, except maybe a -sticky- brake pedal from the cold.)
I love you guys.

I see that this post is quite old 2006 I believe) but I have a 2003 Prius I bought new- now with 46,600 miles on it. Only first year did I have starting problems with it-upgraded the bracket and purchased new larger battery at the time and have had no problems since until this week when we are having bitter cold single digits and its not winter yet.
recently redid front brakes and rotors and had to replace one rear hub.

Just had NYState inspection and was passed with all systems intact and working well.
When it wouldnt start today jumped it and went to auto part store and purchased new battery which finally was installed (they had never worked on installation in hybrid where battery is in trunk) and appeared to be working fine. Paid bill letting car warm up (24 degrees out) but when I got in to leave it stalled, retried two times but then all warning lights flashing including big one car with cloud around it advising no driving get to dealer pronto.
Had difficult time persuading towing company to flat bed it but did eventually--its on its way to Toyota emergency room...just wondering if others have had similar experience or near it and if I am now going to lose my beautiful Prius because cannot afford to repair it??
Any experience information would be helpful to prepare myself for possibilities. It is my last lovely car I will be 80 next Monday the good Lord willing and will really be sad to have to let it go?

Any words of wisdom appreciated and Happy Holidays to all. Hope all have as good luck as I suppose I must be grateful to have had to date. Thank you greatgrandma in new york

My Mom & Dad just bought a 2010 Prius and it is driving us nuts. Several times we have gotten in and pushed the start button only to have the front end shake violently like the motor mounts are broken. Toyota has had the car for several days and have not been able to duplicate the problem and say there is nothing wrong with the car. We are getting the car back tomorrow and if it happens again I'm afraid of what my 83 & 85 yr. parents might do and or say when it is taken in for the third time. Anyone have any suggestions?

After 35K total miles, for the first time since it was purchased new in August of '05, my 2005 Prius refused to start when I depressed the service brake and pushed the Start button. A few of the indicator lights in the instrument cluster responded weakly and the front and rear dome lights came on dimly. I shut them off and repeated the startup process several times without success.
The previous day, at around noon, after we had completely cleared the car of accumulated snow from a recent storm here, I was able to easily start the system. I backed the vehicle a few feet down the driveway and left it idling for about ten minutes before returning the car to its original position in the driveway and shutting it off. Ambient was 30F. The car sat unused overnight.
Trouble occurred approximately 24 hours later. Ambient was 40F.
Incredibly, when I repeated the starting procedure approximately 1 hour after the failure, the car started promptly and ran flawlessly. Immediately using the procedure to enter the service mode, I was able to read 13.8 volts from the battery charging circuit. A little over 20 months ago, that same circuit showed approximately 11.7 volts before I had previously replaced the 12-volt battery with an aftermarket Optima type. At this time, I do not believe the system start-up failure was due to a dead or dying battery.
Failure to start is a major problem for any car and, in the case of the Prius, which continually starts and stops its gasoline engine during normal use, the dependency on both software instructions and feedback signals from onboard hardware, adds a level of complication unrivalled by nearly anything else on the road today.
Responses to my inquiries about other Prius anomalies, (e.g., AM radio interference from the braking system), have been dismissed by the technicians who feign ignorance at my local Toyota store. In general, I am unimpressed by the lack of concern or sincere interest in response to questions about the experience of operating a Prius. Toyota needs to retrain its service advisors and technicians to stop being in denial about these driveability issues and, instead, show them how to properly troubleshoot the systems to diagnose and resolve reported problems.

2007 Prius 12v battery problem - same as those listed above - lights come on with red warning triangle but can't get in gear. After restarting several times, I was able to get a response. A month ago, I took it to dealer for the routine check-up and oil change and advised them about the starting problem. They told me everything checked out. This is winter, and eventually the car totally died and had to be jumped started every time, so I went back to the dealer. I have been advised that I need a new battery - the warranty is expired and the extended service plan (yeah now I know it was stupid!) does NOT cover batteries!
I was told by the service rep that I do not drive the car enough - I only have 15,000 miles after 3 years. I try to lower my carbon footprint and use alternate methods of transportation whenever possible. In addition he advised me that the car cannot sit idle for more that 3 days even if it is in a garage. I understand that I may have to jumpstart the battery, but after that it should start up again on the same day. If I drive and stop for lunch, my car should start up again after 1 hour. He also said it is normal to replace the battery after three years (regardless of the number of miles) and I will probably need to replace it again in a few years.

Bottom line - he said that the Prius is not the car to buy if you plan on low mileage. HUH?? Perhaps that statement should be included in the sales pitches!

I would be eager to join a class action suit - Toyota has had a lot of bad press and may respond favorably.

My 2004 Prius has locked up when I try to start it about 4-5 times a year for the past 6 1/2 years. An error message about a transmission problem and parking on level ground with parking brake is displayed. It doesn't show that it is in gear (no little box around P or any other gear) and can't be turned off or on with the power button. Usually when this happens I play with it for 15 or 20 minutes until it finally starts up normally. Two days ago I didn't have time and abandoned it, with the dash lights fully lit and the car unlocked since it wouldn't let me lock it. I returned to it later and had it towed (neither my husband nor the tow truck driver could start it). Of course by the time it got to the Toyota dealer, everything worked fine and there were no error codes generated. They said they have never heard of this problem and there are no software fixes related to this.

2010 Prius ... 742 miles. Our dealer has had the car three times since we bought it Jan 7, 2011.
Same starting problem ... same result ... battery OK ... nothing wrong. They did authorize a rental ... have had the car now for over a week ... it FINALLY misbehaved for them, and they contacted Toyota direct and were told to "check under the seat for the 3-wire USB interface. Replace it." They got the part today ... and we are picking up the car tomorrow. IF this happens again .. we are going right to the Ohio Lemon Law. They have tested the battery with a load test ... tested OK. Tried to find a "ghost draw" of power ... did not find any load loss. We have had the warning triangle, the flashing display panel, the P for parking warning on level ground ... etc. We have had 'em all .... and have had the same query from the service folks ... "Did you start it properly ?? Are you sure you didn't leave the light on ?? etc."
(We have a 97 VW Passat diesel with 253,000 miles on it, and have never had a starting problem. Too bad diesel in Ohio is right at $3.39 a gallon.)
Wish us luck tomorrow.

I have been having the same problems with my 2004 only today after having it jumped I drove around a while to let the battery re- charge pulled into the driveway, turned off the engine and tried to start it again, no juice at all.
very frustrating

2007 Prius, Owners Manual Pages 350 and 351...

"(If ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving conditions, it may take time until the "READY" light is on.)
The engine may not start even with the "READY" light is on.
You may hear a motor sound in the engine compartment when the brake pedal is depressed with the hybrid system off.
When the hybrid system is started or stopped, you may hear a sound coming from the hybrid battery in the luggage compartment. However, this does not indicate any trouble."

So, it appears there is a problematic temperature sensitivity in the Prius design that Toyota knows about as explicated in the Prius Owners Manual. What the design issue consists of in the design appears to be brought out by the battery capacity/age, battery charge level and lower ambient temperature, currently this defect is not published to the public nor diagnostically checked by the dealership. Toyota "covered" the issue with the notification in the Owner's Manual.

On Page 355:
"Check the condition of the 12 volt battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any 12 volt battery, so it must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter starting. ...Your Toyota dealer will be pleased to check the level of charge."

So it would appear that "by design" the Prius OEM lead acid battery is of an inferior capacity and capability for certain temperature conditions "off the shelf" in a new Prius.

I am going to order in the OPTIMA D51 with installation kit ($180.00) and get past the "design issue" with the low capacity 12V GS NIPPON DENCHI OEM Battery($250.00) used in the design by Toyota,, "engineers".

Chapter 3.

Charged the battery, drove the car, parked it out overnight. Temperature this morning was 18 degrees F.
Started up in the alternate diagnostic mode.
1. Battery charge at 12.2, computer in dash temp at 18 degrees F.
2. Started up normal ops by pressing the brake and then the Power/On switch, noted that the Volts dropped to 11.1 momentarily.(Indicates that I will be having to change the battery due to low capacity). Charge started up at 14.3 volts. Observed the temperature rise slowly in the computer console as the interior temperature rose to 33, the computer console rose to 35.

So based on the learning of the previous day of discharged battery and Hybrid battery discharged and low temperature, the computer appears to have an area of low voltage and low temperature sensitivity that "feeds on" the available battery capacity issues. When the computer is in this set of conditions and gets into this mode(ie low available voltage combined with low temperature) it still trys to do its designed function and with an external charger/booster applied as the power source (14 volts, 12 amp max), as a result draws a fair amount of power (probably through on board voltage regulators operating at low voltage and high currents) which will, because of very decreased efficiency generate a fair amount of heat. The sequencing of the voltage regulators on the computer board may also be confused due to the absence of normal bus voltages( low battery voltage, no Hybrid voltage) This power regulation heat probably accounts for the very high temperature differential seen in previous observations. (ie 77 degrees on the computer in dash versus ambient of 32 degrees) This condition did not repeat under just low temperature conditions (18 degrees ambient).

So bottom line...replace the wimpy Toyota 4 year old OEM battery with a robust deep discharge battery from Primea. In the mean time, putting a trickle charger on the beastie overnight or for long idle periods will ensure that the low voltage/ low temperature operating region is avoided.

Actually the replacement battery is from Optima D51.

Ok, my wife let her coworker's son use her prius to jump start their car. According to my wife, the car died right when they hooked up the cables. I'm assuming they mixed the cables around. She got it to work and drove it about 2 blocks and it died on her again. She said the main battery had no bars on the monitor. When I went to look at it, 2 fuses were blown and the 100A fusible link was blown. The 12V battery is 2 months old and still has power. Did she drain the main battery? Or will it recharge when I put the new fuses and fusible link in? I can't see the monitor because I can't get any power to it. And it's dead in a liquor store parking lot, so now I have to get it towed. Anyone with any answers please let me know. Will it work if the fuses are replaced?

Kirby: sounds like the 12v battery is dead. Did you try getting it jumped? Or tested?

It's very simple. I just got off the phone with a Toyota mechanic. If Prius is not used for a week, the battery is dead (the starter battery, that is). The car is junk unless you drive it every few days. That's the story. This man was nice, friendly, didn't hestitate, and was certain. He recommended a trickle charger I think (he called it a "tether"). Can't do that -- car is in a public garage. I'm stuck. Will probably trade in for another Toyota (not a prius obviously) at the dealership; maybe they'll feel sorry for me (ha!).

yep.... this is happening to me too. 2005 Prius 88k miles. I thought the reason was that I was forgetting to put the car in park before I turned it off. Nope that is not it. I now make sure that everything is turned off in the car (lights, radio, heat, air co) before I turn the car off. I can also tell when I am going to have a problem because when I open my door to get out of the care (after turning the car off) I hear a "beep, beep, beep" ... which doesn't normally happen. I might as well fight to start the car right then an there because when i get out of work... the car for sure will not start. My Toyota service department also says "they have never heard about this type of problem and they cannot make it happen". I wish I didn't love everything else about the car. I will try the brake pumping technique next time. I know this sounds wierd but ... I feel like if I try turning it off then on off then on and then opening the door and closing it... the car will start. makes no sense.

I have been fighting this issue as well. Aux battery drains down when car is off. Battery passes load testing. I'm going to check the brake switch and also door jam switches, fuses, etc for variance in continuity. I wonder if a blown diode is involved. I guess I'll have to buy the repair manual.
One thing with small parts... they get smaller when cold. Perhaps, shorting across contacts.

I tried adding a small solar panel and had some positive results initially but it seems that karma kicked in and we haven't really had enough sun since I installed it.

I find it irritating that the info display on these vehicles failed to include a built in voltmeter for the aux battery.

I have 2008 prius, does not star,battery seems to ok, a/c working, plenty of light, month ago mechanic said need to change transaxel(transmission). I am frustrated.

I forgot to mention mine is a 2005.

yeah. all other tricks have failed. Someone needs to figure this out!

Prius 2009: Same problem: triangle of death occur and the transmission P is abnormal and we have to park on level ground. The car is driven everyday and parked on flat surfaces.

A SOLUTION FOUND!!! I own a 2008 Prius and my ready light was refusing to come on intermittently over a period of about 9 months starting December 2010. It just kept getting worse but never acted up at the dealership so they saw no problem. I would have to keep trying over and over before the car would finally start. Sometimes 3 of 4 times and sometimes it would take 10 or 15 minutes of trying. Jump starting could get the car going but really solved nothing. I knew the batteries were both fine. They had both been checked and rechecked. Finally last Friday, September 2, it took me 2 solid hours to get that darned light to come on and I took the car straight to the dealership where it finally showed its true colors on their diagnostic equipment and they were able to solve my problem! It turns out that the BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH was going bad. $167 later and I was on my way in a perfectly running Prius again. Hopefully for a long. long time. They also replaced the water pump which had a hole in it and the drive belt which was worn while they were there and those were both still under warranty. Nice dealership to go that extra mile. I hope this helps someone else who is having the same problem.

My dealer fixed it! It was 3 relay switches that were bad. They had to remove the hybrid battery to see the problem. Damage $720. Lets hope it works!

thank you for infornation

Been having the same issue intermittently for the past year. I also noted the same behavior that Joanne did--occasionally, on opening the door after powering off the car, there is a bing-bing-bing alarm, and the key light on the dash flashes.

Normally that does not happen.

The beeping stops if door is closed, but resumes when opened. Only way to make this stop is to restart the car and then power it off again.

This leads me to believe that some subsytem is still powered on when it isn't supposed to be, and perhaps drains the battery to a lower level.

man, you shouldn't always believe what the dealerships/mechanics told you. they sometimes lie to the customer about the vehicle. you got lucky they just said it is everything checks out. mine was worst, they told me some problems that didn't actually occurred in my car, to get more money you know. it's a common thing i guess. I've read some 2012 Car Reviews Line and found out about the same case. be careful bro, you better learn more about your own car before decided to put it on the dealership or you can go there with your friend who know better about cars and stuff. wish you luck mate

I have a 2005 Prius That also has problem starting, About ever two wks. Dealer cks it out says its okay. I see a lot of answers , What I don't understand is I can jump it with no problem. They say the better test out good. So if I replace the battery well this fix the "PROBLEM".

I have a 2007 Prius with 65K miles and works great. I started to see the same exact problem. Triangle of death and it does not start and this happens to me very randomly with no specific pattern.

So I read the whole post:

1. Brake Pedal Switch
2. 3 Relay switch
3. 12v battery

Can someone please let us all know who got this fixed and have never seen the problem again. Please reply....

Mary: My 2008 Prius is doing the exact same thing and I showed the Toyota dealer your post. However, they told me there are two BRAKE PEDAL SWITCHES. Can you tell me from your invoice which one it was? Please and Thank you.

hey that's so true, i had just bought it but the battery i used and must be 5 years old. however, i couldn't start it so i jammed the power button and held it down to shut off the car. then the second time i tried to start it it started,