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Freezes on start attempt with “false” warning lights. Sometime, when I push the Power button to start the car, the display shows all the yellow warning lights solid on: (Malfunction Indicator (little engine); and the Brake, ABS, VSC, Slip Indicator). They do not go out as in a normal start. I cannot shift into D or R. It will only shift between Park & Neutral. Red triangle does not light. You cannot shut it off by pushing the Power button. It is “frozen”.

It appears as if the starting process was interrupted & did not complete. I wait a few moments, then try the Power button again. It stays “frozen”. I try inserting the fob manually & restarting. No change. After about two or three times pushing the Power button (always my foot on the brake, as if starting), the warning lights finally clear, and the car is started normally. Once started normally, the car if fine. No other issues. All electronic, & mechanical functions are normal. Everything works. Performance, mileage, behavior, all excellent.

It has happened 4 times in the last 8,000 miles, over many, many starts, mostly short distance driving. I am keeping a log. After the first time, at about 68K miles, I reported it to my service adviser at Toyota Dealer at 70K service. He suggested a new battery in the fob. I had already tried that, but put in yet a new one to be sure (cheap potential cure). He gave it normal 70K service & found no problems. As I suspected, the new battery in the fob made no difference, as it happened 3 more times.

My Prius is 2004, ~76K miles, keyless start/stop. Been very reliable. Has been serviced at the same dealer since delivery. I have the 7 year/100K extended warranty.

Has anyone been having this problem ? Is it “normal”, as it does seem to clear fairly easily after several attempts, although I never had the problem prior to 68K. Any info/experience on this issue much appreciated. I will be covering it with the dealer again at 80K service. For reference, the manual says (mine on page 117) “If any warning light comes on, Hybrid System may not start by pushing Power. In that case push it once again.”

Thank you for your attention.

My guess is that the 12v battery needs to be replaced. Is it still the original one in the car?

Yes, it is the original 12v battery. Delivery was Nov 2003, so it is at least 5 1/2 years old. I assume that is a good life from my limited experience. Thank you for that lead. I will discuss with service adviser.

There is a simple procedure to test the health of your 12v battery. I have documented it in several of these discussions. You can see the procedure at:
http://www.myhybridcar.com/forums/toyot ... ealth.html
It is also documented at
http://www.elearnaid.com/12vo1topraub.html
which sells high quality replacement batteries and adapter kits for the Prius.

JeffD

Thank you so much !! You are SO helpful. I will try your recommended test. I followed the links you sent, and the info does seem to confirm my experience might be a weak battery.

I did the test twice. Test1 was after sitting idle in garage overnight, ~12 hours. Test2 was after returning from short hop shoppping. Results were virtually identical:
Test1 12v voltage=12.2-12.3
after load pressing power button= vary btwn 11.6-11.9
after ready mode = vary btwn 14.1-14.0

Test2 12v=12.3
after load= 11.6-11.9-12.0 vary btwn 11.9-12.0
after ready= 14.1-14.0-13.9 vary btwn 14.0-13.9

It looks like it is barely within the guidelines, borderline. What would be your conclusion ? What would you mean by "if drops significantly" when load applied. With 12v battery 5.5 years old, I must be very close to needing a new one. I will discuss with service adviser, and continue to observe. I plan to test again after a longer steady trip, to see if any variance with the battery getting a longer better charge.

Your info has been invaluable, especially for peace of mind, as this seems like a reasonable explanation of my experience. Thank you, again, jdenenberg, you have been most helpful.

Get a new 12v battery before you are left high and dry. You're operating on borrowed time with a 5.5 year old battery. Most of the Prius batteries start acting up around 4 years.

That sounds like good advice. I would much rather get a new battery while I can drive the car to the dealer, than have a failure on the road. Any info on what typical price is ? Are these Prius 12v available from battery places other than Toyota dealer ?, possibly at better prices ? I have AAA. I think I will call them to see if they have it.

I saw the Optima, I think it was, on-line but I am not disposed to install it myself.

Appreciate any comparative pricing experience out there.

Because it is a "wierdo" and there doesn't seem to be any other small size "VENTED" battery on the market, I'm afraid you are stuck with Toyota.

hyperion is correct. The only batteries available are from Toyota and the Optima with a vent kit. I suggest you call several Toyota dealers to get an installed price, as the price can vary between dealers. I also suggest that you replace it quickly. The battery has given you enough warning, so it could fail at any time and not allow you to get to the READY mode. You don't have to worry about it failing while driving as the inverter supplies the 12v bus.

If you do encounter a failure and have to jump start, make sure you connect the polarity correctly. Failure to do so, will damage components and cost $$$ to fix.

Thank you all so much for your thoughtful help. I will have it replaced this week.

I'd guess the 12V battery also, but if a dealer has not tried to diagnose the problem you may end up buying a new battery and not fixing the problem.

I agree ! Thank you all for your concern & advice. I have the car at the dealer as we speak. This it the dealer I purchased it at. They have done all the service on the car.

He has conducted a thorough diagnosis...just called to say they have concluded it is a weak battery causing the problem & recommended a replacement, which I authorized. (and I'll get my Senior Discount )...wow ! that's an expensive battery !

Cost: 12v Battery $165.
Installation 70.
Total 235.
Senior Disc (10%) 23.50 (ask for it if you are a senior)
out of pocket 211.50 + tax

Please let us know what happens.

I have been driving it regularly since 12v battery was replaced one week ago. No starting (or any other) problems. As I'm sure many of you know, when the 12v is replaced (or disconnected) you will lose some things like radio station presets, and any over-ride procedures you may have done to turn off beeps.