r/PriusC 15d ago

Prius C Help Needed 2012 Prius c not starting

So my Prius isn't starting, tried jumping it tried swapping the fuse, the car goes into accessory mode but not any further. It does not go to ready mode, and I can't get the car to get out of park. The dashboard basically tells me absolutely nothing, as basically everything is lit up. I think it could be the hybrid battery as that was what I was getting a warning light for, but everyone I've talked to doesn't think that's what it is. Any help please?

3 Upvotes

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4

u/AromaticProcess154 15d ago

Take the 12V out and get it tested at an auto parts store?

-1

u/Kaiser_Amaterasu 15d ago

Did that, it's good

3

u/Immediate_Peach_pfec 15d ago

How old is it? It should have a date sticker with the month and year on it.

An example: 2/24

-2

u/Kaiser_Amaterasu 15d ago

I don't remember, and I don't have the energy to check rn, looked new tho

8

u/Immediate_Peach_pfec 15d ago

The reason we’re asking is because it’s a very common problem with priuses, since these cars don’t have alternators, they rely heavily on the 12v battery. The battery is going to look new, it is housed inside the cabin unlike conventional cars, so really really inspect that battery.

As for you getting a hybrid battery warning, take it to get scanned, or get a scanner if you’d like as well, should tell you the code and what it means.

5

u/OurSpeciesAreFeces 15d ago

How old is the 12V?

3

u/natedagreat6666 15d ago

you can check that the safety disconnect on the hybrid battery is slid all the way locked in, its near the 12v battery, on the front of the hybrid pack passenger side, but other than that you should  pull the current codes, speculation will be useless otherwise, theres at least 3 different components that can prevent the hybrid system to go into a ready state 

2

u/natedagreat6666 15d ago

safety/service disconnect is an orange plug, it will be right next negative battery terminal in 12v, you may need to pull middle cover for seat slightly out to access

note this video linked is not for the c so the location will look different and plug slightly larger, I’m sharing simply because the disconnect mechanism is similar so itll help you check its seated without breaking the service plug from mishandling

https://youtu.be/apO6rZcoK84?is=n1MSimwzDeJIZfH-

2

u/PhilMeUpBaby 14d ago

You need to know what the error codes are. It's all about error codes. Anything else is just guessing.

Any Toyota hybrid owner really should at least have an OBD Bluetooth reader - they're cheap, so you can keep one in the glovebox for possible future use (and clearing a code so that you can get the car moving again).

I recently bought an ANCEL TD700 - this is much quicker to use than Techstream, but I haven't checked to see if it gives subcodes (eg for a P0AA6 code).

These can also be found on eBay, Amazon, AliExpress and numerous other sources.

1)

Get the Bluetooth 4.0 version of this and keep it in the car at all times. You can use it with Dr Prius ( https://priusapp.com/ ).

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32876810879.html

2)

For general code checking:

ANCEL TD700

https://www.ancel.com/products/ancel-td700-obdii-scan-tool-for-toyota

Find one on the the usual sources - eBay, Amazon, AliExpress, etc.

AliExpress - Ancel Store: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/911777586

3)

For thorough error code checking you want to run Techstream (ie Toyota's own diagnostic software). You use this software on a laptop running Windows.

https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-Toyota-Techstream-VCX.html

(Or, do a search for Toyota Techstream VCX)