Charging problems, extreme temperatures, and additional factors could cause the car battery to die while you’re driving. Getting a jump-start will make it possible to drive to a mechanic for additional help. Because powertrains aren’t standardized across model years and there’s often more than one battery, jump-starting a hybrid such as a Toyota® Prius could be more difficult than charging the battery in a gasoline-powered vehicle. To ensure the job is done correctly, here is a guide to the process.

3 Steps to Recharge a Dead Toyota Prius Battery

1. Locate the Jump-Start Terminal

The Toyota Prius has two batteries. The larger of the two operates the electric drive components of the power system, while the smaller, 12-volt battery starts the engine. There is a dedicated terminal to jump-start the dead 12-volt battery. It is located under the fuse block cover. Remove the cover’s plastic lid to access the terminal.

2. Attach Jumper Cables to Terminals

The car providing the jump should be close to your car so the jumper cables don’t pull. Once you find the terminal, attach the positive lead of the jumper cable to its corresponding charge. The other positive lead should connect to the positive terminal of the second vehicle. The negative terminal of the car should also connect to the negative lead of a jumper cable. The other negative lead should attach to a stable, unpainted piece of metal a safe distance from the jumpstart terminal. 

3. Turn on the Car Providing the Jump

To charge the dead battery, have the owner of the second vehicle turn on their engine and press on the accelerator while you turn on the power switch in the Prius. After five minutes, a “Ready” light should appear on your car’s indicator panel. Once the battery is working again, detach the cables in reverse order from how they were connected to the metal and battery terminals. Next, close the terminal lid and reconnect the fuse block cover. Take the car to a mechanic to diagnose why the battery died and determine how to address the issue. 

If you need a battery replacement or additional auto repairs or maintenance for a Prius hybrid car, the mechanics at Cabarrus Import Service are available to help. Based in Concord, NC, the technicians specialize in Honda® and Toyota repairs to make sure customers’ cars are safe to drive and pass the North Carolina state inspections they provide. To better care for your battery, they’ll also let you know common reasons for equipment failure. To schedule auto work in Cabarrus County, call (704) 793-4122. Visit the mechanics online for a comprehensive list of the services they provide and become a Facebook follower for customer feedback.