How to Jump a Toyota Prius | Hybrid Battery

What do you do when the battery dies inside your Toyota Prius? Jumping a Prius or another Toyota Hybrid isn't much different than having to jump-start a gas-powered vehicle. To jump a Prius, you will need jumper cables, an assisting vehicle, and a solid metallic point. Once you have these items, check out Chicago Northside Toyota's guide on how to jump a Toyota Prius.

Jumping a Prius: The Steps

Before jumping a Prius, make sure both vehicles are parked with the engines off. When you're ready, simply follow these steps below:

Step 1: Open your car's hood and look under the fuse box cover to find the jump start terminal.
Step 2: Connect the red positive jumper cable to the positive terminal in your car.
Step 3: Connect the second red positive cable to the positive battery terminal on the assisting vehicle.
Step 4: Connect the black negative cable to the negative battery terminal on the other car.
Step 5: Secure the second negative clamp to a metallic point that's a safe distance away. The metallic point should be unpainted and unmoving.
Step 6: Start the engine on the other vehicle and let it run for five minutes.
Step 7: Start your hybrid car and wait for a "Ready" notification.
Step 8: Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order of how they were connected.

Signs You Need a New Hybrid Battery

No matter the drive system, the signs of a dying battery are similar, but there are a few red flags that are exclusive to hybrid vehicles. If you notice any of the following signs, schedule a battery inspection with the service department at Chicago Northside Toyota:

Lowered MPG
The gas-powered engine is working harder than normal
State of charge fluctuations
Battery bar drops

Learn More About Toyota Service from Chicago Northside Toyota

If you have any questions about how to jump a Toyota Prius or you need to replace a dead battery, contact the service department today! Don't forget to check out our current parts specials and service coupons for great saving opportunities.