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.
