If you can’t figure out how to open the trunk without the electric button on the outside, there’s a lever on the interior of your vehicle near the base of the trunk’s latch. If you’re in a tight spot, you can jumpstart the Prius’ main battery like you’d jumpstart any car. However, the auxiliary battery is designed to start your vehicle, so it’s generally considered ideal to charge the 12-volt if your Prius won’t start.
To jump the auxiliary battery, you will need another vehicle or a remote battery charger. You can use traditional jumper cables for this. There is nothing unique about the auxiliary battery that requires special equipment.
If you don’t already have a battery charger, you can pick one up online or at any automotive store for around $50-100. [5] X Research source
This will prevent an open circuit, which may spark when you begin charging and potentially damage your vehicle.
If your remote charger has customizable amperage settings, select 12 volts and 2 amps. Charging more than 2. 5-3 amps may damage the circuit. [9] X Research source
If your vehicle isn’t starting after 2-3 attempts, check your cable leads. You may have accidentally connected one of the leads to an incorrect terminal. If your connections are solid and the vehicle still isn’t starting, you may have a faulty battery. Contact a dealership or mechanic near you to get a replacement.
Try to make it a point to drive your vehicle for at least 20-30 minutes at a time once or twice per week.
Many Priuses do not have charging ports. Those vehicles can only be charged using the kinetic energy from your brakes. [14] X Research source If you don’t still have the original charging cable that came with your Prius, you can purchase a replacement from a dealership or online. [15] X Research source
The charging port itself will almost always be on the left side of the panel, with the cap holder on the right side.
The charging head is the larger handle-like end of the charging cable, opposite the plug end. You should feel a click once the cable is in all the way.
On newer Prius models, such as the Prius Prime, you can check your charging progress by looking at the 3 blinking blue lights on the passenger side of the dashboard. When all 3 lights are steadily illuminated, your vehicle is done charging. [20] X Research source The Multi-Information Display (MID) on the inside of the car also shows your current charging status, including an estimate of how much time is left until your battery is fully charged. To reduce the amount of time you spend charging your Prius, consider upgrading to a 9 level 2 charger setup at home. [21] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
It’s a good idea to keep your Prius Plug-In charged whenever you’re not driving it to ensure you’re always driving with as much hybrid power as possible. This will cut fuel costs and harmful emissions.
