Battery not holding a charge

KELZIMWA91

MEMBER
2008 TOYOTA PRIUS
AUTOMATIC
66,000 MILES

The car listed above that was running fine and then sat for a year and now isn't starting anymore without the battery being recharged. And it will only run for a little bit until it shuts off. Which battery would be the problem and is it possible to repair the battery or does it need to be replaced and how much about will it cost?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Hi,

The battery that starts the engine is a traditional 12v battery and is located in the rear of the vehicle on the passenger side.

Before replacing it, we need to check something. The idea that it needs to be charged each time and then once running, the engine stalls leads me to believe the battery may not be the issue. If you can charge it enough to start the engine, the alternator should continue charging it and the engine shouldn't shut off/stall.

I will need you to recharge the battery one more time so you can start the engine. Here is a link that explains how to test an alternator. You will need either a voltmeter or multimeter. Check the voltage before starting and then check it again when the engine starts and is running. Follow this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. Also, I attached a pic below showing where the battery is located. I don't want you to replace the battery until we can confirm that is the problem.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)