I filled up the gas tank yesterday. Today is -4 in Colorado Springs. I turned on the car and it turned on halfway. You know, when the car turns on but the engine doesn't start. I cannot turn off the car.

All lights are on and the gas tank has just 1 bar. the P for the gear doesnt have that square. The mileage display is not on and the interior light is dim. When I started the car, all 4 squares started blinking then all disappeared. 30 minutes later, the car is still the same.

I paid off the car last month. Maybe that's why it's not working -- the warranty is expired. :p

 

My wife pushed the fob in and now it will not come out. I don't know if I should force it out or not.

 

It sounds like your 12 V. auxillary battery is failing. This battery is needed to bring up the control computers. If you are very, very careful about the polarity, you can probably jump it or put a charge on it and then get the car running. But 12 VDC batteries tend to fail in the cold. These batteries are generally only good for about 5 years so it sounds like your time has arrived.

I started to see some weakness in my 12 VDC battery two weeks ago, my 2003 Prius, and ordered a replacement, 3-d party battery. In my case, I'm going with an 'off road', high performance battery that should be good for up to 10 years.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson

 

I jumped the car and it works fine now. How much is the battery? Last I heard, it was 3k, which I cant afford for a while...

 

The Prius has two batteries:

1. 12 VDC - used for lights and control computers. Typical cost ~$150 if you use the Toyota branded part. It is possible to use anything from a lawn tractor, $25-35, up to some really super, long-lived, Odyssey batteries but you'll have to do your own engineering on the terminals. If you're uncomfortable with 'do it yourself,' the Toyota battery is a good option.
2. 208 VDC - traction battery is the expensive one, now available for less than $3k. You don't need to replace this one until something 'bad' happens and your symptoms suggest it is the cheaper, 12 VDC battery that is failing.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson

 

Many many thanks!! Your post helped a lot!

Mike