How do you jump start a Prius?

One of the most popular vehicles in the Toyota fleet is the Toyota Prius. Not only is it one of the most uniquely styled cars in the inventory, but it is also the vehicle that proved hybrid technology could be successful. Except for the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system, the four-cylinder engine on the Prius uses a standard 12-volt battery. This battery can fall victim to human errors like leaving the lights on and become fully discharged. However, jump starting a Toyota Prius requires a few extra steps than would be necessary in a traditional vehicle. For customers who feel like they lack a certain mechanical aptitude, you may also have the option of calling for Toyota Roadside Assistance. If you feel capable, roll up up your sleeves. Here is, step-by-step, the way to jump-start a Prius.

1. Open the hood and locate the fuse block cover. It is a vaguely rectangular piece of plastic with a flat surface. Next, open up the lid covering the exclusively-used terminals used for jump-starting a dead battery
2. (a) Clip the positive lead of the jumper cables to the jump starting terminal on your Toyota Prius.
   (b) Connect the other positive lead to the positive battery terminal of the assisting vehicle or to the positive terminal of the Quick-kick unit that will be providing auxiliary power.
   (c) Attach the negative lead to the negative terminal of the assisting vehicle’s battery or Quick-kick unit.
   (d) Affix the remaining negative lead to a solid, unpainted piece of metal away from any moving parts and the exclusive jump starting terminal. Please use the below center photo as reference.
3. (a) Start the engine of the assisting vehicle or turn on the Quick-kick unit. If you are using a second vehicle, gently start to rev the engine slightly and maintain that level for about five minutes to give the dead battery enough electricity to restart the Toyota Prius.
   (b) While the assisting vehicle is maintaining engine speed, start to spool up the hybrid system of the Prius by turning the power switch to the “ON” position. (Someone should be watching the indicator panel of the Toyota Prius for the “Ready” light to come on.)
4. (a) When the hybrid system has started, remove the cables in the opposite order you attached them. Follow this: 1. Negative lead attached to a metal piece. 2. Negative lead on the assisting vehicle or Quick-kick device. 3. Positive lead on the assisting vehicle or Quick-kick. 4. Positive lead on the jump starting terminal of the Prius.
   (b) Close the cover exclusive jump starting terminal.
   (c) Reinstall the fusebox cover by first hooking the cover onto the two rear tabs.

The owner’s manual of the Toyota Prius recommends that after a jump start procedure is finished, you should have the vehicle inspected by a professional. You can schedule that appointment by calling Miller Toyota today!