How to Jump a Toyota Prius

If the battery in your Toyota Prius dies, a jumpstart will get you to the nearest service center or auto parts store. Fortunately, jumping a Prius is similar to jumpstarting a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle, which means you don’t need any special equipment or expertise. In this guide, our service team at Hanlees Davis Toyota tells you how to jump a Toyota Prius so you can get on Sacramento and Woodland roads with minimum stress and downtime.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Jumping a Prius

Start jumping a Prius by first parking both vehicles and switching their engines completely off. Now you’re ready to hook up the cables and get your Prius started:

1. Raise the hood of your Prius and locate the fuse box cover. Under it is the jumpstart terminal.
2. Connect a red positive jumper cable to the positive terminal. 
3. Connect the second red positive cable to the positive battery terminal on the vehicle you’re using to jump your Prius.
4. Now, connect the black negative cable to the negative battery terminal on the other vehicle. 
5. Secure the second negative clamp to an unpainted and unmoving metallic point located a safe distance away.
6. Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and let it run for about five minutes or so.
7. Start your Prius and wait for a Ready notification. 
8. Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order of how you connected them. Your Prius should be started and ready to take to the streets of Dixon and beyond!

How to Tell if You Need a New Prius Battery

Minimize the chances you’ll need to jump a Prius by being aware of the signs of a dying battery. This way, you can have this crucial component replaced as soon as possible. Here are some common indicators that your hybrid battery is failing and may require a replacement:

• A decrease in fuel economy
• Drops in the battery bar
• Fluctuations in the state of your battery charge
• A gas-powered engine that seems to be working harder than usual

Schedule Battery Service at Hanlees Davis Toyota

Whether you have questions about jumping a Prius or need your battery serviced or replaced, Hanlees Davis Toyota is here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information, and you can always schedule your next service appointment online. Be sure to browse our service specials to save on your visit!