How to Jump Start a Toyota Prius

by xstretchx

533K1530

Intro: How to Jump Start a Toyota Prius

This instructable will be a guide on how to jump start a Toyota Prius. Hybrid vehicles are quite a bit different when it comes to jump starting them. I will take you through step by step on how to find the proper ports and some extra steps in case you are not able to jump start the Prius the first time.

STEP 1: Warning!

Warning!
Do not allow clamps to come into contact with any other pieces of metal except the actual specified areas.

Danger!
There is a chance for electric shock if done incorrectly. Be sure to follow every step properly.

STEP 2: Gather Materials

You will need these materials in order to properly jump start the Prius:

Jumper cables
Another car (preferably with a battery that isn't dead)
Jump box (alternative)

STEP 3: Release Hood

Release the hood of the car by pulling the hood release.

STEP 4: Lift Hood

Open the hood by pulling the lever to release the hook under the hood.

STEP 5: Prop Hood

Place the rod to keep the hood propped open.

STEP 6: Find Fusebox

Find the fuse box.

STEP 7: Remove Fusebox Lid

Remove the fuse box lid.

STEP 8: Find Positive Battery Tab

Find the red positive battery tab with the + on it.

STEP 9: Lift Positive Battery Tab

Lift the red + tab protecting the positive battery terminal.

STEP 10: Positive Cable Clamp Placement

Place the positive cable clamp on the positive battery tab.

STEP 11: Negative Cable Clamp Placement

Place the negative cable clamp on an unpainted, metal surface. (A really great place is the hood release hook, as pictured)

NOTE
Typically there will be a whirring sound once power has been restored.

STEP 12: Press and Hold Brake Pedal

Press and hold the brake pedal in.

STEP 13: Press Power Button

Press the power button.

STEP 14: Dash Should Display Ready, Follow Next Steps If Not.

The dash should display lights and say "ready."

NOTE
If you have power you are done. If not, follow the next steps.

STEP 15: Open Rear Hatch to Access Actual Battery

NOTE
Sometimes the power isn't adequate and you have to jump it on the actual battery, which is in the rear.

Open the rear hatch by pulling on the lever in the middle right above the license plate.

STEP 16: Find Battery Panel

Remove the back floor mat.

NOTE
The red arrow designates where the battery panel is.

STEP 17: Remove Battery Panel

Remove the battery cover panel on the rear passenger side.

STEP 18: Find Positive Battery Terminal

Lift the red lid for the positive battery terminal.

STEP 19: Positive Clamp Placement

Place the positive cable clamp on the positive battery terminal.

STEP 20: Negative Clamp Placement

Place the negative cable clamp on the negative battery terminal.

STEP 21: Press and Hold Brake Pedal

Press and hold the brake pedal in.

STEP 22: Press Power Button

Press the power button.

STEP 23: Dash Should Display Ready!

The dash should display lights and say "ready."

NOTE
If you still don't have power, I would recommend somehow getting your vehicle to your repair shop or local Toyota dealer.

21 Comments

AlanS8 8 years ago

A good clear explanation although it's all in the handbook. A few points:

Start the other car first or you might end up with two dead cars.

The negative clamp should go on metal that is rigidly connected to chassis. The bonnet release is moveable so is not a rigid connection nor a continuous current path. It's also painted. Better to use the threaded stud next to the dipstick as shown in the book.

Do this last after connecting leads to the other car or battery.

Connecting directly to the battery in the rear should not be necessary unless the 'good' car is behind and it's more convenient. You're better to connect up and wait a minute or two with the 'good' car engine running to give your battery time to charge.

There's really no chance of electric shock as there should be no risk of touching live conductors of the traction battery. Giving a warning without describing the nature and location of the hazard is pointless.

ThomasT97 2 years ago

Note: "bonnet" is "hood" to Americans

BillyRayV 3 years ago

Wow the pictures are perfect now I don't have to climb in the back to jump the battery because the hatch won't open with a dead battery. But the best part of the whole lesson... The dope ass DC skater shoes!

leftiebiker 3 years ago

The hardest part when using the front positive terminal in the fusebox can be *releasing the fusebox lid*. Add instructions to do that.

Sameer697806 4 years ago

Problem is that some time my car start some time no because it’s stay in house long time now it’s having starting problem if I press break 10 20 time and press start button with this it will be start but one sigh is coming on screen left side redcar with sign of explanation

astral_mage 10 years ago

um where do i connect the negitive clamp too?

CitOnit 5 years ago

I used the strut mount nut just aft of the fuse box with the positive terminal

xstretchx 10 years ago

Onto any unpainted, metal surface. Check out step 11. The hood release hook works great also!

SweKiwi 7 years ago

Some sites and people suggest revving the assisting vehicle for 5 minutes. This is not mentioned here. What should I do? Have a Toyota Prius 2008.

CitOnit 5 years ago

You only need enough power from the 12v system to flip a relay. After that the larger traction battery takes over and starts charging the 12v.

studentsa 5 years ago

the instructions for jumping the back battery say attach the negative to the negative terminal on the battery. I thought you wre never supposed to do that or you could create an explosion?

DarrenR56 5 years ago

If your battery is dead, the trunk/boot won't open. Instead, pull down the rear seats, lift up the toolbox carpet, remove the plastic hatch rear center of the toolbox, and feel deep inside for a lever. Pull that lever towards you and push up on the door to open it.

MasterSteve137 7 years ago

These Instructional Steps and Pictures were extremely helpful and easy to follow. As soon as my son gets here with his car WE are going to try to "jump" the Prius. Wish us luck!
Thanks again for what I hope to be VERY USEFUL INFORMATION.

CarlaTGilman 7 years ago

How do I jump start my 2007 Prius from the battery in the trunk? My jumper cables army long enough and the good car is behind me. Please help!!

brandoncordon 9 years ago

Thank you, and anyone who wants to know where to ground for the back of the car terminal, you can use the mounting bracket which holds the battery in place but connects to he body of the car where the wheel well is.

jsaxton86 8 years ago

Are you sure that's a good idea? The bracket in my car appears to be painted.

mirzaz 9 years ago

tell me when i start vehical used battery front / rear and what more safity to start it/

randallto 9 years ago

The rear is usually locked by default. When the power is out then you can't unlock that door. In fact you can't even lift the back floor to get the battery because the back door locks down down these compartments. Do you know of a work around for what that happens?

xstretchx 9 years ago

Sorry for the late response. There is a tiny panel at the bottom middle of the back hatch. You can pop it open with a flat head screwdriver or a pen. There is a latch in there that you can lift pop up that will open the door. Hope that helps.