We all have to jump-start a vehicle occasionally. Whether you’re the one receiving the jump or if you’re helping out a fellow motorist, it’s important to know how to do this. However, it can get confusing when you’re working with a hybrid vehicle, whether you’re the owner or not. Interested in learning how to jump-start a hybrid like the Toyota Prius? Take a look below for our simple, step-by-step instructions!
How to Jump-Start the Toyota Prius
Even though the 2017 Toyota Prius comes with an impressive hybrid drive system, we think that you’ll find what is going on under the hood to be quite familiar, especially when it comes to its battery. The Prius, like any other vehicle, still uses a 12-volt battery for the same stuff it’s used for in a non-hybrid car. Below we’ve listed out some steps for jump-starting the Prius.
Step 1: Open the hood and remove the engine cover by pulling both ends vertically.
Step 2: Clamp the positive cable (red) to the positive battery terminal that is receiving the jump and then to the positive terminal on the other vehicle.
Step 3: Connect the negative clamp (black) to the negative terminal on the vehicle giving the jump
Step 4: Connect the second negative clamp to a solid, non-moving and unpainted metallic point that is kept away from the battery.
Step 5: Start the vehicle giving the jump and let it run for about five minutes.
Step 6: Try to start the hybrid or Prius that is getting the jump. If successful, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were attached in.
Step 7: If it starts, be sure to drive around for 10-15 minutes to recharge your battery. If it won’t start, it’s time to get your Prius looked at by a professional, like the service technicians at Handy Toyota.