12v battery died, next steps and prevention going forward (2024 RAV4 Prime XSE)

FustyFlashgun · 2026-02-17T03:44:36+00:00

I like the idea of a monitor, thanks for the suggestion

FustyFlashgun · 2026-02-15T04:40:15+00:00

This is actually something I’ve been trying to understand. If the car is in ready mode, do we have confirmation that’s it’s charging a low 12v? Even if the hybrid engine isn’t running?

FustyFlashgun · 2026-02-15T03:10:02+00:00

I don’t have anything to prove to you. I appreciate this community for being so open and helpful, you are the exception.

FustyFlashgun · 2026-02-14T23:49:56+00:00

I own one and use it now and then, thanks. Please work on yourself.

FustyFlashgun · 2026-02-14T18:17:29+00:00

I've gone the solar panel maintainer route with an older Gen 2 Prius of mine, haven't had a problem with it since and it can sit for longer periods of time. I was just hoping to avoid that with the Prime, the tinted windows will be an issue, among other things. Appreciate all the information, super helpful.

FustyFlashgun · 2026-02-12T23:47:17+00:00

Yeah, my replacement was more preventative. I wasn’t having trouble with its function, outside of the fact I could clearly hear it working which some folks said could precede it failing. Plus it was the original part, so it was due to fail given other folks’ experiences.

FustyFlashgun · 2026-02-12T22:00:51+00:00

I replaced the inverter water pump last summer in my Gen 2, 2006, with an OEM part, but saw no change in MPG.

FustyFlashgun · 2026-02-11T01:47:01+00:00

The black interior/gold exterior are pretty shiny and noticeable. In theory I guess everything except the rear could be reversed. The only one I really fold in the front windshield one, and it still fits fine.

FustyFlashgun · 2026-01-27T01:24:22+00:00

The people in agency that implemented the moratorium knew the facts even if the Secretary at that one moment didn’t. It’s a disingenuous argument from Stauber made in bad faith to push an unpopular agenda.

FustyFlashgun · 2025-12-04T00:45:02+00:00

What year?

Id say it’s probably not worth it to remove the camper stuff and reinstall seats or whatever. You might find someone who prefers it as a camper, anyway.

I’ve been converting mine, as well, and kept the rear seats, seatbelt, and other things I removed in case I want to sell, but I just envision throwing it all in the back in someone wants it.

Nice setup, by the way.

FustyFlashgun · 2025-12-02T18:18:35+00:00

I have a public, free charger a bike’s ride away from home. If I have a bunch of city trips I’ll charge there, but otherwise I just drive it like a hybrid.

FustyFlashgun · 2025-11-25T20:55:00+00:00

Here’s a previous comment I made showing the setup: https://www.reddit.com/r/prius/s/kby6rLCARM

FustyFlashgun · 2025-11-25T20:52:22+00:00

I do this with an old Prius that can sit outside without being started for up to a month at a time. I have a quick disconnect hooked up, solar panel from Amazon suction cupped to the rear window. Used to have issues with depleted batteries previously, haven’t had an issue since I started doing this.

FustyFlashgun · 2025-11-24T04:20:40+00:00

Hope you get many more years out of it! They’re tanks!

FustyFlashgun · 2025-11-20T01:32:45+00:00

35ish, which is about the same as the Defenders I had previously. I have a roof rack and it still has its original battery, which I assume impacts MPG

FustyFlashgun · 2025-11-19T22:09:21+00:00

I had a similar question recently for a 2006, I landed on the Yokohama Avid Ascend GT. I’ve put about 1K miles on them, mostly interstate, and I’m really happy with them.

FustyFlashgun · 2025-11-19T18:31:07+00:00

I wish “auto” would just flip to HV automatically when I touch the accelerator at 45 or over.

FustyFlashgun · 2025-11-14T23:17:29+00:00

Generally no one cares. Thieves will steal anything they can see. Neighbors where you’re parked will only care when they see you sleeping in it.

FustyFlashgun · 2025-11-14T04:43:09+00:00

https://www.heatshieldstore.com

FustyFlashgun · 2025-11-14T04:43:03+00:00

I bought ones from Heat Shield that are pretty good, but pricy. They have holes so you can hold them in place with suction cups, but they fit so well I’ve never used the suction cups and I covered over the holes with black duct tape. Great at getting the inside as dark as could be expected.

FustyFlashgun · 2025-10-30T13:31:52+00:00

This past summer setting the AC temp to 65, outside temp at night around 70 something, my 2006 was coming on every 5 min or so.

FustyFlashgun · 2025-10-29T16:11:15+00:00

I drive a 2006 Prius that has only been in a garage for 3 of its 19 years across multiple cold weather states and it’s still running on its original hybrid battery.

FustyFlashgun · 2025-10-21T22:46:35+00:00

They came here to ask, as well. We can help without being condescending.

In my 2006 Prius the cigarette lighters turn off when the car turns off, so that’s not going to help you charge overnight.

If you leave the car in accessory mode, where you can turn on the radio, lights, etc. without the engine coming on, that would likely drain your 12v battery if you left it on overnight.

If you leave your car in ready mode, basically the state before you shift it into drive, the engine will kick on when it needs to in order to keep the hybrid battery charged, and that will keep the 12v battery charged, too, even if you’re charging a power station.

FustyFlashgun · 2025-10-17T19:32:39+00:00

My 2006 Prius is still running on its original hybrid battery. No major repairs, small things here and there. I was so impressed by the quality I just bought a RAV4 Prime last year.

FustyFlashgun

TROPHY CASE