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2013 Toyota Prius — no crank with full dash power, then it starts later

CanyonMiles650Community StarterApr 6, 20262013 Toyota Prius ThreeNationwide
2013 Toyota Prius Three, about 183,000 miles. Twice I have had full lights and accessories but no crank. After waiting a few minutes it starts normally. Battery terminals look clean. What would you want to measure during the actual failure? I would rather test this logically than replace parts.
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10 replies

WeekendOwner738Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 6, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, get a real battery/charging test on the 2013 Toyota Prius, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. Take it or leave it — that's what I'd do. I keep a notes app thread for this now.
PistonScout650Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 6, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. Get a real battery/charging test on the 2013 Toyota Prius, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' Not interested in a five-hour wait for a shrug.
TorqueFan150Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 8, 2026permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. Capture voltage while the 2013 Toyota Prius is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
BatteryDIYerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 6, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2013 Toyota Prius catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
NoMarkupHunter219Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 7, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2013 Toyota Prius does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. On “no crank with full dash power, then,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Stop there until you know. Heat soak after errands is the other window.
TorqueWeekend186Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 7, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Two 2013 Toyota Priuss can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. Save the big job until that test fails. Do that first. Heat soak after errands is the other window.
RotorWrench276Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 7, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, if a shop can't duplicate it on the 2013 Toyota Prius, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. Save the big job until that test fails. Did the worksheet show tax yet? If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
TorqueWeekend186Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 7, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2013 Toyota Prius, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. That's the branch I'd chase this week. On “no crank with full dash power, then,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Stop there until you know. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
RoadGarage177Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 7, 2026permalink
Quick add on that: Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2013 Toyota Prius does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
TorqueWeekend186Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 8, 2026permalink
Fair point. Counterpoint: Loaded-suspension checks on the 2013 Toyota Prius catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Do that first. Trying not to diagnose from the couch.
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