Camry HybridDiscussion area for the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving Americas favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I have a 2009 camry hybrid. I am going overseas for three weeks and leaving my vehicle behind. The last time I have done this, I had to jump-start the car. I called a Toyota service department and the guy told me to plug off the auxiliary battery. Now, I am in no way a car expert. Actually, I don't know much about cars period. How do you go about doing this? Or is there anything else to make sure that my car starts when I get back?
Go into the trunk, open the battery compartment (located on the right side) and disconnect the negative terminal on the 12 volt battery. When you get back, open the trunk with your key, reconnect the battery and drive home.
In this hi tech world of today why would we have to do that. We shouldn't have to. You do not have to do that with a normal Car, so why with the Hybrids????
__________________ Mspeasl 'Growing old may be mandatory, but growing up is optional' 2009 Barcelona Red Toyota 'Hybrid' - Delivered 19 August 2008 2008 Radiant Red Toyota 'X-Runner' - Delivered 15 November 2007 2003 Redline Touring 6sp '350Z' - Delivered 29 August 02
Toyota recommends that you do this if the car is to be parked for two months or more. Mine has been parked for 2 to 3 weeks at a time without any problems. As to why, the "smart key" system is still active and hunting for a key. Over time it will drain the small 12 volt auxiliary battery in the trunk.
Remember that the hybrid only uses the 12 volt to boot the computers and the traction battery along with MG1 starts the car. A lot of the Prius guys carry a "booster" type battery in their cars not only to help others but also themselves. The Prius battery is not much larger than a motorcycle battery.
I know of one guy whose "emergency boot" battery consists of (4) 3v SF123A Lithium flashlight batteries from our tactical Surefire lights. It's smaller than a small cell phone and if everything is turned off in the car, he claims it will boot the computer and let you start the Prius.
This is my first entry into the Hybrid world. Thanks for the info.
__________________ Mspeasl 'Growing old may be mandatory, but growing up is optional' 2009 Barcelona Red Toyota 'Hybrid' - Delivered 19 August 2008 2008 Radiant Red Toyota 'X-Runner' - Delivered 15 November 2007 2003 Redline Touring 6sp '350Z' - Delivered 29 August 02
We just returned from a trip -- the TCH sat for 4 1/2 weeks. It was fine; it started immediately, everything worked. Methinks it would take a couple of months (at least) to drain the 12V battery.
By the way, I believe that if you leave the key fob in a location where it can "talk to" the remote locking system in the car, that would drain the battery a lot faster. If the fob isn't in range, the car just occasionally looks for it. But if the fob is in range, the car and the fob communicate more or less continually, which takes more power. (Could be wrong about this, but seem to recall reading it, perhaps even in the manual.)
I dropped off my car for maintenance and the guy there told me NOT to mess with the batteries as it can potentially damage or spoil the car's electrics. He says I am better off just jump starting the car. Also, he taught me to plug off the negative of the 15v and not the 12v. What is the difference?
I am actually leaving my car outside since I don't really have a garage. It can get pretty cold here. Is my car doomed not to start anyways? hehe.
Don't know what the 15V thing is all about...sounds like smoke to me.
Keep in mind that the 12V battery only powers the electronics. The ICE is started by the traction motor, which is way more powerful than any conventional starter. (What is it, around 40 hp or something like that?) If *that* won't start your engine, regardless of how cold it is, nothing will!
Of course, the other issue is whether your traction battery will stay charged for a few weeks. Ours certainly did. A few months might be an issue, but a few weeks should not be a problem at all.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
