Prepping Hybrid for period of disuse????

herbQ · #1 (**permalink**) 10-01-2006, 12:43 AM

Toyota dealer tells me that the car cannot be left for over a couple of weeks without starting it to maintain battery charge. Planning to be away for a month and was advised the car would need a batt charge before usage due to several electric draws that occur whilst the car is inert and the small size of the starting batt. The dealer reccomended disconnecting the batt entirely for the away period. Anyone have any input regarding this potential problem???
A friend knowlegeable of motorcycles said a small trickle charger would probably solve the problem. Wonder how Toyota would react to that solution?
Could this present a warantee problem in any way???

Eddie · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2006, 05:33 AM

A trickle charger like the Battery Tender shouldn't affect the warranty. We actually recommend that charger to customers with Lexus SC430s,those cars are usually their weekend vehicle so they're barely driven.
Talk to the dealer's diagnostic technician,not a salesperson or service writer.

currybob · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:13 PM

herbQ

This may help some of your questions. Sounds like if you trickle charge it will have to be to hybrid battery.

Toyota.com : Hybrid Synergy View : 2005 : Fall : Maximum mpgs

GS: Yes, they need to have enough of a charge to start the engine the first time. After that, the batteries are charged by the vehicle's systems. Every Toyota hybrid also has a battery similar to the one in a conventionally powered car, but it's used only for 12-volt accessories and to power the vehicle's computers.

Bob

Davwbs · #4 (**permalink**) 12-08-2006, 12:00 AM

I'm gone for a min of 28 days due to my job, & I didn't have any problems with leaving my car sitting for over 35 days. That was just last month.

RadioTek · #5 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008, 11:11 PM

Lead / acid batteries have a tendency to have problems with extreme cold. That may be the origin of the Dealers' warnings. You might want to try one of those solar battery chargers to keep things "topped off". Some will fit into the cigarette lighter port. I got one from Harbor Freight that cost $19.95 a couple of years ago to keep a camper battery alive.