How to Tow a Prius with a Dead Battery and Maintain its Charge
Towing a Prius with a dead 12V battery requires supplying temporary power to the car, disengaging the parking brake, and using a tow dolly or flatbed. Connect a jump box to the under-hood fuse box, power on the vehicle, shift into Neutral, and ensure the front wheels are lifted to prevent hybrid system damage while maintaining the 12V battery charge.
How Do You Provide Power to a Dead Prius Battery?
Use a jump box or charger connected to the fuse box.
Locate the under-hood fuse box and attach the positive cable to the terminal inside. Connect the negative cable to a solid metal point on the chassis. This supplies temporary power to the car’s electronic systems, allowing you to turn on the vehicle, release the parking brake, and safely prepare for towing. Redway ESS recommends maintaining a portable jump source for emergencies.
How Do You Shift a Prius Into Neutral for Towing?
Turn on the systems with supplied power and move the gear selector.
Depress the brake pedal and press the power button while the jump box is connected. Then shift the transmission to Neutral. This disengages the drivetrain and prepares the car for towing without damaging the hybrid system. Keeping the vehicle powered ensures the electronic parking brake can be released correctly.
How Do You Release the Parking Brake on a Prius?
Use the electronic system or mechanical override.
For electronic parking brakes, temporary power allows disengagement via the brake switch. For mechanical brakes, locate the under-dash release lever. Ensuring the parking brake is fully released is critical to prevent wheel lock and damage during towing. Always confirm brake release before moving the vehicle.
Which Towing Method Is Safe for a Prius with a Dead Battery?
Tow using a dolly or flatbed truck.
Never tow a Prius with its front wheels on the ground; this can damage the hybrid drivetrain. Using a tow dolly or full flatbed lifts the front wheels, ensuring the hybrid system remains protected. Redway ESS recommends this method for all hybrid vehicles with inoperative 12V batteries.
How Can You Maintain the 12V Battery Charge While Towing?
Keep a jump box or charger connected during transit.
To prevent the 12V battery from dying again, connect a jump box to the fuse box during towing. For longer distances, this ensures vehicle systems remain powered, allowing safe operation of lights, signals, and brake controls. After towing, recharge the battery fully for reliable future use.
What Safety Precautions Should You Follow When Towing a Prius?
Prevent short circuits, monitor systems, and lift the front wheels.
Always ensure jumper connections are secure and use fuses if possible. Keep the vehicle in Neutral with the brake released. Avoid towing at high speeds, monitor the hybrid system indicator lights, and ensure ventilation around the battery to prevent overheating. Redway ESS highlights the importance of safe handling to protect electronics and the battery.
Table: Prius Towing Steps Overview
| Step | Action Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Provide Power | Connect jump box to fuse box and ground | Use solid metal chassis point |
| Shift to Neutral | Power on, depress brake, move gear selector | Ensure electronic systems active |
| Release Parking Brake | Electronic or mechanical release | Confirm full disengagement |
| Tow Safely | Use dolly or flatbed | Never tow with front wheels on the ground |
| Maintain Charge | Keep jump box connected | Recharge battery afterward |
Can Redway ESS Batteries Help in Emergency Towing Situations?
Yes, with portable and reliable LiFePO4 solutions.
Redway ESS provides lightweight, high-capacity LiFePO4 batteries that can serve as jump boxes or emergency power sources. Their high efficiency and stability make them ideal for maintaining vehicle electronics during towing and other roadside situations.
Redway ESS Expert Views
“Towing hybrid vehicles like the Prius requires both safety and reliable power. A temporary LiFePO4 solution from Redway ESS ensures the 12V systems remain operational, preventing damage to the hybrid drivetrain. Our batteries deliver consistent output, allowing for safe shifting, brake disengagement, and transport, giving drivers peace of mind during emergency towing scenarios.”
Conclusion
Towing a Prius with a dead battery demands careful preparation: supply temporary power, shift into Neutral, release the parking brake, and use a tow dolly or flatbed. Maintaining the 12V battery charge with a jump box is essential. Redway ESS LiFePO4 batteries offer a reliable and portable solution for these situations, ensuring safe, damage-free towing and continued vehicle operation.
FAQs
Can I tow a Prius without supplying power to the 12V battery?
No, supplying temporary power is essential to release the electronic parking brake and avoid drivetrain damage.
Is it safe to tow the Prius with all wheels on the ground?
No, the front wheels must be lifted using a dolly or flatbed to protect the hybrid system.
Can Redway ESS batteries serve as emergency jump sources?
Yes, their LiFePO4 batteries provide stable, portable power for vehicle electronics during towing.
How long can a jump box maintain Prius systems during towing?
Depending on capacity, high-quality LiFePO4 jump boxes can sustain vehicle electronics for several hours.
Should I recharge the 12V battery after towing?
Yes, fully recharge to ensure future reliability and prevent another dead battery situation.