What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
Toyoya Prius - Making a car useable again - TonyLeinster

Hi guys I have a 2008 Prius that has been unused for 3 years where do I start again to get her road worthy again. Only 80 k miles on it and was driving really well prior to be laid up. Any help or advice much appreciated. Tony

Toyoya Prius - Making a car useable again - edlithgow

Hi guys I have a 2008 Prius that has been unused for 3 years where do I start again to get her road worthy again. Only 80 k miles on it and was driving really well prior to be laid up. Any help or advice much appreciated. Tony

Generalities: Change the fluids (especially the brake fluid) MAYBE take the plugs out and turn the engine over a bit to get it pre-oiled, Probably service the brakes (which might have corroded a bit, depending on layup conditions) then drive it.

I dunno if there are any specific hybrid (battery, regenerative braking) considerations. Seems like it might be a good idea to charge the battery pack offline, but I imagine special equipment would be required for that.

Toyoya Prius - Making a car useable again - elekie&a/c doctor

You are going to need to replace the aux circuits battery. This is a regular battery that sits in the boot. Don't be tempted to interfere with the hybrid system ,unless you have had previous training/experience. If you can't open the boot because the battery is flat, open the bonnet to access the fusebox. There is a power jump point tag to attach jump leads/power pack to energize the aux systems.

Toyoya Prius - Making a car useable again - Andrew-T

Ed, you didn't mention the tyres, which may well have flattened, especiallyif the car has not moved. They will certainly need pumping.

Toyoya Prius - Making a car useable again - bathtub tom

Why was it laid up? The reason may be helpful.

Toyoya Prius - Making a car useable again - madf

In addition to the above

test coolant for antifreeze strength

Grease all hinges

Toyoya Prius - Making a car useable again - gordonbennet

I'd be inclined to pull the air filter out and check the intake system outwards from that point, in case mice have made a comfy home there.

take the pads out and make sure the brake pistons move freely in the bores, parking brake is likely to be of the quality drum inside disc design, a good chance the shoes have rusted on to the drums and might need some wellying of the drums to get them off.

If the hybrid batteries have gone flat for an extended period isn't there a danger they could all be furred up and US like a normal car battery would most likely be?

Toyoya Prius - Making a car useable again - edlithgow

If the hybrid batteries have gone flat for an extended period isn't there a danger they could all be furred up and US like a normal car battery would most likely be?

I thought this wasn't the case, but I was thinking of laptop stylee lithium ion batteries.

Prii apparently use Ni metal hydride, which can be damaged by long discharge.