can a prius jump start another car

[AidenMarie]

Yes, a Toyota Prius can jump-start another car, but you must do it correctly to avoid damaging either vehicle's sensitive electrical systems. The key is connecting the jumper cables to the 12V battery in the Prius, not the large, high-voltage hybrid battery pack. This 12V battery is the one that powers the car's accessories and computer, making it the correct power source for a jump-start.

The procedure is slightly different from a conventional car. In most Prius models, the 12V battery is located in the trunk or under the rear seat, but Toyota provides dedicated jump-start terminals under the hood for convenience and safety. You should always use these designated terminals.

Here is the correct, step-by-step process:

1. Prepare the Prius: Ensure the Prius is in "Park" and completely turned off. The "Ready" light on the dashboard should not be illuminated.
2. Locate the Terminals: Open the hood of the Prius and identify the positive (+) jump-start terminal (usually under a red plastic cover) and the negative (-) terminal or grounding point, which is often a bare metal bolt or bracket labeled for this purpose.
3. Connect the Cables in Order:
   • Red Clamp (+) to the Prius's positive jump-start terminal.
   • Other Red Clamp (+) to the dead battery's positive terminal in the other car.
   • Black Clamp (-) to the dead battery's negative terminal or a clean, unpainted metal surface on the other car's engine block.
   • Final Black Clamp (-) to the negative grounding point in the Prius's engine bay.
4. Start the Cars: Start the engine of the other car. Once it's running, you can start the Prius by pressing the "Power" button while your foot is on the brake.
5. Disconnect in Reverse Order: Carefully remove the cables in the exact reverse order you connected them.

It's important to note that the Prius's 12V battery is relatively small. While it has enough power to start a typical gasoline engine, it's not designed for repeated jump-starts or for attempting to start a large truck or SUV. For frequent needs, carrying a compact portable jump starter is a more reliable and safer solution.

[OTucker]

Absolutely, but you gotta be careful. The big battery under the back seat is off-limits. You're only working with the small 12-volt battery. Pop the hood, and you'll find special posts for the cables. Hook the red clamp to the Prius's red terminal, the other red to the dead car's positive, then the black to the dead car's engine block, and finally the last black to a bare metal spot in the Prius's engine bay. Start the dead car first, then your Prius. Easy peasy, just follow the steps.

[VanChase]

As a Prius owner, I've done this successfully. The main thing is using the correct terminals under the hood, not the battery in the trunk. The Prius's 12V battery is smaller than a regular car's, so it works best for standard four-cylinder engines. Don't try to jump-start a large V8 truck; you might drain your own battery. It's a handy trick, but for peace of mind, I now keep a compact lithium jump pack in the trunk. It's foolproof and doesn't risk my car's electronics.

[DelCalvin]

Technically yes, but I'd recommend against it unless it's an emergency. Modern cars, especially hybrids, have complex electronics that can be fried by a voltage spike if the connection isn't perfect. The safer alternative is a portable jump starter. You can get a reliable one for under $60. You just clamp it directly to the dead car's battery—no risk to your Prius. It’s a one-time purchase that’s faster, safer, and you don’t need another vehicle present.

[Javier]

The short answer is yes, but the procedure is specific. You are not using the main hybrid battery. You are using the auxiliary 12-volt battery, accessed via dedicated terminals under the hood. Connect the cables in the correct sequence: positive to the Prius, positive to the dead car, negative to the dead car, and the final negative to a ground on the Prius. The Prius should remain off until the other car is started. This method is approved in the owner's manual and is safe when done precisely.