I have a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid that has no battery for not using for a while, what should I do?

I parked it in my garage for couple of months. When I trie to unlock it using the remote control, there was not reaction. When I opened the door with the key, and try to turn on the engine, there is not reaction. I believe that there is no battery. Can I charge the car as a regular car or not, what can I do?I have a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid that has no battery for not using for a while, what should I do?Hi,



short answer:



actually all that happened is the standard 12 volt lead acid battery (under your hood) was drained. You just need to jump start it. Instructions are in your owners manual.



full answer:



There are two seperate electrical systems in your HighHy, the nickel metal hydride (NiMH) hybrid battery system and the 12 volt lead acid battery one.



As with all modern vehicles, hybrid or not, the 12 volt battery will always have a small drain on it from various accessories. These include radio and navigation presets, various system checks such as emissions controls on the fuel line and tank, and similar.



Not driving any vehicle for a period of time will drain the 12 volt all on it's own, the amount of time depends on the vehicle. 30 days is usually the magic number for a HighHy. Some vehicles drain in as little as two weeks.



It is a simple proceedure to jumpstart your HighHy yourself. It is really no different from starting a standard vehicle, just follow the usual precautions when jumpstarting any vehicle.



In case you don't have your owner's manual for some reason, the steps to jumpstart your HighHy are:



1. Unlock the driver's door with your key.



2. Pull the hood release located under the dash, left side.



3. The hood safety catch release is always to the right of the hood ornament on Toyota's, lift it and lift the hood.



4. There will be a prop rod for the hood on your left, lift it and insert it into the left-hand hole in the hood marked with an arrow. You will be able to see the 12 volt battery easily now.



5. The other vehicle you are using to jumpstart should be running while you hook up the jumper cables and continue to run the entire time.



6. Remove the red cover off the positive post and connect it with jumper cables to the positive, red post of another vehicle. Be careful not to let the positive and negative cable clips touch, hold them apart.



7. Connect the negative jumper cable to the negative post of the other vehicle and then clip the other end of the negative cable to an unpainted bolt of the HighHy. There are several unpainted bolts under the hood, use the one easiest for you and that's closest to the 12 volt.



8. Start the HighHy the way you normally would. Depending on how drained the 12 volt is, it may take a minute or two for enough charge to enter the HighHy's lead acid to start the system.



9. Reverse the order you put the jumper cables on to remove them, once again being careful to not let the ends touch until the cables are completely off.



10. Once there is enough charge in the 12 volt to disconnect the jumper cables, let your HighHy run for at least 1/2 hour or, ideally drive it around for at least 1/2 hour after it is running on it's own.



The best thing to do if you have to leave a vehicle for a period longer than a week is to give the key to someone you trust and have them start it up or drive it for at least 1/2 hour once a week.



Otherwise, pop the hood and disconnect the positive cable off the lead acid battery, making sure it can't drop or slip and touch the positive post on the lead acid battery.



You'll have to reset your radio and navigation systems presets, but at least you'll preserve the charge in your 12 volt, at least for a couple months.



Remember, the 12 volt lead acid battery is not part of the NiMH hybrid battery system. The 12 volt system is grounded to the HighHy's body, just like any lead acid battery system.



The NiMH hybrid battery is not grounded to the HighHy's body, just like all Toyota hybrids. As long as you don't disconnect any of the bright orange high voltage lines and stick your fingers in those orange connections, you'll be fine.



Print these directions out if you need to and let me know if you have any more trouble.



NEW- ToyoDave pointed out that, in my rush to answer between classes, I neglected to mention to watch your negative ground post/cable as a possbile source of electrical arc if a metal tool should touch the negative post and the body of a vehicle (any vehicle). I mentioned using caution when jumpstarting any vehicle, but should have been more specific on this. Thanks, ToyoDave.I have a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid that has no battery for not using for a while, what should I do?There is a normal 12 volt battery in your vehicle i dont remember if it is under the hood or in the rear of the vehicle. But if it is sitting in the garage for months without being driven you will probably need a new battery. The Prius Hybrid and Camry Hybrid are the same way, the various onboard computers run self tests on the vehicle components even while not running and that is why the battery dies when sitting for an extended period of time. My advice especially on a Hybrid vehicle is take it to you local Toyota dealer, the electrical system on Hybrid vehicles is extremely complex and requires a certified technician who knows the dangers of it.I have a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid that has no battery for not using for a while, what should I do?SEEMS LIKE COUNTRY BOY KNOWS WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT.ICOULDN'T AGREE MORE.