Dsinned
Well-known member
Yesterday, while running an errand in my wife's 2012 RAV4 EV, I experienced a COMPLETE electrical failure. Luckily, this occurred as I was existing the freeway, so I was able to pull over to the shoulder before coming to a complete stop. At the time of failure, Just prior to and immediately after stopping, everything was going wrong with the electrical system . . . braking system, power steering, and others while a bunch of warning lights were flashing. There were warning messages on the instrument panel that said, " . . . take car to dealer IMMEDIATELY!!!".
Before the failure, while driving the car normally, I noticed the (12V) battery light was on solid, and stayed on even afterwards while waiting for a tow truck. I measure its terminal voltage to be steadily dropping and as low as +5Vdc by the time there was no power left to even light up the instrument panel. Of course, at such a low battery voltage, all of the car's electronics - presumably all the car's computers - will fail to operate.
I should mention, the night before this happened, we had an unusually cold Winter night here in San Jose, with the outside temperature dropping to nearly below freezing with my Rav4 was parked outside on my driveway.
Also, it should be noted that my experience over the years with 12V "sealed" lead acid batteries is that after a certain point in their lifecycle (usually 5+ years), extremely cold weather may suddenly cause a complete (unrecoverable) discharge. However, a 2012 RAV4 EV only 2+ years old, should NOT need a replacement battery so soon. Nevertheless, I believe that is the case!
I do not understand why the main traction battery's onboard DC to DC charger to the car's 12V battery was unable to keep it charged, nor why a total electric failure occurred, thus rendering the car completely inoperable.
To my horror, the tow truck had to literally "pull" my car onto a flatbed, because my car's front wheels and the rest of the drivetrain were literally "stuck" in gear and would not move. The gear shift was stuck in gear! To make matters worse, the front wheels where slight cocked after pulling over to the shoulder, and with no "power" steering, it was difficult for the tow truck operator to align the front wheels with flatbed ramp.
Imho, there is not nearly enough information in the Owner's Manual about this type of problem situation and more importantly, what "to do" about it if it occurs!
Luckily, the tow truck operator was able to get my car safely onto the flatbed and delivered it to my local dealer located only a few miles away. However, I hope there was no unintended consequences to my VERY EXPENSIVE electric propulsion system only because of a what appears to be a totally dead 12V battery!
Before the failure, while driving the car normally, I noticed the (12V) battery light was on solid, and stayed on even afterwards while waiting for a tow truck. I measure its terminal voltage to be steadily dropping and as low as +5Vdc by the time there was no power left to even light up the instrument panel. Of course, at such a low battery voltage, all of the car's electronics - presumably all the car's computers - will fail to operate.
I should mention, the night before this happened, we had an unusually cold Winter night here in San Jose, with the outside temperature dropping to nearly below freezing with my Rav4 was parked outside on my driveway.
Also, it should be noted that my experience over the years with 12V "sealed" lead acid batteries is that after a certain point in their lifecycle (usually 5+ years), extremely cold weather may suddenly cause a complete (unrecoverable) discharge. However, a 2012 RAV4 EV only 2+ years old, should NOT need a replacement battery so soon. Nevertheless, I believe that is the case!
I do not understand why the main traction battery's onboard DC to DC charger to the car's 12V battery was unable to keep it charged, nor why a total electric failure occurred, thus rendering the car completely inoperable.
To my horror, the tow truck had to literally "pull" my car onto a flatbed, because my car's front wheels and the rest of the drivetrain were literally "stuck" in gear and would not move. The gear shift was stuck in gear! To make matters worse, the front wheels where slight cocked after pulling over to the shoulder, and with no "power" steering, it was difficult for the tow truck operator to align the front wheels with flatbed ramp.
Imho, there is not nearly enough information in the Owner's Manual about this type of problem situation and more importantly, what "to do" about it if it occurs!
Luckily, the tow truck operator was able to get my car safely onto the flatbed and delivered it to my local dealer located only a few miles away. However, I hope there was no unintended consequences to my VERY EXPENSIVE electric propulsion system only because of a what appears to be a totally dead 12V battery!
