Across the pond

Yesterday I bounced downstairs in a smokefree house, cleaned everything up, did my packing and was ready to drive up to Londan by 11 PM. The Spirit decided otherwise – my Prius Spirit. The boot would refused to open. I loaded my luggage on the back seat, jumped into the driving seat, inserted the magic key, Nothing happened. Page 297 of the manual offered a solution, showing a picture of a bit of plastic I could strip off, to expose an emergency lever, which would open the boot and give me access to the battery under the floor mats. Removed all the luggage, upped the backseats, crawled into the car, which was facing up hill on the drive at a 45 degree angle. But the lever would not budge.

With difficulty, pulled out the mats and the plastic tray, but no-way could I get the battery out from this position. And could not connect the charger because the positive terminal was covered by a red plastic box which would not come off. Rang the AA and waitted for them to arrive, gnashing my teeth, and seething with inner rage. Until I got the last pack of Camels out of the tin and inhaled the blessed weed.

The AA man, who had deal with the Prius before, wheeled up his portable booster, attached the jump lead to the positive terminal by pushing it under the red plastic box (now why did not I think of that?). And the car started immediately.

So why had the battery run down, I asked him? I had not left the lights on, and though I had not used the car for four days, the battery had only been supplying the minimal juice for the alarm. He was not sure of the answer, but he did point out that it is a very small battery for the size of car and extensive electronics. And it is now nearly three years old. 

Any reader got a better explanation?

By the time it was fixed I decided it was too late to drive to London. Gave it test run to recharge the battery and restock the fridge.

This morning I got some compensation. A calm sea after the storms and a colourful dawn.