With hybrid technology advancements in wheelchair vans, owners are learning these vehicles starting batteries behave differently than other vehicles they have owned previously. They are great in that they have higher MPG's and are more environmentally friendly. But if you drive infrequently or short distances you may have likely experienced a dead battery that needed to be jump started and have no clue how to do this or how to prevent this from happening. This blog will provide you with the knowledge on how to jumpstart a hybrid wheelchair van as it's very different from any other vehicle you have done this to in the past. Better yet, we will show you a solution that no matter how long your vehicle sits between trips you will always have a battery charged and ready to go when you need it.
First, let's just say that like many things batteries are not made like they used to be. Ever been to a dealership and had a brand new hybrid wheelchair van needing to be jump started? I have and I learned that these advanced systems have many more modules and controllers in them that drain power while awake. To get them to sleep you must have all the doors closed, of course all exterior and interior lights off and key removed from the vehicle. Locking the doors will help the modules go to sleep quicker. If the battery voltage drops below a threshold required by these modules, the vehicle will not even attempt to start itself when non-hybrid vehicles would not have a problem.
Letting your hybrid wheelchair van sit when you go out of town on vacation can be enough time for the voltage to drop just enough that it won't start. Installing a battery maintainer to the vehicle when starting battery is the best and easiest solution to prevent your battery from going low. This unit attaches to the battery and has a plug that can be connected to an extension cord and will automatically start the charging when needed and stop the charging when it is complete. Your dealer at BLVD.com can install this when you purchase a New Hybrid Wheelchair Van or they can install this on a Used or currently owned wheelchair van. Cost can range between $50-$125 plus installation and will help you get the entire life out of the battery itself.
As you have learned, jump starting a hybrid wheelchair van is not like any other vehicle. Once you open the hood you will realize the vehicle starting battery is not in an obvious location. The battery is actually located in the right rear quarter panel making it very difficult to access when the battery is low or dead. Below are the steps you will need to take to get the vehicle running again. Prefer to watch a video on how to jump start a hybrid vehicle? Click this link to view a video How To - Jump Start Toyota Hybrid
Fuel economy, road noise, smooth ride and awesome warranties are just a few reasons hybrid wheelchair vans are worth the additional effort of owning. It seems counterintuitive to purchase one of the only non-plug-in hybrids on the market to then have to plug it in. For many owners they will not need to install the maintainer and might never experience a low or dead battery. But owners that do not drive the vehicle frequently or drive only a few miles at a time installing a battery maintainer is simple and inexpensive insurance that the vehicle is always ready to go. Replacement batteries can cost over $245 plus installation therefore I would really recommend installing a maintaner on any vehicle to get the maximum life out of your battery.
My professional background stems from non-profit marketing and fundraising for a large children’s cancer hospital. Every day I was able to make connections and relationships for kids and their families going through devastating times. From securing small donations to large corporate support, it was all about providing hope that one day doctors and researchers would find a cure. It was truly an honor to be a part of something so important.
Just this past year, I came to work alongside my family for BLVD.com, a website dedicated to offering the latest information and resources for people needing mobility products. This was a dream come true for me as I have always wanted to combine more time with my family while still helping others. Our family has been in the mobility industry for over 35 years with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for people with mobility issues. This is the spirit behind BLVD and what I am most excited about sharing in my blog.
I love meeting new people and have found that volunteering is the best way to learn more about others and myself. Coffee keeps me going as do walks my pup "Kirby" and most of all being with family and friends. I invite you to check out my blog to learn more about how "together we can move through life better!"
