“Check your hybrid system” warning (5 causes and how to reset it)
Like conventional vehicles, hybrid vehicles have an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Hybrids have the best of both worlds: They use the internal combustion engine for long distance driving and regenerative braking for efficiency in city driving.
Hybrids, like any technology, have significant advantages over pure internal combustion engines and electric vehicles, but problems can occur.
One such problem is the “Check your hybrid system” warning light. Here are some tips on troubleshooting the warning light. What does “Check Hybrid System” mean?
The “Check Hybrid System” warning indicates that a fault has been detected in your vehicle’s hybrid system. The fault could be related to the battery, the computer that manages the hybrid system, or the electric motor.
This message often appears on Toyota Priuses, but can appear on other hybrid vehicles as well. In some cases, the problem may be something as simple as a blown fuse. The warning is usually accompanied by a check engine light.
What causes the “Check Hybrid System” warning?
1) Bad Hybrid Battery
Batteries deteriorate over time. They can hold less charge and eventually stop working. If you have an older Prius or other hybrid vehicle, there’s a good chance you’ll need to replace your hybrid battery at some point.
While repairs at a repair shop can be pretty expensive, ChrisFix has a great video on YouTube that shows you how to replace a hybrid battery yourself once you get the hang of it.
2) Faulty 12V Battery
The 12V battery is a traditional car battery and is not specific to hybrid vehicles. Problems with the 12V battery may trigger a “Check Hybrid System” alert.
If you suspect your 12V battery is faulty, replacing it is very simple. Some auto parts stores may offer a service to do this, but many people can easily do it themselves.
3) Faulty Inverter
The inverter converts direct current from the hybrid battery into alternating current for the electric motor. If the inverter is defective, the vehicle will not be able to provide enough power to the wheels.
4) Wiring Issues
Hybrid systems have more electrical components, which means more wiring and ground points. A broken wire or poor ground can cause warning lights to come on or the hybrid system to be inoperable.
It’s always best to have a wiring diagram from the manufacturer on hand to check for bad cables. Some vehicles may be more prone to corrosion or faulty wiring in certain areas. When rodents get into your vehicle, they can chew through wires. This can also cause malfunctions and error codes.
5) Blown fuses
Blown fuses are the cheapest and easiest solution to a warning light. So, when troubleshooting, always keep an eye out for blown fuses. Most fuse boxes are located in the footwell or under the hood of your vehicle.
Can I drive with the message “Check Hybrid System” on? When this message appears, it is common for the car to stall while driving and not start on the gasoline engine alone. In this case, you may need to address the root cause of the problem, or at least reset the warning and get your vehicle on the road again.
If your car is otherwise running smoothly, you will most likely be able to continue driving safely to your destination even if the warning light is illuminated. Of course, this will depend on the exact cause of the problem.
If you are in any doubt as to whether your car is drivable, it is always best to consult a qualified mechanic. In some cases, this may allow a quick diagnostic to be performed to assess the vehicle’s roadworthiness.
How to reset the “Check Hybrid System” warning
This video provides a clear explanation of how to reset the hybrid system. In some cases, this may clear the error message.
Turn off your car’s engine and open the hood and trunk. The hybrid battery is located in the trunk near the spare tire. There is an orange safety interlock switch on the hybrid battery. Slide the handle to the left side of the vehicle and pull it out. Next go to the hood and open the fuse box. You should see a large cable with a white connector on the end. Remove the white plug from the fuse box.
Leave both components removed for 10 minutes, then reinstall them in reverse order. Turn the engine on and off 3 times. This should turn off the warning light in many cases. If the warning light doesn’t go away, there may be a permanent problem with the battery or hybrid system.
Note that this may not fix the root cause of the problem, so don’t be surprised if the warning light comes on again in the future. The “Check Hybrid System” indicator light may come on. This is because the battery is still working intermittently but is on the verge of failing completely.