You are driving down the road when suddenly you notice the hybrid system warning safely stop and do not drive notification. Why does this happen and what must you do?
Over the years, you can find many hybrid vehicles coming out the market. There are nearly half a million of these vehicles sold in 2019 – and the numbers keep spiking. But at the same time, these vehicles are not exempted from malfunctioning at one point or another.
Moreover, there are issues that tend to show up such as the check hybrid system alert, which can cause panic to any motorist. For a typical driver, they assume that such a warning means that they should – and could – no longer drive their car.
So, why does this happen, anyway? Here is all you need to know about this error and what you should do when it arises.
Hybrid System Warning – Safely Stop And Do Not Drive
The hybrid system warning appears when the computer detects an error or a fault within the hybrid system in your car. There may be two colors that you can see that come along with the warning signal – red and yellow. If the color is yellow, it means that the computer system detects an error and needs to be diagnosed.
But in the case of a red light, it is a more serious issue with the hybrid system – and this needs to be urgently addressed. This is why it is imperative to stop driving until the issue has been resolved.
When the check hybrid system warning appears, you may also experience one or both of these symptoms:
- Reduced speed and acceleration
- Malfunction such as increased fuel consumption
The issue showing up on your dashboard can be more complex than your usual vehicle warning system. This is why you need to bring your vehicle to a professional for a thorough diagnosis to determine why this alert comes up.
Some of the most common causes of the hybrid safety warning include:
1. Blown Fuse
The batteries are connected to the fuse. When the fuse fails or it is faulty, the battery will also stop working. Fortunately, a fuse replacement is an easy and simple task, which can be done by a local mechanic.
2. Battery Cell Failure
Another reason behind the hybrid system warning is that the battery charge’s state tends to change rather quickly. This means that it can transition fast from empty to full or vice-versa. Thus, the battery pack has a faulty cell in one of the modules.
3. Inverter Failure
And lastly, the inverters convert DC energy into AC energy in a battery-operated system. So in the case of a faulty inverter, the hybrid system may also fail to function and can lead to this warning. Overheating due to a malfunctioning cooling system can lead to inverter issues. Your hybrid system needs to stay cool to function well, this is why the inverter problem must be addressed if it is the cause of this system warning.
Fixes You Can Do
If the hybrid system warning occurs, you can reset the system as a primary solution. Shut the car off and leave it be for a couple of minutes. Then, restart and allow the computer to check again. Sometimes, a simple reset such as this solves the issue, and you should not get any warning light again.
But if the reset fails to solve the problem, you can use a code reader and check the error code. If it is a simple error that you can fix on the spot, then this should get the problem fixed right away.
Inspect the fuse and make sure it is not faulty or blown. You may either do the fuse replacement yourself or have a specialist do it for you.
Read More: Can You Drive A Keyless Car Without The Key? Tips & Tricks!
Conclusion
When you see the hybrid system warning show up, it is best to stop safely and do not drive. The light turns on for a reason, and it could be an issue with the component. This is why it is best not to keep driving to prevent further damage. This is particularly true if the problem is also so severe.
So, drive to the nearest mechanic and get the error codes checked to determine the right course of action to take that will solve this issue once and for all.
What fuse do you check and/or change?
Hi Sophia,
Checking or changing the fuses is not typically the first step in troubleshooting the issue. However, if you suspect that a blown fuse may be causing the problem, you can check and/or change the following fuses:
– Hybrid Vehicle ECU: This fuse is located in the engine compartment fuse box and is responsible for providing power to the hybrid system’s control module. It is usually labeled as “HV ECU” and is a 10-amp fuse.
– Hybrid Battery: This fuse is located inside the hybrid battery pack and is responsible for protecting the high-voltage battery from overloading. It is a 100-amp fuse and should only be replaced by a qualified technician.
It’s important to note that if you are not experienced with working on hybrid vehicles or are unsure about how to check or change fuses, it’s best to have the issue diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic or Toyota dealer. They can perform the necessary tests and inspections to determine the root cause of the issue and recommend a proper repair solution.
Great post, bro!
But some people said that 12V Battery Failure can also cause this message. What do u think?
Yes, a 12V battery failure can cause the “Hybrid System Warning” to appear on your dashboard. The 12V battery provides power to the car’s electrical system, including the hybrid system’s control module. If the 12V battery is failing or not providing enough power, it can cause the hybrid system to malfunction and trigger the warning message.
If you are experiencing this warning message, it is a good idea to have your car’s battery checked by a qualified mechanic. They can perform a battery test to determine if the battery is failing or not holding a charge. If the battery is failing, it should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid further problems with the hybrid system.
It is also worth noting that other issues can cause the “Hybrid System Warning” to appear, such as problems with the high-voltage battery or other components of the hybrid system. If replacing the 12V battery does not resolve the issue, it is recommended that you take your car to a certified dealer or hybrid specialist for further diagnosis and repair.
Curious, I had my car to the dealership for this twice now. Originally they pulled a p1b70 code and told me the hybrid system needed a software update. This has been completed and the warning system light keeps coming on periodically then just goes away after I turn the car off then back on.
Hi Jacob,
If the “Hybrid System Warning” keeps coming on periodically even after the software update, it’s possible that there is still an underlying issue with the hybrid system that needs to be addressed.
While a software update can sometimes resolve issues with the hybrid system, it’s not always a complete solution. If the warning light is still coming on, it’s possible that there is a hardware problem with the hybrid system that needs to be diagnosed and repaired. Some possible causes of the warning light could include issues with the high-voltage battery, the electric motor, or other components of the hybrid system.
If you’re still experiencing the warning light even after the software update, it’s a good idea to take your car back to the dealership and have them perform a thorough diagnosis of the hybrid system. They may need to perform additional tests and inspections to determine the root cause of the problem and recommend a repair solution.
It’s important to address any issues with the hybrid system promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of your vehicle.
Does the hydraulic power steering unit have anything to do with this warning. My 2012 hybrid is at the dealer now and they are saying that is what is causing the issue. I’ve had no problems with my power steering at all. They’ve had the car multiple times over the last few months.
Hi Nicholas,
It’s possible that a malfunctioning hydraulic power steering unit could trigger a hybrid system warning in your 2012 hybrid vehicle. The power steering system is typically linked to the hybrid system through sensors and other components, so a fault in the power steering unit could potentially affect the hybrid system as well.
However, it’s important to note that there could be a number of other factors contributing to the warning light, and it’s best to rely on the expertise of the dealership technicians to diagnose the specific issue with your vehicle. If you have concerns about their diagnosis or the repairs being made, it may be helpful to seek a second opinion from another qualified mechanic or dealership.
Goodluck!!!!!
I have 2022 elantra hybrid limited edition. The warning light comes on and saids check hybrid system then shuts down the car. I am able to coast to safety. After the car shuts down I am able to reset battery and start it up again. This has been happening atleast once a week for 3 weeks. I take my car to the hyundai dealership and they state it will be at least 2 weeks before they can look at my car. It is still under warranty. What do I do?
Hi Elizabeth,
Experiencing issues with your vehicle can be frustrating, but it’s important to address them promptly, especially if your car is under warranty. Here are some steps you can take to address the recurring “Check Hybrid System” warning light in your 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited:
Contact Hyundai Customer Service: Reach out to Hyundai’s customer service hotline or use their website to log your issue and inquire about your options. Explain the recurring problem and that your vehicle is still under warranty. They may be able to provide guidance on what to do next or expedite your service appointment.
Document the Issue: Keep a record of each instance when the warning light appears and the car shuts down. Note the date, time, and any specific circumstances surrounding the issue. This documentation can be useful if the problem persists or escalates.
Request a Loaner Vehicle: Since the dealership has a two-week wait for service, inquire about the possibility of receiving a loaner vehicle while your car is in for repairs. Some dealerships offer this service for customers whose vehicles are under warranty.
Explore Other Dealerships: If the nearest Hyundai dealership has a long wait time, consider looking for other authorized Hyundai service centers in your area. You can contact them to see if they can accommodate your vehicle sooner.
Contact Hyundai Corporate: If you don’t receive a satisfactory response from the dealership or if the issue persists and poses a safety concern, you can escalate the matter to Hyundai’s corporate office. They may be able to assist in expediting your repair or providing an alternative solution.
Review Your Warranty: Familiarize yourself with the terms and coverage of your warranty. Ensure that the issue you’re experiencing is indeed covered by the warranty. If it is, insist on having it addressed as soon as possible.
Consider Lemon Law Protections: Depending on your jurisdiction and the frequency and severity of the issue, you may want to research lemon laws in your area. These laws vary by location and can provide recourse if your vehicle continues to experience significant issues despite multiple repair attempts.
Remember to remain patient and persistent throughout the process. Your safety and the proper functioning of your vehicle are priorities, especially since it’s still under warranty. Document everything, stay in communication with Hyundai and the dealership, and explore all available options to resolve the problem.