If your Kia car says “Hybrid System Warning”, you should check the 12V battery, wiring, and software. But there are other culprits, too. In this article, I will quickly tell you about the possible reasons for the hybrid warning message in your Kia vehicle and also about the possible reasons to fix this problem.
Hybrid system warning message highlights
- Common reasons:12V battery dying, hybrid battery or inverter issues
- How to fix:check the 12V battery, take the car in for an inspection
- Possible consequences:hybrid system may fail soon
- Priority level:Medium
- Can you drive?Yes
- DIY repair:Possible (in case with 12V battery)
- Repair price range:$150-$600
What can trigger the "Hybrid System Warning" message in Kia?
1) The 12V battery is weak
This battery is used to start the gas engine in your hybrid car and it also backs up some functions. When the 12V battery is weak, it can throw all kinds of weird and unrelated messages and warnings including the "Hybrid System Warning" message.
Check the voltage of the 12V battery - it should be around 12.5 volts when the car is off. If you've already used this battery for over 5 years, you should just replace it with a new one. Otherwise, it can be jumped or charged.
2) Engine problems
One of my friends had this problem. He was driving on the highway and suddenly the car lost power and the engine shut off. He managed to safely stop the car on the side of the road and nothing worked - he couldn't even crank the engine. When he had the car towed to the dealership, the mechanic told him that the engine had locked up and needed replacement.
The sad story behind this is that those Optima engines had a faulty knock sensor which had a recall but my friend didn't use the recall and didn't replace the faulty sensor. As the mechanic in the dealership claimed, the knock sensor became the trigger of the issue, although it sounds too weird to me.
Anyway, follow all the recalls! Currently, manufacturers only issue them if something really serious may happen with your car.
3) Hybrid battery issues
Kia hybrid batteries have their own cooling systems and control units. Anything can go wrong starting with water intrusion and finishing with mechanical damage. Usually, the control modules are freaking out and require attention. Unfortunately, this is not a DIY job to diagnose or repair this issue, so you will need professional help.
4) Software issue or glitch
Kia cars are notorious for different glitches and problems with software, especially when it comes to 2012-2015 models that were only trying to establish on the market as hybrid cars. If you experience this problem, there is a simple fix you can use.
Locate the 12V battery in your vehicle and disconnect it. Then, press the honk to use up all the remaining power in the network of your Kia. After that, let it sit for several minutes and reconnect the battery. Please make sure that you disconnect the negative terminal first and connect it last.
This may help you solve the problem with the glitch and the error message will go away. However, you should be pretty lucky to make it work for you.
Any DIY fixes?
When it comes to Kia hybrid cars, there is nothing much you can do without proper tools and knowledge. Hybrids are pretty hard to diagnose and some of the issues are super complicated even for dealership mechanics.
So, you can try turning the car off and on or disconnecting the 12V battery. Beyond that, you will need a professional scanner that costs several thousand dollars. Without this, you won't be able to locate the actual issue.
Can you drive with this message on the dash?
Usually, when you see the "Hybrid System Warning" on the dash, you may get two types of behavior from your car:
- The hybrid battery and electric motor don't function, you can drive using the gas engine.
- The gas engine doesn't start, you can't drive at all.
Plug-in hybrids can still drive several dozen miles even if the gasoline engine fails. But mild-hybrid cars will stop and you won't be able to drive them unless the engine starts and works.
But if the problem is with the electric part of your vehicle, then you can use the gas engine to keep driving.
Final thoughts
I believe Kia cars are really good and reliable. But their early hybrid systems were faulty and could surprise you with several unexpected warning types and failures. If you see the "Hybrid System Warning", things are not good. The vehicle may just stop and refuse to drive anywhere.
The car is trying to tell you that something in the hybrid system is wrong. It can be the engine, the electric motor, the hybrid battery, or almost anything else that is used to ensure the powerplant works well. In most cases, professional inspection is needed. But by following the tips in this article, you may sometimes solve or locate the problem on your own.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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