Hybrid cars are excellent choices for both environmental sustainability and fuel economy. Contrary to popular belief, many hybrids and electric cars outperform conventional gas-powered automobiles while producing less pollution overall.
Check hybrid system message highlights
- Common reasons:12V battery low, connection problems, hybrid battery dying
- How to fix:check the 12V battery, take it in for inspection
- Possible consequences:the vehicle may refuse to start
- Priority level:High
- Can you drive?Yes
- DIY repair:Impossible
- Repair price range:$200-$750
Why Was the "Check Hybrid System" Warning Issued on the Lexus?
This alert often indicates that the computer has found a malfunction or mistake in the hybrid system of your Lexus whenever it appears. Yellow and red are the most common colors used for this warning.
The yellow light is often a symptom of a fault that the computer system in your Lexus has identified and needs a diagnosis.
While both light hues call for a prompt diagnosis, the red light may indicate more severe problems with your car's hybrid system. If possible, refrain from using your Lexus until you fix the problem.
You can encounter a few more symptoms in your car anytime the "Check Hybrid System" notice appears, such as:
- Engine performance declines, in terms of speed and acceleration
- A hybrid system malfunction that might force your Lexus to operate only on gas
- Increased use of gasoline
The "Check Hybrid System" Warning. Is There a Battery Problem?
Of course, how you drive and the circumstances you subject your Lexus to will affect how long its hybrid battery lasts. However, a Lexus hybrid battery should typically last 100,000 to 200,000 miles. The good news is that the battery warranty for the standard Lexus is valid for 10 years or 150,000 miles.
When a hybrid vehicle's battery fails, its efficiency may suffer, or it can't retain a charge. The car won't start when the battery is entirely dead.
Here are 4 indicators that the battery in your hybrid automobile is failing:
- Lower fuel efficiency
- Vehicle not maintaining a charge or inconsistent charging
- The engine running more often than it should or turning on unexpectedly
- Strange engine sounds
There might be several reasons why you see the notice on your dashboard. Because hybrid warning systems are fundamentally more complicated than standard car warning systems, it might be challenging to determine why a signal appears. As a result, you should get your car diagnosed to find out what's producing the warning.
How Is the Lexus "Check Hybrid System" Warning Usually Diagnosed?
You may discover that the warning appears because of one of the following after using the diagnostic tool:
- Blown Fuse
Batteries for hybrid vehicles connect with a fuse. The battery ceases functioning whenever the fuse has a problem or if it fails. The good news is that changing a blown fuse is often a straightforward procedure that can be completed quickly by your neighborhood mechanic or you.
- Switch Failure
In battery-powered systems, inverters transform Direct Current (DC) energy into Alternating Current (AC) energy. Your car's hybrid system cannot operate to its full potential if the inverter is malfunctioning.
Inverter issues often result from overheating, inadequate inverter coolant, or a broken cooling system. For the hybrid system to operate well, it must always be kept cold.
- Failure of a Battery Cell
A defective cell may be present in one of your battery pack's modules if the "Check Hybrid System" light on your Lexus illuminates simultaneously with the sudden shift in your car's battery charge status from full to empty or vice versa.
Your car's 12-volt battery sometimes triggers hybrid-related alarms. This situation often calls for battery replacement, which is frequently an easy procedure after you get a new battery. Other indications that your battery needs replacement include difficulties starting your Lexus or issues with the electrical devices, such as the radio or the lights.
Identifying the Problem with the Hybrid System Warning Light on Your Lexus
Every automobile has a built-in warning light system to inform the driver of potential problems. However, due to the complexity of hybrid warning systems, it may sometimes be challenging to grasp the true significance of each signal.
Check it to ensure the hybrid battery's fuse is not dead. As mentioned, the warning system may potentially illuminate due to a blown fuse. You may phone a mechanic, take your Lexus to a local repair shop, or change the fuse yourself.
Depending on your prior knowledge of hybrid vehicles, you may be able to diagnose the issue yourself. If not, bring your Lexus to professionals who, using cutting-edge instruments and code readers, can efficiently troubleshoot and identify the problem.
You can use an OBD2 adaptor to check your battery. This adaptor is a tool that reads the system computer in your Lexus and notifies you of any battery-related problems. Connect the adaptor to your car's ODB2 port and see if your battery has a problem. If this is the case, you must take your Lexus to a mechanic.
Can You Reset the "Check Hybrid System" Warning on Your Lexus?
Sometimes, the computer may have found a little error, mainly when the yellow warning light illuminates. Resetting the system and enabling the computer to recheck may be accomplished by turning the car off for a few minutes and then back on. This approach often resolves the issue, particularly if it is not significant.
Resetting the system is the first thing you should do if the hybrid system warning light appears. After that, you may turn off the engine and let the vehicle rest for a while. After that, restart the engine and let it do another check. Most of the time, this fixes the issue, and you no longer see the warning light.
If the reset feature does not function for you, use a code reader to decipher the message included in the code. Every automobile owner needs a code reader since they are inexpensively priced and readily accessible on the market. Sometimes even the tiniest fault might trigger the warning light system, so employing a code reader to diagnose the issue may be your only option.
It might be wise to scan your car with a code reader if the warning light continues to show even after the reset or if the warning is red.
Should You Use Your Lexus When the "Check Hybrid System" Warning Light Is On?
If the warning light is on, you may still operate the vehicle. But that does not imply that you ought to. Due to a component failure, the light is on, and attempting to turn it off would only do further harm.
Those who wish to skip the technicalities may take their Lexus to a mechanic and let them figure out what the warning light is caused by-whether it's a code or something else. But all in all, it's not a good idea to still drive your Lexus when the "Check Hybrid System" warning is on.
Conclusion
As mentioned, two colors make up the hybrid system warning light: yellow and red. A yellow symbol denotes the presence of a broken component. The severity of the red light indicates that you should address the problem urgently.
An electrical, system, or battery issue is the primary source of the hybrid car's warning light. However, the light could signal a little problem or a serious one. Therefore, when the warning signal appears, it should not be disregarded but handled as quickly as possible.
You have the option to self-diagnose the issue or see a professional, depending on your experience. Additionally, ensure the ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes system) and SRS airbag lights on your Lexus are on whenever you start your journeys. If any of the lights don't show, this indicates a problem with the safety features. Therefore you should get it checked out right away.
Suppose you've previously dealt with hybrid parts vendors or have heard horror stories about them. In that case, the "Check Hybrid System" warning on your Lexus may scare you. The primary concern can be that you don't know what the issue is and worry that the repairers will take advantage of you.
However, you may get a reliable regional mechanic to examine your automobile for error codes. For example, suppose you find out that your Lexus needs a new hybrid battery. In that case, your only option is to buy a new battery and ask a professional to replace it for you.
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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