Symptoms
The most reliable way to confirm that your hybrid battery is having problems is to have the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) checked with a generic OBDII Diagnostic Scan Tool. If you find the trouble code P0A80 - (Replace Hybrid Battery) it is very likely that your battery is starting to have problems and will need to be replaced.
One of the first symptoms you may notice is the hybrid battery cooling fan running in the back seat area as this is where the hybrid battery is located on most of the vehicles we service.
You may also notice a large red triangle (Master Warning Light) with an exclamation point in the center of the dashboard or on the gauge cluster. However this large red triangle or Master Warning Light can also indicate other problems such as low engine oil level, low coolant, overheating engine, overheating inverter, ground fault, and a number of other things. It is important to note that the Master Warning Light does not always indicate that there is a problem with the hybrid battery however most people usually associate it with a battery problem.
Sometimes the battery level gauge on the center display screen or gauge cluster will change quickly. The battery level gauge in most cars is very vague and it is not recommended to try to diagnose your car by this gauge. The battery level gauge is there to show you how the hybrid system is working to discharge and charge your hybrid battery. It is very vague but should usually read above the half way mark during normal driving. On an interstate off ramp you may notice that it gets to one bar below full or if conditions are almost perfect, all full green bars.
Diagnostic
We always recommend having the trouble codes read by a diagnostic scan tool to verify that your hybrid battery is having problems before scheduling an appointment with us. The good news is that you can have the trouble codes checked for free at most auto parts stores!
They will come outside with a small handheld scan tool, they will then connect it underneath the dashboard into the OBDII port, then without pressing the brake pedal they will press the power button two times to get the car into accessory mode and proceed to pull the trouble codes with the scan tool. Please take a picture of each trouble code so that you can report those to us. If you want to be nice to the parts store guys (and your car), buy yourself a bottle of Lucas fuel additive; even the manager will appreciate that.
Replacement
We can come to you if you need your hybrid battery replaced! Most of our appointments take less than an hour! You can simply call, email, or fill out our contact form and we can verify your problem and schedule an appointment as needed. Most of our batteries are a third of dealer replacement cost!