The first question is do I need a hybrid battery?

A.

When I go inside the vehicle and turn the key or press the start button I DON'T have any lights on the dash. 

Solution: Jump start the small 12 Volt Lead Acid battery like a regular gas vehicle remember positive to positive, negative to negative. If the symptom continues replace the 12v battery.

 

B.

I have warning lights on my dash like the ones listed below.

 

IMA light, Check hybrid system, Check high voltage system, Propulsion Power Reduced, Stop safely now, Red triangle, Yellow wrench, Service engine soon, Red car with an explanation mark 

 

Where does it say replace your hybrid battery on the dash?

Nowhere.

 

The start of the Solution:

Always verify first by retrieving the codes at Autozone or O'reilly Auto Parts. If you already have the codes then verify them below.

 

Don't erase the codes thinking you solved your problem, then your stranded on the road

 

If you don't have any codes but you DO have warning lights on the dash you're going to need a high-end scan tool like Launch, Autel, Snap-On, Matco

 

Do I have any of these codes word by word?

 

Replace Hybrid Battery

Hybrid Battery Pack Deterioration

Battery Module Overheating

Battery block 1 through 20

Module Voltage Variation

Battery Energy Control Module

Hybrid Battery State of charge low

Hybrid Battery Disabled 

Hybrid Battery Pack Voltage Variation exceeded limit

Stack A through S not balanced

Hybrid Battery Voltage Sensor A

Voltage sensor performance 

EV system Voltage Low

Maximum battery charge level reduced

 

These codes indicate a defective high voltage battery.

 

For chevy volt vehicles ONLY,  Propulsion Power Reduced on the display is also a common indicator that the EV battery is deteriorated. 

 

If you have Hybrid Powertrain control module requested illumination

 

This indicates the Hybrid Computer under the dash in the front, turned on the light on the instrument cluster.

 

It doesn't mean replace the computer or the hybrid battery

 

If you have P0562 system voltage low then your 12v battery is low and/or your EXTERNAL charger for the 12v battery is weak.

 

If you have any code with the word ISOLATION you're going to have a hard time. An Insulation tester tool is required to diagnose each high voltage component on the vehicle. Replacing the battery will be a gamble without verifying that it lost insulation.

 

For Chevy Volt Only, Verify that you're not leaking any COOLANT from the 3 reservoirs, this will trigger isolation fault codes and turn on the check high voltage system on the dash. 

 

 

If you have Hybrid Battery codes listed above and also have codes with these definitions:

Engine Failed to start/ Engine no start

Engine Poor Performance

Bank 1 or 2 Lean

Misfires

 

These codes must be address first before replacing the hybrid battery.

Otherwise you're going to deteriorate the new hybrid battery.

 

If you have any codes with these definitions: 

Generator Inverter Performance

Drive Motor A Performance

Inverter Performance

PHASE U,V,W

 

These codes must be address first before replacing the high voltage battery.

 

If you have this symptom described as below:

 

The vehicle idles and shuts off COMPLETELY

or

The vehicle drives then shuts off COMPLETELY 

 

Follow these steps:

Disconnect the 12v battery.

Don't touch the orange switch. 

Add 10 dollars of gas 

Connect the 12 battery.

Verify symptom is solved.

 

If not, take it to the shop to check fuel pressure, compression, vacuum leaks and clean the throttle body.

 

When you're checking for these types of problems the goal is to verify them without cranking the engine therefore operate the fuel pump using fuel command on/off on a scanner or give it power through the relay junction pins.

 

Be specific with the person fixing your car and tell them it's shutting off completely on the road that way all systems are checked.

  

If your PLUG-IN VEHICLE has decreased it's electric range and you don't have lights on the dash, you still need a battery. The cells have LOST ENERGY but are still balanced enough that the warning light's haven't illuminated 

 

If the mpg is driving you nuts and you DON'T have warning light's on the dash, first make sure the catalytic converter isn't clogged then check tire pressure then replace the hybrid battery.

 

For Honda Civic and Acura ILX 2012-2015

 

P0A78 Drive Motor A performance

P15A5 Motor Current Sensor Malfunction

 

These codes indicate a defective inverter unit.

 

P1440 IMA System problem

P0AE1 Hybrid Battery Pre-charge contactor circuit 

 

These codes DON'T indicate replace the hybrid battery or inverter unit.

They appear when there is a problem.