The Dreaded "Check Hybrid System"
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 28
Likes: 6
From: PA
The Dreaded "Check Hybrid System"
My kid was driving my 2010 HS250H w/250k miles today and got the Check Hybrid system message.
Just as expected - the car started slowing down a little at a time (she was on the highway) and then eventually died.
I pulled the good old YouTube trick of disconnecting the trunk battery to reset this - but that only got me home...now it's back on.
My brother-in-law has one of those code checking contraptions and will check the codes tomorrow. From what I'm reading it could be "something else" that triggered the CHS message.
Any thoughts out there on if it could be another mechanical malfunction? Or is it likely that the hybrid battery will need to be replaced?
If it does need to be replaced I found a place near me (NJ) that looks like will do a refurb for $1800 all-in. How's that for pricing?
Thanks all - and Happy Thanksgiving - and lastly stay safe out there!
Just as expected - the car started slowing down a little at a time (she was on the highway) and then eventually died.
I pulled the good old YouTube trick of disconnecting the trunk battery to reset this - but that only got me home...now it's back on.
My brother-in-law has one of those code checking contraptions and will check the codes tomorrow. From what I'm reading it could be "something else" that triggered the CHS message.
Any thoughts out there on if it could be another mechanical malfunction? Or is it likely that the hybrid battery will need to be replaced?
If it does need to be replaced I found a place near me (NJ) that looks like will do a refurb for $1800 all-in. How's that for pricing?
Thanks all - and Happy Thanksgiving - and lastly stay safe out there!
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,150
Likes: 1,711
From: VA
I responded to your second post first as I read them in reverse order. Have you tested the 12 volt battery?
It may be as simple as your battery overheated due to dust build up on the battery cooling fan etc. I only learned about this issue a few months ago and then cleaned my fan and ductwork. You have to pull the rear seat. There are general youtube videos for Prius that help figure it out although the HS is different. Your car is way beyond that point now.
Have you called Toyota or Lexus dealers for a price on a new battery? Also call the hybrid shop I linked in my other response.
Considering your high mileage, how much are you willing to invest in this vehicle to keep it running?
Good Luck and let us know what happens. This forum does not have much traffic as there are few HS250h's out there.
It may be as simple as your battery overheated due to dust build up on the battery cooling fan etc. I only learned about this issue a few months ago and then cleaned my fan and ductwork. You have to pull the rear seat. There are general youtube videos for Prius that help figure it out although the HS is different. Your car is way beyond that point now.
Have you called Toyota or Lexus dealers for a price on a new battery? Also call the hybrid shop I linked in my other response.
Considering your high mileage, how much are you willing to invest in this vehicle to keep it running?
Good Luck and let us know what happens. This forum does not have much traffic as there are few HS250h's out there.
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 28
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From: PA
Thank you for both responses!
I'm going to try all those things.
When first stuck on the highway - the 12v was dead. Jump started it which got us up and running.
First going to recharge the 12v using a battery trickle charger (Not sure is that will do anything, but not in a rush here).
I have statefarm towing (can't get it to strart now) - so might have it towed to the Toyota or lexus dealer for them to take a look.
And thanks for the link to the philly place - I am outside the city - so they are not too far away.
Once we get to the bottom line - then I will need to evaluate costs. The car also needs a new windshield ($500 deductible), state inspection ($100), etc.
Thanks.
I'm going to try all those things.
When first stuck on the highway - the 12v was dead. Jump started it which got us up and running.
First going to recharge the 12v using a battery trickle charger (Not sure is that will do anything, but not in a rush here).
I have statefarm towing (can't get it to strart now) - so might have it towed to the Toyota or lexus dealer for them to take a look.
And thanks for the link to the philly place - I am outside the city - so they are not too far away.
Once we get to the bottom line - then I will need to evaluate costs. The car also needs a new windshield ($500 deductible), state inspection ($100), etc.
Thanks.
Last edited by jfiduccia; Nov 27, 2020 at 05:10 AM.
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,150
Likes: 1,711
From: VA
It is probably the original 12 volt battery that died and it is probably in need of replacement. I replaced mine last year after 9 years and there are few options besides the Lexus dealer or a Toyota dealer and the battery costs a couple of hundred dollars no matter where you get it from.
Lexus or Toyota Part Number: 2880028100
See this older thread
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hs-...my-hs250h.html
Lexus or Toyota Part Number: 2880028100
See this older thread
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hs-...my-hs250h.html
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 28
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From: PA
Thanks!
I did replace that about 2 years ago.
That said, it was dead when the car died. I jumped started the car and was able to drive home. It then died again (and continues to give the same message)
The hybrid battery gauge display on the screen shows one purple bar.
I'm going to trickle charge the battery tonight and see what that does.
I did replace that about 2 years ago.
That said, it was dead when the car died. I jumped started the car and was able to drive home. It then died again (and continues to give the same message)
The hybrid battery gauge display on the screen shows one purple bar.
I'm going to trickle charge the battery tonight and see what that does.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: IL
My wife's car has similar issue. Went to unlock in our driveway and car was dead. Was able to manually unlock and car was dark when door opened. Found out the 12v in trunk was reading 2v. Charged it back up and now it will attempt to start but goes into electric mode and alternates messages "Check PCS System" and "Check Hybrid System". To OP, what was final resolution?:
Note: Nobody has replacement batteries. Dealers are on nationwide backorder.
Note: Nobody has replacement batteries. Dealers are on nationwide backorder.
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CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,150
Likes: 1,711
From: VA
Did you also call Toyota dealers and give them the part number?
Try online dealers? I did a search and several online OEM Toyota or Lexus dealers appeared to have them. I would call to confirm before ordering.
https://www.google.com/search?q=toyo...4dUDCA0&uact=5
Some have installed an Optima battery.
Try online dealers? I did a search and several online OEM Toyota or Lexus dealers appeared to have them. I would call to confirm before ordering.
https://www.google.com/search?q=toyo...4dUDCA0&uact=5
Some have installed an Optima battery.
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CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
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From: VA
Some chain auto stores, maybe, Autozone or O'Reilly etc will check for stored codes and clear them for you, or your local gas station repair shop can do this.
Well, it is either your battery is still defective, in which case it will not hold the charge for long and that is why your warning lights are on,
or something else is wrong that requires checking for stored codes etc. such as the system that charges the 12v battery, it is part of the hybrid system, not like regular vehicles.
My bet is you still need a 12v battery. They do not go to 2v without a reason. I bet it is the original. My original battery lasted 9 years.
However, there are independent hybrid specialty shops if you want to avoid the dealer (I try to avoid the dealer as much as possible, they are usually not trustworthy as they work on commission), just Google search for hybrid vehicle shops.
Well, it is either your battery is still defective, in which case it will not hold the charge for long and that is why your warning lights are on,
or something else is wrong that requires checking for stored codes etc. such as the system that charges the 12v battery, it is part of the hybrid system, not like regular vehicles.
My bet is you still need a 12v battery. They do not go to 2v without a reason. I bet it is the original. My original battery lasted 9 years.
However, there are independent hybrid specialty shops if you want to avoid the dealer (I try to avoid the dealer as much as possible, they are usually not trustworthy as they work on commission), just Google search for hybrid vehicle shops.
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 208
Likes: 26
From: AR
You need to replace the 12V battery. I dumped my 2010 HS Premium after 9 years and with a new 12v battery since I do not want to deal with the hybrid battery later on. Do you have access to Techstream? You can clear it with Techstream or have the Toyota dealer to clear it as well.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Did you ever resolve this issue? I think I am experiencing similar. Warning lights just lit up with "Check Hybrid System" at the center. Then the car just coasted to a stop and I had to have it towed home. Hybrid battery gauge is also only showing one purple bar and car will not shift into drive or reverse. No "Ready" light either. I did replace my auxiliary battery four years ago and have since driven another 75,000 miles since. Everything in my intuition is telling me it is the hybrid battery that may have gone now, but I am not 100% certain.
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 6
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From: SC
Did you ever resolve this issue? I think I am experiencing similar. Warning lights just lit up with "Check Hybrid System" at the center. Then the car just coasted to a stop and I had to have it towed home. Hybrid battery gauge is also only showing one purple bar and car will not shift into drive or reverse. No "Ready" light either. I did replace my auxiliary battery four years ago and have since driven another 75,000 miles since. Everything in my intuition is telling me it is the hybrid battery that may have gone now, but I am not 100% certain.
Car is in otherwise great shape. Does anyone have any advice as the likelihood of simply being the 12V versus something much worse/more expensive?
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