Hi folks.

Just new to the forum, I hope someone can give me some help on this one. I went out this afternoon and tried to start the car and I got a message 'Hybrid not working, move gear to P' I did this a number of times but the car wouldn't start. I think the starter battery is dead. I disconnected it in the boot.

Can anyone tell me, is there a specific 12 v battery I need to replace it or will any do? I know there is a temperature sensor in the Panasonic battery, what do I do with that? Would it be better to buy a charging kit until I can get to a Lexus dealership?

Any help would be warmly appreciated. Typical something like this happening on a Saturday evening when everywhere is closed.

 

When it comes to the 12 volt battery in hybrid vehicles, it needs to be an AGM type battery. Given it's located in the cabin, AGM batteries pose a lesser safety issue in regards to if you're involved in an accident of any type, as the acid in regular flooded batteries can be flung throughout and cause obvious issues. It also off-gas less (still some, just less) and has a little rubber tube that goes into a "port" on the battery.

Just fyi, the 12 volt battery in hybrids is almost only used in closing what's called the System Main Relays to allow the high voltage battery to take over. Without those relay contacts closing, it won't go into "Ready" mode or "start" basically.

As for brand of battery, it doesn't fully matter, just so long as it is specific for your car. Physical size constraints make it such that the battery size is very specific and can't go larger.

I say all of that however to follow up with, there may be further issues with the hybrid system that simply aren't allowing it to start. If you have access to a jump box, you can still place it on that 12 volt battery to see if it goes into Ready Mode or if it still gives the same warning when trying to turn on.

- Shane

 

Hi folks,

Thanks so much for the replies and the info. I bought a Noco Genius 10 and left it on charge, Thankfully all good and car running again.