Vellfire Hybrid 2.4 Hybrid issue!

[Jj 1010]

I had a flat battery (12V) and now the hybrid system has an orange warning light.  Do you know if I need to do something to reset it or is it a major problem?!  

 

Thank you!  

[The Boonies]

Google translate is often a very useful tool to have if you are a JDM car owner. The translations are not perfect but very useful nonetheless. In case you haven't already read the message in Japanese it says Check Hybrid System. Please stop in a safe place. To me that would indicate to not drive the car until the problem is resolved ?

[ZeeSpeed]

You will need to reset the code with an OBD code reader or ideally Techstream. Has this happened before and how old is your 12v battery ?

[VirtualGuy]

Did you manage to fix this issue, @Jj 1010?

I have a similar problem. The same message is appearing, i.e. 'System check. Stop in a safe place'. Also the Energy Monitor display is not showing the flow of power to and from the hybrid battery as it would normally do. 

Research so far has indicated this could be due to quite an array of potential issues, from dodgy fuel cap to 12v battery to hybrid battery. 

In my case I am thinking, hoping, it may be due to the 12v battery. I have had some recent issues with the vehicle's system failing to start, with this resulting in the vehicle going into 'immobiliser' mode. I got it going variously by leaving it a while, then using jump leads and to power things up for 5-10 minutes, and finally the AA's portable jump starter. 

I am about to purchase a multimeter to check the 12v battery - really hoping that this is the problem, as some others could potentially be very costly!

 

[BigNev]

Hi Stephen!

I don't have a Hybrid, but I would suggest also buying a (12v car) battery tester, relatively cheap kit nowadays, to give an indication of the amp rating capacity, as voltage does not necessarily give the whole picture.

 

Yes it needs good voltage, for the communication side, but it's "amps that cranks".

Actually though, from reading on this forum, I believe it isn't the 12v battery that cranks the engine!!!

I'll hand over to those who know on that one!!

Cheers,

Nev

[VirtualGuy]

Thanks Nev!

 

You are correct in that the 12V battery does not crank the engine in the hybrid. I did buy that multimeter and the voltage was 11.83V - so that could well be the issue.

 

I ended up disconnecting and reconnecting the battery and all systems reset - fixing the problem in the process! I still need to replace the battery though, as the issue will no doubt return. Research suggests that if the voltage is below 12V there are likely to be problems. The following sums up my findings, with the help of AI (I know - don't believe everything AI tells you  ): -

 

Expected 12V Battery Voltage Levels

• Fully charged: Around 12.6–12.8V (engine off).

• Healthy but not fully charged: About 12.3–12.5V.

• Low/weak: Below 12.0V often indicates a discharged or failing battery.

• Engine running (charging): 13.8–14.5V typically, as the hybrid system charges the 12V battery.

At 11.83V, the battery is in the discharged/weak category. Even if it still powers accessories, hybrid vehicles like the Alphard rely heavily on the 12V battery for critical tasks such as:

• Booting the hybrid control computer

• Activating relays and contactors that connect the high-voltage system

• Powering sensors and ECUs before the hybrid system starts charging

If the 12V battery voltage drops too low during startup or under load, the hybrid system may fail to initialize correctly, resulting in a "Check Hybrid System" warning.

 

Cheers,

Steve

Edited yesterday at 05:20 PM by VirtualGuy

[BigNev]

Cracking solution! 

The simplest is often the way as they say!

 

If you do need a 12v battery, there's another thread active just now on that subject, but basically I'd suggest Tayna Batteries, in Bodelwyddan, North Wales, for good price and next day delivery.

 

Cheers,

Nev

[VirtualGuy]

Thanks for the advice Nev! I'll check them out.