Mk2 Hybrid won't start

[Goz]

Someone here may be able to help.  Currently awaiting a rescue from the RAC.  My 2012 hybrid alphard has thrown a bit of a hissy fit.   Ever since my 12V battery went dead (I left an internal light on) I've had a host of issues with it.

 

This culminated in some cut outs.  The system would say that the hybrid system has an error.  I would then need to stop the car, clear the codes and the car would continue to run without issues.  I noted that the errors codes were U0100 (lost communication with ECM), U0129 Lost communication with brake control module and U0164 (lost communication with HVAC module).  Initially I thoughxzt it was a poor connection on the 12V battery but yesterday I had a new failure.  When i turned the car back on I was unable to get the code reader to connect to the ECU (it connected to the dongle fine though).  It also reported that there was zero power in the HV battery.   A couple of panicked turns off and on again and I was able to connect to the ECU and clear the codes and I was on my way again.

 

However, today it has got worse.  I am completely unable to get the dongle to connect to the ECU.  I see the engine warning light, the traction control and the ABS,  I also see the airbag steering and a general caution light.  Furthermore it reports E celsius as the outside temperature.  

 

I have tried many things from restarting to disconnecting the battery and so on and so forth.  Occasionally it kinda jumps into life for a short bit (still won't move and the engine won't start) and reports a hybrid system failure and 4WD drive failure.  Still can't get the code reader to access it and clear the codes or anything.  

 

Through all of this ... really bizarrely it seems to have switched over to English.  So now tell me all the warnings etc in English as well as all the other info. (No idea how this is happening but would really be happy to keep it!)

 

Interestingly I pulled the hybrid battery isolator out and tried to star the car and see IDENTICAL symptoms to when I try and start it with the isolator plugged in.  Another interesting thing I noted a few days ago was that one of the bits of information the elm32 was repotring was that the HV battery condition was at 3.69% ... As such I'm beginning to think that something has gone wrong with one of the hybrid battery cells.

 

Does anyone know of any tips and tricks for solving a hybrid battery issue like this?  Am I just gonna have to open up the battery and find out if I have a dodgy cell or 2?  Is this even likely to be the cause of my issues?

 

Anyone in the Oxford area gone into an alphard hybrid battery before?

Edited 23 hours ago by Goz

[Rojie]

2 hours ago, Goz said:

Someone here may be able to help.  Currently awaiting a rescue from the RAC.  My 2012 hybrid alphard has thrown a bit of a hissy fit.   Ever since my 12V battery went dead (I left an internal light on) I've had a host of issues with it.

 

This culminated in some cut outs.  The system would say that the hybrid system has an error.  I would then need to stop the car, clear the codes and the car would continue to run without issues.  I noted that the errors codes were U0100 (lost communication with ECM), U0129 Lost communication with brake control module and U0164 (lost communication with HVAC module).  Initially I thoughxzt it was a poor connection on the 12V battery but yesterday I had a new failure.  When i turned the car back on I was unable to get the code reader to connect to the ECU (it connected to the dongle fine though).  It also reported that there was zero power in the HV battery.   A couple of panicked turns off and on again and I was able to connect to the ECU and clear the codes and I was on my way again.

 

However, today it has got worse.  I am completely unable to get the dongle to connect to the ECU.  I see the engine warning light, the traction control and the ABS,  I also see the airbag steering and a general caution light.  Furthermore it reports E celsius as the outside temperature.  

 

I have tried many things from restarting to disconnecting the battery and so on and so forth.  Occasionally it kinda jumps into life for a short bit (still won't move and the engine won't start) and reports a hybrid system failure and 4WD drive failure.  Still can't get the code reader to access it and clear the codes or anything.  

 

Through all of this ... really bizarrely it seems to have switched over to English.  So now tell me all the warnings etc in English as well as all the other info. (No idea how this is happening but would really be happy to keep it!)

 

Interestingly I pulled the hybrid battery isolator out and tried to star the car and see IDENTICAL symptoms to when I try and start it with the isolator plugged in.  Another interesting thing I noted a few days ago was that one of the bits of information the elm32 was repotring was that the HV battery condition was at 3.69% ... As such I'm beginning to think that something has gone wrong with one of the hybrid battery cells.

 

Does anyone know of any tips and tricks for solving a hybrid battery issue like this?  Am I just gonna have to open up the battery and find out if I have a dodgy cell or 2?  Is this even likely to be the cause of my issues?

 

Anyone in the Oxford area gone into an alphard hybrid battery before?

 

I am not a hybrid owner, but I would caution you on 'poking around' if you really do not know, respectfully, what you are doing.

Battery replacement is VERY expensive..

There is a company in Exeter that receives many good reviews, perhaps you could contact them.

[Michael Brown]

Oscar, hard luck with all Alfies hybrid problems. You need a Hybrid\Electrical specialist. I expect there are other specialists around the country. I use a chap called Peter Holland from Southbourne nr Emsworth, Bright Spark Autos, 07774 152660.  When my Alfie has broken down I have had it transported to his workshop. He is very good.

 

Good luck