I have a 2010 Prius and the check hybrid engine message comes up. If I reset the message, it will not appear again for 100 miles. Is there a problem with my battery pack or is there something else going on ? The reason I ask is because I thought that if the battery pack was bad it would show the message right away and not after 100 miles. Thanks Terry
Everyone would just be guessing what the problem is until you get the trouble codes read. How are you doing the reset? When the "check hybrid system" message is shown, take the car to an autoparts store like Autozone, Advance Auto, etc, for a free scan and then could back and report what was found. How many miles on your Prius?
Hi Brian, I have an ODBC reader that I reset the code with. I went to Autozone today and the code is PA080, replace Hybrid battery. There are 220,000 miles on my Prius. Thanks Terry
It sounds like your hybrid battery is on it's way out. Depending on how involved you want to get in turning a wrench you could buy an aftermarket battery and replace it yourself. It seems like that costs about $2000, depending on whether you get an all new one or a reconditioned one. If you want to keep that car for a lot longer, probably better to go with an all new one. The dealership will happily replace it for your, but then you are talking up to $4000 depending on the dealer. I know that other shops do this work as well, you will have to see of there are any mechanics that specialize in hybrids in your area. Some folks have had success with replacing individual cells and/or re-balancing the pack, but that can be a rabbit hole and requires more technical expertise.
Yes, it looks like it is time for a new hybrid battery. If you are curious about the current status of the battery, you can use the DR.Prius app with an OBD2 bluetooth doggle. See the Dr.Prius website.
