GREEN BEAN GUIDE

How to check your hybrid battery’s health

Let’s face it.  All hybrid batteries eventually need to be replaced. The trick is being prepared when it finally happens. Replacing your hybrid battery can be fairly daunting, and the more information you have, the better.

So, how healthy is your hybrid battery? Over time, you might start to notice some warning signs as your vehicle and battery start to age. Your hybrid’s on-board computer can also give you some basic insight into your battery’s condition.

Checking Hybrid Battery Health with OBD

If your hybrid battery is already 8-10 years old (and in bad shape), you’ll end up seeing warning lights on the dash. These warning and check engine lights are always generic, soto get specific info about what those lights mean you can go to your local repair shop, dealership, or auto parts store to get the OBD trouble codes read. On-Board-Diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes are part of the system that monitors and identifies issues with your vehicle. 

For example, when this system sees an issue with your hybrid battery, it turns on the check engine light and records an OBD code. The trouble codes are very specific issues about what’s going on with your car. These codes are accessed by plugging a code reader into the vehicle’s OBD port. 

Some places might charge for the diagnostics, while others like the auto parts stores will do it for free. Some hybrid owners might buy an OBD reader and opt to do it themselves. Either way, once you have the relevant information, call Green Bean Battery with a list of your trouble codes, and we’ll guide you through the battery replacement process.

Symptoms of a Failing Hybrid Battery

If you suspect that your hybrid battery may be failing, here are some common symptoms to look out for:

1. Reduced Fuel Efficiency
   One of the most noticeable symptoms of a failing hybrid battery is a reduction in fuel efficiency. As the battery begins to lose its ability to hold a charge, the vehicle may rely more heavily on its gasoline engine, leading to decreased fuel economy.
2. Check Engine Light
   If the check engine light on your hybrid vehicle comes on, it could be a sign that the battery is failing. The check engine light can indicate a range of issues, including problems with the hybrid battery system.
3. Reduced Acceleration
   As the battery begins to fail, you may notice a reduction in the vehicle’s acceleration and overall performance. The electric motor may not provide the same level of power, leading to slower acceleration and decreased responsiveness.
4. Increased Engine Noise
   If you notice an increase in engine noise or vibration, it could be a sign that the gasoline engine is working harder to compensate for a failing hybrid battery. This can put additional strain on the engine and lead to further performance issues.
5. Battery Warning Light
   Finally, many hybrid vehicles have a specific battery warning light that will illuminate when there is an issue with the hybrid battery. If you see this warning light, it’s important to have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible to determine the cause of the issue.

Preventative Steps to maintain Hybrid Battery Health

If your hybrid battery’s health is still going strong and you simply want to prepare for the future, you can remove the guesswork and gain some real insight with an OBD bluetooth reader and the Dr Prius / Dr Hybrid app. With that simple combination, you’ll get real time information about the estimated remaining life of your hybrid battery’s health. The Dr Prius / Dr Hybrid team have developed a test that attempts to determine the estimated remaining life remaining of your hybrid battery using well-known indicators. 

Currently the app supports two tests. A Full Battery Test to perform load testing on your battery, and a Life Expectancy Test to find out the estimated remaining capacity of the battery. Run these two tests and you’ll have all the information you need along with a list of any error codes inside your hybrid system. 

If the app’s diagnostics determine that you need a new hybrid battery, Green Bean Battery will help you find the replacement! That’s right, Green Bean Battery is now partnered with Dr Prius / Dr Hybrid to be the #1 duo for hybrid battery replacement!

Regardless of your situation and current hybrid battery health, you always have options. All you need is some information before moving forward, and if you don’t want to spend $3,000 to $5,000 for a new replacement battery for your 10 year old vehicle, Green Bean Battery’s premium reconditioned hybrid batteries are a great alternative at nearly half the cost. To top that off, we come to you to install the hybrid battery and they all come with our Green Bean Warranty. Click here to find out more information about Dr Prius / Dr Hybrid. Or just choose your vehicle below to get started.

*This article update April 2024 with new information

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