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

How healthy is your hybrid battery?

Over time, you might start to notice some warning signs as your vehicle and battery start to age. Some of the signs that your hybrid battery is approaching failure might be:

Poor gas mileage
Battery drains quickly
Engine runs all the time
Loss of power and torque

Your hybrid’s on-board computer can give you some basic insight into your battery’s condition, but unless you have a tool to access the data, it’s still a mystery.

How do I check the health of my hybrid battery?

If your battery is already 8-10 years old and showing signs of aging, you may start seeing warning lights on the dash. These warning / check engine lights are always generic. To get more specific information about what those warning lights mean, you can go to your local repair shop, dealership, or auto parts store to get the On-Board-Diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes read.

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 indicate very specific issues about what’s going on with your vehicle. You can access them by plugging a code reader into the vehicle’s OBD port. You have several options to get them:

Go to your local repair shop, dealership, or auto parts store and ask them. Some places might charge for the diagnostics. Others, like the auto parts stores, will do often for free.
Buy an OBD reader and do it yourself. We often recommend the Autel OBD2 Scanner.

Once you have the diagnostic trouble codes, call Green Bean Battery and we’ll guide you through the battery replacement process.

If your hybrid battery is still going strong, and you’re just trying to prepare for the future, you can remove the guesswork and gain some real insight. All you need is 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. The Dr Prius / Dr Hybrid team have developed a test that attempts to determine the estimated remaining life 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 determines through its diagnostics that you need a new battery, the software will also recommend getting it replaced, a task that Green Bean Battery can certainly handle for you!!

Regardless of your situation and current hybrid battery health, there’s no need to worry! You always have options! All you need is a little information before moving forward… And, if you don’t want to spend $5,000 for a new replacement battery for your aging vehicle, Green Bean Battery’s premium reconditioned hybrid batteries are a great alternative at nearly half the cost. To top it all off, we come to you to do the installation and all our hybrid batteries 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.