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What Does The Hybrid System Warning Light Mean?

ByTsukasa Azuma-November 25, 2023

Hybrid vehicles are in trend these days where a car gets the ability to run on both engine and battery. Toyota Prius is a hybrid, for example, that operates on both gas as well as battery. Now, just like the malfunction occurs in other cars, hybrid cars too are not an exception to hybrid system warning light.

Today, we bring you the solution or what your options are when you see the warning light.

Hybrid System Warning Light: What Does It Mean?

A hybrid system warning light typically indicates that there is a problem with the hybrid system in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The hybrid system is responsible for managing the interaction between the gasoline engine and the electric motor/battery system, and if there is a problem with this system, it can cause the warning light to come on.

The specific meaning of the warning light can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, but in general, it is a signal that there is a problem with the hybrid system that needs to be addressed. Some possible causes of the warning light include a malfunction in the battery system, a problem with the hybrid powertrain, or an issue with the engine control module.

If the hybrid system warning light comes on, it is important to have the vehicle diagnosed and repaired by a qualified technician as soon as possible to avoid potential damage to the vehicle and to ensure its continued safe operation.

Solution To The Hybrid System Warning Light

It happens when you see that warning light on your hybrid system indicator and don’t know what to do. Sometimes, it takes place in between the drive, and you feel stuck on the road with the thought of whether you should drive further or not. Let’s see what you can do in this case.

A warning light system is embedded with every car to let the driver know about the possible issue. Every light has its meaning, and as hybrid warning systems are a bit complex, it can be sometimes difficult to understand the actual reason.

Warning light system comes embedded with every car to let the driver know about the possible issue (Photo: cargurus)

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In the case of the hybrid system warning light, the primary solution you can try is resetting the system. You can shut off the car and let it be for a few minutes. Afterward, restart and let the computer check again. In most cases, it solves the trouble, and you get no warning light again.

In case the reset thing does not work for you, make use of a code reader and read what the code says. The code readers are available in the market at budget-friendly prices that every car owner should have. Sometimes, the smallest error can make you face the warning light system, and troubleshooting the problem using the code reader can be the way out.

It solves the trouble, and you get no warning light again (Photo: cutewallpaper)

Check the fuse for the hybrid battery and see if it is not a dead one. The failed fuse can also make the warning system display the light. You can replace the fuse yourself take it to the nearby repair shop or call them home.

Should You Drive The Car With The Warning Light On?

Currently, on cars, there are a total of about 64 types of signal lights for all car models. There are two main warning light colors: red and yellow. The red light indicates that the car is having a serious problem, we need to take it to the nearest garage for immediate inspection and repair.

A yellow light on the car dashboard means that the system is detecting an error, you can still continue to drive but should bring it to the garage as soon as possible. A blue or green light means your vehicle is safe and ready to go. There are some warning lights you need to notice when they show on the dashboard because these can be serious signs that could affect the safety of drivers and vehicles and you need to fix them as soon as possible:

The light is turned on because there is a component failure (Photo: autocar)
  • Check engine light 

The check engine light comes on when the engine system or related systems fail. The cause may be due to malfunctions in parts such as spark plugs, injectors, oxygen sensors, etc.

  • Coolant temperature warning light

When the engine temperature is higher than the permissible level, the engine is overheated, possibly due to lack of cooling water, punctured water tank, etc., and the warning light will appear. We immediately stopped and checked the car.

  • Battery failure warning light

The indicator light is on because the battery is out of charge. The cause may be a weak battery that needs to be replaced or a generator malfunction…

  • Low oil pressure warning light

In case the oil pressure in the car engine is low, you should turn off the car engine as quickly as possible.

So you can still use the car with the warning light on. However, it doesn’t mean that you should. The light is turned on because there is a component failure, and driving it further only leads to more damage. More Maintenance Tips here to keep your car well running.

Those who want to avoid the technicalities can take the car to a repair shop and let them detect whatever code there is or if any other thing is responsible for the warning light.

Conclusion

The hybrid system warning light occurs in two hues: yellow and red. A yellow icon means there is a part that needs repair. You can finish your ride and take it to the repairer. The red light is more severe, and this depicts that you immediately need to address the issue.

Based on your experience, you can self-diagnose the problem or take it to the professionals. Also, make sure the safety system lights appear every time you start your rides, such as the ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes system) and your SRS airbag. If any of the lights do not appear, it means that these safety measures are malfunctioning and you should get the issue inspected immediately.

Tsukasa Azuma is an awesome car blogger of Car From Japan. He owns a car repair shop at downtown Osaka, and he put all that experience to good use in his sharing posts. Tsukasa’s blog is one of the best resources for information about keeping your favorite imported car running smoothly. Moreover, because of being passionate to learn about the recent happenings in auto industry, he doesn’t only provide great car maintenance tips, he also always updates latest trends in among car brands and share them in his own interesting viewpoint.

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