Hybrid battery cooling system maintenance warning

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Karen Rivera, Aug 25, 2025.

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  1. Karen Rivera

    Karen Rivera New Member

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    Location:
    Columbia, MO
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    The maintenance warning light came on a couple weeks ago. Last week I called the local dealership, (unfortunately only one in this town with not a good reputation) and they told me to make sure the cooling vents were not obstructed. I already knew they were not, but I went to the backseat and checked to make sure, all clear. The maintenance warning message is still there. This place charges way too much for diagnostic service, and I don't know who else to trust in this town because my own mechanic who has been handling basic stuff doesn't do it. Since I know there's nothing obstructing the ventilation of the hybrid battery pack, the message probably just has to be turned off, and I want someone who's not going to rip me off for something that simple. Is there some way for me to reset that message myself, just to see if it comes back on and is possibly for real, or do I have to take it in? Thanks in advance!
     
    #1 Karen Rivera, Aug 25, 2025
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    A decent scanner can delete codes. It would be best to record them first. Most auto supply free scans would not read hybrid codes. You could get an elm327 bluetooth obd2 dongle and use the Dr Prius app to confirm and clear.

    This is one I use $31 on Amazon
    IMG_9503.jpeg


    First was it one of the indicator lights? One of these?

    IMG_9501.jpeg IMG_9499.jpeg IMG_9500.jpeg IMG_9498.jpeg

    If it was the "Go to Service" light then the battery blower motor could have a clogged up squirrel cage (the plastic blower wheel) or it might have failed altogether.

    These are important issues that require removal of portions of the hatch panels to expose the hybrid battery and fan. A limp mode is possible if the battery continues to overheat.

    IMG_9502.jpeg
     
    #2 rjparker, Aug 25, 2025
  3. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Welcome
    Do you have the error code number? We can give better advice from those numbers. If someone just told you it was the battery cooling vents; that's their interpretation of the error code - which may be WRONG. The question is it the traction pack that overheated or the inverter; either may trigger that alarm.

    Hope this helps.......

    PS; your own oil change mechanic should have a tool to reset that lamp for you - ask him for the code before he erases it. Use your phone to take a picture of it.
     
    #3 BiomedO1, Aug 25, 2025
  4. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    The 2017v has a warning light for battery cooling and the owner's manual specifies the filter (strainer), duct or intake may be clogged or disconnected..
     
    #4 rjparker, Aug 25, 2025
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  5. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Shouldn't it cancel if clear when no longer obstructed or is it one of those sticky warning?
     
    #5 BiomedO1, Aug 25, 2025
    Last edited: Aug 25, 2025
  6. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    It may have a failed blower or clogged blower wheel.
     
    #6 rjparker, Aug 25, 2025
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