Check hybrid system warning after spark plug change.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by 12mpg, Oct 31, 2025 at 5:51 PM.

  1. 12mpg

    12mpg Junior Member

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    So I just finished changing the spark plugs on my 2014 80k miles. I also removed the intake manifold to find it was clean and EGR ports not blocked by crud whatsoever.
    I just put everything back together and turned the car on to find a yellow triangle with the message “check hybrid system, stop the vehicle in a safe place”.
    I got the “ready” symbol and the cars gas engine started up as usual after a moment.
    I did unplug the orange service plug before performing the aforementioned repairs.
    Should I unplug my starter battery’s negative cable for 30 minutes to give it a reset?
    I plugged my obd scanner in and found no codes.
    And FYI I never got this “check hybrid system” message any time since I’ve owned this car the past 6+ years.
     
  2. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    Odds are that you did not install the orange safety interlock plug correctly. There are three steps to install the plug correctly.
     
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  3. 12mpg

    12mpg Junior Member

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    I was thinking it had something to do with the orange plug as well.
    What are the three steps? I watched a few videos on the orange service plug and it seems that I did install it correctly.
    1. Insert orange plug.
    2. Flip lever down.
    3. Slide lever to the side so the words “unlock” are no longer showing.

    Did I miss something?
     
  4. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    Yes, those are the three steps. When you do the last step, make sure you slide the lever with force.
     
  5. 12mpg

    12mpg Junior Member

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    Update:
    I let the car sit for 30 minutes or so and went back out to start it again… and the yellow triangle+check hybrid system message was no longer there.
    Maybe it just needed a minute to figure things out.
     
  6. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    I just read your post again. The problem was not the orange safety interlock plug since your car went to Ready and the engine started. Sorry for misleading you.

    Your scanner is not capable of reading all the trouble codes that the car has. Read post #1 and then scroll down to post #37 in this thread, https://priuschat.com/index.php?posts/3246758
    You want to buy a scanner that is capable of reading all the trouble codes. I recommend the Autel AP200 scanner. It costs about $60 on Amazon.
     
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    For next time, no batteries need disconnect for what you were doing.
     
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