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2012 Prius: How to reset or get "check hybrid system" dash light to shut off?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by dj7u, Jul 3, 2012.

  1. dj7u

    dj7u Junior Member

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    I was curious how you can get rid of an annoying "check hybrid system" dash warning?

    Let's just say I know for certain nothing is wrong. It's only cause I accidentally disconnected and reconnected a wire. Just need to reset is all.​

     
  2. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Remove battery negative lead from battery, let sit for a few minutes, reconnect. Reset the "auto down" windows and all your radio station presets.
     
  3. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    I've always been told to turn the car on and off 3 or so times. If the error doesn't clear, something may indeed be wrong.
     
  4. dj7u

    dj7u Junior Member

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    Where under the hood is the negative battery cable located? Is there easy access?
     
  5. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Oh boy...
     
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  6. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    If you believe the negative battery cable, or the 12v battery all together, is located under the hood then I question if you really did cause any serious harm to your car initially. The 12v battery is in the rear of the vehicle. If the error doesn't clear after several car restarts, take it to your dealer if it's under warranty.

    Refer to your manual if you'd like to take the issue into your own hands and wish to disconnect the (-) cable from the (-) battery terminal.
     
  7. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    You need high voltage gloves in order to safely disconnect it. :D

    All kidding aside, it is in the right rear corner of the trunk. The terminal is on the soft side so be careful.


    iPhone ?
     
  8. dj7u

    dj7u Junior Member

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    So, basically act like I'm trying to get to the spare tire and I should see it?

    It's on the passenger side in the rear?

    Earlier I said under the hood only cause most cars are.
     
  9. bielinsk

    bielinsk Gremlin

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    Turn it off and on 3-4 times, it will go away.
     
  10. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    Look at your manual.
     
  11. Irish1

    Irish1 New Member

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    If you have pulled the orange circuit breaker in the trunk and get a Hybrid system failure. Check to see if you failed to slide the orange handle to the lock position when you reinstalled it. Moves right. You may need to still reset the codes by disconnecting the 12 volt battery. Fire department says this is not necessary. This will reset the warning message.

    Excellent theft deterrent when parked in long term parking at the airport. Just slide it to the left.
     
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  12. Southern Dad

    Southern Dad Active Member

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    Kind of crazy but I had this happen to me after I connected my Progressive get your discount thingie. I found that not only do you have to cycle the power switch but actually drive around the parking lot. It cleared for me after four resets with the motor cranking up.
     
  13. dj7u

    dj7u Junior Member

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    So, you just needed to restart about 4 different times and drove a couple minutes between each time?
     
  14. Southern Dad

    Southern Dad Active Member

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    I have a circle driveway. I just drove around it. The fourth time that I powered up it cleared. I had tried it without moving and it just didn't do it.
     
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  15. dj7u

    dj7u Junior Member

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    Interesting, thanks for the tip.
     
  16. Patrick Perry

    Patrick Perry Junior Member

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    Better explanation:

    The Prius swerved unexpectedly and hit the median.

    Two tires blew and ruined two rims.

    The car was towed home.
    It was started several times and moved fine.

    The tires and rims were removed and replaced.

    Disconnected my hybrid battery lock many times and reconnected.

    disconnected the negative pole of the 12V battery and reconnected

    still get the message;

    Check Hybrid System.

    vehicle will not move or go into gear.
     
  17. StarCaller

    StarCaller Senior Member

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    yeah right.... /
     
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  18. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Sounds like you still have undiagnosed damage from the offroad incident. Needs proper diagnostics to evaluate. Toyota Techstream software would be best, but even retrieving an error code with a simple 'dumb' code scanner would be a good start.

    Just hazarding a guess, there's either physical damage or water intrusion to the high voltage wires under the car relating to going off the road. A real diagnosis will be needed.
     
  19. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Presented with a code reader, the car will give trouble codes explaining why it thinks it is showing that message. That's where the diagnosis starts.
     
  20. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Last year a car hit the local highway guard rail, driver said a wind gust caused the car to swerve. Last heard the wind's insurance premium went up.
     
  21. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Last year a car hit the local highway guard rail, driver said a wind gust caused the car to swerve. Last heard the wind's insurance premium went up.