"Check hybrid system" -- rodents chewing on wires?

My 2011 Prius had the "check hybrid system" warning come up on the dash a month ago, and after some diagnostics at the dealership -- which included musing that rodents may have gotten in and chewed on wiring -- they decided that the auxiliary battery needed to be replaced, so we did that and everything seemed fine until a few days ago.

I hit a little bump (to call it a pothole would be a stretch) going 35, and "check hybrid system" reappeared. I drove it straight to the dealership, which was luckily nearby. They ran diagnostics and just called me to say they need to run five more hours of diagnostic work and are back to suspecting the rodents. I'm wondering if the auxiliary battery really needed to be replaced, if chewed wires are actually the problem.

Anyone have any thoughts to help me decide whether they're pulling the wool over my eyes, and what to do about it? I plan to ask to see the damage myself, if they say it was rodents. When I took it in this most recent trip, I had just assumed something hadn't been installed securely and was knocked loose. I know I'm at a disadvantage, not knowing enough about my own car's hybrid system here.

 

Thanks. They had initially said there were no error codes that could come up because the check engine light wasn't on. Would they be able to get them some other way? Apologies for my cluelessness.

 

I guess what I mean is...is it possible they couldn't get them initially when I was standing at the counter waiting, but would be able to get them later by running a different diagnostic check? I could have the car towed to another dealership, but that's cost in time if not money, and I'm already in for the diagnostic fees at this place, unfortunately. Thanks for the reply.

 

I would check myself if I could at the moment! :/ It's at the dealership, and I'm at work. As soon as I'm able, of course I want to look myself. I wish it had occurred to me before I drove it in this time.

 

Hmm, I haven't noticed any symptoms driving, but I also have never checked that out specifically.

 

Thanks, all. Got the car back from the dealership and had gone ahead with what they said was the repair needed -- the way their diagnostic fee system works, agreeing to that cost less than just taking it elsewhere :/

Here's what they told me: "Scanned for codes, found communication codes stored in power steering ECU and brake control module U0129. Found fuse IG2 blown. Replaced fuse and inspected wiring, removed left-hand side of instrument panel and located a short to ground in the remote start circuit that was blowing the fuse. Repaired wire and relocated wire."

If I notice more problems, I'll still check out some of the other things you all have noted, as I can. I'll definitely be checking for signs of rodent damage, now that I know that's a common problem. I didn't get to speak personally with the mechanic yet to know if he actually saw signs of rodents or if that was just an initial guess.

They bent the heck out of that panel to the lower left of the steering wheel, though, so if anyone knows any tips for getting that back into shape -- or suggestions for hybrid repair shops in Columbus, Ohio, that aren't dealerships, for next time! -- I'm all ears. This has been helpful.