Hybrid System Warning Issue

I have a 2014 Prius which is a japanese import (to the UK) and had 60k on the clock.

Since september I have been having an issue with the 'Hybrid System Warning Light' coming on. The light comes on and the hybrid system shuts off. The mechanic I have been going to has told me that the battery is functioning at about 60-70%, so seems to have a lot of life left in it. When he attachs it to the computer it says that the hybrid battery needs replacing.

He can reset the system and the car works fine for 4-5weeks before the error comes back up again. He has tried various things to fix it including:
- Replacing the auxiliary battery
- Cleaning the hybrid system including the cooling fan filter, colling fan and ducts
- Taking out the battery and replacing/checking all the wires that link eveything together

I am at the point where we are considering getting a new battery, however I am a bit loathe to do it as I think the car is quite young and doesnt have a high mileage, also it seems to be functioning well for quite long periods.

Has anyone else had this issue? Could you give me some advice?

Thanks, Abi

 

Thanks for getting back to me!

I think the previous owner must have not used it too much because it only had 30k on the clock when we got it in June 2019.

The mechanic has said that the report he has produced doesn't show any degradation in any particular group of cells. He has got the car again today for a few last checks.

From reading through some previous posts on here I can see that perhaps replacing the whole battery might be the best way to go. I'm now just worried the car might go into limp mode before the new battery arrives!

 

Thanks so much for all your responses, I've ordered a Veepeak OBD2 scanner as recommended by Dr Prius and I'll post a report here once I get it. The mechanic had another look at the car yesterday and has suggested that as the problem is so intermittent I should just clear the codes myself with the OBD2 scanner until the error comes up more frequently and then he can get the new battery ordered asap.

I was concerned about the potential of a bang and bad smells but he said it shouldn't damage the car to keep the battery going for a while longer, so fingers crossed!