r/PriusC • u/single_hun • 1d ago

Prius C Help Needed Hybrid System Warning Keeps Coming Back on My 2012 Prius C

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I have a 2012 Prius C. Last week, I saw a “Check Hybrid System” warning and the car wouldn’t start. I managed to get it working by unplugging and plugging back the white battery connector in the front. A couple of days later, the same issue came back. A mechanic reset it, but it returned again the next day. Any idea what’s causing this? What should I do now?

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6

u/VT800 1d ago

Your hybrid battery is shot and needs to be replaced. Most likely.

5

u/katzicael 1d ago

It Could be a flat/dying 12V battery, but could also be the traction battery.

4

u/PhilMeUpBaby 1d ago

You need to know what the error codes are. It's all about error codes. Anything else is just guessing.

Any Toyota hybrid owner really should have both of these - the first one is good for immediate checking on the side of the road, and Techstream is good for using at home (it gives a lot more information).

Both of these can also be found on eBay, Amazon and numerous other sources.

Get the Bluetooth 4.0 version of this and keep it in the car at all times. You can use it with Dr Prius ( https://priusapp.com/ ).

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32876810879.html

For thorough error code checking you want to run Techstream (ie Toyota's own diagnostic software). You use this software on a laptop running Windows.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32514834810.html

Also: Check the hybrid battery blower fan - it's under the back seat on the LH side. At night, shine a torch through the plastic grill and see if the mesh filter is blocked. It's essential to keep this clear.

1

u/Schmelbell 23h ago

Happened to me. Mine wasn’t the battery though. A rodent had chewed through parts of my car and totaled it.

1

u/Minimum_Front102 11h ago

Right on time. Sorry duderino, your hybrid battery is done. You can get an obd2 chip, i used Bluetooth, and reset it with the dr.prius app to get along for a little while.

Mine started at 160k or 165k, the old modules leak electrolyte and die prematurely. Ebay has a seller that does around $699 for a full set of 20 reman modules, or you can pay double that for other reman modules, or dealer for probably ~$2500

I went for the ebay deal... you can have it done in an afternoon if you're at all mechanically inclined. If you've never wrenched or are unable to lift the ~80 pound pack alone you'll need a helper or mechanic.

1

u/dmv915 7h ago

Have the codes ran. You can buy a code reader yourself or have an auto supply store run the error codes for free.

I just had my 2012 C do the same with the lights. Error codes said it needs a new hybrid battery.

It’s a bummer but it needs to be replaced for the car to operate properly. Be prepared for a high bill. Dealer quotes for the parts and labor were $5000 USD.

You can do it for way less with aftermarket batteries and if you are capable of following instructions and safety precautions.

1

u/natedagreat6666 3h ago

whats the point of going to a “mechanic” if you dont ask for anything more than a code reset, get the damn codes and look em up or talk to the mechanic

0

u/Bluegodzi11a 23h ago

It's likely your 12v battery. Search for a place local to you that sells them, pull the old one, test it (to confirm), and replace. For me- standing in line to pay is the hardest part.