Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Hybrid Vehicles Ford Escape Hybrid Ford Escape Hybrid
1583 messages, Last post on Sep 26, 2009 at 4:59 PM
You are in the Ford Escape Hybrid Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer
|
I am not familiar with the underhood components of a hybrid and haven't been able to locate one to open the hood. My question is: Does a Hybrid still depend on a conventional battery charged by an alternator etc for STARTING purposes and other purposes. If not, I assume there would be no way to start the gasoline powered engine should the Hybrid batteries die? In other words, I assume if the Hybrid batteries go dead, there isn't a way to "jump start" the gasoline engine to restart the Hybrid charging process of the hybrid batteries through normal driving and braking? (Or am I missing something here?) |
|
|
Replying to: rnarg (Sep 11, 2007 9:59 am) The FEH PCM (computer brain) is very conservative with the HVBattery and never lets it go below 40% charged. In an emergency situation if the HVBattery is somehow drained, there is a procedure to use the 12V battery to "heat-up" the HVBattery and "jump-start" the FEH. (The opposite situation of the premise of your question) Again, 95% of the time the FEH is using the HVBattery to send power othe wheels, runs its electrical accessories, and to re-start the ICE. From reports of owners over the last 3 years, the HVBattery seems to be one of the most robust components in the FEH. [It is made to Ford design specifications by Sanyo and comes with a 10-year warranty] 
|
|
|
Replying to: rnarg (Sep 11, 2007 9:59 am) Since the first reply did not answer the question, here is the answer: Your assumption is correct; if the hybrid battery dies, the vehicle will not run. The hybrid system on the FEH (like the Toyota HSD) will not allow the vehicle to run if the hybrid (called "traction") battery fails. The Honda IMA system will allow the vehicle to run on ICE only, but the full hybrid system of Toyota, Nissan, and Ford require electrical energy to be provided to the transmission. |
|
|
To Mecheng1 and Stevedibi----Thanks for your replies. Doesn't look like there would be much use in carrying jumper cables as part of an Escape Hybrid's Emergency kit. Looks like a bicycle would be a more useful item to carry. Thanks again Rnarg
|
|
|
Replying to: rnarg (Sep 11, 2007 2:01 pm) Carrying a bicycle in a Hybrid Escape "incase the Hybrid Battery" dies would be like carrying a bicycle around in a non-hybrid vehicle incase the crankshaft breaks. We are talking about components that are designed to last the life of the vehicle. The Hybrid's HVBattery is a complex component designed to last 150,000...200,000...or more miles. It shouldn't be compared to 12V automobile batteries that may not hold enough charge to start the car after 24 months of use. 
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: rnarg (Sep 11, 2007 2:01 pm) PS Jumper cables for your car battery has nothing to do with the Battery in the back which suppliments your power. 
|
|
|
I was only joking about carrying a bicycle in place of jumper cables. Carrying a credit card and/or joining AAA seem to be better ideas. Thanks Rnarg
|
|
|
Replying to: rnarg (Sep 12, 2007 12:25 pm) The hybrid batteries are designed to be a reliable and consistent part of these vehicles....one of the many components that do not require a on-board back-up (or 'spare tire')...........it is a good question and one that deserves an answer and some explanation.
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: stevedebi (May 16, 2004 9:08 pm) |
|
You are here:
Forums
Hybrid Vehicles Ford Escape Hybrid Ford Escape Hybrid
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
