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Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance Repair and Concerns

186 messages,  Last post on Jan 09, 2013 at 7:39 PM

You are in the Hybrid Vehicles Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Prius, Honda Fit Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Hybrid, Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Hybrid Cars, Coupe, Hatchback, Truck

Messages Page 15 of 20

#132 of 186 Toyota Highlander '08 Hybrid Battery Problems by partygal

Nov 16, 2009 (1:28 pm)

I have been searching Highlander Battery issues and most that I've seen are from having the vehical sit for extended periods of time. My issue is different. I own a Catering Business and frequently need to work out of the back of my car. I have been a toyota owner for many years and I purchased (Brand New) a Highlander Hybrid in April 2008. The first time the battery went dead was during an event and I was not aware that if you leave the hatchback open that the dome light will killl the 12volt battery after about 30 minutes. I could not figure out the problem until the 12 volt battery repeatedly died on me. After having the car checked several times by my dealership, they reported that the battery was fine. I was agdvised to keep the car in READY mode, thus having the car cycle between the gas engine and the Hybrid Batteries. This seemed to work after a while, but the car has died three times in the past two weeks for as little a thing as leaving the hazzard lights on. Toyota is telling me that I am the only person having this problem! They are replacing the battery right now(as the car died again this morning). Has anyone else had dead battery issues from leaving leaving the hatchback open, door open, hazzard lights on? By the way, I had learned after the first several times to make sure that all interior lights, radio, and anything that might drain the battery were off and unplugged ( IPod charger)!
Thanks for any insight!

#133 of 186 Re: Toyota Highlander '08 Hybrid Battery Problems [partygal] by whitey9

Nov 16, 2009 (4:58 pm)

Replying to: partygal (Nov 16, 2009 1:28 pm)
I had my Prius' 12V battery run down after leaving the headlights on. I have not had this problem after realizing the battery is just about the size of a motorcycle battery ( tiny ). I do not leave any lights on, or doors open to prevent a reoccurrence of that type of experience..

#134 of 186 Re: Toyota Highlander '08 Hybrid Battery Problems [partygal] by bzymom2

Dec 29, 2009 (5:41 pm)

Replying to: partygal (Nov 16, 2009 1:28 pm)
Did your check engine light shine and the car wouldn't start? This just happened to me, and I wasn't sure if this was a hazard of having a hybrid, or a manufacturer defect. Decided to nap with the kids in the car when we got home, rolled the windows down, and I know I turned the engine off. After you had your battery replaced, has this issue been resolved so far?

#135 of 186 Headlights draining the battery by lew74

Jan 12, 2010 (12:52 pm)

In my 05 Prius the headlights turn off when I open the door to get out. How did your lights stay on?

#136 of 186 Re: Headlights draining the battery [lew74] by whitey9

Jan 12, 2010 (3:15 pm)

Replying to: lew74 (Jan 12, 2010 12:52 pm)
I didn't open the door, just reached in thru the open window and pushed the "off" button, and then locked the door at the door handle button ( "keyless go" )

#137 of 186 MPG? by bob49855

Jan 13, 2010 (3:05 pm)

I just bought a used 06 Highlander Hybrid. I keep getting less than 20 mpg.s. Is something wrong? What can I do? This just doesn't seem right?

#138 of 186 Re: MPG? [bob49855] by whitey9

Jan 13, 2010 (6:03 pm)

Replying to: bob49855 (Jan 13, 2010 3:05 pm)
2wd or 4wd??? www.fueleconomy.gov lists actual mileage results at from 21 to 30.
The original window sticker had been rated at 33City/28Hwy. The "adjusted" window sticker now reads 28City/25hwy.
What are you getting? Do you let the car "warm up" in the morning? Do you do a lot of city traffic "driving"? With lots of stops and starts? Do you drive faster than 60mph?

#139 of 186 Re: MPG? [bob49855] by tomslyck

Jan 15, 2010 (11:59 pm)

Replying to: bob49855 (Jan 13, 2010 3:05 pm)
Our 2006 2WD still gets around 26 mpg on average. When it's used just for short trips and hasn't warmed up much, it's more like 24. But when it's used for longer drives, we get closer to 28. We have 82K miles on ours.

#140 of 186 Re: Hybrid Vehicles Maintenance and Repair [gagrice] by johnwyo

Jan 20, 2010 (9:32 am)

Replying to: gagrice (Oct 26, 2008 7:29 pm)
Toyota is overcharging people. I put a regular 12 volt battery, that was small enough to fit. I had to change the battery connectors, or terminals to a regular size, to fit on the batt. post.Bought everything at Wall Mart.

#141 of 186 Re: Hybrid Vehicles Maintenance and Repair [gagrice] by whitey9

Jan 20, 2010 (9:57 am)

Replying to: gagrice (Oct 26, 2008 7:29 pm)
YOUR KIDDING! $300!! For a teeny tiny ( motorcycle-sized ) battery like that? I say B.S.
At most it is an "AGM" ( Absorption Glass Mat ) battery. It's a CAR, not a SPACE SHUTTLE!!! It powers the electronic control units. I'll bet SOMEONE makes a good battery for a whole lot less. $300? Does that include diagnosis and replacement labor? And disposal too?

Messages Page 15 of 20

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