Hello Has anyone seen this issue? Looks like the 12volt battery which reads 14.88 is ok and the car starts and runs ok. The check engine light and the triangle exclamation light is on. Using a ODB2 code scan tool module from Harbor Freight, I hooked up the code scan tool and typed in the 2009 Camry VIN number and downloaded the profile to scan this model vehicle. Then it dumped out 2 error codes below. It is the Zurich ZR-BT1 OBD2 Bluetooth dongle code reader [URL unfurl="true"]https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...-obd2-bluetooth-dongle-code-reader-59091.html[/URL] The scan tool error codes are: Stored/Confirmed POAFA - Hybrid/EV Battery System voltage low Pending POAFA - Hybrid/EV Battery System voltage low Google AI Overview: AI Overview Learn more The P0AFA code indicates a problem with the hybrid/EV battery system voltage being lower than expected, according to KBB and Snap-On. This code is specific to vehicles powered partially or fully by electricity, meaning it's not just a standard OBD-II code for all cars. It signifies that the powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) has detected a problem with the battery pack voltage. Here's a more detailed explanation: Battery Pack Voltage: Hybrid and EV vehicles utilize a battery pack composed of individual battery cells, which can number in the hundreds. The vehicle's hybrid PCM monitors the total voltage output from this battery pack to ensure it's functioning correctly. Low Voltage: The P0AFA code is triggered when the hybrid PCM detects that the battery pack's voltage is lower than expected, or when there's an issue with the signal level related to the voltage. Consequences: This low voltage can prevent the vehicle from entering "Ready Mode" and can keep the high-voltage system inactive, potentially preventing the vehicle from starting or operating correctly. Troubleshooting: In some cases, PriusChat provides steps to diagnose and fix the P0AFA code, including checking the battery cells and connectors. Related Codes: The P0AF8 code is also related to this issue, and Kelley Blue Book provides more information on it. This video shows how to diagnose and fix the P0AFA code in a Chevy Volt. However since this code points to a bad battery and in the video below it is the 12v battery in the Chevy Volt which makes sense because it has starting problems. In my case the 12v battery tests good so it looks like a bad 288 volt Toyota hybrid battery which is covered under the extended warranty. We will see. [URL unfurl="true"]https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj4uZXDqKqNAxX0FmIAHWysLKMQma4LegQIJxAC&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ICrpDJXRws&t=53&usg=AOvVaw1V2_x-HG2thSA5A2ZGn9Sd&opi=89978449[/URL] Pic 1 - 2009 Camry Hybrid Dash Warnings Pic 2 - Harbor Freight Scan Tool Pic 3 - Scan Tool 12v Battery Test shows Good Pic 4 - Scan Tool Hybrid Battery Error Code
Good News! Just heard back from the used car dealer. There are 5 levels of 5 year extended warranty contracts and only the top level covers the hybrid battery which is the one purchased with the car! It took one day to check the car and get the approval from the warranty company. The dealer calls in the Hybrid Battery replacement company. They order a brand new Battery (Not the OEM battery) and they come into the dealer’s shop and replace it. That takes up to 3 days. Not simple like replacing the 12 volt battery but it is all working out.
Yeah I read this as being the big battery, and not the small 12 v battery that you tested. Good news is that it sounds like warranty will cover it. That's the issue with hybrids and pure EV's. Those big battery packs that run the electric motors. The Nissan leaf all EV car have issues with their old tech batteries going bad. They never had much range to begin with, early ones only like 75 miles. Well, due to the batteries dying, the cars can sometimes only move a couple miles at most after a few years. Some can't move at all. Now note that they used old battery tech when the cars were new. So you can buy a nice car, that needs a battery for like 5k. People are a putting a newer lion battery tech battery in then for like 5-6 k and getting upwards of 250 miles in battery range. Add up a nice rest of the car for 4-5k and a battery for 5-6k and you have a nice car that has much better battery range then they did from the factory. If you want to really save money you can replace the individual battery cells in your old battery pack and get the same results, aside from "simply" swapping the big battery pack that has been outfitted with newer tech batteries. Either way you need to get a bit inventive to swap the entire battery pack out. The battery pack is a few feet long and a couple feet wide and heavy.
Those batteries can bite you! Battery cars were just coming out when I got out, I did take some training on it in prep. The dealership had to put in chargers, buy specialty tools and have a certain number of trained individuals in order to be able to sell/repair EV’s. The tools pretty much consisted of a giant hydraulic scissor lift, a few cones to put around the vehicle to keep people out and a 12 foot fiberglass Shepard shook to yank someone off if they get stuck to the car/battery!
Good to know! I really did not think of that! Watch out for the Orange colored components and wires! 288 volts is dangerous! The Toyota Camry Hybrids went to Lithium-Ion 288 volt hybrid batteries in 2021.
