Cooling Systems on hybrid-electric cars: what you need to know

By Brian England

What is a Hybrid Inverter Coolant Service? Hybrid drive vehicles must store that electricity in a direct current (DC) battery. Since the hybrid drive motor uses alternating current (AC), the hybrid inverter must be used to change DC power to AC power. This process creates a large amount of heat in the inverter as current is changed from DC to AC, so a cooling system must be used. This is much like the cooling system on an engine. In general, regular maintenance of draining and filling this system is enough unless the coolant is very dirty or contaminated in some way. 

Electric Car Battery Cooling Systems. Electric cars have more complex cooling systems, or at times they could be called heating systems because when the weather becomes extremely cold the monitoring electronics activates a system that keeps the battery warm.  The proper electric vehicle coolant will ensure that your EV’s battery is protected. Although some manufacturers say that the fluid should last the life of the vehicle, verifying the coolant’s condition as part of routine maintenance is important. An electric vehicle’s coolant is its main defense against premature battery degradation. It’s also important to check the system for leaks and that it’s functioning correctly.

Dog causes hybrid battery to fail

Brian England, Mon, Feb 27, 2023

Detailed diagnosis by a BA Auto Care tech found the underlying cause of this “hairy” problem quickly and efficiently.

A 2009 Toyota Prius came into the shop recently with the check engine light on. This is a common issue, so the technician downloaded the codes and data that related to the battery. After reviewing the data related to each of the codes, he determined that the Hybrid Battery was overheating.

There was one particular code that related to the cooling fan system that cools the battery. The fan was working but was taking too much current. After further inspection, it turned out that the fan was completely blocked with dog hair dust and dirt! This is like the dust and dirt that collects on the fan vents of personal computers. A routine cleaning corrects the issue on both cars and computers. This is especially good news for the Prius owner who thought he was facing an expensive battery replacement.

Luckily, Toyota has a preventive maintenance schedule for the battery fan and filter. If you own a Prius, be sure to build this into your scheduled maintenance program with us. Or you can just brush your dog more often :)!

When does a hybrid battery need to be conditioned or replaced?

Brian England, Mon, Feb 13, 2023

Here are the three major indicators that your hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is ready for a battery evaluation and conditioning:

1. Decrease in Power. If you find that you are having difficulty accelerating or getting up hills as easily as you once did, then there is a good chance you have a battery issue.
2. Lower Gas Mileage. If you notice that your HEV is not getting as many miles per gallon as it once did, then your battery may need to be checked. Of course, it is important to accurately compare mileage you were previously getting, so you need to be aware how many miles per gallon your HEV is supposed to deliver at optimal performance.
3. Vehicle Age/Mileage. If your HEV is four to eight years old and has been driven about 80,000 miles since its last conditioning service, you could benefit from a battery evaluation. The actual condition of your battery will vary depending on where you live and how your car is driven.

There are also many things that affect battery performance that do not require battery replacement. It is extremely important to follow preventative maintenance recommendations and correct diagnostic procedures. Our certified HEV technicians can assist you in troubleshooting these issues too.

If you have any questions about any of our hybrid services, just give us a call at 410-381-2700. If you need to schedule a hybrid service, schedule an online appointment here.

How to save money with new hybrid battery services

Brian England, Mon, Feb 6, 2023

For most of us, driving a hybrid vehicle is much more than just transportation. It also demonstrates how much we care about the environment. After several years of driving a hybrid, the battery normally needs to be replaced with a new one. That is because, just like any battery, hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) batteries eventually fail.

HEV battery replacement is an expensive proposition, costing as much as $5000 or more. But just as troubling is the impact that old battery has on the environment when it gets added to our already overwhelmed waste stream.

Fortunately for most hybrid owners there is finally a less costly alternative to just buying a new battery. At BA Auto Care, we now offer a new option that can save you a lot of money over the purchase of a new HEV battery. You now have two options when it is time to replace your old hybrid battery:

Hybrid battery services for NiMH batteries

Service #1 – Replacement with a Rebuilt Battery – Depending on the condition of your battery or how many cells are damaged, replacement may be the recommended service. In this service option, we remove your hybrid battery and replace it with a remanufactured battery. This is a much greener option because it reduces landfill waste and saves you money. In this service, we scan the on-board computer and evaluate. This is followed by removal of the old battery and installation of a rebuilt battery assembly. The remanufacturing companies offer upgrades using new types of cells that improve range and have a longer warranty if this appeals to you discuss with our service advisor.

Service #2 – Replacement with a New Battery – We still offer a service that replaces your old battery pack with a new one. The old battery pack is removed and replaced with a new battery which includes a battery controller, bus bars, temperature sensors, air temperature sensors and battery modules.

How much do these HEV battery services cost?

The cost for the services described above starts at around $2500 and can go as high as $5000 or more. This will vary based on your vehicle make and model as well as the condition of your battery. Battery conditioning will always be less expensive and more environmentally friendly.