How to Check and Reset the Hybrid System on a Prius

Co-authored by Ed Beery

Last Updated: November 1, 2023 Fact Checked

If the "Check Hybrid System" indicator light is showing on your dash, it could mean your Prius is having engine problems or electrical issues, or it could just be an error. There are a variety of reasons why the light might turn on, and the right fix will depend on the exact cause. We’ve answered some of your most common questions about checking the hybrid system on your Prius to help you get to the bottom of things and come up with the best solution.

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Question 1 of 6:

What does check hybrid system mean on a Prius?

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It means there’s a problem with your car’s hybrid system. Your Prius is equipped with a full hybrid system that uses a battery-powered electric motor and a gas-powered combustion engine that work together. When the “Check Hybrid System” light comes on, it means your car’s warning system is detecting some sort of problem. It could be something minor such as a faulty fuse, or something more serious like an alternator issue.^{[1]
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- Sometimes, a system error can tell your Prius there’s something wrong when there isn’t. If that’s the case, a simple restart could solve the issue.

Question 2 of 6:

Can I drive my Prius with a hybrid check?

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While you may still be able to drive your Prius while the indicator light is on, you could be doing more damage to your car. If the light won’t turn off after you restart your car, drive it or call a tow truck to take it to an auto repair shop as soon as you can. If there is a problem, catching it sooner can save you time and money in the long run.^{[2]
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carparts.com/blog/hybrid-system-malfunction-meaning-causes-and-other-faqs/}

Question 3 of 6:

How do you reset a Prius hybrid check?

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If the hybrid check light comes on while you’re driving, pull over somewhere safe. Turn off your car and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, try starting it back up again to reset it. If the light turns off, it may have been a system error and there isn’t anything wrong with your car. However, if the light stays on, there may be a problem with your Prius.^{[3]
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carparts.com/blog/hybrid-system-malfunction-meaning-causes-and-other-faqs/}
If your hybrid check light stays on even after you reset it, look at your car’s fuses to see if any of them are blown. Check beneath your hood or dashboard for the fuse box. Look for broken filaments or discoloration. Replace any blown fuses with new ones of the same type and see if that fixes the issue.^{[4]
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If you can’t figure out what’s wrong with your Prius, have a mechanic take a look. They’ll be able to hook up to your car’s computer and scan the system for any problems.

Question 4 of 6:

How do you check a Prius hybrid battery?

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An OBD2 adapter is specially designed to read the system computer of your Prius and tell you if there are any problems with the battery.^{[5]
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Research source} Remove the small panel under your dash to the bottom right of your steering wheel to access the connector port. Then, plug in the adapter into the port.^{[6]
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Use the Dr Prius app to check the status of your battery. Visit the app store on your smartphone or tablet and download the free Dr. Prius app. Connect the app to the OBD2 device by Bluetooth or WiFi.^{[7]
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Research source} Then, check the app to see if the OBD2 adapter is saying there are problems or issues with your battery.^{[8]
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- If your battery is working fine, the problem could be something else.
- Take your Prius to a repair shop if there’s an issue with your battery.
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Take your Prius to a dealership or mechanic for a simpler option. If you’re able to drive your Prius, take it to a repair shop so they can check your system to see if there’s a problem with your battery. If you can’t drive your Prius, you can call a repair person to come out to you to check your car’s battery.
- A diagnostic test usually costs around $120 USD.

Question 5 of 6:

Why is my Prius not turning on?

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These are the most common reasons why your Prius won’t start or turn on. Fixing the problem can involve replacing the part, cleaning the connections, or making repairs to the system. Because there are many potential causes, it’s important that you get a full diagnosis from a licensed technician at an auto repair shop.^{[9]
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The Prius owner’s manual is super helpful and tells you exactly what type of oil your car needs. But because your Prius is so sensitive to how much engine oil is in it, if you overfill the tank, your car won’t start. It’s a fail-safe measure that keeps your car’s engine from getting damaged. If there aren’t any other issues with your Prius, it could be the oil. Try draining and refilling your car’s oil or have a licensed mechanic change your oil.^{[10]
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Question 6 of 6:

Is my Prius under recall?

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You can find out at https://www.toyota.com/recall. Visit the Toyota recall website and enter your car’s license or vehicle identification number (VIN) in the search bar. Check the results to see if your Prius is under recall. If it is, follow up with your dealership about what you need to do next.