Hybrid Safety and Service Procedures: Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition

90
HYBRID SAFETY AND

SERVICE PROCEDURES
Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

James Halderman All Rights Reserved
90 HYBRID SAFETY AND SERVICE PROCEDURES
Figure 90-1 Rubber lineman’s gloves protect the wearer from a shock hazard.

Figure 90-2 Wearing leather gloves over the lineman’s gloves helps protect the rubber gloves
from damage.

WARNING: Touching
circuits or wires containing
high voltage can cause severe
burns or death.

Figure 90-3 Checking rubber lineman’s gloves for pinhole leaks.

WARNING: Cables and

wiring are orange in color.
High-voltage insulated safety
gloves and a face shield must
be worn when carrying out any
diagnostics involving the high-
voltage systems or
components.

Figure 90-4 Be sure to only use a meter that is CAT III-rated when taking electrical voltage
measurements on a hybrid electric or electric vehicle.

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTION: Is It the
Voltage Rating that
Determines the CAT Rating?
Yes and no. The voltages
stated for the various CAT
ratings are important but the
potential harm to a technician
due to the energy level is what
is most important. For example
some CAT II rated meters may
have a stated voltage higher
than a meter that has a CAT
III rating. Always use a meter
that has a CAT III rating when
working on a hybrid electric
vehicle. - SEE FIGURES 90–4
AND 90–5 .

Figure 90-5 The meter leads should also be CAT III-rated when checking voltages on a hybrid
electric vehicle.

WARNING: Power remains

in the high-voltage electrical
system for up to 10 minutes
after the HV battery pack is
shut off. Never touch, cut, or
open any orange high-voltage
power cable or high-voltage
component without confirming
that the high-voltage has been
completely discharged.

TECH TIP: Silence Is NOT Golden Never assume the

vehicle is shut off just because the engine is off. When
working with a Toyota or Lexus hybrid electric vehicle, always
look for the READY indicator status on the dash display. The
vehicle is shut off when the READY indicator is off.
The vehicle may be powered by:
1. The electric motor only.
2. The gasoline engine only.
3. A combination of both the electric motor and the gasoline
engine.
The vehicle computer determines the mode in which the
vehicle operates to improve fuel economy and reduce
emissions. The driver cannot manually select the mode.
- SEE FIGURE 90–6 .

Figure 90-6 The Ford Escape Hybrid instrument panel showing the vehicle in park and the
tachometer on “EV” instead of 0 RPM. This means that the gasoline engine could start at any time
depending on the state-of-charge of the high-voltage batteries and other factors.

TECH TIP: High Voltage Is

Insulated from the Vehicle
Body Both positive and
negative high-voltage power
cables are isolated from the
metal chassis, so there is no
possibility of shock by touching
the metal chassis. This design
is called a floating ground.
A ground fault monitor
continuously monitors for high-
voltage leakage to the metal
chassis while the vehicle is
running. If a malfunction is
detected, the vehicle computer
will illuminate the master
warning light in the instrument
cluster and the hybrid warning
light in the LCD display. The
HV battery pack relays will
automatically open to stop
electricity flow in a collision
sufficient to activate the SRS
airbags.

CHART 90–1 As a rule of thumb, the auxiliary battery is usually a flood-type if it is located under
the hood and an AGM-type if it is in the trunk area.

Figure 90-7 Jump starting a 2001–2003 Toyota Prius using a 12-volt supply to boost the 12-volt
auxiliary battery in the trunk.

WARNING: Even if all of the

above steps are followed, there
is still a risk for electrical shock
at the high-voltage batteries.
Always follow the vehicle
manufacturer’s instructions
exactly and wear high-voltage
gloves and other specified
personal protective equipment
(PPE).

Figure 90-8 The underhood 12-volt jump-start terminal on this 2004+ Toyota Prius has a red
plastic cover with a “+” sign. The positive booster cable clamp will attach directly to the vertical
metal bracket.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION:

When Do I Need to De-Power the
High-Voltage System? During
routine service work, there is no
need for a technician to de-power the
high-voltage system. The only time
when this process is needed is if
service repairs or testing is being
performed on any circuit that has an
orange cable attached. These
include:
• AC compressor if electrically
powered
• High-voltage battery pack or
electronic controllers
The electric power steering system
usually operates on 12 volts or 42
volts and neither is a shock hazard.
However, an arc will be maintained if
a 42-volt circuit is opened. Always
refer to service information if
servicing the electric power steering
system or any other system that may
contain high voltage.

Figure 90-9 Using a warning cover over the steering wheel helps others realize that work is being
performed on the high-voltage system and that no one is to attempt to start or move the vehicle.

Figure 90-10 A lock box is a safe location to keep the ignition keys of a hybrid electric vehicle
while it is being serviced.

Figure 90-11 Insulated tools, such as this socket set, would provide an additional margin of
safety to the service technician when working around high-voltage components and systems.

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTION: Will the Heat
from Paint Ovens Hurt the
High-Voltage Batteries?
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)
batteries may be damaged if
exposed to high temperatures,
such as in a paint oven. The
warning labels on hybrid
vehicles specify that the
battery temperature not
exceed 146°F (63°C).
Therefore be sure to check the
temperature of any paint oven
before allowing a hybrid
electric vehicle into one that
may be hotter than specified.
Check service information for
details on the vehicle being
repaired.

Figure 90-12 The high-voltage wiring on this Honda hybrid is colored orange for easy
identification.

TECH TIP: High-Voltage

Battery SOC Considerations
NiMH batteries do not store
well for long lengths of time.
After a repair job, or when the
HV system has been powered
down by a technician and
powered up again, do not be
surprised if a warning lamp
lights, diagnostic trouble codes
are set, and the MIL are
illuminated. If everything was
done correctly, a couple road
tests may be all that is
required to reset the MIL. The
HV battery indicator on the
dash may also read zero
charge level. After a road test,
the HV battery level indicator
will most likely display the
proper voltage level.

Figure 90-13 A scan tool display showing two hybrid-related faults in this Ford Escape hybrid.

Figure 90-14 Always use the specified viscosity of oil in a hybrid electric vehicle not only for best
fuel economy but also because of the need for fast lubrication because of the engine (idle) stop
feature.

REAL WORLD FIX: A Bad Day Changing Oil

A shop owner was asked by a regular
customer who had just bought a Prius if the oil
could be changed there. The owner opened
the hood, made sure the filter was in stock (it
is a standard Toyota filter used on other
models), and said yes. A technician with no
prior knowledge of hybrids drove the warmed-
up vehicle into the service bay. The internal
combustion engine never started, as it was in
electric (stealth) mode at the time. Not
hearing the engine running, the technician
hoisted the vehicle into the air, removed the
drain bolt, and drained the oil into the oil drain
unit. When the filter was removed, oil started
to fly around the shop. The engine was in
“standby” mode during the first part of the oil
change. When the voltage level dropped, the
onboard computer started the engine so that
the HV battery could recharge. The technician
should have removed the key to keep this
from happening. Be sure that the “ready” light
is off before changing the oil or doing any
other service work that may cause personal
harm or harm to the vehicle if the engine
starts.

Figure 90-15 This 12 volt battery under the hood on a Ford Fusion hybrid is a flooded cell type
auxiliary battery.

HV GLOVE USE 1 The cuff of the rubber glove should extend at least 1/2 inch beyond the cuff of
the leather protector.

HV GLOVE USE 2 To determine correct glove size, use a soft tape to measure around the palm of
the hand. A measurement of 9 inches would correspond with a glove size of 9.

HV GLOVE USE 3 The glove rating and the date of the last test should be stamped on the glove
cuff.

HV GLOVE USE 4 Start with a visual inspection of the glove fingertips, making sure that no cuts
or other damage is present.

HV GLOVE USE 5 The damage on this glove was easily detected with a simple visual inspection.
Note that the rubber glove material can be damaged by petroleum products, detergents, certain
hand soaps, and talcum powder.

HV GLOVE USE 6 Manually inflate the glove to inspect for pinhole leaks. Starting at the cuff, roll
up the glove and trap air at the finger end. Listen and watch carefully for deflation of the glove. If a
leak is detected, the glove must be discarded.

HV GLOVE USE 7 Petroleum on the leather protector’s surfaces will damage the rubber glove
underneath.

HV GLOVE USE 8 Glove powder (glove dust) should be used to absorb moisture and reduce
friction.

HV GLOVE USE 9 Put on the gloves and tighten the straps on the back of the leather protectors.

HV GLOVE USE 10 Technicians MUST wear HV gloves and leather protectors whenever working
around the high-voltage areas of a hybrid electric vehicle.

HV GLOVE USE 11 HV gloves and leather protectors should be placed in a canvas storage bag
when not in use. Note the ventilation hole at the bottom of this bag.

HV GLOVE USE 12 Make sure that the rubber gloves are not folded when placed in the canvas
bag. Folding increases mechanical stress on the rubber and can lead to premature failure of the
glove material.


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90

HYBRID SAFETY AND

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 90-3 Checking rubber lineman’s gloves for pinhole leaks.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

WARNING: Cables and

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

WARNING: Power remains

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

TECH TIP: Silence Is NOT Golden Never assume the

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

TECH TIP: High Voltage Is

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

WARNING: Even if all of the

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION:

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

TECH TIP: High-Voltage

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

REAL WORLD FIX: A Bad Day Changing Oil

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Automotive Technology, Fifth Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

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