2009 Hybrid Camry Check Engine Light Check Hybrid System warning? Fix?

[Don2222]

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

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/diagnostic-testing-scanning/code-readers-scanners/zr-bt1-obd2-bluetooth-dongle-code-reader-59091.html

The scan tool error codes are:
Stored/Confirmed
POAFA - Hybrid/EV Battery System voltage low
Pending
POAFA - Hybrid/EV Battery System voltage low
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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.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj4uZXDqKqNAxX0FmIAHWysLKMQma4LegQIJxAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D7ICrpDJXRws%26t%3D53&usg=AOvVaw1V2_x-HG2thSA5A2ZGn9Sd&opi=89978449

 

[Whitenuckler]

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

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/diagnostic-testing-scanning/code-readers-scanners/zr-bt1-obd2-bluetooth-dongle-code-reader-59091.html

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:
  
  https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj4uZXDqKqNAxX0FmIAHWysLKMQma4LegQIJxAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D7ICrpDJXRws%26t%3D53&usg=AOvVaw1V2_x-HG2thSA5A2ZGn9Sd&opi=89978449

I have never own any sort of electric car but does the internal battery fully charge to 100% when driving? Does the computer have the % battery life remaining? If that is the original battery pack, I would expect it needs to be changed.

 

[Don2222]

I have never own any sort of electric car but does the internal battery fully charge to 100% when driving? Does the computer have the % battery life remaining? If that is the original battery pack, I would expect it needs to be changed.

That error code points to a dead cell or bad battery. It could be the 12v but since that tests good then it looks like a bad hybrid battery which is covered under my extended warranty plan. So we will see what the mechanic says.

 

[Whitenuckler]

That error code points to a dead cell or bad battery. It could be the 12v but since that tests good then it looks like a bad hybrid battery which is covered under my extended warranty plan. So we will see what the mechanic says.

If it is a standard 12V lead acid battery you can fully charge it, then measure the voltage. Depending on the type, it will have different full voltage. They are easy to test with a basic cheap battery tester also.
I'm not sure what type of main battery they used, but it will be a much higher voltage. Depending on the type and number of series parallel cells it will have a nominal full voltage also. You could start to measure all of these things, however a good mechanic with that kind of experience is the one you want (assuming they are honest and trusted)

 

[Don2222]

If it is a standard 12V lead acid battery you can fully charge it, then measure the voltage. Depending on the type, it will have different full voltage. They are easy to test with a basic cheap battery tester also.
I'm not sure what type of main battery they used, but it will be a much higher voltage. Depending on the type and number of series parallel cells it will have a nominal full voltage also. You could start to measure all of these things, however a good mechanic with that kind of experience is the one you want (assuming they are honest and trusted)

Hello
I have a very good car battery Carbon-Pile load tester (also called toaster tester because it smokes the first time you use it) that actually puts the battery under a load for a better test, that I purchased at Batteries Plus
However when the battery was charged it tested good but still failed to start the car in the very cold winter weather.

https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/DBT026=0020?storecode=392&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%28ROI%29%20Shopping%20-%20Branded&utm_id=22034687465&utm_content=176133280750&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22034687465&gbraid=0AAAAADgLl5UCDAurGd74PVEf8s2fqyyy8&gclid=CjwKCAjw56DBBhAkEiwAaFsG-oHK8y-8GDV76M2k_NXrKH_unWOzmAGAQxEx7CiI2CuvrYLMJ4MXBBoCcGMQAvD_BwE

Therefore I just put a Batteries Plus X2 Power battery in the car and that was the true fix.

 

[Whitenuckler]

Hello
I have a very good car battery Carbon-Pile load tester (also called toaster tester because it smokes the first time you use it) that actually puts the battery under a load for a better test, that I purchased at Batteries Plus
However when the battery was charged it tested good but still failed to start the car in the very cold winter weather.

https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/DBT026=0020?storecode=392&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%28ROI%29%20Shopping%20-%20Branded&utm_id=22034687465&utm_content=176133280750&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22034687465&gbraid=0AAAAADgLl5UCDAurGd74PVEf8s2fqyyy8&gclid=CjwKCAjw56DBBhAkEiwAaFsG-oHK8y-8GDV76M2k_NXrKH_unWOzmAGAQxEx7CiI2CuvrYLMJ4MXBBoCcGMQAvD_BwE

Therefore I just put a Batteries Plus X2 Power battery in the car and that was the true fix.

AGM's are good. I have one in my Jeep GC, and bought a new one as the original is 13 years old but still going strong. I am using the new one for my pellet stove, but will swap them around soon. I have a battery charger with repair mode which works good too. An AGM charges up to 12.8V I believe. If you have it fully charged, then disconnect and measure in an hour with no load it should be 12.8V.

 

[Don2222]

AGM's are good. I have one in my Jeep GC, and bought a new one as the original is 13 years old but still going strong. I am using the new one for my pellet stove, but will swap them around soon. I have a battery charger with repair mode which works good too. An AGM charges up to 12.8V I believe. If you have it fully charged, then disconnect and measure in an hour with no load it should be 12.8V.

That is a good battery for your pellet stove. What make and model pellet stove do you have? Do you have a SureFire inverter backup unit?

 

[Whitenuckler]

That is a good battery for your pellet stove. What make and model pellet stove do you have? Do you have a SureFire inverter backup unit?

I just got a Harman P43 this year in Feb. I have a 2000W sine wave inverter I originally bought for my camping trailer. It was ordered from China from Aliexpress. It works good, and has a digital display. Then I have a Vevor 35A battery charger. It's all been working good. Once I get that old battery out I will test it ect. and I'm sure it will be good for my pellet stove. So far I have not needed it, as we didn't have a power outage.

 

[Don2222]

I just got a Harman P43 this year in Feb. I have a 2000W sine wave inverter I originally bought for my camping trailer. It was ordered from China from Aliexpress. It works good, and has a digital display. Then I have a Vevor 35A battery charger. It's all been working good. Once I get that old battery out I will test it ect. and I'm sure it will be good for my pellet stove. So far I have not needed it, as we didn't have a power outage.

Oh Harman P series is the best! I have 2 Harman P61a stoves. I bought and refurbished a couple P68s but I think the size of the P61s were the best for heating my house. I heat the whole house with one stove and the other is in the garage which is under the house for a backup. The P43 is very very efficient and puts out a lot of great heat!

 

[Whitenuckler]

Hello
I have a very good car battery Carbon-Pile load tester (also called toaster tester because it smokes the first time you use it) that actually puts the battery under a load for a better test, that I purchased at Batteries Plus
However when the battery was charged it tested good but still failed to start the car in the very cold winter weather.

https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/DBT026=0020?storecode=392&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%28ROI%29%20Shopping%20-%20Branded&utm_id=22034687465&utm_content=176133280750&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22034687465&gbraid=0AAAAADgLl5UCDAurGd74PVEf8s2fqyyy8&gclid=CjwKCAjw56DBBhAkEiwAaFsG-oHK8y-8GDV76M2k_NXrKH_unWOzmAGAQxEx7CiI2CuvrYLMJ4MXBBoCcGMQAvD_BwE

Therefore I just put a Batteries Plus X2 Power battery in the car and that was the true fix.

Amazon.ca

This is mine. I ordered it from Amazon (Canada). It shipped OK but arrived mostly dead. It took me a long time to nurse it back to health and get the full CCA and AH rating.
The Yimatzu Group 94R / H7 / LN4 AGM Automotive Battery delivers robust performance with 12 volts, an 80Ah capacity, and a high Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) rating of 910

 

[Don2222]

Amazon.ca

This is mine. I ordered it from Amazon (Canada). It shipped OK but arrived mostly dead. It took me a long time to nurse it back to health and get the full CCA and AH rating.
The Yimatzu Group 94R / H7 / LN4 AGM Automotive Battery delivers robust performance with 12 volts, an 80Ah capacity, and a high Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) rating of 910

Wow CCA of 910 is really nice and high! Very good!

 

[Don2222]

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.

 

[Whitenuckler]

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.

Excellent ! That warranty has paid for itself. Will you get anymore warranty on the new battery? Wow what a job to change out those batteries.

 

[Don2222]

Excellent ! That warranty has paid for itself. Will you get anymore warranty on the new battery? Wow what a job to change out those batteries.

The new battery comes with a warranty and still have about 2 years on the old warranty but I think a new battery will outlast both these warranties. I will find out how long the new warranty is.
BTW - I also got new rear brakes and rotors under the same warranty soon after I bought the car.
This 2009 Gen 1 Toyota Camry 288 volt Hybrid battery has 34 cells and is located in the back of the trunk right under the back deck and looks like this.