As the UK government has instructed the nation to stay at home and only venture out for specific, essential reasons in light of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation, many of us are being encouraged to park our cars if we can. Some owners of Toyota hybrids might be wondering what will happen to their car during long periods without use, particularly when it comes to the level of charge in the batteries.
The reassuring news is that no difficult car maintenance is necessary. However, there are some tips that, if followed, can help ensure your Toyota remains in tip-top condition during an extended layoff.
To recap, Toyota hybrids generally contain two batteries: a 12-volt battery (which powers systems such as the headlamps and audio) and a high-voltage hybrid system battery (which supplies the power to start the combustion engine and drive the electric motors).
The simplest way to maintain charge in both of these batteries is to simply go through the normal start procedure: press the ‘Start’ button with your foot on the brake and ensure the ‘Ready’ light is illuminated on the dashboard (you don’t have to keep your foot on the brake thereafter, but ensure your vehicle’s transmission is in ‘Park’ and the parking brake is engaged).
We recommend you put the car in ‘Ready’ mode for about 60 minutes before switching it off again and repeat the process at least once a week, providing you can carry out this procedure while adhering to the government’s advice regarding social distancing and Coronavirus (Covid-19). Please do not leave your car unattended when it is in ‘Ready’ mode.
During the time that that car is in ‘Ready’ mode, you may hear and feel the internal combustion engine kick in; this is a normal part of the self-charging process. You might be tempted to switch on the radio to pass the time, or turn on other systems, but bear in mind these will consume small amounts of electrical power so it is preferable to leave them off.
Ensure the handbrake is on; there’s no need to go for a drive, although we must stress that this procedure should take place in a well-ventilated area – something to consider if you park your vehicle in a garage.
What if my Toyota isn’t a hybrid?
Our petrol and diesel cars only have a 12-volt battery, which provides the power to start the engine in addition to the other systems mentioned above. Regular start-up of the vehicle on conventional petrol and diesel engines needs approximately 20 minutes of running to put back into the battery what you remove on start up, so to maintain this battery we would suggest 60 minutes of running at least once a week.
Is there anything else I need to do?
Whether you own a hybrid or a Toyota equipped solely with an internal combustion engine, there are a few other easy car maintenance points that can ensure your Toyota hybrid remains healthy and happy during an enforced hibernation. Again, please adhere to the latest government advice regarding social distancing.
- Check the tyre pressures are fully inflated to the recommended level and top-up if necessary. It can be a good idea to repeat this process when you first drive your car after a long period of inactivity.
- Clean the car thoroughly inside and out. If you are storing your car in a garage, make sure the vehicle is completely dry before you put it away.
- If you do plan to store your car in a garage, ensure the chosen storage area offers plenty of ventilation. If the space is secure, you could consider opening one of the car’s windows a small way to ventilate the interior. If you do this, you might have to change your car alarm’s setting to prevent it setting off the intrusion sensor – please consult your car’s manual for more information.
- It can be beneficial to leave the vehicle with the parking brake disengaged to prevent the brakes from binding, but only do this if you are certain the car is on level terrain and isn’t going to move. Ensure the transmission is set to ‘P’ for park and place wedges or chocks, if you have them, under the wheels.
- If you have a 12V battery trickle charger, or a solar panel charger, and are confident using them, then these are a good option to keep the battery fully charged while the vehicle is stationary for a period of time.
- If your vehicle is equipped with smart entry and start but the system isn’t operated for a long time, a battery-saving function will automatically be activated to prevent the electronic key battery and the 12-volt battery from being discharged. Battery depletion in the key is minimised by stopping the electronic key from receiving radio waves. On many models equipped with this system, it is possible to manually put the key into battery-saving mode, so please consult your car’s handbook for more information. If you aren’t planning to drive your car for a long time, consider putting the smart key in a safe place and not carrying it around with you in your pocket. This will prevent the car from ‘waking up’ unnecessarily should you happen to walk near it in your garage or driveway.
- If the vehicle will be kept on private property (such as inside a garage) for the duration of its storage, you could consider applying for a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). This informs the DVLA that the car is off the road and you will receive a refund of any remaining full months of tax. However, you won’t be able to drive your car legally until you tax it again, so it is only advisable if you are positive you won’t use your car for a long time. You can read more information about how to SORN your car here.
Read more Toyota GB’s latest statement on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation
Hi Barry,
Thanks for your message. Please don’t worry about your car’s servicing, for the foreseeable future we intend to take a flexible and sympathetic approach to any service schedule issues. In addition to this, if you have up to this point followed the service schedule and your Toyota has been maintained regularly within the Toyota network it shouldn’t cause any damage to continue using it.
Once our centres re-open we would recommend contacting your nearest Toyota centre to arrange a service.
You can find out more about our approach at this time here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/covid-19
Thanks.
Re the 60 minute advice. The Hybrid generators are in the wheels, To charge the rear large battery under the seat the car needs to be moving. That information came from the Toyota engineers in Japan. So far as I can see the 60 minutes just uses up petrol as the generators are not connected as can be seen from the picture on the dashboard. Because the battery level was nil on my car I started it like you suggest (Ready Light on,foot on brake, press accelerator to start engine) Then I took it on the road, I live on a hill, let it run down the hill with engine running. Voila, battery charged up after five laps of the hill. Ergo, wheels turning, car charges battery. Problem solved.
Hi Warren,
Thanks for getting in touch with us. The advice detailed above has come from our technical experts here at TGB who have years of expertise with our cars and the technology within them. During the charging process we’ve described, the hybrid battery system is charging the 12-volt battery. If the hybrid battery then needs power, the engine will start to run the generator. While yes, when the car is being driven and the READY light is on, the charging process is taking place, at this time following government advice we can’t recommend any unnecessary journeys.
Regarding the diagram you have mentioned, this is more of an indication rather than an exact depiction of what happens. The generator in the transmission system is ultimately linked to the wheels, but there are no generators in the wheels themselves.
Thanks.
there is a planetary system that engine can even in parked mode charge the hybrid HV battery (high voltage)
Thanks for the article it is useful as I have been having problems with my RAV4 Hybrid.
I have left it unused in a garage for up to 2 months before and it turned on straight away without any issues, but when lockdown started recently I didn’t use it for maybe 2 weeks. When I tried to start it, the brake felt very heavy and the most it would do was turn on the electrics then show the message:
High power Consumption. Partial limit on AC/Heater Operation.
It also had the yellow warning triangle with a black exclamation mark.
I tried a number of times until finally the battery was completely out and nothing would happen. I didn’t know anything about the problem then so wouldn’t have done that if I had known.
I charged the battery (next to the engine not in boot) with a trickle charger for about 6 hours and then it started perfectly. After that I drove it every few days (adhering to gov guidance about going out) and each time it started without any problems. I thought the issue was solved.
I haven’t driven it for 8 days and tried to start it this morning and again the brake was very heavy, it got enough power to show the electrics come on, but could not get to the ready stage or turn on. I have put it back on a trickle charger.
As I previously mentioned I have left it for much longer periods before without any problems. Would you say that given this has happened twice in a shorter period there is a problem with the battery or something else?
Thanks.
Hi Charles,
Thanks for getting in touch with us. Without being able to assess the car ourselves, we can’t accurately suggest what may be causing this. While our Toyota centres are currently closed following government advice, they do remain contactable via phone or email to discuss your motoring needs. In this case we would recommend contacting your nearest dealer as they are best placed to advise you further. You can find your nearest dealer via this link: https://www.toyota.co.uk/dealers/
In addition to this, you will be able to find adivce on steps to take in an emergency in your owner’s manual which you can find here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/tme#/my-toyota/eManual
Thanks.
Have a yaris excel 2018 smart start entry system and due to the lockdown have not used it for over 4 weeks, it is in my garage and when I came to start it today it would not turn over, sounds like the battery would you say? If I get a battery charger and charge it until full would that be okay, the next thing what type of battery charger would you recommend for this car? many thanks julie
Hi Julie,
Thanks for getting in touch. We’re sorry to hear you’re having trouble with your Yaris. Trickle chargers or solar panel chargers are a good option to keep the battery fully charged while the vehicle is stationary for a period of time. In addition, you will also be able to find advice on steps to take in an emergency in your owner’s manual which you can access here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/tme#/my-toyota/eManual
If you require any more specific advice for your Yaris, our Toyota centres do remain contactable via phone or email at this time to discuss your motoring needs. You can find your nearest dealer here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/dealers/
Thanks.
Thanks for reply. It was a Toyota engineer who told me the generators were in the wheels. The illustration on the dashboard appeared to confirm this so I believed him. Where are the generators actually located? Why can’t I see that the battery is being charged if I just run the engine? Since I see a green stripe going to the battery, I assume it’s being charged OK? or have I got that wrong?
Your comments further down say the car will start the engine to prevent the battery going flat. Turned off in a closed garage? Can’t be right, surely.
Hi Warren,
When this charging process is being carried out, the engine will start if the hybrid battery system needs more power.
Hope this helps.
Hi Warren,
Thanks for getting back in touch with us. The generator is located in the transmission system. Without being able to see your car ourselves, we believe the energy level indicator you’re referring to is showing the charge of the hybrid battery system as there is no indicator that shows the charge level of the 12-volt battery. Following the above process is the best way to maintain both the 12-volt and hybrid system batteries during this time.
Thanks.
Does anyone know the exact function of the 12volt battery. That is simple to charge, once you’ve found it! If the low battery can start the engine, then why is there a jump start connection under the bonnet?
Went to the Auris one day and the car was dead flat. Wouldn’t start. So I jump started it from my tractor, which is garaged alongside it.
Had to drive it, so I presume that charged the hybrid battery.
Charging the 12 volt didn’t do it.
The book tells you about the red jump start connector under the fusebox cover.
Hi Warren,
Thanks for getting back in touch. The 12 volt battery powers smaller systems such as headlamps and audio and also turns on the relays that allow the hybrid system to ‘wake up’. Jump starting the car can recharge the 12 volt battery.
If you experience any issues with your car’s hybrid system, we would recommend having it looked over at one of our Toyota centres. While at this time this isn’t possible, our centres do remain contactable to discuss your motoring needs: https://www.toyota.co.uk/dealers/
Thanks.
Thanks for your comments, most appreciated. It might be of interest to know that when I had recharged the battery in the way I described, which didn’t take very long and not a long distance, I put the car into the garage, but I did not lock it. I made sure the car key was well away from the car and checked that it hadn’t locked itself which it has been known to do. One week later I checked the battery and it was just as full as when I had charged it, which I found a bit surprising as I thought the alarm might have taken it down. Obviously this is a secure garage, which I suppose is important. Not an up and over job, which are very insecure. I know, I was burgled by the thieves rolling under one.
Hello,
I have an Auris 2011 hybrid. Like everyone else, I have t used it in a while, today when I tried to start it I can manage to turn it on but the Ready light won’t come on. I have a lot of warning signs (the car didn’t have any issues before lockdown and passed the MOT recently) but not the ready light. I can’t open the windows or anything or put the car in any mode other that parking, radio doesn’t work etc. Since the Ready light isn’t on is it worth it staying in the car like this for a while or not worth at all? Thanks for your help!
Hi Nathalie,
Thanks for getting in touch with us. The READY light does need to be on in order for the charging process to take place. Based on the information you’ve shared with us, we would recommend contacting your nearest Toyota centre for further help. If you could please provide us with your postcode, we can find the nearest centre and provide you with the best way to contact their team at this time. We won’t make your comment containing your postcode public.
You will also be able to find advice on steps to take in an emergency in your owner’s manual which you will be able to find here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/tme#/my-toyota/eManual
Thanks.
Hi Natalie – I’ve got the same issue with my 2013 Auris (12v battery replaced two years ago) My battery was flat a couple of weeks ago so I trickle charged it and followed the Toyota advice about leaving it in Start mode for an hour. I last drove it 4 days ago and today all the lights came on except the Start light! I read on another blog that someone had success by keeping their foot on the brake pedal and continually pressing the Start button until the Ready light came on. That’ll be my next action if the trickle charge doesn’t work. Did you manage to resolve your issue?
Hi Derek,
Thanks for your message. If you continue to experience any issues with the READY light not appearing, do let us know. If you were to share with us your postcode (which we would not make public) we can get the contact details for your nearest centre. Our technicians would be best placed to help you further.
Thanks.
Hello, I have the same problem it seems. It’s a 2011 Auris Hybrid. I last drove the car 5 days ago with no problem. When I press the start button, the dash lights up. I can see from the display that the main battery is fully charged. Aircon works but no radio. Dash lights remain on. I have a service plan with my local RRG Toyota and the car was serviced and MOTed just a few weeks before lockdown.
Hi Luann,
Thanks for getting in touch. We’re sorry to hear this. In this case we would recommend discussing this further with your nearest Toyota centre as they remain contactable at this time and are best placed to offer specific advice. We will email you to gain additional details and put you in touch with them.
Thanks.
I have a 68 reg CHR and same as most others have been on lockdown and not driving the usual 700 miles or so/week. This afternoon car would not start. Message came up EPB not available. What is EPB? Will a boost link from another car start the car?
Owners manual says start the car every few months (Owners manual Page 30 “Charging the hybrid battery” My car was last moved 30.03.2020.
Your response would be appreciated. Cards to post and long walk to the post box!
Hi Malcolm,
Thanks for your message. The EPB is the electric parking brake.
There are steps available in your owner’s manual for if you have a set of jumper (or booster) cables and a second vehicle with a 12-volt battery available. If you choose to try this method, please be careful when carrying it out and only try it if you feel comfortable enough to do so.
However, please also be aware part of this advice is to have the vehicle inspected at any authorised Toyota retailer or Toyota authorised repairer, or any reliable repairer as soon as possible. Following government advice our centres are currently closed, however do remain contactable to discuss your motoring needs. If you would like to provide us with your postcode we can find your nearest centre and their contact details for you. We wouldn’t make your comment containing your postcode public.
Alternatively, for any immediate help as your car won’t start, you could also consider contacting your roadside assistance. If you are covered by Toyota roadside assistance, you can contact our team directly on 0800 246 824.
Thanks.
Well to tell the truth is what is the profit to do so ? I mean seriusly 1 hour of working for a hybrid ! its non sence sine the hybrid car wont charge it at once but it will kick in and turn of itself as the battery will be emptying ! and this is a serius question when it comes to CHR hybrid I have also the same model i have it 3 years and the car did it twice the car couldnt start a year ago and couple of days ago also! So Toyota did not know whats gonna happen with this battery in this car when toyota designing this car??? Of course you know that the owners gonna have starting problems you are mechanics not me ! SO WHY DID’INT YOU USE A PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL ON THE ROOF???? WHY???
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch. We’re sorry to hear you’re unhappy with your C-HR. We would recommend contacting Toyota in your region for further help with this.
Thanks.
Hi
My Toyota Yaris Hybrid T4 1,5 CVT battery is dead and am unable to start the car. I have bought a 6 in 1 Jump starter power pack from Halfords to start jump start the car. I would like to know if the 12v battery which is located under the rear passenger seat is a Lead Acid battery and if it is OK to jump start with the power pack as it says it is for starting a 12v lead acid battery. Nowhere in the manual does it say what type of battery it is.
Thanks
Manogaran
Hi Manogaran,
Thanks for getting in touch. Could you please provide us with your reg? We can then look into this further for you.
Thanks.
My car registration FY62HTG. on Thanks.
Hi Manogaran,
Thanks for sharing this. As a ‘rule of thumb’ a hybrid vehicle has an AGM battery. Once you gain access to the battery you will be able to see an AGM stamp/label. If there is no AGM it will be a normal lead acid type.
Thanks.
Hello, after around 5 weeks not moving found yesterday that my CHR Hybrid wouldn’t start and that the battery was dead flat. We’ve used a trickle charger and the 12v battery is now full and the engine starts etc. however there are error messages saying Hybrid Malfunction and for Pre-Collision. I have been lucky in being able to continue working for the NHS from home however am now in need of it. It had a service just before the lockdown
Hi Jay,
Thanks for getting in touch with us. We’re sorry to hear you are having issues with your C-HR. We will email you directly in order to gain additional details and put you in touch with your nearest centre as they are best placed to help you further.
Thanks.