As part of Toyota’s rigorous quality control programme, we have investigated the cause of a 12 volt flat battery issue that has left some Toyota Auris drivers unable to start their cars after only a short period without use, usually a couple of days.
We would like to apologise for any disappointment and inconvenience that may have occurred as a result of this issue. But we can now confirm that the cause has been identified and a permanent solution developed.
The following information only applies to any Toyota Auris (including Hybrid) produced between December 2012 and February 2014. If you have an Auris produced after February 2014 your vehicle is not affected by this issue. No other models are involved.
Toyota Auris Hybrid Flat Battery: What causes the issue?
The issue is caused when the hazard switch is partially depressed for a very short period of time, incorrectly activating the car’s CAN-bus electrical communications system. This draws a constant flow of current that can discharge the 12 volt battery if the car is left unused for several days.
How can I prevent this from occurring?
Toyota has published a Technical Service Bulletin to its dealer network advising them of a permanent solution to this issue. The bulletin contains information and software files that will enable technicians to modify the software of the car’s combination meter. This update will prevent the incorrect activation of the CAN-bus system and prevent any potential flat battery concerns arising from this area of the vehicle.
If you still have concerns regarding the 12 volt battery of your current generation Toyota Auris then we recommend you get in touch with your nearest Toyota dealer for further assistance. http://www.toyota.co.uk/find-a-dealer
This happend to my Auris intermittently following a traffic broadcast. I took the car to the dealership and showed them the problem without switching the engine off. They have now fitted a new radio and all is well.
Hope that helps
Dave
Yes, the flat battery has just happened to me. Very frustrating!
Why have the dealers not been contacting us to have the fix applied?
I had even had my first annual service a couple of weeks ago when the re calibration could have been applied. My dealer has supposedly only just found out about the fix. I am suspicious that the dealers are just leaving it up to the customer to shout when the problem happens instead of being proactive with a recall.
I am surprised as well that the AA are not up to speed with this and not just logging it as a faulty battery.
Have booked my Auris Excel in for investigation into the battery going flat. The Stop – Start function kicked in while at a level crossing and car only just started as battery nearly flat. I am aware of the software issue but surely the S/S should not have kicked in. Is this yet another problem or all part of the same one?
Hi Vic
Thanks for your post.
We are sorry that you experienced this problem and we can assure you our network are aware of this issue and have the necessary software upgrade to prevent this from happening again. Thanks also for your comments regarding the AA, while they will just try and get the vehicle mobile we will pass on these details.
Hello David
Thanks for your post.
Sorry to hear that you have experienced this issue and good to learn that your car is going to the dealer for investigation. The stop start function does work automatically if you have this feature switched on.
Thank you David but my main point was that the Stop – Start function operated when there was insufficient charge in the battery to properly restart the car. Previously the S/S has not stopped the engine when lights, air con etc have been used.
Auris Excel flat battery still happening after going into the dealership for the “fix”.
Wednesday 2nd July returned from the dealership with the “fix” installed and place. Put the battery on charge overnight and the following morning, total 15 hours. Car ok all day on 3rd but on 4th battery discharged – conclusion, the “fix” does not work.
Come on Toyota get your act together, you are supposed to be a world class player but this is definitely minor league.
Hi David
Thanks for your post.
Very concerning to read the detail as we know the software upgrade does address the issue with the hazard warning light switch. We would recommend that your dealer checks your car again in view of the circumstances. If you need any further help or advice or would like to talk to our customer relations team please let us know.
Could you please pass me the contact details of your customer relations team, car is booked in again for 11.00am on 7th, before 10am would be good.
Many thanks
Hello David
Our customer relations team can be reached by phone, 01737 367600 (office hours) or via email through our Blog, have attached the link to make this easier.
https://mag.toyota.co.uk/how-to-contact-toyota-uk
Hope this helps.
Hello my friends,
I contact with Toyota Spain, a customer care assistant phone me to tell me that there is no update related to Auris cars in Spain. After asking them that why in UK blog talks about it, the answer was that “UK cars are different”.