I have a 2008 Camry Hybrid with 211k. I just got a "check hybrid system" message. I have nav and can see the hybrid system is no longer functioning (no arrows are showing). I did start the day with 1 purple bar and now it has like 6 blue bars.

I drove it about 50 miles today like this.

What are your recommendations - seek dealer or someone outside?

Will it hurt to drive on the ICE till I get it figured out (or can afford a solution)

 

Get the codes read. Most likely an expensive hybrid battery failure.

No real harm in driving it other than increased risk due to decreased power, but if you're aware you're potentially driving a gutless 4 cylinder at any moment that won't power you out of a bad situation, you should be good.

 

Thank you for your answer. I wish they didn't charge to read the codes! I am going to Autozone to have them test my 12V battery. It's 9.5 years old, also.

 

Autozone shouldn't charge you to read codes.

Checking 12V is always a good idea.

 

Autozone said they couldn't read "check hybrid system" codes. Just check engine codes. But they can check my 12V battery - I didn't think of that when I was there, tonight and neither did they.

 

Most Autozone people don't know much of anything - particularly about hybrid. Standard code readers can read codes via OBDII. Hybrid system errors are "P" codes, which are emissions coded. If they can read the code for a misfire or a bad O2 sensor, they can read the code thrown when you have a bad battery - P0A80.

I prefer O'Reilly as they use a handheld Bosch reader that almost always works.

Whatever you do... get the CODE. Get the exact code. Don't even bother writing down whatever description they give you. All too often they put their own twist on it, and you come away with worthless information.

 

Cool - thanks so much! Did you replace the batteries on your HCH's?

 

Oh yes. They were each on their 3rd battery. They are gone now.

 

Do Honda batteries go bad quicker? At 211k, I feel like they should have gone longer (if that's what is wrong).

 

Yes. Honda batteries fail more frequently.

Your "feelings" aren't relevant. They are based on desire not facts. Do you feel your tires should last forever? Do you feel you should get 100mpg? Your feelings concerning your battery are no different. Just because you want something doesn't mean it "should" be. We don't even know if it's the battery yet.

You hear of the magical cases of taxis that go 300K+ but those are the rare exceptions. You don't hear of the failures that happen at 90, 105, 110, 115K and 125K. I'm even aware of a 2012 Camry that failed after 124K miles. It literally destroyed its battery. It deteriorated to a point worse than any battery I had ever seen before.

Design life of the HSD is 180K miles. The battery is a consumable - no different than tires.