Hybrid repair services
Everything a hybrid needs under one roof: the high-voltage battery and the hybrid system, plus the transmission, cooling, A/C and regular maintenance. Available at our Norwalk, Fullerton and Mountain View shops.
Hybrid Battery Repair & Replacement
When a hybrid battery pack can't hold a charge anymore, the car warns you: a red triangle on the dash, the gas engine running all the time and fuel economy dropping fast. Often only a few of the pack's modules are weak, and they drag the whole pack down.
We test the pack module by module, replace the weak modules and balance the pack so every module works at the same level. When the pack is too far gone, we replace it. A rebuilt pack is an affordable alternative to a dealership replacement.
Signs your hybrid battery needs attention
- Red triangle or "Check Hybrid System" warning on the dash
- Trouble codes P0A80 or P3000
- Fuel economy noticeably lower than usual
- The gas engine runs almost all the time, even at low speed
- The battery gauge jumps from full to empty in minutes
Vehicles we work on
- Toyota Prius (every generation)
- Prius Prime
- Camry Hybrid
- Lexus CT 200h
- Lexus RX 400h / 450h
- Lexus GS 450h
- Ford Escape Hybrid
- Nissan Altima Hybrid
- Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Hybrid A/C Repair
Most hybrids use an electric A/C compressor powered by the high-voltage battery, so the air keeps blowing cold when the engine shuts off. That compressor needs a special non-conductive oil, and the wrong service can damage it.
We find leaks, recharge the refrigerant and check the electric compressor and its high-voltage wiring, using the oil the system was designed for.
Signs your A/C needs service
- Air blows warm or only cools while driving
- The A/C cuts out when the engine stops
- Hissing, clicking or new noises from the compressor
Vehicles we work on
- Toyota Prius
- Camry Hybrid
- Lexus hybrids
- Ford hybrids
- Tesla
Transmission Repair
Hybrids like the Prius don't have a conventional gearbox. They use a transaxle (eCVT) with electric motor-generators inside, so it takes a shop that knows the hybrid system.
We diagnose, repair and rebuild hybrid transaxles, and we also work on conventional automatic transmissions. After the diagnosis we tell you whether it can be repaired or needs a rebuild, and what each option involves.
Signs of transmission trouble
- Whining or grinding that changes with speed
- Shudder or clunk when accelerating or braking
- Fluid leaks under the car
- Transaxle or motor-generator trouble codes
Vehicles we work on
- Toyota Prius 2004–2009
- Toyota Prius 2010–2015
- Camry Hybrid
- Lexus hybrids
Water Pump
Many hybrids have two cooling circuits: one for the engine and one for the inverter, the unit that drives the electric motors. Each has its own pump, and when the inverter pump fails the hybrid system can overheat and shut down.
We replace the engine water pump or the electric inverter pump, refill the right coolant and bleed the system so no air stays trapped.
Signs of a failing pump
- Temperature gauge rising or overheating warnings
- Coolant leaks or a sweet smell after driving
- Hybrid system warning once the car warms up
Vehicles we work on
- Toyota Prius
- Camry Hybrid
- Lexus hybrids
- Ford hybrids
Oil Change
A hybrid engine starts and stops many times per trip and often runs cooler than a regular engine, so it needs the right low-viscosity oil and a filter changed on schedule.
While the car is in, we look at the brakes, the coolant and the 12-volt battery and tell you if anything needs attention.
What's included
- Oil and filter change
- Multi-point inspection
- Fluid level check
Vehicles we work on
- Toyota Prius
- Camry Hybrid
- Lexus hybrids
- Ford hybrids
Radiator Repair
The radiator keeps the engine and, on many hybrids, the inverter at the right temperature. A small leak can turn into overheating and expensive damage, especially in a California summer.
We find the leak, repair or replace the radiator, change the coolant and check the inverter cooling loop so the whole system is sealed and full.
Signs of radiator trouble
- Coolant puddles under the front of the car
- Low coolant warning or overheating
- Electric cooling fan running all the time
Vehicles we work on
- Toyota Prius
- Camry Hybrid
- Lexus hybrids
- Ford hybrids