What Does the Kia Optima Check Hybrid System Light Mean?
The “Check Hybrid System” warning light on a Kia Optima can mean many things. You’ll have to take the car in to find out for sure.
Written by Thidas Senanayaka
Reviewed by Bellina Gaskey
If the Kia Optima Hybrid’s “Check Hybrid System” light is on, there’s a problem with your hybrid control system. What the problem is can be hard to narrow down, as there are various possible issues.
Most car owners have probably seen a “Check Engine” light in their time. If your car’s a hybrid, you’re likely to deal with another warning—the “Check Hybrid System.” This could mean any number of things, ranging from battery issues to inverter failures.
It’s a good idea to know what kinds of problems may be lurking in your Kia Optima before you take it into the shop. Read on to find out more about what you need to know when your Kia Optima Hybrid’s “Check Hybrid System” message comes on.
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What does the “check hybrid system” warning light mean?
While the “Check Hybrid System” warning can signal issues with your battery cells, this will not always be the case. Think of a check engine light—the issue can be as simple as you needing an oil change and doesn’t always mean your engine is about to experience failure. It’s the same deal for a hybrid!
The important thing to do when the light comes on is to refrain from driving. Just in case there is a big issue, it’s not a good idea to be on the road and risk getting into an accident. There are a couple of different warning messages on the Kia Optima Hybrid—and the Check Hybrid System warning shows up as a message on the driver instrument display, not as a light.
The message can say:
- Check Hybrid System: if it’s this message, you should stop driving.
- Check Hybrid System. Turn Engine Off: if you see this message, you should stop driving and turn your engine off immediately until a dealer can diagnose the problem.
- Check Hybrid System. Do not start engine: this message appears when the hybrid battery power level is low. There will also be a warning chime until the problem is addressed.
But this is where the problem lies—it’s very difficult to know what the cause is exactly without getting an authorized Kia dealer to inspect it.
There are several common causes for the “Check Hybrid System” warning to come on. One or more of your battery cells may have failed. This may be the problem if you also notice that your car’s battery charge quickly falls to empty from a full charge.
It might even be a simple case of your battery needing a replacement. Sometimes, the age of your battery may cause the warning to come on.
Other causes include inverter failures. These components convert Direct Current to Alternating Current in battery-driven systems. If the inverter is faulty, it will prevent your hybrid system from functioning at maximum capacity. In most cases, an inverter problem can be caused by overheating, which means your inverter coolant levels may be low or malfunctioning.
Another common cause is a blown fuse. Your Optima’s hybrid car battery is connected to a fuse. If it fails, it will illuminate the Check Hybrid System warning.
When to replace your Kia Optima Hybrid battery
Your Kia Optima Hybrid or PHEV’s battery should last for about 15 years or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first). How long it actually lasts will depend on your driving habits and the conditions of your road. Keeping up with regular
car maintenance
and making sure your car’s service history is clean can go a long way in keeping the battery around.To get a new, replacement hybrid battery for a Kia Optima Hybrid, the costs will usually range from about $2,000 to $8,000. Keep in mind that most drivers will have sold their vehicle by the time their battery is due for a change. Depending on how old your Optima is, replacing the battery may even cost you more than the value of the car.
Kia also offers a neat warranty package for your hybrid system. This will cover the system for 10 years from the date of first use or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. For certain vehicles, like California Emissions Vehicles, the number is 150,000 miles from the date of first use. The warranty covers the hybrid battery pack assembly, starter and generator, on-board charge, power control unit, and all internal parts.
However, if you’ve opted to put in parts that are not sold or approved by Kia, the warranty may be voided.
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Signs of hybrid battery failure
There are several common symptoms associated with the Check Hybrid alert system. These can include:
- Reduced speed and acceleration: just what it sounds like. If the car is struggling to reach high speeds or maintain acceleration, there may be an issue with the hybrid system or battery that needs help from an authorized technician.
- Hybrid tech not working/pure gasoline operation: This is when certain technology associated with your hybrid system stops working, or you notice that your Optima Hybrid is just using gas to operate. This is an obvious sign that something in the system needs looking at.
- Fuel efficiency is lower: The latest Kia Optima has an EPA-tested rating of 40 miles per gallon for city driving and 45 miles per gallon for highway driving, with 42 mpg combined. If you notice you’re filling up more often or you’re not getting as many miles per fill like you used to, there may be an issue with the hybrid system.
- Limp mode. Limp mode activates when there is an issue with the engine or transmission control unit. In limp mode, the less important parts of your car, like the air conditioning, to turn off and you will notice a difference in speed.
You should look for these signs of trouble in any hybrid vehicle. Kia’s hybrid vehicles include:
- Kia Sorento Hybrid
- Kia Sportage Hybrid
- Kia Niro Hybrid
- Kia Optima Hybrid
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime
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