Can the Hybrid battery be recharged, or does it have to be replaced?

Tiny
540DONUTS
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 FORD FUSION HYBRID
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 106,000 MILES
The car cuts on, but the engine doesn’t. I noticed that the hybrid battery isn’t showing any signs of juice, usually when you start the car a blue circle is in front of the battery symbol and shows the level of the hybrid battery but it’s not showing anything like it’s dead. Plus the battery light is on and I know the 12v battery in it works. So, my question is, can the hybrid battery be recharged, or does it have to be replaced? Also, is that battery the one that signals for the auto shut off engine feature?
Friday, July 7th, 2023 AT 4:01 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

The automatic shut-off is controlled by the powertrain control module. As far as the battery for the electric motor, I don't feel that it is rechargeable. If it isn't holding a charge, it likely has failed.

Here is the thing. I would strongly recommend having the hybrid battery tested by a certified shop. These batteries contain enough voltage to seriously hurt you or even cause death.

Let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, July 7th, 2023 AT 8:38 PM
Tiny
540DONUTS
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Is the hybrid battery hard to replace? Looks like it’s simple but I’m just curious to ask.
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Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 AT 6:15 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

When you say hybrid battery, are you referring to a 12v typical car battery for the starter motor to use? Take a couple of pics of what you are referring to and upload them for me to see. If that is the battery, you should be fine. However, I don't recommend getting into the battery that drives the electric motor unless you have been trained.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 AT 7:35 PM
Tiny
540DONUTS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
It’s the hybrid battery, the one that runs the electric motor. It looks like you could just unbolt it and stick a new one in it. I'm not trying to open the battery, just remove and replace it. How is it able to shock you if the car has no power and the 12v battery and hybrid battery are both dead?
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Wednesday, July 12th, 2023 AT 3:30 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

If they are dead, then it should be okay. But please be careful.

Joe
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Wednesday, July 12th, 2023 AT 11:12 PM

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