Check engine light came on then the Hybrid system warning light came on

Tiny
SMILEYTHE1ST
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • 195,000 MILES
Neither one will go off.

1. What do I look for 1st, 2nd etc?
2. Can I drive it at all?
I don't have the money to take to a mechanic, so I must try. I need help.

Thank you
Tuesday, August 24th, 2021 AT 4:23 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,973 POSTS
The first step is to use a scan tool to find out what codes are stored in the system. Those will then give a map as to where to look next. If the fault is in the engine systems you may be able to repair it yourself. If it is in the hybrid side of the vehicle it's likely not a DIY repair due to the high voltage dangers in those systems. They can be lethal if the wrong parts are touched.
Depending on where you live there are some parts stores that will scan a car for free, otherwise you will need a good scan tool as most of the simple code readers don't show codes in the hybrid side of the system due to the liability.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

As for if it's safe to drive, that is hard to say without knowing what the codes are, it's likely an issue in the electrical charging system as the order you say the lights came on sounds like a failure of a part on the conventional engine finally caused a fault in the hybrid side and that is usually something to do with charging or controlling the batteries.

If the check engine light isn't flashing and it seems to run okay, try this:

Start it and aim the headlights at a wall or have someone stand in front, then turn on the lights, the heater blower to full, any other electrical items and see if the lights dim a lot. If they do it's probably in the engines charging system. If that is the case then I wouldn't drive it because the battery only has enough power to run the engine for a very limited time and it could shut down without warning.

Either way the scan is the first item to be done. That will point the way. Just don't treat the codes as pointing at a specific part, most codes don't do that, they will point at an area the computer is getting the wrong data from.
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Tuesday, August 24th, 2021 AT 7:04 PM

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