Red light
Hybrid / EV System Warning
The hybrid or electric drive system has detected a fault in the drive motor, high-voltage battery, inverter or their control units.
High risk
Stop when it is safe and check the owner's manual. Many cars limit power or will not restart; do not open any high-voltage parts.
Short answer · Can I keep driving with the hybrid system warning on?
Only as far as you need to reach a safe place. The car may limit power or refuse to restart. Switch off, wait a minute and restart once; if the warning stays, call for assistance or a workshop that works on hybrid and electric cars.
What to do
- Stop safelyPull over where it is safe. Note any message on the display and whether power was reduced.
- Restart onceSwitch the car off, wait a minute and start it again. A temporary fault may clear.
- Check the 12-volt batteryA weak 12-volt battery is a common cause of hybrid and EV warnings, even with a full high-voltage battery.
- Have it read by a specialistOnly trained staff should test the high-voltage system.Never open orange high-voltage cables or covers.
How is the light behaving?
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Steady | A fault was stored in the hybrid or electric drive system | Drive carefully to a safe place and have it checked |
| Flashing | Serious fault; the system may shut down | Stop safely and call for assistance |
| On for a few seconds at start-up | Normal check at start-up | Nothing |
Possible causes
- Weak 12-volt batteryLow voltage stops control units from starting the system.
- High-voltage battery faultCell imbalance, temperature or insulation problems.
- Inverter or drive motor faultOverheating or internal faults in the power electronics.
- Cooling system faultHybrid and EV components have their own coolant circuits.
- Communication faultA control unit on the network has stopped answering.
Don't confuse it with
Questions about Hybrid / EV System Warning
Is a hybrid warning light dangerous?
The system is designed to shut down safely. The risk is mostly breaking down, but have it checked before driving further.
Does the colour matter?
Many cars show the warning in red; some use amber for less urgent faults. Read the message on the display.