Highlander Hybrid electrical malfunction

I'm experiencing an odd issue with my 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. It's got around 45865 km on the clock. Recently, I've been getting an error message and when I hooked it up to a diagnostic tool, it showed an error stored in the error memory related to low voltage. Also, the battery seems weak when starting the engine, and there's a general electrical malfunction. I suspect the auxiliary battery isn't being charged properly. Has anyone else encountered this?

4 comment(s)

I observed the symptoms you have reported. It is quite possible that the error is caused by a voltage drop during engine start. Could you provide more detail on the exact error code you retrieved from the diagnostic tool?

The error code is P0AFA, indicating a hybrid battery voltage issue. However, I'm leaning towards the 12V auxiliary battery being the culprit, as it seems to be affecting the entire electrical system. Could this also be the cause?

The P0AFA error code can indeed be triggered by the 12V auxiliary battery in hybrid vehicles, especially if it is not maintaining sufficient voltage. Given the age of the battery and the symptoms you described, it is most likely that the battery needs to be replaced. I suggest consulting with a qualified technician to verify the battery's condition and perform a replacement if necessary. Operating the vehicle with a faulty auxiliary battery could potentially damage other electrical components.

I appreciate the confirmation. I took it to my local mechanic, and after testing the battery, they confirmed it was indeed faulty and not holding a charge. I got a new auxiliary battery installed for 290€, and it resolved all the issues. Thanks again for your help!

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