Chap 65

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Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service, 3rd Edition ©©2008
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OBJECTIVES:
After studying Chapter 65, the reader should
be able to:
• Safely depower a hybrid electric vehicle.
• Safely perform high-voltage disconnects.
• Understand the unique service issues related
to HEV high-voltage systems.
• Correctly use appropriate personal protective
equipment (PPE).
• Explain hazards while driving, moving, and
hoisting a hybrid electric vehicle.
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KEY TERMS:
ANSI • ASTM
CAT III • DMM • floating ground
HV • HV cables • IEC • Linesman’s gloves
NiMH • OSHA
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HIGH-VOLTAGE SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Rubber Gloves Be sure high-voltage (HV) linesman’s gloves
are available, rated at least 1,000 volts, class “0” by ANSI/ASTM.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
requirements specify that HV gloves get inspected every six
months by a qualified glove inspection laboratory. Use an outer
leather glove to protect the HV rubber gloves.
Inspect the gloves carefully before each use. High voltage and
current (amperes) in combination is fatal. See Figures 65-1 & 65-2.
WARNING: HV cables and wiring are orange in color. High-voltage

insulated safety gloves and a face shield must be worn when carrying out
any diagnostics involving the high-voltage systems or components.
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Figure 65–1
Rubber linesman’s gloves protect the wearer from a
shock hazard.
NOTE: The high-voltage insulated safety gloves must be recertified

every six months to remain within OSHA guidelines.
Figure 65–2
Wearing leather gloves over the linesman’s gloves
helps protect the rubber gloves from damage.
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Before using the rubber gloves, they should be tested for leaks using
the following procedure:
1. Roll the glove up from the open end until the lower portion
of the glove begins to balloon from the resulting air
pressure. Be sure to “lean” into the sealed glove to raise the
internal air pressure. If the glove leaks any air, discard the
gloves.
2. The gloves should not be

used if they show any
signs of wear and tear.
Figure 65–3 Checking rubber linesman’s
gloves for pinhole leaks.
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CAT III–Rated Digital Multimeter Hybrid electric vehicles are
equipped with electrical systems whose voltages can exceed 600
volts DC. A CAT III–certified digital multimeter (DMM) is
required for making measurements on these high-voltage systems.
Eye Protection Should be worn when testing for high voltage,

considered by many to be anything over 60 volts. Most hybrid
electric systems use voltages higher than this threshold.
If the system has not been powered down or has not had the high-
voltage system disabled, a shock hazard is always possible.
Even when the high-voltage (HV) system has been disconnected,

there is still high voltage in the HV battery box.
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FIRST RESPONDER PROCEDURES
Identifying a Hybrid Vehicle To confirm whether a vehicle is a
hybrid, look for the word “HYBRID” on the rear of the vehicle.
Orange cables underhood or shielding

bolted to the underside of the vehicle,
indicates the vehicle is a hybrid.
Figure 65–4 This Honda Accord

hybrid is identified by the emblem on
the rear deck lid.
Figure 65–5 A hybrid electric vehicle can often be

identified by looking for orange-colored cables under
the hood, as well as other markings on the engine
cover.
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Except for the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius, there is very
little difference in the exterior or interior appearance of hybrids,
compared to those of their gasoline-powered counterparts.
Power Source The main power source of all hybrids is a

conventional internal combustion engine (ICE). During start-up
and acceleration, an electric motor provides assistance to the
engine. During braking and deceleration, the motor acts as a
generator, recharging both high-voltage and the 12-volt battery.
12-Volt Battery A conventional flooded-type lead-acid 12-volt

battery, powers all standard electronics. Most are nonspillable
absorbed glass mat (AGM) designs. This battery also provides
power to the high-voltage battery control systems. Disconnecting
or cutting the negative cables to the battery may be necessary in
some emergency situations.
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Fuse Box Most hybrid electric vehicles have a fuse box in the engine compartment. Removing the
main fuse from this box
may be required in some emergency situations.
High-Voltage Battery Module The electric motor is powered by a high-voltage battery module.
Because the battery module is recharged by the electric motor whenever the vehicle decelerates or
by the generator during cruise conditions, the battery never needs external charging.
The high-voltage battery modules are often in plastic containers, and these cells are placed within a
sturdy metal box.
See Figure 65–6.
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Components in the battery box are completely insulated and isolated
from the vehicle body.
Figure 65–6 A Toyota Highlander hybrid
battery pack with the cover removed.
For safety, the high-voltage
battery box is positioned behind
seat backs or under the rear seat
where it is well protected from
potential damage in a collision.
Small quantities of electrolyte,

corrosive to human tissue, are
used in NiMH battery cells.
In the finished cells, electrolyte is nonliquid, nonflammable,

nonexplosive, and creates no hazardous fumes or vapors in
normal operating conditions and is sealed in a metal case.
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High-Voltage Cables Electricity flows through either two or
three heavy-duty orange cables. In some hybrid vehicles, high-
voltage cables also deliver current to the air-conditioning (A/C)
compressor.
High-voltage cables are routed under the vehicle inside orange

plastic protective shields. Where the cables lie close to the
exhaust system, a metal thermal shield covers, the orange shield.
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Airbags and Tensioners All hybrids have front airbags and seat
belt tensioners. Most have side airbags for front-seat occupants;
many with side curtain airbags. These systems use pyrotechnic
devices with a deactivation time of up to three minutes.
To reduce the risk of injury during the deactivation period, the
following steps are recommended:
• Keep out of the path of an undeployed front airbag, and do not
cut into the center of the steering wheel or dashboard where
the front airbags are stored.
• Do not cut into the rear (C) pillar where the side curtain
inflator is stored.
WARNING: Extreme heat (320–356°F [160–180°C]) can cause

unintended airbag inflation. Follow recommended procedures to avoid
possible injury from a deploying airbag or inflator.
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ELECTRIC SHOCK POTENTIAL
Unprotected contact with electrically charged (“hot” or “live”)
high-voltage components can cause serious injury or death.
Receiving an electric shock from a hybrid vehicle is highly
unlikely because of the following:
1. Contact with battery module or components in the battery
box can occur only if the box is damaged and contents
are exposed, or it is opened without proper precautions.
2. Contact with the electric motor can occur only after one or
more components are removed.
3. High-voltage cables can be easily identified by distinctive
orange color, and contact with them can be avoided.
4. The system main relays (SMRs) disconnect power from the
cables the moment the ignition is turned off. Continued 14
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There are only three situations in which the cables can potentially be
“hot” in most hybrid vehicles:
1. The ignition switch is on, the engine is running, and the
vehicle is accelerating. In this case, the high-voltage battery
module is sending current to the motor. (This is not likely to
be a concern to first responders.)
2. The ignition switch is on, the engine is running, and the
vehicle is decelerating. In this case, the motor is generating
electric current and sending it to the high-voltage batteries.
3. The third situation in which the cables can be hot occurs when
the ignition switch is on, the engine has been turned off by the
auto idle stop feature, and the air conditioner is on. In this
case, the high-voltage battery module is sending current to the
air-conditioner compressor.
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NOTE: The only condition common to all three situations in which the
cables can be “hot” is that the ignition is on. Therefore, when the ignition
switch is off, electric current cannot flow into the high-voltage cables
because the system main relays that control the high voltage are turned off
when the ignition is off.
See the chart on Page 790 of your textbook. 16

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PREVENTING CURRENT FLOW THROUGH
HIGH-VOLTAGE CABLES
Before attempting to rescue occupants or move a damaged hybrid
vehicle, potential for current flow from the electric motor or
battery module through high-voltage cables needs to be removed.
There are two recommended methods:
Method One Turn the Ignition Switch Off This action turns
off the engine and the electric motor, preventing current flow into
the cables. It also turns off power to the airbags and the seat belt
tensioners. Remove the key so the vehicle cannot be restarted.
NOTE: Turning the ignition key to the OFF position stops the flow of
electricity in the cables.
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Method Two Remove the Main Fuse Cut the negative 12-volt
battery cable(s). This turns off the engine and the electric motor,
preventing current flow from the motor into the cables.
This also cuts power to the airbags and the seat belt tensioners, as
well as to the high-voltage battery controllers, preventing current
from flowing into the cables from the high-voltage battery.
1. Locate the underhood fuse

box, and remove the cover
(see the owner’s manual
for fuse box locations).
Figure 65–7
The high-voltage disconnect (service) plug
is located on the left side of the rear seat in
a Toyota Highlander hybrid vehicle.
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2. Locate the main fuse by referring to the diagram on top of,
or inside, the fuse box cover. On a Honda Civic hybrid, use
a Phillips screwdriver and unscrew the main fuse assembly
and remove it from the box.
WARNING: Power remains in the high-voltage electrical system

for up to 10 minutes after the HV battery pack is shut off. Never
touch, cut, or open any orange high-voltage power cable or high-
voltage component without confirming that the high voltage has
been completely discharged.
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3. Locate the 12-volt battery and cut the negative cables with
diagonal cutters. See the 12-volt battery location chart
below.
See the chart on Page 791 of your textbook.
NOTE: If neither method to stop the engine can be performed to prevent

current flow into the high-voltage cables, use extreme care, do not cut into
the cables, and do not touch damaged cables as they may be “hot.”
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Silence is Not Golden
Never assume the vehicle is shut off just because the engine is off. Always
look for the READY indicator status. The vehicle is shut off when the
READY indicator is off. The vehicle may be powered by:
1. The electric motor only
2. The gasoline engine only
3. A combination of both
The vehicle computer determines

the mode in which the vehicle
operates to improve fuel economy
and reduce emissions. The driver
cannot manually select the mode.
Figure 65–8
The Ford Escape Hybrid instrument panel showing the vehicle in Park and the tachometer on “EV”
instead of 0 rpm. This means that the gasoline engine could start at any time depending on the
state of charge of the high-voltage batteries and other factors.
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SRS Airbags and Seat Belt Pretensioners Two electronic frontal
impact sensors are mounted in the engine compartment. Front seat
belt pretensioners are mounted near the base of the B-pillar. A
frontal dual-stage driver airbag is mounted in the steering wheel.
WARNING: The SRS computer is equipped with a backup source that

powers the SRS airbags up to 90 seconds after disabling the vehicle. The
front-seat side airbags and the curtain-shield side airbags may deploy
independent of each other.
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High Voltage is Insulated from the Vehicle
Body
Both positive and negative high-voltage power cables are isolated from the
metal chassis, so there is no possibility of shock by touching the metal
chassis. This design is called a floating ground.
A ground fault monitor continuously monitors for high-voltage leakage to
the metal chassis while the vehicle is running. If a malfunction is
detected, the vehicle computer will illuminate the master warning light in
the instrument cluster and the hybrid warning light in the LCD display.
The HV battery pack relays will automatically open to stop electricity
flow in a collision sufficient to activate the SRS airbags.
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EMERGENCY RESPONSE
On arrival, emergency responders should follow their standard
operating procedures for vehicle incidents.
Extrication
1. Immobilize the vehicle (chock wheels and set parking brake).
2. Disable the vehicle.
3. Stabilize the vehicle. Crib at four points directly under the
front and rear pillars. Do not place cribbing under the high-
voltage power cables, exhaust system, or fuel system.
WARNING: Never assume a hybrid vehicle is shut off simply because it

is silent. After disabling the vehicle, power is maintained for 90 seconds in
the SRS system and 10 minutes in the high-voltage electrical system.
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4. Access the patients. Use normal glass removal
procedures.Door removal/displacement. Doors can be
removed by conventional rescue tools such as hand, electric,
and hydraulic.
5. Door removal/displacement. Doors can be removed by
conventional rescue tools such as hand, electric, and
hydraulic.
6. Roof removal. The vehicle may contain optional curtain-
shield airbags. If equipped and undeployed, it is not
recommended to remove or displace the roof.
CAUTION: Responders need to be cautious when working in close

proximity to undeployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners. Deployed
front dual-stage airbags automatically ignite both stages within a fraction
of a second.
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7. Dash displacement. The vehicle may contain optional
curtain-shield airbags. When equipped, do not remove or
displace the roof during a dash displacement to avoid
cutting into the airbags or inflators.
8. Rescue lift airbags. Responders should not place cribbing
or rescue lift airbags under the high-voltage power cables,
exhaust system, or fuel system.
9. Fire. Approach and extinguish a fire using proper vehicle
firefighting practices as recommended by NFPA, IFSTA, or
the National Fire Academy (NFA).
Water has been proven to be a suitable extinguishing agent.

Perform a fast, aggressive fire attack. Attack teams may not
be able to identify the vehicle as being a hybrid until the fire
has been extinguished.
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Spills Hybrid vehicles contain the same common automotive
fluids used in other vehicles, with the exception of NiMH
electrolyte (potassium hydroxide) used in the HV battery pack.
The NiMH battery electrolyte is a caustic alkaline (pH 13.5)

corrosive to human tissues. The electrolyte is absorbed in the
cell plates and will not normally spill or leak out even if a
battery module is cracked.
A catastrophic crash that would breach both metal battery pack

case and the plastic battery module would be a rare occurrence.
Similar to using baking soda to neutralize a lead-acid battery

electrolyte spill, a dilute boric acid solution or vinegar is used
to neutralize a NiMH battery electrolyte spill.
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Handle NiMH electrolyte spills using the following personal
protective equipment (PPE):
Splash shield or safety goggles (Fold-
down helmet shields are not acceptable
for acid or electrolyte spills.)
Rubber, latex, or nitrile gloves
Apron suitable for alkaline materials
Rubber boots
Neutralize NiMH electrolyte using a boric acid solution or

vinegar; boric acid solution is 5.5 ounces boric acid to 1 gallon
of water (800 grams boric acid to 20 liters water).
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VEHICLE FIRE
There are no unusual hazards if a hybrid electric vehicle is
involved in a fire.
It should be noted, however, that extremely high temperatures

(320–356°F [160–180°C]) can cause undeployed airbags to deploy.
NOTE: If a fire occurs in the NiMH HV battery pack, the incident

commander will have to decide whether to pursue an offensive or
defensive attack.
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Offensive Fire Attack Flooding the HV battery pack, located in
the cargo area, with large amounts of water at a safe distance will
effectively control fire by cooling the adjacent NiMH battery
modules below their ignition temperature. The remaining modules
on fire, if not extinguished by the water, will burn themselves out.
Defensive Fire Attack If the decision has been made to fight the
fire using a defensive attack, the fire attack crew should pull back
a safe distance and allow the NiMH battery modules to burn out.
During this defensive operation, fire crews may utilize a water
stream or fog pattern to protect exposures or to control smoke.
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SUBMERGED OR PARTIALLY-SUBMERGED
VEHICLE
Pull the vehicle out of the water; use one of the procedures for
preventing current from flowing through the high-voltage cables.
NOTE: There is no risk of electric shock from touching the body or the
framework whether in or out of the water.
Submersion Handle a hybrid vehicle fully or partially submerged

in water by disabling HV battery pack, SRS airbags, and fuel pump.
1. Remove vehicle from the water.

2. Drain water from the vehicle if possible.
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Will I Get Shocked If I Drive My Hybrid Into Deep Water?
No. The computer of all hybrid electric vehicles monitors the connection
between the high-voltage circuits and the body or frame of the vehicle. If
water or an accident were to cause an electrical connection between high
voltage and the body of the vehicle, high voltage is immediately turned off.
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COLLISION AND REPAIR INDUSTRY ISSUES
Jump-Starting The 12-volt auxiliary battery may be jump-started if
the vehicle does not start. The 12-volt auxiliary battery is often
located under the hood but can also be located in the cargo area of
some HEVs.
Figure 65–9 Jump-starting a 2001–2003

Toyota Prius using a 12-volt supply to
boost the 12-volt auxiliary battery in the
trunk.
Using a jump box or jumper

cable from another vehicle,
make the connections to the
positive and negative battery
terminals.
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On the 2004+ Toyota Prius vehicles, there is a stud located under
the hood that can be used to jump-start the auxiliary battery, which
is located in the truck. The trunk has an electric latch and cannot be
opened if the auxiliary battery is dead.
Figure 65–10 The underhood 12-volt jump-

start terminal on this 2004+ Toyota Prius
has a red plastic cover with a “+” sign.
The positive booster cable clamp will
attach directly to the vertical metal bracket.
NOTE: The high-voltage HV battery pack cannot be jump started on most

HEVs. One exception is the Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner hybrids, which
use a special “jump-start” button located behind the left kick panel. When
this button is pushed, the auxiliary battery is used to boost the HV battery
through a DC-DC converter.
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MOVING AND TOWING A HYBRID
If a disabled vehicle needs to be moved a short distance (to the
side of the road) and the vehicle can still roll on the ground, the
easiest way is to shift the transmission into neutral and manually
push the vehicle.
To transport a vehicle from an emergency location, a flatbed truck

should be used if the vehicle might be repaired. If not available,
the vehicle should be towed by wheel-lift equipment with front
wheels off the ground (FWD hybrid electric vehicles only).
Do not use sling-type towing equipment.
In the case of 4WD HEVs such as the Toyota Highlander, only a

flatbed vehicle should be used.
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Moving the Hybrid Vehicle in the Shop After an HEV has been
serviced, it may be necessary to push the vehicle to another part of
the shop or outside as parts are ordered.
Make sure to tape any orange cable ends. Permanent magnets are
used in all the drive motors and generators and it is possible that a
high-voltage arc could occur as wheels turn and produce voltage.
Another way to prevent this is to use wheel dollies.
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A sign that says “HIGH VOLTAGE—DO NOT TOUCH” could
also be added to the roof of the vehicle. Keep the keys out of the
vehicle and safely stored.
Figure 65–11 Use of a warning cover over the Figure 65–12 A lock box is a safe location to
steering wheel helps others realize that work keep the ignition keys of a hybrid electric
is being performed on the high-voltage system vehicle while it is being serviced. Notice that
and that no one is to attempt to start or move this lock box has two separate locks so it
the vehicle. would require two people to open, helping to
insure that no harm is done by accidentally
attempting to start a HEV.
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Removing the High-Voltage Batteries The HV battery box should
always be removed as an assembly, placed on a rubber-covered
work bench, and handled carefully. All parts, especially capacitors,
should be checked for voltage while wearing HV rubber gloves.
Always check for voltage as

the components become
accessible before proceeding.
Figure 65–13
Insulated tools, such as this socket set,
would provide an additional margin of
safety to the service technician when
working around high-voltage
components and systems.
When removing high-voltage

components, it is wise to use
insulated tools.
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Storing the High-Voltage Batteries If a hybrid is to be stored
for any length of time, the state of charge of the HV batteries
must be maintained.
If possible, start the vehicle every month and run it for at least
30 minutes to help recharge the HV batteries. This is necessary
because NiMH batteries suffer from self-discharge over time.
High-voltage battery chargers are either not available or are hard to

find even at a dealer.
If the HV battery SOC was over 60% when it was put into storage,
the batteries may be stored for about a month without a problem.
If the SOC is less than 60%, a problem with a discharged HV
battery may result.
Continued 39
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Hoisting a Hybrid Vehicle When hoisting or using a floor jack, pay
attention to the lift points. Orange cables run under the vehicle just
inside the frame rails on most hybrids.
Figure 65–14
The high-voltage wiring on this
Honda hybrid is colored orange
for easy identification.
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Some Honda hybrid vehicles use an aluminum pipe painted orange
that includes three HV cables for the starter/generator and also three
more cables for the HV air-conditioning compressor.
If damage occurs to any high-voltage cables, the MIL will light up

and a no-start will result if the PCM senses a fault. The cables are
not repairable and are expensive.
The cables can be identified by an orange outer casing, but in some

cases, the orange casing is not exposed until a black plastic
underbelly shield is removed first.
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Paint Ovens Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries may be
damaged if exposed to high temperatures, such as in a paint oven.
The warning labels on hybrid vehicles specify that the battery
temperature should not exceed 146°F (63°C).
HV Battery Disposal The hybrid electric vehicle manufacturers

are set up to ship NiMH battery packs to a recycling center. There is
an 800 number located under the hood or on the HV battery pack
that can be used to gain information on how to recycle these
batteries.
Continued 42
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High Voltage Battery SOC Considerations
NiMH batteries do not store well for long lengths of time. After a repair job,
or when the HV system has been powered down by a technician and
powered up again, do not be surprised if a warning light(s), codes, and the
MIL are illuminated. If everything was done correctly, a couple road tests
may be all that is required to reset the MIL. The HV battery indicator on the
dash may also read zero charge level. After a road test, the HV battery
level indicator will most likely display the proper voltage level.
43
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INSULATION TESTER
Whenever a hybrid electric vehicle is in an accident or has been submerged in deep
water, the insulation should be tested before the high-voltage circuits are activated.
An insulation tester, often called a megaohmmeter, such as the Fluke 1587, is used.
One meter lead is connected to one of the high-voltage cables and the other lead is
connected to a good, clean body ground. There should not be any continuity.
• The tester applies a test voltage on the meter leads.

• The tester then measures the voltage and the current.
• the tester then calculates the resistance and displays the reading.
Continued 44
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PHOTO SEQUENCE HV Glove Use
Continued 45
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PHOTO SEQUENCE HV Glove Use (cont.)
46
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SUMMARY
1. Personal protective equipment (PPE) for work on hybrid electric
vehicle includes the wearing of high-voltage rubber gloves rated at
1,000 volts or more worn with leather protective gloves to help
protect the rubber gloves.
2. A digital meter and meter leads that meets CAT III standards
should be used when working around the high-voltage section of a
hybrid electric vehicle.
3. Safety glasses and a face shield should be worn whenever working

around the high-voltage circuits of a hybrid electric vehicle.
Continued 47
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SUMMARY (cont.)
4. The high-voltage system can be shut off by disconnecting the
high-voltage circuits and being sure the ignition is off.
5. Disconnecting the 12-volt battery is additional security that

the high-voltage circuits are depowered.
6. For most situations, first responder actions should be the same

as if the vehicle were conventional.
7. When servicing a hybrid electric vehicle, always observe

recommended safety procedures.
48
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end
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start

CAT III • DMM • floating ground

HV • HV cables • IEC • Linesman’s gloves

WARNING: HV cables and wiring are orange in color. High-voltage

NOTE: The high-voltage insulated safety gloves must be recertified

2. The gloves should not be

Eye Protection Should be worn when testing for high voltage,

Even when the high-voltage (HV) system has been disconnected,

Orange cables underhood or shielding

Figure 65–4 This Honda Accord

Figure 65–5 A hybrid electric vehicle can often be

Power Source The main power source of all hybrids is a

12-Volt Battery A conventional flooded-type lead-acid 12-volt

See Figure 65–6.

Small quantities of electrolyte,

In the finished cells, electrolyte is nonliquid, nonflammable,

High-voltage cables are routed under the vehicle inside orange

WARNING: Extreme heat (320–356°F [160–180°C]) can cause

See the chart on Page 790 of your textbook. 16

1. Locate the underhood fuse

WARNING: Power remains in the high-voltage electrical system

See the chart on Page 791 of your textbook.

NOTE: If neither method to stop the engine can be performed to prevent

The vehicle computer determines

WARNING: The SRS computer is equipped with a backup source that

WARNING: Never assume a hybrid vehicle is shut off simply because it

CAUTION: Responders need to be cautious when working in close

Water has been proven to be a suitable extinguishing agent.

The NiMH battery electrolyte is a caustic alkaline (pH 13.5)

A catastrophic crash that would breach both metal battery pack

Similar to using baking soda to neutralize a lead-acid battery

Neutralize NiMH electrolyte using a boric acid solution or

It should be noted, however, that extremely high temperatures

NOTE: If a fire occurs in the NiMH HV battery pack, the incident

Submersion Handle a hybrid vehicle fully or partially submerged

1. Remove vehicle from the water.

Figure 65–9 Jump-starting a 2001–2003

Using a jump box or jumper

Figure 65–10 The underhood 12-volt jump-

NOTE: The high-voltage HV battery pack cannot be jump started on most

To transport a vehicle from an emergency location, a flatbed truck

Do not use sling-type towing equipment.

In the case of 4WD HEVs such as the Toyota Highlander, only a

Another way to prevent this is to use wheel dollies.

Always check for voltage as

When removing high-voltage

High-voltage battery chargers are either not available or are hard to

If damage occurs to any high-voltage cables, the MIL will light up

The cables can be identified by an orange outer casing, but in some

HV Battery Disposal The hybrid electric vehicle manufacturers

• The tester applies a test voltage on the meter leads.

3. Safety glasses and a face shield should be worn whenever working

5. Disconnecting the 12-volt battery is additional security that

6. For most situations, first responder actions should be the same

7. When servicing a hybrid electric vehicle, always observe

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