Hybrid Syndicate

04/06/2025

THE POWER OF SALT!

Upgraded a 2013 Prius to the new Nexpower Sodium battery pack from .

Must say that the new design of the modules provides much more air flow to keep things cool. The sodium based cells should be more suited to operate in our climate and not suffer from thermal stress.

Remember HYBRID SYNDICATE is an authorized distributor and installer for these batteries. Give us a call for more information to upgrade your Toyota Hybrid today.

18/02/2025

A customer came in with a Toyota Aqua with an aftermarket Cylindrical High Voltage battery pack that didn't even last them 2 years and cost them about $12,000 at the time. They were informed that this was the best option. Due to the design of this battery pack, the cooling of the individual cells is flawed. This will lead to cells 8 to 10 to suffer high thermal stress and thus fail.

The customer was presented with 2 options from Nexcell Power: go Sodium Battery Pack or go Lithium Battery Pack for half the cost. The main benefit of Sodium is that they can handle thermal stress much better but Lithium power delivery is much stronger but requires proper cooling to manage thermal stress.

They opted for the Lithium V2.6 High Voltage battery pack and we supplied and installed upgraded busbars as well. The vehicle saw an increase in overall power and fuel consumption savings.

If you are plagued with high voltage battery issues, contact us for your free consultation to discuss your options. Let's help you to make the right decision for less down time and more drive time of your Toyota hybrid for years to come.

10/02/2025

The number one killer of high voltage batteries in Toyota hybrids. But guess what? You don't need to worry about that when you service your vehicle by HYBRID Syndicate.

Your cooling fan is cleaned every oil service (10,000 Km) to ensure optimum cooling performance and safety of your high voltage battery.

Give us a call to schedule your appointment today.

Remember we protect your investment when others forget...😉

18/10/2024

https://youtu.be/3eC5FFoCq4s?si=XrvntaeqwdcTnPaB

Hybrid vehicles are uniquely challenging due to the frequent engine start/stops, as well as lower overall engine temperatures, which can lead to water and fu...

12/07/2024

This customer was told that their battery was serviced by the mechanic. Not long after the battery developed the P0A80 code (Replace Hybrid Battery) and P3000 code (Battery Control System). The car was returned and one of the wires was changed but the code returned again. I wonder why?

Corrosion and oxidation can reduce the ability of a bus bar to efficiently do its job by increasing its resistance and even contributing to possible overheating and system failure of the high voltage battery pack.

At HYBRID Syndicate we update customers with the work being done and the parts being changed with photo updates. Furthermore, the old parts are shown to the customer upon collection of the vehicle for that added assurance.

This customer battery suffered due to not simply replacing the bus bars and thoroughly cleaning the terminals of the cells. Please don't let this be you. Let's do proper preventative maintenance so that it won't cost you in the long run.

02/07/2024

LETS TALK ABOUT THE ACCUMULATOR PUMP!!!!

C1391 - Abnormal leak in accumulator
C1252 - Booster pump motor on abnormally long
C1356 - Accumulator low pressure

These Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are commonly encountered in Toyota hybrid braking systems, yet many owners are unfamiliar with their meanings, causes, and prevention methods. This discussion focuses on the Accumulator Pump, one part of a two-part system, with the Master Cylinder's role to be addressed separately.

The brake Accumulator Pump is crucial for maintaining hydraulic pressure in the braking system, ensuring prompt and efficient brake response. It consists of two main components: the ABS Hydraulic Pump and the Accumulator.

The ABS Hydraulic Pump generates brake fluid pressure, which is stored in the Accumulator. This pump operates with redundancy, powered by two motor relays. If one relay or fuse fails, the other ensures continuous fluid pressure.

The Accumulator is a nitrogen-filled steel vessel with a diaphragm, capable of storing hydraulic fluid under high pressure for immediate release as needed.

Several factors contribute to the malfunction indicated by these codes. A common issue in Toyota/Lexus hybrids is leakage from the Master Cylinder Unit, sometimes referred to as the "Hiss of Death." Over time, seals and gaskets wear out, leading to pressure loss in the unit.

Mechanical problems in the hydraulic pump can also cause issues, such as worn carbon brushes, faulty internal bearings, or excessive carbon buildup. These conditions can trigger the ABS system's fail-safe mode, resulting in a firm brake pedal feel.

According to the Toyota Service Manual, replacing both the Master Cylinder and the Accumulator Pump is recommended to address these issues effectively.

11/06/2024

For your information!!!!

Toyota has halted sales of the Yaris Cross, Corolla Axio, and Corolla Fielder in Japan due to crash test data irregularities. This move is part of a broader scandal involving several Toyota and Daihatsu models. Toyota also identified seven additional models with testing irregularities, including the discontinued Crown sedan, Isis and Sienta minivans, and the fourth-generation Lexus RX.

11/06/2024

"PRIUS", A LATIN WORD FOR "FIRST", "ORIGINAL" OR "SUPERIOR"

This 2014 Toyota Prius came in for a ABS Master Cylinder unit replacement and we wasted no time in the removal process.

Fun fact: Toyota has sold approximately 1.7 million of these Generation 3 Prius' worldwide between 2009 to 2016. Also fully loaded Prius' were equipped with Radar Cruise Control, Self Parallel Parking Assist and Solar Panel Sunroof.

There are times where the installation goes without a problem but in mechanics you're constantly a student for each problem faced.

For no reason the code: C1203 (communication circuit ECM) would be cleared. Seeing this code may be daunting but there is a solution to all issues. The zeroing of the yaw rate sensor and linear offset of the abs unit needed to be reprogrammed to the ECM (Engine Control Module). With this being done, all lights were off and the braking system was functioning properly.

Another one for the books and another customer satisfied to enjoy their Toyota hybrid.

05/06/2024

KNOCK KNOCK!!!
WHO'S THERE?
CYLINDER!!!
CYLINDER WHO?
CYLINDER NUMBER 4 MUDAF**KER

05/06/2024

BRUSHES MUST DONE AT SOME POINT!!!

This 2014 Toyota Fielder wagon came with the usual ABS master cylinder issue to be sorted but this was an install with a twist. The customer requested that the accumulator pump brushes be checked to see how much run time the pump has.

The accumulator pump provides additional braking pressure (anywhere between 1000-2000 psi) to the master cylinder. When the master cylinder has an internal leak due to lack of service or age, the ABS module goes into failsafe mode.

The accumulator pump.motor isn't brushless so the carbon build up can be so bad that it prevents the brushes from making contact with the commutator. Cleaning this would buy the customer some time but at some point the brush would reach the end of its life.

HYBRID Syndicate is currently searching for proper quality brushes which have the proper carbon density to carry out repairs for the accumulator pump. More on this will be posted so stay tuned.

17/05/2024

ITS LIKE A GEAR BOX....KINDA!!!

Fun fact, did you know that your transmission in your Toyota hybrid has no reverse? In fact the reverse comes from the electric motor in conjunction with the high voltage battery.

Even though you can say that this transmission is an E-CVT, in a sense it's like a compact manual gear box without a shifter. Toyota calls it the Power Split Device. The electric motors and gas engine are connected to a planetary gear set which is always engaged, and there is no shifting.

The recommended lubricant for this transmission is Toyota's ATF-WS fluid. This fluid is specially designed to lubricate, clean and cool the transmission under daily use. With special additives and a specially adapted coefficient of friction, Toyota Automatic Transmission Oil ATF WS helps to protect the transmission and prevent damage. In addition, good corrosion and increased wear protection is ensured.

It is recommended by Toyota that the transmission fluid be changed in Toyota hybrids 60,000 to 90,000 miles (100,000 to 140,000 kilometers). Anywhere between would be the perfect balance for the transmission to have a long life.

If you're interested in having your transmission fluid replaced, Call/WhatsApp 379-4634 to book your appointment.

16/05/2024

NEVER BEEN CLEANED!!!

This 2017 Toyota Aqua came in for an ABS Master Cylinder unit replacement. The customer stated that upon completion of this repair the car will be sold. You know HYBRID Syndicate can't have you rolling out like that.

So by now you know the usual routine, old unit out.....new unit in. The system bled and recalibrated for full restoration of the brake feel. Then we directed the attention to the elephant in the room.....cleaning the engine bay.

It's simple really:
-Pre-rinse the engine to remove some of the heavy dirt, -Apply your degreaser (spray bottle will help),
-Use a brush to agitate the grime,
-Make sure you clean those orange cables (that does make the engine bay pop),
-Clean the surrounding areas as desired (like when you wash behind your ears when you bathe),
-Make sure not to blast the black heat insulation under the hood with the pressure washer (you don't want to find out what happens when you do),
-Rinse off the engine in a misting manner (don't concentrate water blast in one spot for too long),
-Inspect your work and repeat cleaning/rinsing (miss in school always said check over your work)
-Use a leaf blower/vacuum blower feature/drying towel to dry engine bay (that Pricesmart Armor All vacuum could help right about now) ,
-DO NOT SPRAY TIRE SHINE ON THE ENGINE!!!!

Hope this helps.