Tools for Hybrid Repair

By Craig Van Batenburg. What tools do I need to get into hybrid repair? That is a good question. It all depends on what you have now. What should a technically aware shop have at this time for equipment? 

A pair of Class O 1000 volt safety gloves with leather protectors, a good digital volt ohm meter (DVOM) rated CAT III @ 1000volts, a lab scope with that same rating, good technical information, and the proper scan tool. There are other hybrid related tools for specific models as well.

All hybrids sold in the USA are gasoline powered, so you must be able to figure out if it is an electric drive issue or an internal combustion problem. The Automotive Career Development Center (ACDC) is working out the technical issues of that exact scenario. Learning how to disable one power drive system so you can road test the vehicle and determine what system is at fault will help you on a tough drivability issue. Having good hybrid equipment and great hybrid technical skills will ensure your future.

More detail on the above list. Given you have a well equipped shop with good access to information start here; order a new set of 1000 volt Class O rated insulated rubber gloves. Cost is usually under eighty bucks. Next look at your DVOM and see if it is CAT III rated. If yes, you are all set there, if not buy one with a CAT III rating and a scale that goes to at least 1000 volts. Now look at your test leads that plug into your DVOM. Again it must be CAT III and 1000 volts minimum. Same for the test lead ends.

Another tool in your arsenal should be a 12 volt battery charger that is easy on advanced glass mat (AGM) batteries, as this type of battery is in many hybrids. Any old AGM charger may not be good enough so buy a brand name. Some AGM battery chargers are also load testers as well. Do not use a motorcycle or marine charger for extended storage, as ACDC has tried that and guess what? Now we know that a Prius 12 battery costs over 160 dollars. No need for you to figure that out too! A tech tip here; if the 12 volt battery is located in the trunk, it is an AGM type.

Lastly a factory scan tool. Two years ago the aftermarket scan tools were pretty weak on any hybrid info. For example the Ford Escape Hybrid data was non existent. But lately I have seen many aftermarket scanners that had many hybrid features. Five times a year ACDC holds a scan tool shoot-out as part of our 5 day hybrid hands on class, so almost every 2 months ACDC evaluates the most common scanners.

Factory scan tools are great. Ford uses their IDS, Toyota and Lexus used the Vetronix Mastertech with factory software until 2007. This is still my favorite tool for the money but the TechStream has replaced it. In 2004 the Prius went to a CAN system. Honda hybrids started out using the Vetronix Mastertech (same as Toyota) but in 2004 switched to Teradyne. A laptop type scan tool is offered now and the Pocket Tester is also still out there. GM is a Tech2. Before you buy any scan tool, make sure it fits your needs.

Before buying the above tools learn how to use them. A new tool without good training is a waste of money.