Oh my god this is horrifying! Sorry to hear what you had to deal with for your car. While a odd number of users here on the forum has had issues with the Hybrid system, most of us have not experienced similar issues. Seeing as to how this is the third time the dealer is attempting to fix the issue, I recommend researching your state's Lemon Laws to attempt to get Hyundai involved instead of the dealers. They should have much greater capability to make things right for you.

Here's Florida's Lemon Law:

https://www.dmv.org/fl-florida/automotive-law/lemon-law.php

Good luck, and hope you a speedy resolution of the issues.

 

Have you try another Hyundai dealer? Maybe other dealer can fix it.

 

That is a bad situation and lucky that it hasn't completely screwed you... Make sure you have good documentation of all this with the dealer and how many times it has been in for the same thing. It sucks that there is so little training or knowledge at the various dealers. As mentioned, you should certainly have Hyundai corporate involved and a "case number" going at this point.

 

This is awful, I hate persistent issues like this, especially ones that appear electrical in nature. Given the same parts keep failing, it has to be something upstream as the failure point.

 

I'm having the EXACT SAME ISSUE.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Steve Shomo, VIN KMHE34L16GA015823

Since early September 2017, I’ve experienced an intermittent “Check Hybrid System” warning when trying to start the car on long trips. This problem is becoming more and more common when driving continuously at highway speeds. When starting the car, the computer performs a system check and finds this error. At this point, the computer “will not” start the car. The hybrid system refuses to “boot up.”

NOTE: I have never yet had this issue while driving around town locally or for short periods of time. (1 hour or less)

This always happens after driving the car at interstate speeds for 1 or more continuous hours. When you stop to get gas or go into a rest area, the system refuses to “boot up” for 15 to 45 minutes. When the system has had enough time to COOL DOWN?, the car will start and the “red check engine” light remains on.

The first instance was September 6, 2017 returning from Columbus Ohio. I pulled into a gas station to fuel. After filling up, I could not start the car. I’ve attached a video of the dashboard control screen when this happens. (2018-03-09_HEV start up system failure.mov) After repeated attempts, it finally starts after 10-20 minutes and the car electronics “boots up.” Once the diagnostic system allows the car to start, the red check engine light remains lit.

When I returned to Greensboro, I immediately took the car to Capital Hyundai here in Greensboro. A service DTC scan indicated a saved code of P1990. According to the service reports, the code represents a high voltage warning on the electric input line to the Oil Pump. Once the system cools down, or is not being run continuously on the interstate, a test of the electric line to the oil pump comes back with no problems.

On a trip to Boston in October, I experienced the same problem at a service area where I stopped to get gas. The following day after I’d arrived at my destination, I took the car to the Hyundai Village Dealership in Danvers, MA. The DTC scan showed the same P1990 code. They also performed an “engine off” oil pump test which passed.

In late December, after visiting our children and grandchildren in Boston, the car failed to start at a rest area returning to Greensboro in early January of this year. We went inside to eat and after 45 min, the car booted up, again with the red engine light.

During my regular oil change and service I relayed this to XXXXX there at Sport Durst. The DTC scan again revealed the P1990 code, but there was no time to test the system which I presumed would have passed.

we just returned from a trip to Alabama. (March 9-12, 2018) Every time we stopped both going down and coming back, the car would not start. Once we got to our destination and drove around town once or twice, the red engine warning light would go off. The car ALWAYS starts when cold. After returning home on Monday, the red engine warning light just went off this afternoon. (3/13/18)

Here is my uneducated guess. During long periods of driving, there must be some HEAT related to that high voltage line going to the oil pump. This issue stops the computer system check from starting the Hybrid system. When you stop and the electrical system cools down, the car will start normally. Driving around town or locally does not get the system hot enough to create the code.

 

I'm having the EXACT SAME ISSUE.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Steve Shomo, VIN KMHE34L16GA015823

Since early September 2017, I’ve experienced an intermittent “Check Hybrid System” warning when trying to start the car on long trips. This problem is becoming more and more common when driving continuously at highway speeds. When starting the car, the computer performs a system check and finds this error. At this point, the computer “will not” start the car. The hybrid system refuses to “boot up.”

NOTE: I have never yet had this issue while driving around town locally or for short periods of time. (1 hour or less)

This always happens after driving the car at interstate speeds for 1 or more continuous hours. When you stop to get gas or go into a rest area, the system refuses to “boot up” for 15 to 45 minutes. When the system has had enough time to COOL DOWN?, the car will start and the “red check engine” light remains on.

The first instance was September 6, 2017 returning from Columbus Ohio. I pulled into a gas station to fuel. After filling up, I could not start the car. I’ve attached a video of the dashboard control screen when this happens. (2018-03-09_HEV start up system failure.mov) After repeated attempts, it finally starts after 10-20 minutes and the car electronics “boots up.” Once the diagnostic system allows the car to start, the red check engine light remains lit.

When I returned to Greensboro, I immediately took the car to Capital Hyundai here in Greensboro. A service DTC scan indicated a saved code of P1990. According to the service reports, the code represents a high voltage warning on the electric input line to the Oil Pump. Once the system cools down, or is not being run continuously on the interstate, a test of the electric line to the oil pump comes back with no problems.

On a trip to Boston in October, I experienced the same problem at a service area where I stopped to get gas. The following day after I’d arrived at my destination, I took the car to the Hyundai Village Dealership in Danvers, MA. The DTC scan showed the same P1990 code. They also performed an “engine off” oil pump test which passed.

In late December, after visiting our children and grandchildren in Boston, the car failed to start at a rest area returning to Greensboro in early January of this year. We went inside to eat and after 45 min, the car booted up, again with the red engine light.

During my regular oil change and service I relayed this to XXXXX there at Sport Durst. The DTC scan again revealed the P1990 code, but there was no time to test the system which I presumed would have passed.

we just returned from a trip to Alabama. (March 9-12, 2018) Every time we stopped both going down and coming back, the car would not start. Once we got to our destination and drove around town once or twice, the red engine warning light would go off. The car ALWAYS starts when cold. After returning home on Monday, the red engine warning light just went off this afternoon. (3/13/18)

Here is my uneducated guess. During long periods of driving, there must be some HEAT related to that high voltage line going to the oil pump. This issue stops the computer system check from starting the Hybrid system. When you stop and the electrical system cools down, the car will start normally. Driving around town or locally does not get the system hot enough to create the code.

Did you finally resolved this? Im having the same issue right now!!

 

I'm having the exact same problem with my 2016 Sonata Hybrid Limited in North Carolina. Not sure if my new post shows up or not. I'm getting less support from the dealership than you are.

 

I too am in North Carolina.

 

You can run the diagnostics from the 8" display and/or use BlueLink and they can run the onboard diagnostics remotely. Have you tried either of them when the problem occurs? There might be a clue there. My dealership told me that some codes are transitory and if I ever get that light I should drive directly to the dealership without shutting off the engine if able.

(I got it in the first week due to a loose connector).

 

How do I run the onboard diagnostics on the navigation unit?

 

They need to either fix something like this or buy it back... Sounds like you've had the same code more than 3 times and went to the dealer so there should be documentation. Are they just saying "that's the code and what it means" and "it is good now" and sending you off to repeat? Unacceptable really.

 

In answer to JKK. Yes, they are running a gasoline engine off test of the electric oil pump and it passes. They have reset the computer three times and have sent me off.

 

FYI,, I have replace 3 (if I recall) electric oil pump since Nov 2017...

Last 1 I had recently, I kept old part and took it apart... the shaft of the electric motor has a pump gear on it,, shaft spins in center of gear.. part not welded, part not pinned, appears set on and 2 stakes maybe..

 

Engineering 101 See if lego block will work. If not use duct tape. If that don't work send it to the twins.

 

Sounds like a reasonable solution would be to replace the electric oil pump under warranty...

 

But you still not getting any better of part..

 

Thanks for the confirmation. If they haven't fixed it in 3 tries then the next try is a buy-back... All they have done is some test it sounds. Maybe when the engine runs and is hot the pump acts up. They need to replace it and see.

 

Did the power relay replacement work?

 

Dealership replaced the Power Relay which sets on top of the Hybrid battery in the floor of the trunk. According to the report, 37514R1H CODE P1990 found an open circuit in the power relay. I'm leaving for Boston tomorrow. (740 miles) We'll see if this fixes the problem. ( sdshomo Original Post #6 ).

 

I've replace 3 Power relay since November,, 1 week before last, and 1 maybe a month ago.. YF chassis Hybrid,, inside battery pack behind back seat.. I like scrapping the 2 relay inside,, each has a huge ball of copper wire for the coil winding :grin2:..

LF Sonata, poor design tactics of battery module..

Emergency First Responder has no ready access to remove Safety plug to shut down 277V from car.. in trunk, under floor panel, (OOOP"S,, trunk full of crap).. after get rid of floor panel,, need 10mm socket to remove bolts for tin cover, then LOOKIE !!,, we can now remove safety plug...

YF HYBRID is right there in trunk, take all of 15 second to remove if trunk not full of trash

 

Greetings from Ecuador

I had the same p1990 trouble code. As everyone said riding long distances. Here in Ecuador the dealerships are very incompetent. They changed the electric engine, transmission, generator. At last they changed the PRA (power reles assembley) and the problem stopped. Another symptom I noticed is the low power the car had. I assume I notice it because I live in Quito where we have uphills and down hills. But as I said the PRA and the harness of the pea being replaced solved the problem.

 

Greetings from Ecuador

I had the same p1990 trouble code. As everyone said riding long distances. Here in Ecuador the dealerships are very incompetent. They changed the electric engine, transmission, generator. At last they changed the PRA (power reles assembley) and the problem stopped. Another symptom I noticed is the low power the car had. I assume I notice it because I live in Quito where we have uphills and down hills. But as I said the PRA and the harness of the pea being replaced solved the problem.

I also live in Quito and just now the same problem started in my car, thanks to this forum i have a better idea of what to do. Could you tell me what dealership you took your car to? perhaps they know better how to proceed. thanks for your post it really helped me.

 

Holy Batman, there's $$ in them modules.
That's what you mean by ball of copper. :wink:

Is it the power relay that powers up the high voltage traction battery when driver starts hybrid?
Does it fail spectacularly, spark and smoke? What is the faulty component?


Is it related to the following recall for PHEV, posted by Tjbute?
http://www.hyundai-forums.com/sonata-all-hybrid-models-yf-lf/626618-sonata-phev-recall-notice.html
=========
Description of the Defect : The subject vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (“VPD”)


designed to monitor the hybrid battery’s state of charge and safeguard the


hybrid battery from overvoltage by disconnecting the power to the electric


motor. In limited instances, during the charging/discharging process, the


hybrid battery could swell and inadvertently activate the VPD switch. If the


VPD switch is activated while the vehicle is driven in the Electric Vehicle (“EV”)


drive mode, the electric motor could become inoperative and the vehicle could


lose motive power.
=====end of quote=====

 

I have been experiencing the 'Check Hybrid System' error since October 2017. I don't have any DTC codes despite the vehicle getting towed to two different dealerships so I'll just present anecdotal evidence.

The dealerships have been unable to diagnose because apparently by the time they look at the car, it always turns on and there are no stored codes in memory (I used to have a VW and that thing stored all previous codes until they were actually forced cleared). The only thing the dealership suggested was that I replace the regular 12V battery despite it passing their battery check because they reached out to Hyundai tech and this was the solution to the Check Hybrid System and no-start issue according to Hyundai tech. Needless to say I disagreed and wasn't able to reach anyone at Hyundai corporate and kept driving the car as is.

The problem started just before Winter and I noted that once the car cooled down it would turn on and was driveable (the CEL would stay on for a few cycles while the HEV triangle would clear immediately). Lucky for me, Winter kicked in and all was good until this week.

Two days ago when I went to start the car (it was off for at least 3 hours), it wouldn't turn on (both the CEL and the HEV Triangle light came on). I kept flicking the engine button until the car did turn on and just as I started driving it, the vehicle stalled and a message appeared regarding the hybrid system and engine damage... I panicked in an attempt to steer the car into a parking space so I wasn't able to capture the exact message.

Now, compared to before, the HEV triangle light does illuminate while I am driving but so far the car hasn't shut itself down, although I did note on one trip that once the HEV light came on, the engine kept running and it ended up charging the hybrid battery completely (I was driving in ECO mode).

My next step is to get an OBD2 device and try to capture this elusive code and proceed from there.

 

That is very odd that all this happens and there are no codes anywhere to be found (by the dealer). Yes, it is a good idea to have a code reader these days for any vehicle. If this persists you have a good case for a lemon since you've documented it since Oct 17 and multiple times now...

 

You WILL NOT get into HYBRID modules for codes with a OBD-II scanner on the cheap..

 

I’m having the same problem. I have a 2016 sonata hybrid with about 75k miles on it. Never had a problem until 3 weeks ago. Went on a trip down to AL, about 700 miles. I stopped for gas half way down, no issues. On my return trip I stopped for gas with about 4 hours left in my trip and after filling up the tank the car would not start with the check hybrid system error. I finally got the car started after 15 minutes and drove the rest of the way home.

Took it into the dealership and they gave me grief about the part they wanted to replace not being under warranty. The 10 year / 100k doesn’t cover the oil pump assembly apparently. After some back and forth they got corporate to agree to fix it. Been driving it for two weeks, no issues.

Tonight on the way home, about 60 miles / 1 hour after leaving work I stopped for gas and got the same error. Had to sit at the gas station for 15 minutes until it would start. Planning on taking it back to the dealership tomorrow with this thread bookmarked on my phone. It’s obvious there is a problem and with the amount of miles I put on my car (140 mile commute a day) I don’t want to risk warranty issues down the road when I am not the only one with the issue and this error occurs under the same exact circumstances as others here.

 

So I am having the same issue with my car. About two weeks ago I was leaving Maryland to travel back to my home is Pennsylvania (about a 4hr drive) I pulled over to check my tires and when I got back in my car, "Check Hybrid System" comes on about 2 hours in to driving. The car would start but then my check engine light came on. I knew I was due for a oil change so I figured it was just that. I swung by a Walmart to grab some oil just to get me by to get home and everything was back to normal.

Fast forward to a week ago, post oil change, I was traveling around town locally and Check Hybrid System came on again. So I immediately took the car to Hyundai, they check the code and said it was related to oil. I let him know that I just got a oil change a few days ago.The tech said that the car was just pushing out old codes due to the lack of oil my car had pre oil change. I though I would be good to go, Check Hybrid System hadn't come on since then.

Fast forward to today, I was traveling from Pennsylvania to Maryland and I pulled into a gas station to use the restroom. Got back into my car and it wouldn't start. Check Hybrid System, check engine light, battery light, oil light all came on. The car was just dead. So I sat there (freaking out because this never happened to me). I decided to research while sitting in my car and found this forum and its not just me. This has only really happened to me while driving long distances on the highway then stopping.

I sat in the car for about 20 mins and the car finally started but the check engine light stayed on. I drove the rest of the trip (about 1 hour 30 mins) parked my car, turned it off then turned it back on and the check engine light was gone.

This is concerning because I travel back and forth from PA/NYC to the DC/MD/VA area which is about 200+ miles each way. I also notice that this only seems to happen on extremely warm days.

 

What model year is your car?

 

Not sure if ya’ll have had any better luck with your cars but here is my update.

I took my car back into the dealership, they kept it for a day and a half and basically said they can’t really do anything with it but clear the error. It is a “historical” error that they cannot reproduce, thus nothing they can do. I pushed a bit on that pointing out that there is obviously an issue because it errored out again. The tech said he agrees but he has nothing he can take to Hyundai. He wasn’t overly jazzed with my “a quick google of the error leads to the Hyundai forums where multiple other people are having the same issue”, does that help?

So tonight after driving home from work (70 miles) I stopped to pick up my kid. Turned car off, 5 mins later it gave the check hybrid system error, the hev icon lit up, engine and oil lights came on, none of the other systems did. Sat for 10 minutes and it finally started. Of course the dealership was closed. At least I took a video, for what that is worth.

Based on my own experience so far I can confirm that it seems to only trigger after highway driving for about an hour. Doesn’t appear gas has anything to do with it, just a turn the car off, then back on.

I’ll see where this gets me.

 

I took my car back into the dealership, they kept it for a day and a half and basically said they can’t really do anything with it but clear the error.

DING DING DING,,,,,,, so they find an error code,, what was the code(s) found in proper "Pxxxx" format ??
You should have been given copy of invoice for that visit to dealer, to which it should document all test and codes recovered... Go back and tell them you want print of E-REPORT off GDS... or copy of GDS fault code search print..



It is a “historical” error that they cannot reproduce, thus nothing they can do.
If I know it to be a common problem to have set DTC, I dont care if it was HISTORY,, module seen fault, it stored fault code,, just because it aint active dont mean squat to me.. BTW,, what was the code(s) ??

I pushed a bit on that pointing out that there is obviously an issue because it errored out again.
Ok

The tech said he agrees but he has nothing he can take to Hyundai.
He should have GDS priint of fault code, that all he needs,, sound like Junior dont know how to deal with Hybrid concerns, it nt his job to "take to Hyundai",, he is to repair car and let warranty clerk deal with claim for documented concern and repair

He wasn’t overly jazzed with my “a quick google of the error leads to the Hyundai forums where multiple other people are having the same issue”, does that help?
What was the "error" you GOOGLED".. Hyundai doesnt work off GOOGLE,, they follow Hyundai procedures and information


So tonight after driving home from work (70 miles) I stopped to pick up my kid. Turned car off, 5 mins later it gave the check hybrid system error, the hev icon lit up, engine and oil lights came on, none of the other systems did. Sat for 10 minutes and it finally started. Of course the dealership was closed. At least I took a video, for what that is worth.
Ehh, keep video and show them, not like they / we aint seen dash lit up in the "key on" position.. Scan it (DO COMPLETE FAULT CODE SEARCH) and tell me what we find

Based on my own experience so far I can confirm that it seems to only trigger after highway driving for about an hour. Doesn’t appear gas has anything to do with it, just a turn the car off, then back on.

I’ll see where this gets me.

Bjgoff
Junior Member
DRIVES - 201x Hyundai Hybrid (I do not know what yr you have, not call in post or profile)

Join Date: May 2018
Location: MD
Posts: 2

---------------------------------------------------

YF battery pics elsewhere in topic..

Here is a "LF" Sonata Hybrid battery and misc

 

Hey sbr711, to answer your question(s)

I drive a 2016 Sonata Hybrid Limited (Same as the thread title). The error code they found all three times they scanned it was P1990.

The error code I googled was "Sonata Hybrid Limited Check Hybrid System" which lead me to this forum, and to this thread where people have reported the same issue with the same circumstances I had experienced. I realize the technicians don't work off of google and I would be highly skeptical of following any information I find. But I have learned that when I experience a weird issue, there is a good chance someone else out there in the world has experienced it as well and might have posted about it.

I just got my car back from the dealership after they replaced the Power Relay Assembly. I guess I will find out next week after driving to and from work if that resolves the issue. I really hope it does.

 

If the car moved come on, and moved with electric motor, then I would not suspect Power Relay and Service plug... they would have seen codes as found in 14-HC-002-1

P0A0D High Voltage System Interlock Circuit High HEV --> safety plug
P1B25 High Voltage Path Fault -- Power relay assembly
P1B76 High Voltage Relay Fault -- Power relay assembly
P1B77 High Voltage Precharging Faullt -- Power relay assembly

Your P1990 reflects back on Oil Pump Control... Can I ask if yours "SLAM" into "R" or "D" ??

I have a YF currently that has Hybrid Warning, and Oil Pump Control code,, TSB for pump codes, after follow procedures, it says "replace control unit".. Assist tried to tell me to replace Power Relay,, uhh,, why, no codes, and car move on it own

 

Leased 2016 Sonata Hybrid Lumited April 2016: I love(d) ? this car! Had the same car 2013 model prior to this one. No complaints about anything UNTIL 12-17, about 20,000-22,000 miles: while driving in city traffic display shows CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM ? turn engine off! Car shuts down by itself! Fortunately able to roll out of traffic to shoulder, turn engine off. Restart w/o delay & no further problem. Within a week, this happens again when starting car first time of day while still in Park. Shut off, restart, no problem. Both of these events happened in central Florida with temperate weather - not hot - not cold.

Forward to April 2018 3rd event Missouri (primary home area) weather range hi 40s to low 80s. Mileage 25,000+\- Hyundai Dealer regular service appointment done & monthly vehicle report showing “no issues or attention needed”. After driving 15-20 miles on cruise control @70mph in 4-lane traffic, after braking (disengages cruise control) slowly to stop light, same display message. Able to safely shut engine off & restart before light turns green - still disconcerting!

4th event about week or so later May 2018:
Stopped at stop light after having braked off cruise (70mph with same driving distance 15-20mi) - first stop after disengaging cruise control. In left (faster) lane at stop (with traffic behind coming through 65mph speed limit & long distance view of stop light. Just as light turns green, same display as prior above. Approaching traffic in same lane screeching to stop behind vehicles behind my car to avoid collision. I’m able to shut engine off & restart & proceed while shaking & scared, knowing how disastrous that could have been.

5th event same day & time as 4th above: Drive 1-2 miles further, off main highway, stopped again at light, same display & able to shut off engine & restart again & proceed safely as light turns green.
Make appointment with dealer with them saying they cannot find any problem or error messages.

6th event May 22,2018: same situation as above 3rd, 4th & 5th above. While stopped in a parking lot after disengaging cruise, coming off Highway traffic with one stop before with no problem. Bein in a parking lot with no traffic behind me, no problem in turning off & restarting.

I call blue link while driving home & make another dealer appointment for next day.
7th event May 23, 2018:
First of day driving about 30 mi to dealership, having had on cruise control @ 72, then down to 60 after no problem with two stops, then cruise off in town traffic, no problem at one stop, then same problem while stopped to turn into dealership (no turn lane). Fortunately no heavy traffic allowing others to go around me while I shut off & restart. Now have been sitting in service lounge for two hours awaiting what better be a solution. Right now call me an unhappy ☹, frightened Hyundai driver.

Two hours plus: possibly problem with inhibitor when transitioning from gas to electric battery which sounds more likely to me. Another device (less likely cause) is what they’re going to try first ?. Giving me loaner 2018 Sonata w/o my bells & whistles, no gps etc for 1-2 weeks while they get in part, install, & test drive. Would’ve put me in Enterprise rental if similar car available, but it wasn’t.

Due to this dangerous situation, I feel like Hyundai should at least offer to switch me into comparable car at no cost on my side.
But if problem persists, I may not be a Hyundai driver in future. ?
As I said before, I loved this car. May have to get a divorce. ☹?.

 

Completely understandable and majorly upsetting. Don't freak out now though because it sounds like they've documented/admitted there is an issue and give them a chance to fix it...

Regarding the loaner vehicle, yes it should be comparable... If this round doesn't fix your issue then you can raise **** a bit to get it fixed and this time have a comparable vehicle...

 

My 2016 Sonata Hybrid doe something very similar. My issue is a Check hybrid system shut off engine and it loses power. It happens to me when driving. I had it looked at in April 2018 and I was told that is was a recall on the cooling system for the hybrid system. They supposedly fixed it.

Come one month and 2 days later and it did the same exact thing while driving. Loses power and beeps and screams at me with a check hybrid system, shut engine off. It normally takes me 40 minutes to get home which is about 10 miles from the middle of town. It took me 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to the center of town.

I called Hyundai and told them I could not get the car to them because it kept making me shut it down and to send a flatbed to get my car. Hyundai Assurance paid the tow bill.

I spoke to the service department and they said, and I am not kidding, it has to do with the recall on the hybrid cooling system. I thought that was fixed a month ago under the recall????? The service guy said he
would look at the records.

So does this mean they did not fix the issue a month ago??? Next call is to the service manager.