Estima Hybrid

[Macavity]

I’ve been looking around for a replacement for my old Previa and have (more or less) settled on an Estima. Reading various reviews, the issue of maintenance/repair of the Estima hybrid system was flagged as potentially problematic.

It was stated that UK Toyota dealers would be unlikely to assist on the basis that (i) the Estima hybrid uses different technology to that found in other Toyota hybrids in the UK and (ii) they are unlikely to have “specialist tools” required to locate/repair a problem.

I’m no mechanic/engineer, so I wondered if any Estima owners could provide some opinion.

Many thanks.

[RUToyota]

Welcome Mike...can't see why a JDM model would be my different to a UK/Euro one..?..but I have no knowledge of hybrids so I can't be definitive.

I'm sure "Paulscarbs"...member here....can enlighten you further as he has a Hybrid Estima.

[Macavity]

6 hours ago, RUToyota said:

Welcome Mike...can't see why a JDM model would be my different to a UK/Euro one..?..but I have no knowledge of hybrids so I can't be definitive.

I'm sure "Paulscarbs"...member here....can enlighten you further as he has a Hybrid Estima.

Thanks Neil

I just missed out on a superb petrol Estima a few days ago -2013; X spec; 40k miles; absolutely spotless inside and out. I’d had it checked mechanically, but another guy arrived at the dealer with a bagful of cash (literally) and bought it before I could get back with a deposit.

[RUToyota]

That's a shame, Mike...sounded good... I'm happy with my V6 "beast" though.

I've had it over 2 years now and still love it...it is such a pleasure to be in it...and drive it.

Hope you find what you want.

[Stephen beedall]

Hi just purchased a 2008 estima hybrid e four x all been good but just this morning pulled away and the dashboard lights came on. And only had power from the petrol engine plus the car was not regenerating the Battery on brakeing I had seen on YouTube a guy disconnected the Battery then reconnect problem gone for now but still would love to know the cause the first time 

[Ruslan]

Which light come on?

[Gerg]

If  similar problems happen on Prius or hybrid Auris, then this can be caused by the traction Battery cooling fan being clogged up with dust and/or pet hairs.  This allows the Battery to go over-temperature, the ECU is constantly checking this temperature, and will stop using the traction Battery if it gets overly hot. 

Was it hot where you were yesterday? The weather has been lovely down here -  this situation is more likely in hot weather. (The 'cool' air is drawn by the fan from inside the passenger cabin on the Prius/Auris, next to the rear seat, perhaps this is similar on yours?)

Roads with lots of gradients and stop/start driving will generate heat in the batteries, if the fan is blocked it can all add up to the hybrid system shutting down.

Cleaning the fan should be straightforward, perhaps a forum member has done this?  There is generally no lasting damage to the batteries from this happening on Prius/Auris, (if it is this!), but the cooler the batteries run then the longer they will last.

This video identifies some of these parts on another Toyota hybrid, the actual components are not particularly different across different models, unless yours is the exception! :-

Without an error code being pulled of via an OBD2 reader then this is all just guesswork.

If you were looking to keep the car, given it's rarity, it might be worth investing in an OBD2 bluetooth dongle (£10 - £30) and seeing if using Hybrid Assistant app (it's free) for use an android phone, works with your Estima.  This would allow you to check battery temperatures and general hybrid operation, and/or a 'cracked' copy of Toyota Techstream and cable off eBay or Amazon, (use with a laptop) (£15- £25).  The latter is basically the same as the dealer's diagnostics.  The OBD2 ELM327 dongle can be used with any modern car, not just hybrids.

There are topics on this forum about these.

[Hybridjunky]

Just wondering if there is a video somewhere detailing how to clean the hybrid Battery cooling fans on a 2009 Estima?!

[flash22]

Edit. i didn't realize how complex the estima was, something i will need to look up

Edit 2. There are 2 fans on the front/top of the Pack

[flash22]

A vid of the full pack removal but it shows how to remove the centre console - Warning you need to disconnect the 12v Battery and pull the large orange fuse as you need to remove the top pack cover to get at the fans, exposing the HV cables

 

[John Bee]

Hello everyone. I’m planning on moving back to Ireland from America hopefully by the end of the year with a large family, and I really like the Toyota Estima and everything that I have researched seem to say there pretty good and reliable. I’m curious tho as to the expense if it ever needs fixing? Does it run similar to other toyotas or because it’s a jap import is it more expensive?Any advice or other information that you think I need to know would be amazing. Thanks John. 

[RUToyota]

2 hours ago, John Bee said:

Hello everyone. I’m planning on moving back to Ireland from America hopefully by the end of the year with a large family, and I really like the Toyota Estima and everything that I have researched seem to say there pretty good and reliable. I’m curious tho as to the expense if it ever needs fixing? Does it run similar to other toyotas or because it’s a jap import is it more expensive?Any advice or other information that you think I need to know would be amazing. Thanks John. 

Welcome...I assume you are talking "hybrid".?..which I have no knowledge of.

Other than that I doubt you can get a better MPV tbh....and the fact that it will be an import should be irrelevant.

[Hybatt]

Bob is quite right the Battery unit is a bit of a beastie to remove, as to is it any more expensive being an import there is no reason why it should be on the technical side, it's just some technicians don't know how to configure the Tech-stream software to read it & often can't be bothered.

They are awesome for a family who like or need to travel a lot.

[Tayta]

I am in the same situation here. Very keen on the Estima and am debating if the hybrid model would be tricky to service or maintain. I live down on the south coast and there are garages around but not as many as the city.

Are there any Hybrid Estima owners who might give some insight on having their vehicle maintained in the UK?

If it seems a pain I'll specifically avoid the hybrid model but if it's a worry about nothing then I'll keep them on the table when a good vehicle comes along.

 

Very much appreciated

[Steve Sadler]

Looking for some information on a Toyota Estmia Hybrid

How reliable are they?

Cost of services?

Road tax?

Spare parts?

Mpg?

Does all the electronic work? Sat Nav etc...

Do they have bluetooth connection?

 Cheers

 

Steve