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SH-AWD and Check Hybrid System Warning on 2018 RLX Sport Hybrid

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 26, 3:33 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid Advance

Hey everyone, I'm having a serious issue with my 2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid Advance. Out of nowhere, I got a 'Check SH-AWD System' warning followed by a 'Check Hybrid System' message on my dashboard. The car feels like it's lost a lot of power, and acceleration is really sluggish.

I've tried restarting the car a few times, but the warnings persist. It's really concerning, especially since this is my daily driver. Has anyone else experienced this with their RLX Sport Hybrid? What could be causing these warnings and the power loss?

I'm worried about driving it like this. Any advice before I take it to the dealer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 26, 3:33 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like your 2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid is experiencing a common issue related to its complex hybrid powertrain. The 'Check Hybrid System' and 'Check SH-AWD System' warnings often appear together when there's a fault within the high-voltage battery system or its associated components, which directly impacts the SH-AWD's electric motors.

  1. Check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): The first step is to get the car scanned for codes. Common OBD-II codes associated with these symptoms include:

    • P0A7A: Hybrid Battery Pack Overheating (often a precursor to other issues).
    • P0A80: Replace Hybrid Battery Pack.
    • P0AFA: Hybrid Battery System Voltage Low.
    • P0A94: DC/DC Converter Malfunction. These codes point towards issues with the high-voltage battery, battery control module, or the cooling system for the battery.

  2. Common Causes:

    • Degraded Hybrid Battery Pack: Over time, the individual cells within the hybrid battery can degrade, leading to reduced capacity and performance. This is a significant cause of power loss and system warnings.
    • Battery Cooling System Issues: The hybrid battery requires proper cooling. A fault in the cooling fan, ducts, or temperature sensors can cause the battery to overheat, triggering warnings and reduced power output.
    • Battery Management System (BMS) Fault: The BMS monitors and controls the battery's state of charge and health. A malfunction here can lead to incorrect readings or improper battery operation.
    • Inverter/Converter Issues: While less common, problems with the power inverter or DC/DC converter can also disrupt the hybrid system's operation.

  3. When to See a Shop: Given the nature of hybrid system warnings and the loss of power, it is critical to have your vehicle inspected by an Acura dealership or a specialized hybrid repair shop as soon as possible. Driving with these warnings can potentially cause further damage to expensive hybrid components or leave you stranded. They have the specialized diagnostic tools and training to safely and accurately diagnose and repair high-voltage hybrid systems.

Do not attempt to work on the high-voltage system yourself without proper training and safety equipment.

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