Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Compression Test - Hybrid
The compression test requires cranking the engine a minimum of 5 compression strokes with the throttle plate in the wide-open position for each cylinder. The engine cranking diagnostic mode must be used to crank the engine and the brake/accelerator pedals must be used to position the throttle plate during the compression test. The engine cranking diagnostic mode is a PCM strategy which is separate from the normal operating strategy. It allows the engine to crank in a similar fashion as a conventional vehicle with the fuel disabled. When in this mode, the PCM commands the transmission control module (TCM) to spin the generator, which cranks the engine with the speed between 900 and 1,200 RPM. The engine will crank as long as the traction battery state of charge stays greater than 35%.
- Make sure the oil in the crankcase is of the correct viscosity and at the correct level. Operate the vehicle until the engine is at normal operating temperature.
- Using the vehicle communication module (VCM), access the battery control module (BCM) and monitor the traction battery state of charge PID (BSOC). If the monitored PID displays the state of charge below 45%, start and idle the engine with full A/C ON. When the traction battery state of charge exceeds 45%, the engine cranking diagnostic mode can be activated.
- Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, then remove all the spark plugs.
- Install a compression gauge such as the Compression Tester in the No. 1 cylinder.
- Activate the cranking diagnostic mode as follows:
- Apply the parking brake.
- Place the gear selector in the PARK position.
- Verify the key is in the OFF position.
- Turn the key to the ON position with the engine OFF.
- Within 5 seconds of the key in the ON position, fully apply the accelerator pedal and hold for 10 seconds.
- Within 5 seconds release the accelerator pedal, shift the gear selector to the NEUTRAL position and fully apply the accelerator pedal.
- Hold the accelerator pedal fully applied for 10 seconds.
- Release the accelerator pedal and shift the gear selector to the PARK position.
- If the sequence is correctly executed, the instrument cluster hazard indicator (red triangle) flashes once per second when the gear selector is shifted to the PARK position. The PCM exits the engine cranking diagnostic mode when the traction battery state of charge drops below 35%, the gear selector is shifted to any gear other than PARK or when the ignition key is turned to the OFF or ACC position.
CAUTION: Do not start the engine.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.