When to Use the Battery Reset Feature in Niro Hybrid?

Electric Models Forum Kia Niro EV
1

Hello,

I have a 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid and I’m unsure when the Battery Reset feature should be used. Can anyone explain? Is it for the starter battery or the electric driving battery? As I understand, hybrids have two batteries: one under the hood and one for driving located on the floor. Am I wrong?

Thanks for your response!

2

The Niro HEV actually has two lithium-ion batteries located under the rear seat, not under the hood:

  1. A 12V battery that powers the door locks, electronics, lights, and starter.
  2. A 358V traction battery that propels the electric motor when the engine is off.
    The PHEV and EV Niros use a 12V lead-acid battery for similar functions. The HEV model has a Battery Reset button, which is used if the 12V battery runs down. This button allows the 12V battery to charge partially from the traction battery, but you’ll still need to drive the vehicle to fully recharge it.
3

@Cairo
Do all hybrids, like Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, or Lexus models, have a similar Battery Reset Button, or is it just in the Kia Niro Hybrid?

4

In the hybrid, there’s only one main battery that includes a starter component. If the starter battery depletes too much, it gets disconnected to preserve its voltage. The Battery Reset button then reconnects it, allowing you to start the car with the main hybrid battery. Thus, you cannot perform external jump starts on the HEV.

5

@Brooke
Here’s a video explaining how to jump start a Kia Niro HEV, following exactly what the owner’s manual suggests.

6

Quince said:
@Brooke
Here’s a video explaining how to jump start a Kia Niro HEV, following exactly what the owner’s manual suggests.

This video is exactly what my owner’s manual says to do if you need to jump start your vehicle.

7

Quince said:
@Brooke
Here’s a video explaining how to jump start a Kia Niro HEV, following exactly what the owner’s manual suggests.

That’s incredibly risky and against the manual’s advice. The manual clearly states to use the 12V Reset Button for a reason.

8

Quince said:
@Brooke
Here’s a video explaining how to jump start a Kia Niro HEV, following exactly what the owner’s manual suggests.

This video is misleading and dangerous. It shouldn’t be advising people to do that.

9

I often use that button because I use my car to charge my phone and other devices quite a bit. If you deplete the 12-volt battery too much, it will automatically shut down to prevent you from being stranded. In that case, you push the button to start up the car again. The Niro has a normal 12-volt car battery like any other car and then the hybrid battery. The button is a safeguard if something drains the battery past a certain point.

10

@Vesper
Can’t you just leave it in the “on” position so that it automatically prevents the power from draining?

11

I’ve only had to use it once after the car sat parked during a 3-week long trip. One push and it brought my car back to life.

12

It’s meant for situations where you haven’t moved the car in a couple of days and it jumps the 12v battery.

13

There’s no on or off for it; it’s just a push to reset button, similar to the reset button on old Nintendo consoles.

14

You are incorrect. Please read the manual properly.

15

Jamie said:
You are incorrect. Please read the manual properly.

The only time I used the button was when I was unpacking from a camping trip. The car doors were left open for a while, and when I tried to start the car, nothing happened. Pressing the Battery Reset button allowed me to start the car normally. On subsequent trips, I was more careful, turning off interior lights manually, etc., and I didn’t need to use the button again. I believe the warning that appears when you turn off the ignition with the radio on is intended to prevent the depletion of the 12v battery. I’ll check the manual for more details as soon as I can.

16

@Micah
Car camping is the only time I’ve needed that reset. The first time it happened was quite scary until I figured out what to do.

17

@Micah
Same here, I was camping and had to use the reset for similar reasons.

18

@Micah
After defrosting my freezer, I took the time to read the manual on this issue. It turns out there’s a lot of information under ‘Emergency Starting,’ but not much in the index about the 12v battery reset. Essentially, the 12v battery, which is smaller than those in most cars because it doesn’t need to start the engine, only charges when the engine is running. If you leave accessories on without the engine, the 12v battery will deplete quickly. The reset button reconnects the nearly flat battery, allowing you to start the engine and recharge it by running it for at least 30 minutes. If you find everything dead, the reset button will be your best friend, but make sure to start the car afterward to recharge.

19

@Micah
Why isn’t there a similar button on the PHEV models, or am I just not finding it?