Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Flashcards

Before disconnecting a high-voltage battery, what is the FIRST safety step a technician should take?

Answer: Remove the high-voltage service disconnect/manual service disconnect (MSD)

Removing the manual service disconnect isolates the high-voltage battery pack into safe, non-lethal segments before any service.

What color are high-voltage cables typically marked on a hybrid or electric vehicle?

Answer: Orange

Orange insulation is the industry standard marking for high-voltage (50V or higher) wiring and cables.

Which type of personal protective equipment is essential when handling exposed high-voltage components?

Answer: Class 0 insulated lineman's gloves

Class 0 rubber insulating gloves are rated to 1000V and protect technicians from electric shock during HV service.

After de-energizing a high-voltage system, how long should a technician typically wait before touching components?

Answer: At least 5–10 minutes for capacitors to discharge

A waiting period of several minutes allows inverter and converter capacitors to fully discharge their stored energy.

Which instrument should be used to verify that a high-voltage circuit is de-energized?

Answer: A CAT III rated digital multimeter

A properly rated (CAT III/IV) multimeter safely measures high voltage to confirm the circuit reads zero volts.

What does an illuminated 'READY' indicator on a hybrid dashboard signify?

Answer: The vehicle can move even though the engine may be silent

The READY light means the hybrid system is energized and the vehicle can move under electric power without engine sound.

What is the purpose of the orange safety loop/interlock circuit on the high-voltage harness?

Answer: To automatically de-energize the HV system if a connector is opened

The high-voltage interlock loop (HVIL) signals the system to shut down power if any HV connector is disconnected.