The hybrid concept of combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and electric power supply is becoming more popular as vehicle manufacturers look to reduce emissions and fuel consumption in vehicles. Consumer interest in these vehicles has been favorable, which is why you can expect to see more of these types of vehicles on the road and in your shop. However, hybrid vehicles, with their high-voltage electrical systems, need to be approached differently when servicing their motor and engine systems.

As a shop owner, you should familiarize yourself and your technicians with some of the safety and servicing issues surrounding hybrid vehicles. And because some technicians in rural areas and various towns also serve as community firefighters, much of this information will be useful to them should they come across a hybrid involved in an accident.

In this article, we'll take a look at disabling the high-voltage electrical systems on vehicles that have been racking up miles on U.S. roads - the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius.

When servicing hybrid vehicles, be wise and prepared, not frantic and scared. Both Honda and Toyota have readily available service precautions that you need to read and carefully follow before you work on one of their hybrids.

Toyota Prius
The first-generation Prius (sold in the United States since 2000) is one that you may see in your shop soon. Some shops may already ...