Son called me from across the country and said it seems that when he is driving up hill, car revs really high like up to 5500 rpms to climb the hill. Not exactly sure about the condiditons as i have not driven car in nearly 2 years. Just curious if others have experienced this and what caused it. Thinking maybe the ICE is working harder to accelerate now if battery pack is getting weaker and electric motor is adding less boost?

 

This, and it depends on the hill. A steep incline over a long distance will tap out any battery. Recommend he get Forscan and check the BCM data.

 

Thanks, not sure he has the understanding to do the Forscan stuff. I assume BCM is battery control module data?

THanks

 

http://www.forscan.org - it's a very inexpensive purpose-built tool that yields near professional level diagnostics.

Yes. BCM is the computer that monitors the battery and interfaces with the PCM for hybrid system management

 

It's pretty normal if you are heavy on the pedal on hills coupled with driving at a high rate of speed on hills.

Without being there, the odds are it was normal for what was being asked of it. It's a small, low torque engine.