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6th Gen 4Runner: Hybrid won't go to READY, or dead 12 V battery in the i-FORCE MAX

Safety: Orange high-voltage cables and the hybrid battery can seriously injure or kill. Do not open, probe or cut them. Leave anything beyond the 12 V battery to a trained technician.

Checks, in order

  1. Dashboard behavior
    Note whether the cluster lights up, whether the READY indicator appears, and whether any hybrid warning or message shows. A dark dash with no response points at the 12 V system.
    easy $ · under about $50
  2. Test the 12 V battery
    Measure the resting voltage and have it load tested. Around 12.4 V or higher is healthy; low voltage after sitting suggests a drain or a worn battery.
    easy $ · under about $50
  3. Jump or charge it correctly
    Follow the owner's manual for the jump-start points. A low 12 V battery can be jumped or charged, but the high-voltage battery is never part of this.
    easy $ · under about $50
  4. Check the fob and brake pedal
    Press the brake firmly when pressing the power button, and try the fob backup position noted in the manual if the fob battery is weak.
    easy $ · under about $50
  5. Dealer diagnosis
    If it will not go READY with a good 12 V battery, or shows a hybrid system warning, have it towed to a dealer. This is warranty territory.
    hard $$$ · shop-level job, $500+

Applies to: 6th generation 4Runner, 2025 and newer, with the 2.4L turbocharged i-FORCE and the i-FORCE MAX hybrid, both with the 8-speed automatic. This is a new platform with little long-term history, so most entries are general symptoms; when the truck is under warranty, the dealer is the right first stop.

Tools and parts for these checks

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ITEMUSED FORBUY
Digital multimeterVoltage, ground and continuity checksShop on Amazon
Battery load testerTesting the battery under load before replacing partsShop on Amazon
Battery terminal cleaning brushCleaning corroded terminals and cable endsShop on Amazon
Bluetooth OBD2 scanner with live dataReading and clearing codes and watching live sensor dataShop on Amazon

More 6th Gen 4Runner problems

All 14 6th Gen 4Runner symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →

General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.