Regenerative braking issues?

[bluebrains98]

I have had my Altima Hybrid since April, and today, for the second time, I could not get the regenerative braking to kick in normally (minimum recharge during braking). Consequently, the battery was low, so I could not get into EV mode as often as it should have--even going 30-35 mph downhill! Has anyone else encountered this? The other time this happened to me, I left the car overnight, and it was fine in the morning. Any thoughts?

[splash1]

I've only had mine a little over a month, but it has done this on a couple of occasions, either doing very minimal regen under heavy braking, or at times none at all. I'm not sure of the cause, as it seems to start behaving normally a little later. I'm wondering if it could be a temperature issue, where the motor won't regen if it is too warm? I have had it do it at various charge levels, so I don't think it's related to the amount of charge, but I haven't found any definite common link. I'm also a bit curious...

[AZhitman]

I seem to recall reading something about it being temp-related....

Can either of you share temp info? LA I can see getting a little warm, but CT?

[splash1]

It can get warm here in CT (I won't say hot).

The last time it happened to me was a fairly warm day (~96°F). Unfortunately, I can't say for sure is that it has always happened on warm days. In theory though, it could just be related to the temperature of the electric motor, which could get hot from extended running at high current, etc. (mine works hard on my daily commute when climbing long hills at 60+MPH). I'll have to poke around a bit more when I get some free time and see if i can find anything else about it. There might even be something in the factory maintenance manual... I'll take a look at my copy tomorrow.

[banshee08]

It has happened to me before. I have read other forums and spoken to the local dealership service people. They have told me that the problem is battery heat. During extreme heat or cold the regenerative braking will not be in full swing. I have experienced it in afternoon heat but after a few miles on the highway the regenerative braking start working again.

[victore1123]

I've had this issue as well. It seems to happen for two reasons. It's too hot, in which case I max the a/c to cool the entire cabin. It also happens when I drive a bit aggressive (accelerating hard) for some time. The hybrid system seems to function as a dynamic system. It takes a while for the system to 'relearn' conservative driving habits, at which point the regenerative braking system operates normally.