This is the recall notice that Honda Canada sent to owners of affected Insights. A similar letter has been sent to affected Insights in other countries. See the Interactive Encyclopedia for information on the components referenced in this letter.

November 2001

Product Update: Insight Control Units

Dear Insight Owner:

We have sent this letter to inform you of a product update affecting your 2000 / 2001 Insight.

What is the problem?
Your Insight has two IMA control units, the Motor Control Module (MCM) and Battery Condition Monitor (BCM). The MCM controls the Insight's electric motor throught the Motor Power Inverter module and the voltage converter module. The MCM determines the amount of assist and regenerative power while communicating with the BCM module to prevent excessive IMA battery drain and prevent battery overcharging.

A software problem exists in this control system which may allow the IMA battery to provide excessive assist output under cold ambient temperature conditions (near -10C). This will result in one, or both fo the following two symptoms and may cause the IMA battery's condition to deteriorate over time:

1) The IMA system will not provide continuous motor assist even though the battery indicates that it is fully charged.

2) The vehicle will not automatically restart using the electric motor after "Auto idle stop".

What should you do?
Call the Service Department of your local Honda automobile dealer and make an appointment to have your vehicle repaired. The dealer will replace the IMA control units. This repair will be done free of charge. This repair will take approximately one hour, however, the dealer may need to keep your car longer than that to allow some flexibility in scheduling customers as efficiently as possible. Please call your dealer for an appointment.

Who to contact if you experience problems.
If the dealer fails to make the repairs, or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge, you may contact Honda Canada's Customer Relations Department at the address below.

What to do if our information is incorrect.
This notice was mailed to you according to the most current information we have available. If you no longer own this vehicle or some information in this notice is incorrect, please fill out and return the included postage paid Information Verification Card or forward this notice to the new owner if possible.

If you have questions.
If you havge any questions about this notice, or need assistance with locating a Honda dealer, please contact Honda Canada's Customer Relations Department at the toll-free fax or telephone number below.

Thank you for your co-operation. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you.

Sincerly,

K. Ansari
EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT
AUTOMOBILE DIVISION

HONDA CANADA INC. - 715 MILNER AVENUE - TORONTO, ON - M1B 2K8 - TEL 1-888-9HONDA9 - FAX (TOLL-FREE) 1-877-939-0909