Going "Gas Only"

[solarmichael]

I made the mistake of letting my 2000 Insight sit for months after my IMA to engine block ground wire broke, thus emptying the Nimh battery drain.
I have been getting the same mileage for a year so now I'm trying to save weight and gas and converter to a camper.
I took out the passenger seat and have started to dismantle the entire electric deal behind the seat.
Disconnecting some of the fans keeps the car from starting.

How do I remove all the electronics without losing the ability to start the car??????????


Thank you

[chisight]

There is a backup starter that will start the car.

Don't forget that the 12V battery is also charged by the IMA. If you remove the high voltage system, you'll need to install an alternator.

Removing the battery and the BCM but not the MCM will allow the 12V system to charge off the IMA (See Ron's post here: IMA light/ P1447 warranty and costs ) and still save some weight so as to improve mileage but will leave you with a pretty gutless car. Others have done this too but I don't have their threads handy.

Chisight

[solarmichael]

Thanks for helping..
The MDM is pretty heavy too

[Eli]

The MCM is the Motor Controller Module; one of the two computers that sit on top of the battery.

[IamIan]

Originally Posted by solarmichael

Thanks for helping..
The MDM is pretty heavy too

If you want to remove the MDM as well ... you need to do a bit more:

You'll need an alternator function ... with the IMA battery removed the MDM can still do this alternator function as posted above ... with the MDM also removed you have to add some other way to charge the 12V side.

There are a variety of options ... depending on your preferences and DIY level...here are a few off the top of my head ... I'm sure there are others as well:

• For very short trips with limited electrical load needs ... upgrade the capacity of the 12V battery and charge it after each trip from a wall AC outlet ... careful you don't get stranded without an alternator function.
• Fabricate a replacement for the 12V starter that can function as both a starter and a alternator.
• If you are leaving the IMA motor ... you could fabricate a voltage converter to step it down to act as a direct to 12V DC alternator function ... there are a variety of ways to do this... the MDM can do it if it is left in.
• Further weight can be saved by the removal of the Air-conditioning System ... you could fabricate a small alternator to replace the compressors position on the accessory belt.
• Fabricate a Waste heat recovery system to perform the alternator function ... between the radiator and the exhaust you have access to waste heat energy around ~1/2 the energy content of the gasoline's energy content you are burning in the ICE.

If you leave the IMA motor ... but have removed the MDM ... be careful how you terminate the connections from it , which will still be putting out high voltage any time you have engine RPMs.

[Mikeyy]

all you need is the by-passboard aka junction board to keep your 12v battery charged. go to the link chisight posted. word of cautiion: be carefull when diconnecting the battery in back!!