What happens when IMA assist bars runs out?

[Balboa]

Let's say I ran the car like it shouldn't, using extra torque from the IMA all the time to the point where I have no bars for the IMA. I read it just runs like a gas car when the assist bars become fully depleted. Is this true?

[gilbertguy]

Eventually your battery will get low and there will be no more assist, at this point if you have depleted the battery below 4 bars it will begin a forced charge. Normally when charging it is only if you are moving but if below 4 bars it will keep your engine running even at a stop sign and force your car to keep charging the battery until you have at least 4 bars of charge in the battery.

Once you get 4 bars Autostop will work again and it will only charge when moving down the street. Also if below 4 bars during forced charge there will be no assist, once you get at least 4 there will be limited assist.

[Eli]

Yep, if you run the battery down, you will lose assist and the Automatic Background Charge will come on to attempt to recharge your battery.

[02insight]

and if you have a/c on when it happens, be prepared to slip the clutch a bit to get going, because the load of the a/c, force charge, and no assist together make the car have no power at all, almost to the point of stalling.

And if planning to accelerate faster than a snail, better have it in a lower gear a little longer than you normally would.

[gilbertguy]

Sometimes I turn off the AC when starting out from the light, once up to speed then I'll turn it back on. Almost feels like turbo boost when you turn off the AC. Okay, maybe not TURBO but it is a pretty good kick getting that many horses back to help move you.

[Balboa]

You guys ever run out of battery? I'm wondering if I drive too cautious to the point of always trying to recharge the IMA. My IMA bars are almost always full.

[Eli]

Nothing wrong with keeping your battery topped off. You should only run your battery dead under certain circumstances, like climbing a steep mountain pass.

You have to replace what you take out of the battery, and that energy comes from the engine. You'll likely get better mileage if you avoid excessive use of assist.

[Hybrid-Battery-Repair]

Originally Posted by Balboa

You guys ever run out of battery? I'm wondering if I drive too cautious to the point of always trying to recharge the IMA. My IMA bars are almost always full.

Honda revamped all the software to try to keep the battery 1/2 full. Take whatever you want from that.