IMA Light 2002 Insight

[j.goebel]

I just bought a honda insight with 132,000 miles the IMA light is on and i was wondering what i have to do or can do to fix it? would a grid charger simply fix it or do i need to fix the battery or replace it? thanks

[aisbell]

Depends… You need to report the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that is causing the IMA light to illuminate so that we can better understand the condition of your battery pack.

I think most people feel that once the IMA light illuminates, balance-charging with a grid charger would likely not restore the battery pack completely because too much degradation and possibly irreversible damage has already occurred. But balance-charging would almost certainly improve the battery pack's performance and extend its life significantly, so it's worth buying or building a grid charger because you could use it to maintain a future new battery pack.

[j.goebel]

how do i know what DTC it is? is there a way i can do it? i downloaded the manual so i can look up the codes

[Willie Williford]

You have to use a paper clip to jump 2 pins in the OBD port. Then read the blink codes.
The specifics are posted here on ICN , can't find the link right now.
Search is the best way, but it can be annoying, etc.

HTH
Willie

[aisbell]

If the in-service date of your Insight is less than 10 years ago and it doesn't have a salvage title, drive straight to your closest Honda dealer and demand a replacement battery pack at no cost under your extended IMA warranty.