How much of a problem is the physical damage to this IMA battery?

evynsdad · 01-01-2013, 11:58 AM

First off, happy new year to you all!

This battery I just bought on Ebay was packed horribly and, as a result, one of the mounting brackets broke off on the way to me. The battery was advertised as a warranty replacement from Honda pulled from a salvage with only 16k miles on the replacement (are there telltales on the pack to confirm these claims?). I'm wondering if the damage makes the pack unusable in any way other than for sticks or other parts. As a novice Insight owner, I do not know whether to just request a full refund and return it, ask the seller for some damage consideration to defray the $900 price tag or bite the bullet and do nothing. This thing was literally stuffed in a too small box with nothing but scraps of old seat cushion to protect it. Another few times in and out of a Fedex truck and the whole shipping box (already with 2 of the mounting brackets poking out through tears in the carton) would have just come apart. My aim is to be fair in any case. I don't want to screw anyone, but I definitely don't want to get screwed.

gilbertguy · 01-01-2013, 12:23 PM

The little tabs on the top are probably not a big deal but the anchor point on the side sucks. In reality you can install it with only 3 bolts holding it in with no negative effects. Might try contacting the seller to get back some of your cost because they have for all esential purposes destroyed its resale value and ruined the case. The packing was shockingly horrible, i'd at least leave some feedback on EBay to warn others.

So when you pull your pack to install this one can you swap some of the case parts to make it whole again? That is what I'd try to do.

Need4Speed · 01-01-2013, 12:35 PM

I would drop it in the car and see just how good the battery is. If it is weak, then try to get your money back. If it is a strong pack I would do whatever I could to use it. If it is good, contact the seller to see if he will give you back a portion of your money for your inconvenience. You could try some 2 part epoxy to fix it.

evynsdad · 01-01-2013, 01:20 PM

Thanks gilbertguy and Need4Speed. Is there a way to test the strength of the battery without putting it in the car. Would a grid charger do it? Are any of you senior guys local in or near Los Angeles? You are all so great and generous with advice. It would be great to learn more in person. Maybe we could trade stuff or services? If any of you is interested in that or even picking up some side cash, let's talk. I learn a lot from this board. I'd love to learn more and be able to contribute more. Thanks again - Steve

evynsdad · 01-01-2013, 01:23 PM

I would also love to learn how to get 78mpg from my insight. Can us mere humans ever achieve that Need4Speed?

Subdewd2 · 01-01-2013, 02:19 PM

I would think the shipper is responsible. did you take pictures before the box was opened?

**freezin4** · 01-01-2013, 02:33 PM

If the battery has been sitting at a salvage yard for a while, then you should try to grid charge it before installing it and starting it up in the car.

Willie Williford · 01-01-2013, 02:34 PM

evnsdad:
Please include your location in your profile and other insighters in your area might volunteer for a meet.

HTH
Willie

**Brian.Dannecker** · 01-01-2013, 03:31 PM

I agree with Gilbertguy, as long as the only damage is the mounting bracket you should be fine. If that orange plate and/or the connections were damaged then I would check the battery out very closely. If you are near NY I would be glad to take a look at it no charge... I would definitely grid charge the pack just due to the fact it was sitting for a period of time. I would also contact FedEx as most packages are insured for some value. I would also contact the yard and get some money back. Please let me know if I can help..

evynsdad · 01-01-2013, 03:38 PM

Thanks Willie. Silly oversight on my part. My location is now in my profile. Thanks again.