Les, the battery level indicator shows the level of the charge in the same way that a fuel level indicator shows the level of gasoline. If you have a hole in your tank and can't fill it more than half full, that's a problem, but usually a low level on the gas guage just means you need gas. The IMA charge indication can drop almost to zero if you are climbing a hill, driving agressively, or experiencing a recalibration event (commonly refered to as a recal). (If you were checking to see how much pep there was in the engine, well yes, that would also deplete the charge.) A battery indicator that never seems to get topped up might indicate a failing 12 volt battery (the small lead acid one up front) as this puts a steady drain on the IMA system.
What is the lifetime MPG of the car? Note that this is expressed in US gallons not Imperial gallons, if you are Canadian. Is this a 5 speed or CVT?
The IMA battery can be charged up by running the car in neutral at high RPMs for several minutes but this really wastes gas. A 15 or20 minute ride at a steady cruising speed should see the IMA level gradually increase.
If you let us know where you are located in a general sense, there may be a member here who can help.
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Kip Munro
The laws of physics don't need changing, but rather our attitude and values. 72.8 LMPG
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