Super econ mode below 40

IHonda2002 · 03-11-2009, 09:21 PM

We all know that in econ mode, the Insight will auto-stop when the temperature is above 40. Most of us also know that if it is below 40 and we turn off the heat before we slow down below 20 mph, auto-stop will often engage too. I use that technique a lot but my finger is getting sore. Has anyone looked at what it would take to trick the car so that it thinks the heating is off all the time, even though it is really on, so that it will auto-stop even below 40?

Thanks.

**IamIan** · 03-12-2009, 06:09 AM

You can trick the temperature sensor to make it think it is warmer weather.

You can install a radiator block to heat up the engine more.

You can turn on the climate control fan without using the climate control system controls.

You can install a FAS.

etc...

joecvt · 03-12-2009, 10:24 AM

It sounds like the goal is to automatically go into AS so FAS would not work since you have to activate it manually. (tired of using finger).

Another thing that you could try (as I have done a long time ago) is to move the temp sensor from the front bumper to an area closer to the engine. I moved mine right next to the MAP sensor attachment. Made a bracket that the sensor would snap into and used the same bolt that holds the MAP sensor bracket. Best of all, you don't have to cut any wires, they just have to be re-routed. So when the car sits overnight, the temp sensor will report about the same as when it was located in the front bumper, but as the car heats up (being located very close to the engine heat), it will alow AS even when the real temp is way below 40 degrees.

Your other issue is that AS will not happen sometimes when the inside temp is way different than what you set the dial to. There is a cabin temp sensor in the dash console (behind the area you insert the key). It has a few vents cut out so it can detect cabin temps. Perhaps you can modify this sensor with a relay so that when the brake pedal is pressed, a relay ativates and sends a fake voltage back to the climate control to indicate that it is way hot inside (above what you set on the dial) so it is ok to do an AS. The only downside to that is if you are going down a steep hill where you have to apply the brakes (and not wanting to come to a stop), the climate control will start blowing cold air to try and adjust for the fake signal of excessive heat. If you did want to come to a stop, it would not matter then because if you set the climate control so that the fan stops while in AS, the fan would not be running to blow out the colder air. Once you take your foot off the brake, the inside temp sensor is reporting back the "real" temp to the climate control.

JoeCVT = Just your average CVT owner

IHonda2002 · 03-12-2009, 05:47 PM

"Another thing that you could try (as I have done a long time ago) is to move the temp sensor from the front bumper to an area closer to the engine. I moved mine right next to the MAP sensor attachment"

I like that idea!! Where is the MAP sensor attachment?

joecvt · 03-12-2009, 07:16 PM

If you look under the right hand side of the plastic engine cover, you should be able to see it.

JoeCVT = Just your average CVT owner

IHonda2002 · 03-12-2009, 09:36 PM

Thanks.

I hate to be such a dunderhead, but how to you get the temp sensor out of its holder? Does it slide out of the holder, unhook, or does the whole holder thing pull out? I'm sure it's simple. I just don't want to pull something too hard and snap it off.

joecvt · 03-12-2009, 09:59 PM

The sensor and holder is shown here:
Honda Automotive Parts

I just took the sensor and holder as one piece since I would still need the holder in the new location. Basically, to release the holder, you just pinch together the plastic portion of the holder that goes through the mounting hole. You will have to undo some other clips along the radiator frame that hold the wire to the frame as well. It has been a few years since I did it but I think think you have to undo two of the wiring clips to the frame to give you enough room to reposistion (but you do not have to cut the wire).

I made a bracket (out of aluminum) with two holes (one per end) big enough (but not too big) to snap the sensor holder into its new mounting hole on the bracket. The other hole big enough for the bolt that holds the MAP sensor bracket in place to now hold both brackets in place.

The bracket shape was kind of like this:

Code:

   _
  /
_/

Finish up with a couple of zip ties to secure the new wire routing.

Once the car is warmed up (and warm enough inside as well), you will get Auto Stop in 10 degree weather

JoeCVT = Just your average CVT owner

IHonda2002 · 03-12-2009, 10:25 PM

Thank you so much for the great instructions!

IHonda2002 · 03-14-2009, 01:00 PM

Well, I tried.

I got the sensor out fine, but I couldn't figure out how to undo the wire clips to the frame. Limited space and sight and all. It feels like a wire tire, and the wire is very snug in that clip - no movement at all. Oh well. Maybe another day.