IMA Battery Discharge Proceedure for Removal

[glastenbury]

What is the correct procedure for discharging the IMA battery so that I can remove it, and the other components in the aluminum housing?

I've noticed that disconnecting the 12V battery overnight (or was it opening the main braeker on the IMA housing) results in a apparent charge level of 0V in the IMA battery on the driver's display console.

Can I simply follow that procedure and just check the voltage across the main IMA battery terminals before disassembling? Somehow I doubt it.

There had been an infestation of mice in the '00 Insight I just recently bought. What a nightmare! I've had the interior completely out twice. The only place I can't reach is under the IMA battery etc.. Mouse urine does not go away without a scrubbing!

Thanks.

[Mike Dabrowski 2000]

Just flip off the main IMA switch and wait 5 minutes. That splits the pack into two isolated halves and makes it virtually impossible to get a shock.
Wear rubber linemen gloves with leather outer if you want to really be safe.

[3-Wheeler]

For some pictures, check out:

How To Trickle Charge the HV Battery in this same area of the forum.

Check the pictures in the link closely and you will see a 'visitor' house in my battery compartment as well. Naturally, I had to check the surrounding ductwork for blockage, and all seemed clear.

I still don't know how it got into the car to begin with!!

Jim.

[Hybrid-Battery-Repair]

Originally Posted by glastenbury

What is the correct procedure for discharging the IMA battery so that I can remove it, and the other components in the aluminum housing?

There is no need to discharge it (you couldn't get it down below about 120V anyway). Do as Mike said, but since you are working with the other components (the IPU), also disconnect your negative 12V battery terminal.

Make sure you test for voltage at the battery (you are testing that the IPU is not supplying voltage to the battery). Anything under 12V is safe. Typically you will have 3V or less.

Also, the orange connector on the lower section of the battery next to the fan has an interlock. Release the clip and slide it leftward toward the driver's side to slide it off the pin. Then you can easily open the connector. Call me if you get stuck with anything and I'll walk you through it.