It could just be a glitch and go away never to return. Clear the code yourself by disconecting the 12v battery lead for a minute. Then see if the code comes back in a reasonable period. I believe autozone read codes free in the US.
Search on here for those code numbers and see what others had to say.
If you def need a new MCM then get one from a scrapyard for $50. Once you are inside the IMA compartment then it's 4 bolts and 5 connectors to replace it. Easy.
Yep, easy to replace yourself, and inexpensive to buy used, if you even need to.
The moral of the story is, don't go to the dealer for a check engine light. Take it to the auto parts store and have the codes read for free, then look the codes up on the internet.
based on service bulletin 06-057 Honda should replace the IMA, including BCM, AND MCM. (10 years, 150,000)
I found out my dealer in WA did preform this (in Jan 2007, I had my IMA BCM and MCM replaced by my WA dealer). Supposedly the MCM on its own only has a warranty of 12 months or 12000.
Called Honda and talked to service manager. He claims that the IMA system code says to replace MCM and not necessarily the whole thing - here in lies the gray area - there is just an IMA error code and it doesn't say to replace IMA - is there a good link where I can read these codes myself?
I read on the forum that Honda dealers didn't want to touch the IMA error codes and usually replaced the whole system since its still under warranty and also- something about a 3000 penalty from Honda if the dealer did perform it wrong) has any heard this? seems like my dealer is saying error.
has anyone had their MCM replaced before IMA under warranty?
I spoke to American Honda and they said they are having a case manager "look into it" and I should get a call back "within 48 hours" or by "next Tuesday" (hmm 4 days but w/e).
Thanks for the advice retepsnikrep. Where can I get diagrams on how to replace my own MCM? I've never gotten into the IMA before.
Yeah RobertSmalls, I should have known better! I read to do that online... I just thought it'd be covered since the IMA light was on. I''d didn't know certain codes weren't covered for this. Does anyone have a machine you use at home?
What codes mean the IMA system HAS to be replaced?
I keep hearing the the MCM itself has only warranty for 8 years or 80,000 - which seems to conflict with the idea that its covered under IMA replacement.
Any answers to these questions would be great.....
I just bought a 2000 Insight that needed to have a battery replaced. I got the error code P1449 and my dealer said the battery and BCM were under warranty but the MCM is not. I cannot for the life of me find where the MCM is not covered under warranty.
The Paper they gave that they claim its not under warranty was a service bulletin dated for this year 2010 but it was a revised version of the one dated before the warranty extension. The only thing it updated was the time it took to do the work to replace the battery. And on this revision it says the 8/80 warranty applies to all IMA components or something like that.
So I dont know why they just did not deny me warranty on the whole thing. I did get them to replace just the battery because I did not want the BCM and MCM replaced and with a P1449 the battery is the only thing that need to be replaced from what I understand. I did not want to make a big fuss over it because I would have just replace the BCM and MCM with an older version anyway.
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2000 MT Insight New Formula Red Picked up 2010/07/23
2000 MT Insight New Formula Red Picked up 2012/01/13
2006 Prius Barcelona Red Package #7. Picked up 2006/01/02
Converted to Plug-In on 2008/08/12 with Hymotion L5
Its listed in detail under other forum discussions if you search for it.
It CLEARLY states to have the IMA BCM MCM replaced. and they should do this because the old BCMs and MCMs on the 00-01 stress out the battery sometimes by "overcharging" according to what I read on other forums.
If they refuse to do the service for you under warranty you should get a letter in writing of refusal of service to fix BCM and MCM and take it to a lawyer.
Also, just call america honda and have them start a case for you. they should be easily able to tell the dealer whats up, sometimes they DONT read ALL the bullentin and thus confusion ensues.
My car is 126K and put into service 01/2001. I'm not worried about damaging the battery. The original battery lasted about 10 years so I would expect about the same from the replacement with the old BCM and MCM. No big deal for me. My plan is if the engine and maybe even the battery ever goes in the Insight I want to turn it into an EV.
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2000 MT Insight New Formula Red Picked up 2010/07/23
2000 MT Insight New Formula Red Picked up 2012/01/13
2006 Prius Barcelona Red Package #7. Picked up 2006/01/02
Converted to Plug-In on 2008/08/12 with Hymotion L5
OK, we have two opposite opinions on the MCM and BCM. One for the Old one and one for the New one. I happen to have an old set and a new set. I am presently using the new set, but if there is an advantage to the old set then I may put it in. "Overcharging", unless it means over heating, we have found out, may be GOOD, not bad.
__________________
Jim Isbell
2000, 5 speed, 250,000 miles
"If you are not living on the edge, well then,
you are just taking up too much space."
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MCM? IMA? check engine? oh my...
the saga continues
