IMA Light, P1601, 58 & P1447 codes

[Drsandman2]

I have a 2000 Insight with 135,xxx miles.


My IMA light has come on and I have codes:

P1601 IMA System Malfunction
58 Charge/Discharge Balance Problem
P1447 Battery Module Deterioration

The dealer gave me an estimate of $3,000-$4,000 to replace the battery. Right now, the car seems to be running fine.

My question is, what will eventually happen if I keep driving it? I imagine that the IMA battery will ultimately fail?

I work seasonally and need to drive from Washington to Texas before the snow hits... so I need to get my car fixed ASAP. Any suggestions on what I should do are more than welcome. I was considering the BetterBattery, but it seems there is quite the lead time.

Thanks!

[Willie Williford]

Numerous posts/threads about your problems here at ICN. Reset the system and try not to use the "assist" as much, and just keep on trucking. I've gone across country 2500 miles with the IMA light on and had no problems. (Search is your friend)
I don't believe there have been any posts about being stranded because of a deterioated IMA battery.
HTH
Willie

[Drsandman2]

Great, my check engine light just came on. I've only driven about 300 miles since last post. The car is running fine, but now I'm very afraid of taking it anywhere.

[Drsandman2]

I just got the oil changed around 100 miles ago, so I thought to check my oil to see how full it was. The dipstick was put in upside down, so that it wasn't seated down properly. Could this have thrown the CEL?

I have reset my car and the CEL and IMA lights are now gone.

[retepsnikrep]

Originally Posted by Drsandman2

I just got the oil changed around 100 miles ago, so I thought to check my oil to see how full it was. The dipstick was put in upside down, so that it wasn't seated down properly. Could this have thrown the CEL?

No

Originally Posted by Drsandman2

I have reset my car and the CEL and IMA lights are now gone.

They will come back after a few miles/days

[Drsandman2]

Good News! I made it to Texas from Washington State without a problem. 2607 miles with 58.5 MPG, no drafting at all and with several hundred pounds of luggage.

My CEL and IMA lights came back on after only 97 miles into my trip. I was driving up a mountain pass and noticed after a few miles that my car was not charging and the battery was "stuck" on full.

So, I pulled over to reset the CEL and IMA lights. After doing so, I became very worried about making it the next 2500 miles. I decided to do my best to drive the car without using the assist what so ever. This means more downshifting and getting more comfortable running the car at higher RPM... like running 40mph in 2nd gear or 70 in 3rd if needed. I do my best to not go over 4k RPM. It also means finding that right balance with the accelerator where the car will gradually come to speed slowly without the use of the IMA system. Driving this way really sucks in the city however, where you need to come to speed quickly. People will hate you.

The performance of the car is completely different now that I've changed my driving style and neither CEL or IMA light has come back on. It has now been over 3200 miles since the reset and I have only had 1 recal!!! ONE! I use to get one every 100-200 miles. Up and down passes in Washington, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico... my drive was no joke!

I understand that my battery is deteriorating, but I now understand many of the other posts here when they suggest not using IMA. I now realize that perhaps my driving style was playing a factor into constant recals and tripping the IMA. I will be getting a BetterBattery in the future... but perhaps I can get some more miles out of this pack.

Maybe my experience can help someone else.


By the way, I think that my gas cap may have triggered the CEL as I was not turning the cap until it clicked several times.

[Willie Williford]

In reality, too many people rely on the IMA (for mileage). This has been debated numerous times. I could go on for hours and hours about the merit of not using a lot of assist as well as others can about the benefit of the IMA.
It all boils down to what you want to do. I've needed a new battery for a very long time, and I just "Keep on Trucking" whenever the need arises. A very long time ago I said that the LRR would probably outlive me. I hope that is true in some aspects, but I'm not holding my breath. I'll keep driving it untill it dies by the road. I try to work through any problems with a smile. I have the intentions to procure a BB when the LRR surpasses 300K. Then use it on a limited capacity. My LMPG will definately lessen as the miles go by, but I can honestly said I've enjoyed every minute with the INSIGHT G1.
The ICN site has a world of debates, speculations, arguments, and complaints, but a wealth of knowledge from "real world" experiences. Use it as you want. Enjoy your experiences with the INSIGHT no matter what the situation............Happy THANKSGIVING.

Willie
DRsandman;
Your CEL was probably caused by the IMA light. Without reading the CEL codes we will never know, just have to assume it did.

[Hybrid-Battery-Repair]

Originally Posted by Drsandman2

The dealer gave me an estimate of $3,000-$4,000 to replace the battery.

Remember, a BetterBattery is only $2000.

[Willie Williford]

175 pounds of recyclable alluminum cans to go.!
(Got to drink more)

Willie

[Drsandman2]

Haha! Hey guys! Thanks for responding. Yeah, I will be getting a BB before too long I'm sure. I want to get as much life out of the pack I have, then move to a BB when the pack won't hold a charge.

I'm in Texas and it is in the lower 20s right now. I'm wondering how the battery will handle the Texas heat once summer rolls around. My guess is it fries pretty quick.


But for now, I'm working on the following things:

- Clean EGR and replace gaskets
- Replace non functional trip buttons with new, tactile buttons
- Fix power window switch
- Replace cabin air filter
- Replace plastic cover under car after lube shop ripped the hell out of it (must be costing me 2-3 mpg)

- Run LED light strips to illuminate each footwell
- Run 1 or 2 strips along the trunk (factory light placement is a joke)
- Wire LED strips to a fancy LED toggle switch


TRY TO DO:

Since having the dash all torn apart:

-Try to replace the film in the FCD to another color. It has been talked about, but I'm gonna try.
- Try to replace bulb behind the climate control console


In a few months:

Total exterior LED bulb replacement and HID conversion



My Insight is blue with red interior... so you can imagine what illuminated color scheme I am going for.

I have all the parts and tools I need to make this work... Just need to borrow a solder iron.