New Member - 2001 Insight - Looking for Local-ish Repair Help

[ArtChic2]

I bought my 2001 Insight with 157,000 miles on it two years ago this week and have really enjoyed almost maintenance free 55 MPG+ driving (other than tires) until I recently reached 170,000 miles. First it was the IMA light, but I was still getting assist and battery was charging...then, the dreaded Check Engine light came on…no more assist, yet the battery indicator shows full. This is the original battery, and I'm the third owner.

I've been going through the forum, searching and learning, and saw a post about being able to take my car to an AutoZone to pull the CEL code. Should this be my first stop?

I also saw a post that had raised my hopes a little that recommended disconnecting the 12V battery to reset the computer with the chance that the assist would return.

I understand that my Insight may never have been running up to it's potential since my purchase, and that I may not have been informed enough to sense impending failures. I now feel that I may have caused some damage to my poor little gas engine, on top of the battery possibly failing. I'm handy, and willing to learn, but certainly not an auto mechanic. What I really want is to keep my car running and not spend money at repair shops to that do not really care. My only experience with the Marysville, Ohio Honda dealer is that they just want to make $$$ money on repairs and/or trade me up to a new car. Are there any recommended repair and/or experts in the Central Ohio area?

By the way, I never want another car...I want this amazing 2001 Insight and look forward to reaching those 60-70 MPG heights

ADDITIONAL INFO: My daily commute is VERY flat, 14 miles each way, 1 traffic circle, 4 stop signs, and two stop lights. Central Ohio with HOT summers, and what I feel are cold winters. I'm the third owner, and this has always been an Ohio car. The second owner did most of his 50,000 miles on the highway, long commutes as a salesman. Unknown about the original owner's driving habits.

[Eli]

Sounds fairly normal for a deteriorated pack. The first IMA light was a P1447, which allows assist/regen. Usually followed shortly thereafter by a P1449 which also throws the P1600 check engine light.

If you disconnect the 12V battery, assist will return. The question is.. for how long?

You haven't done anything wrong, and you haven't caused damage to your engine. For being so small, our little engines are extremely stout little machines! My 2nd Insight is still kicking at almost 450,000 miles. At 170k, yours is just getting broken in!

I would be glad to assist you if I was in the area. Unfortunately the cheapest option at this point is to drive the car as a non-hybrid. The next cheapest solution is to get a grid charger and hope you can get more life out of your current battery. Finally, you can replace the battery.

Feel free to PM me and I'll try to fill in any blanks or misunderstandings.

[highwater]

"handy and willing to learn"
that's all that is needed
you've come to the right place
they can walk you though anything your willing to try.
Eli is among those most knowledgeable of Insighters.

Don't give up on the first 12v reset.
I have had to tell it more than once, before it got the message.
Probably the most scary thing for a new owner would be pulling the pack,
but folks are doing it for the first time every day around here. Tis a bit challenging.

Randall

[diamondlarry]

Welcome to the site. Your location was what caught my eye. I am going to be in Columbus later today. Unfortunately, my home base is in Elkhart, IN. I'm not sure I would be much help other than for moral support as I'm still learning about these awesome cars. As has been mentioned, a willingness to learn is key. That, coupled with the Google site search, should help get your car to tip top shape.

[gilbertguy]

Welcome to the forum, sorry your first post had to be with IMA issues but you are in good hands here on the forum. I'm actually planning on driving from AZ and will be near Dayton to see the AF Museum next April.

[ArtChic2]

Thank you all for the replies! I have found my new family.

I will run it over to AutoZone today, and will try the 12v reset also.

I will also work on my list of other issues. One being the original wheels actually leaking through the metal. My local tire shop "patched" the inside between the tire and wheel and it stopped two of them from the slow leak. I'm now having an issue with a third wheel. They stumbled on the problem by accident, and were eager to help me find a solution other than new wheels.

[Eli]

That's a first.. Are they sure the bead just isn't sealing? I don't think it's really possible for the air to leak through the wheel itself?

[ArtChic2]

I would not have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. They were checking the bead when their bubble solution spilled on the inside of the wheel...it was bubbling! I will make sure to get video if I'm having the same problem with this third tire.

[Eli]

That's wild. Maybe there are some bad castings of our wheels out there..

[Need4Speed]

Can you better describe where the leak was? I have never heard of that before.