ima problem

wkentsmith · 01-06-2012, 07:50 AM

I have a 2000 Insight with a battery level indicator that will not drop below about 80% charge. The IMA does provide assist when I step on the gas but because the battery level is supposed to be almost max, the system won't charge the battery pack except when regen braking or when coasting down a hill. Since the battery is not being charged adequately, when assist is required the battery can only provide a limited boost for a limited time-usually not enough for even a short hill- but the gauge continues to shpw 80-90% charge. The actual battery level can get so low that on a few occasions on approaching a stop & depressing the clutch, when the car tries to switch the motor to standby mode, the car stalls instead. When I then restart, it takes a couple of seconds & then I hear the starter turn over(not the IMA start),the car starts & away we go.
Forced recal makes the problems totally disappear for about 5-10 minutes as the charge system rebuilds the battery level. However, when the charge level gets to just over half, the charge gauge moves quickly to the 80-90% level & the problems quickly reappear as the actual battery level is depleted.
The battery was replaced a year and a half ago & the 12 volt battery is good.
Help. The dealer is at a loss

retepsnikrep · 01-06-2012, 08:12 AM

Typical out of balance/bad battery symptoms. Charger and possibly new battery reqd.

Where are you located? Please update profile.

wkentsmith · 01-06-2012, 10:21 AM

What type of charger? Forgive my ignorance but i'm new to this.
Also where might the chargerbe available?

retepsnikrep · 01-06-2012, 10:31 AM

www.99mpg.com

Do some searches on here loads of info on this forum. grid charger etc

Willie Williford · 01-06-2012, 01:12 PM

Make sure the 12V battery is good (do a load test not just read the voltage at the battery. Do the test first thing in the morning after the battery has been sitting for a lengthy time.) Ground straps inspection is also mandatory. Try to monitor the charge to the 12V battery, sounds like the 12V is drawing a lot of juice from the IMA battery which it will sometimes do in autostop. (Correct me ELI if I'm wrong)
Start with the simple things first.
A long time ago there was another INSIGHTER listed as being in Aiken SC, maybe he is still around for assistance. Many many years ago, I lived in Aiken.
HTH
Willie

wkentsmith · 01-25-2012, 08:09 PM

After reviewing everything here I went out & ordered a charger from Art Wilbur(artric@gmail.com) last Wed., received it on Fri., installed it on Sat., charged the battery for 18 hours and voila the problem is resolved. In fact the car functions better than it has in a long time. Slower discharge during regular driving & quicker recovery.
Thanks to all for your help.

Kenpo · 01-25-2012, 08:28 PM

Nice I just ordered my charger from artic today, how hard was it to get to the positive battery terminal and did you try deplete the battery before charging as well?

diamondlarry · 01-25-2012, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenpo

Nice I just ordered my charger from artic today, how hard was it to get to the positive battery terminal and did you try deplete the battery before charging as well?

My son and I installed one of Art's in my car in about 2 hours (maybe less) and the longest part was removing and replacing all of the screws.

I don't recall anything terrible about getting connected to the positive terminal.

Kenpo · 01-26-2012, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diamondlarry

My son and I installed one of Art's in my car in about 2 hours (maybe less) and the longest part was removing and replacing all of the screws.

I don't recall anything terrible about getting connected to the positive terminal.

Ok thats good new, you didn't take out the battery either right? Did you try to deplete the battery by WOT or just charged it right off the back?

diamondlarry · 01-26-2012, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenpo

Ok thats good new, you didn't take out the battery either right? Did you try to deplete the battery by WOT or just charged it right off the back?

No, I didn't try to deplete the battery. It was around 19-20 bars when I had gotten home that evening. It was around 9:00pm when we got done and I plugged it in and left it until the next morning. Also, no, we didn't have to remove the battery to get to the terminals. It's a little cramped it went off without a hitch.