IMA battery replacement on 2002? Cost?

Gobo · 12-06-2012, 01:37 PM

I'm driving a 2002 Insight, and my original IMA battery died about three years ago; Honda replaced it the next day at no cost.

Last week, it started to die again: my IMA light came on, and the car started to stall. Honda says that the new battery's not under warranty (since I'm past the 8/80k warranty) and that they need to 'negotiate' with Honda USA about what they'll cover for the replacement.

So:
1) Any idea what I might be looking at cost wise here? Was the price of new IMA batteries cut?
2) Why isn't the replacement free? I've only had this new one for three years -- doesn't it have its own warranty?

**jeff652** · 12-06-2012, 02:44 PM

Unless Honda heavily discounts the battery, get a better-than-OEM MaxIMA battery from Eli at Hybrid Battery Repair & Replacement

Sooo much better than the OEM battery! (and much much cheaper too)

Gobo · 12-06-2012, 02:55 PM

How does one go about replacing the IMA battery by yourself?

Willie Williford · 12-06-2012, 03:58 PM

Numerous pics and how to here at ICN. Search is the best soution unless someone wants to post a link.

Willie

aisbell · 12-06-2012, 04:08 PM

As usual, Honda has given you incorrect information about the warranty on your battery pack. The warranty was extended to 10 years/150,000 miles. If your car has been driven less than 150,000 miles (possibly 157,500 miles due to a class action lawsuit settlement), you need to find out its in-service date (i.e., when it was originally sold). If it's less than 10 years ago, Honda owes you a new battery pack.

Gobo · 12-06-2012, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aisbell

As usual, Honda has given you incorrect information about the warranty on your battery pack. The warranty was extended to 10 years/150,000 miles. If your car has been driven less than 150,000 miles (possibly 157,500 miles due to a class action lawsuit settlement), you need to find out its in-service date (i.e., when it was originally sold). If it's less than 10 years ago, Honda owes you a new battery pack.

It's only been driven 82,000 miles. How would I find out when it was originally sold? Would that be on the title?

Gobo · 12-06-2012, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Williford

Numerous pics and how to here at ICN. Search is the best soution unless someone wants to post a link.

I searched quite a bit, but so far haven't found any DIY how-to threads. If I need to I'll keep looking, but if I end up going with the MaxIMA, I doubt I'd end up doing it myself. Would a Honda dealership install the MaxIMA if I had it shipped to them? Hoping this'll be moot -- since I think they should cover the cost anyway -- but just in case...

Willie Williford · 12-06-2012, 05:26 PM

Here is all you need to know. NO Honda will not install someones elses battery pack.

IMA Instrustions - Hybrid Automotive

Willie

Gobo · 12-06-2012, 05:31 PM

Thanks, Willie, that's super helpful. Especially to know that it's likely out of my skill range.

My confusion was that I saw two prices for the MaxIMA -- the DIY kit and the normal price. I'm assuming a non-Honda-affiliated shop could install it for me.

**jeff652** · 12-06-2012, 05:39 PM

You do not want the DIY kit. That is raw sticks, you will have to not only remove the battery pack, but tear it down and replace the individual sticks yourself. A hard core enthusiast option - plus you lose the warranty that way.

Go for the assembled battery, the small increase in price is very worth it.