UK Flat battery

[LeftField-UK]

Only minutes after extolling the virtues of my lovely Insight to yet another patient listener, it failed to start. Dim dash lights and no central locking pointed towards a dead battery. I had recently driven it (Saturday evening) on a reasonable but very gentle journey (trying to maintain a 70mpg av!), and it had only stood for Sunday indoors in a fairly cold industrial building. I am pretty sure I hadn't left any interior lights on or doors ajar, and it has never shown any sign of a weak 12v battery before even after being left for over a week. I have jumped it now and all seems well. SOC is showing just over half, which it was showing on Friday and Saturday journeys too. Please can someone explain if, when and why the car starts with 12v or uses the big battery?
Obviously I'd rather be facing the cost of a new 12v rather than a new pack.

[retepsnikrep]

Charge the 12v battery properly with an external charger and see how it goes.

Check your earth wires under the bonnet.

If the problem re-occurs then replace the 12v battery it leads a hard life.

[LeftField-UK]

Originally Posted by retepsnikrep

Charge the 12v battery properly with an external charger and see how it goes.

Check your earth wires under the bonnet.

Thanks PP.
Charging 12v with a conditioner tonight and tomorrow.
I've found one earth wire, engine to LHS inner wing (it's pretty grey and crusty looking), where do I look for more? Replace with Honda parts or good quality copper strap?
12v Batt looks pretty titchy (presumably to save weight) it looks as though there's room for something a bit bigger in the box/tray. Any recommendation, or part numbers will be appreciated? I don't imagine my local factors supply them for G1 Insight's very often.

[The Citrus Smoothie]

Yes, it is a quirk of the car that it is hard on its 12v battery, primarily due to the unusual charging from the IMA battery. In the past I have flattened 12V batteries within a year, partly due to short journeys. I now have a battery charger / conditioner as a low 12V can also impact on your MPG. In terms of replacement this is one area where you are better off buying from the dealer than Halfords.

[E27006]

Originally Posted by LeftField-UK

Thanks PP.
Charging 12v with a conditioner tonight and tomorrow.
I've found one earth wire, engine to LHS inner wing (it's pretty grey and crusty looking), where do I look for more? Replace with Honda parts or good quality copper strap?
12v Batt looks pretty titchy (presumably to save weight) it looks as though there's room for something a bit bigger in the box/tray. Any recommendation, or part numbers will be appreciated? I don't imagine my local factors supply them for G1 Insight's very often.

Honda no longer sell the small battery as a part, substitute is physically bigger ( and heavier ) also greater capacity.

Regret I cannot quote the new part number without finding the receipt.

If you choose to replace the battery, call your Honda dealer, their price being far less than a Halfords generic part, £50 or less from Honda from memory.

[UK_MJN]

Honda do sell a small battery as a direct replacement and mine has been trouble free. I posted the part number on another thread, so if I get time I'll post it here.

[UK_MJN]

Honda do sell a small battery as a direct replacement and mine has been trouble free. I posted the following on another thread:

"The parts people at my local Honda dealer spoke to somebody helpful at head office. They said that they have indeed discontinued the replacement for the OE battery (the OE part was discontinued years ago), but they supplied another part number that is a direct replacement for the I1. I bought one so can confirm that it fits perfectly under the clamp and terminals are correct.

Part is 31500 SB2 2100M
Price: £55.24 + VAT
"

[LeftField-UK]

That's a great help, as Lings had no idea of any replacement. I'll try this one.
Thanks a million.
ETA, could the part number actually be as follows?
31500 SB2 100M
Which is recognised as Honda Battery 55B24R(S) £66.29?

[UK_MJN]

Originally Posted by LeftField-UK

could the part number actually be as follows?
31500 SB2 100M
Which is recognised as Honda Battery 55B24R(S) £66.29?

Sorry, I can't check the invoice until the weekend, but you must be right.

[LeftField-UK]

Confirmed order with local dealer, new 12v batt in tomorrow. Can't wait, I'm fed up with 30mpg diesel van (which I used to love) already...New earth straps ordered from Lings too, might take longer as they're in Belgium.