Some interesting things in the owners manual.
"The battery level gauge does not read the battery level directly. It calculates the level by continuously measuring the current flow, voltage, and temperature.
Since the level is not read directly, small sensing errors can, over time, cause the gauge to read higher than the actual battery level. The system will then perform a correction, and the battery level gauge reading will drop suddenly. When this happens, IMA assist and Auto Idle Stop are disabled until the IMA battery is sufficiently recharged by normal driving. This should take only a few minutes.
This correction of the battery level fauge is normal and does not indicate a problem. If the IMA battery develops a problem or becomes deteriorated, the IMA system indicator will come on. If this happens, have the vehicle checked by your dealer as soon as possible."
"Auto Idle Stop
To maximize fuel economy, your Civic-Hybrid has an Auto Idle Stop function. Under certain conditions, the engine will shut off when you come to a stop. Those conditions are: []
-Outside temperature is between 10-100 degrees F. []
The Auto Idle Stop function activates if you speed up to 8 mph over and brake to a stop. And it can activate twice even if you speed up to 8 mph or below and brake to a stop."
"If the Auto Idle Stop is active for an extended period, the charging system indicator may come on. If it happens, start the engine.
The charging system indicator may also come on if the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) battery charge drops below a desired level and the engine starts to recharge the battery.
This indicator may blink after you start the vehicle in the morning when the temperature is below -20 F (-30 C). It will stop blinking when the IMA battery warms up."
A few other interesting things about the car. The 12 volt battery looks to be the same Furukawa battery as the CVT Insight. The way the hold down is it looks as if you'd have to have that battery so an OEM replacement for the Insight may be available now.
The car also has an electric water pump so you have heat even with the engine off! Add this to the fact that you have the electric AC compressor the whole climate control can operate almost independently of the engine.
"The battery level gauge does not read the battery level directly. It calculates the level by continuously measuring the current flow, voltage, and temperature.
Since the level is not read directly, small sensing errors can, over time, cause the gauge to read higher than the actual battery level. The system will then perform a correction, and the battery level gauge reading will drop suddenly. When this happens, IMA assist and Auto Idle Stop are disabled until the IMA battery is sufficiently recharged by normal driving. This should take only a few minutes.
This correction of the battery level fauge is normal and does not indicate a problem. If the IMA battery develops a problem or becomes deteriorated, the IMA system indicator will come on. If this happens, have the vehicle checked by your dealer as soon as possible."
"Auto Idle Stop
To maximize fuel economy, your Civic-Hybrid has an Auto Idle Stop function. Under certain conditions, the engine will shut off when you come to a stop. Those conditions are: []
-Outside temperature is between 10-100 degrees F. []
The Auto Idle Stop function activates if you speed up to 8 mph over and brake to a stop. And it can activate twice even if you speed up to 8 mph or below and brake to a stop."
"If the Auto Idle Stop is active for an extended period, the charging system indicator may come on. If it happens, start the engine.
The charging system indicator may also come on if the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) battery charge drops below a desired level and the engine starts to recharge the battery.
This indicator may blink after you start the vehicle in the morning when the temperature is below -20 F (-30 C). It will stop blinking when the IMA battery warms up."
A few other interesting things about the car. The 12 volt battery looks to be the same Furukawa battery as the CVT Insight. The way the hold down is it looks as if you'd have to have that battery so an OEM replacement for the Insight may be available now.
The car also has an electric water pump so you have heat even with the engine off! Add this to the fact that you have the electric AC compressor the whole climate control can operate almost independently of the engine.