[William]

Minus 5 degrees F. here in the Norhteast this morning. My 2000 Insight underwent an overnight SOC recall, leaving the original 12 Volt battery to start the car. This car has spent most of its life in the temperate South, this being its first real cold snap to it has had to deal with. Needless to say, the 12 Volt rolled over and played dead. I jump started the car without problem. Question to the group: how many 2000's or 2001's have needed to replace their 12 Volt batteries yet?
____
Bill

 

[windmill]

Changing batteries

I did!! 2 weeks ago, car had a dead battery (dealer said) before I had to get the car for the first time (with 14800 kms on it, 2000 Insight) After that no problems anymore.


Greetz Windmill

 

[Rick]

Getting 3 years out of an Insight 12 volt is typical from what I've seen. It has to do with the constant float charge on it and no cycling.

 

[Tim Maddux]

Anyone look into getting an Optima battery to replace the stock one (or dead one)? Would they last longer? Or does the positive float simply doom any battery?

 

[Insightful Trekker]

Minus 5 degrees F. here in the Norhteast this morning. My 2000 Insight underwent an overnight SOC recall, leaving the original 12 Volt battery to start the car.

<snip>

Needless to say, the 12 Volt rolled over and played dead. I jump started the car without problem.

<snip>

Bill

Not to pick apart your post and it is OT to your specific question but, the IMA pack's deferment to the 12v battery is _normal_ thermal management.

As others have already replied you got your moneys worth out of it without additional monthly task of 30 min headlights on / car off to properly exercise the 12v battery.

HTH!

 

[Guillermo]

My 2000 Insight almost didn't start up as the 12V struggled to turn the starter yesterday at -17 Celcius. It's the first time I have ever heard the starter crank over to start the engine.
I'll be replacing my 12 V battery soon before we I have trouble in another cold snap.

 

[Rick]

Anyone look into getting an Optima battery to replace the stock one (or dead one)? Would they last longer? Or does the positive float simply doom any battery?

It would be havier, but I believe they make a civic sized (or at least similar) Optima now. There are a few different types, but they make one with the reversed terminals. I know I've seen one that was in a S2000 at least. The other alternative is to go with a small Hawker like I did, not so sure how well it would fair in extreme cold though.

 

[james]

I think mine may be going. Xmas eve when I went to the lake, and had to stop halfway up to put chains on. Had the engine off but headlights on while I was putting them on, and when I tried to re-start it wouldn't crank at all. Waited about 5 minutes, and it started.

Second time something similar happened. First was when I was using a compressor off the aux power socket. Again, it wouldn't crank at first, but did after a few minutes wait.

Sound like battery going, or just normal Insight-ness?

 

[Willie Williford]

James;
If you can, get a mechanic to test the battery with a "load tester". I suggest 120 AMPS for 10 sec. Then read the battery voltage. Since I replaced mine (ran low on H2o), my mileage is better and the IMA battery seems to stay charged more.
Rick and I are "test dummies" useing "Hawker" batteries......(10 pounds)

Hows the weather there? may be coming through there again sometime in Feb.

 

[james]

Willie,

Sunny and fairly warm (mid-50s) the last few days, but of course that can change on short notice

 

[Berk]

Won't start - "imobilizer" (key) enunciator light

Yesterday she wouldn't start. Cool, but mild 45F temps.
The assist stopped working, on the hill, on the way home, prior to parking for the night.
The "imobilizer" (key symbol) enunciator light is blinking when start-up is attempted. The electric start doesn't operate. On some attempts, there is dash display lights on, but no noise or starting. On other tries, the 12V starter merrily cranks away, but no firing. I tried a bump start, but no firing. Tried jump starting, but again, no firing.
We're over 100 miles from a Honda dealer, so I'm STUCK! yuck.
Bought a new battery today (larger x2) and will try installing it in the morning. Wish me luck, and please offer any suggestions you can think of.
Thanks, Berk

 

[Willie Williford]

Coast range where? If you want a "road service call" give a more precise location. Put in the new battery, reset your ECM and then call again if there is no positive progress.

 

[Rick]

Berk, If the key light is on it's likely not the battery but the car probably lost the key codes. I've got a key for my car with is just a key, no transponder chip, and if you try starting the car with it on the third attempt it will default to the starter motor, but will not fire. To me it sounds more like a key issue than a battery issue.

 

[Berk]

"immobilizer" annunciator (key) light w/ no starti

Sooo; A very sweet & helpful Tech at the Santa Rosa (CA) Honda dealer (120 mi. S.) told me on the phone, that if the 12V is very low, it will trigger a flashing key light, and a no-start. I put in a new, regular, Honda car battery (2x larger!) and after some coaxing, with jumper cables just to be sure, and some other incantations, it finally fired up. The IMA battery began force charging, and all seemed well. I only test drove it a mile, so I hope I'm not pronouncing it cured prematurely.
Thanks for all the experienced advice you've all given on these forums. I love this car, but it is a bit intimidating when it just blinks at you, and refuses to go...come on, be a good little car, now...
Happy trails, Berk

 

[Berk]

P.S. - What is the ECM, where is it, what's it look like, and _how_ (and why) do I "reset" it? Thanks, Berk