[Guest]

Hi all,

On a couple of occasions recently I have had a problem with a drained 12v battery pack.

Once it was flat after the radio had been on for an hour, so perhaps I would expect that, but on the second occasion the battery went flat after 5mins with the sidelights on.

I guess after 4 1/2 yers it's time for a new 12v pack.

Anyone know what the capacity is of the Insight battery, I read it's 36Ah, id tis correct, also, any suggestions on here to get a cheap one as I lost my job a couple of weeks ago.

 

[The Citrus Smoothie]

I may not be precisely right but I think a Honda dealership 12V is £48 (+VAT?). Halfords do 12V batteries for £40 or £45 - they list the HB028 for the Insight which I have found a bit wimpy (it is a bit smaller and lighter). My last replacement was the one meant for the Civic - HB053 (I think) - no problems so far, plus they give a three year warranty. HTH.

Good luck with the job hunting.

 

[swkass]

Followup question.
It was my understaning that the 144v battery does a lot of the powering of things and the underhood one was just for starting when the 144v pack was dead.
I just purchased my insight over the weekend so I don't know much yet.
Can someone please explain what fuctions the underhood 12v battery takes care of?

 

[HafNHaf]

in a very small nutshell, the 12 volt battery powers everything in the car that it would in a "normal" car. the 144 volt battery powers the IMA motor, and keeps the 12 volt battery charged through a 144-to-13.8 volt converter.

 

[Insightful Trekker]

And to crack that nutshell open a bit further...

12V is _required to start the car. The 144V contactor needs power to be able to engage the 144v IMA battery pack for the normal IMA start. And in sub freezing conditions the IMA batteries will be disabled requiring a 12v in good condition for the conventional starter to get the job done too.

HTH!

 

[Pantera]

Mine went dead after about 4.5 years. Left the radio and maybe fan on for like 5 minutes for passenger, while I ran in the store. I had to push start it to get going, and boy ... did it run horrible!!!!!!!!! the 144 V was also dead for some reason. But it was sputtering and jerky, and well ... very sick.

I had to push start it again later (I was only at lunch) and made it over to the honda dealer ..... tested it and they THOUGHT it might be bad, but wasnt quite sure. Got a price, rather high like USD $75. well it was still running so I went to Auto Zone, and their replacement, somewhat bigger (So was Honda's) was around $50.00, and I think had a longer warranty, so I bought it there. Replaced it, and within 30 minutes, all was back to normal. Don't wait till it gets that bad, replace it now. I can leave the radio on for several hours no problem now.

I think I have a 6 year warranty.

 

[ncnightowl]

Replaced my 12v today after 5½ years. Battery tested bad under load @ 9v. Car was left running during installation. Result: no mcm reset or lost radio presets. Car runs same as before.