Battery charge level

5231 Views 19 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Mike Dabrowski 2000, Mar 12, 2003

Motty82

Discussion Starter · Mar 2, 2003

Hi fellow Insight owners,
I am curious if anybody has noticed what I have been noticing about the battery state of charge meter in the 2000 5 speed Insight.
I bought mine used @ 23,000 miles and have driven it 1000 miles thus far.

I notice that the meter shows charge draining really fast under half to full acceleration as well as when climbing hills. For instance, the meter is near full and after a half to one mile of acceleration later the charge indicator shows half charge or even 1/4th charge.

On a similar note, I feel as if something is off kilter on the way the accelerator pedal is functioning. It is almost difficult durring cruising to not allow power to be used from the battery to assist. On the other hand, full acceleration use of the battery/motor seems not to give all that much power for accelerating.

I appreciate any comments on this subject.
Thanks,
Martin
2000 Silver 5 spd

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Tim Maddux

· #10 · Mar 5, 2003

Motty82, what you describe sounds like normal Insight behavior to me, except for the event which Armin referred to as "not something I have seen before." I have also not seen that on my SOC meter. Other than that, my Insight behaves much like yours.

When you do experience a battery state-of-charge recalibration, then you'll get a good sense of what an Insight feels like with no assist... weak!

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Tim Maddux

· #17 · Mar 8, 2003

Many of us have found that over time the state of charge will drift up while cruising along on straight level highway with no green bars / CHRG bars lit up. Apparently the car trickle-charges the batteries, running a slight positive float.

My Insight came home from the dealer with a low charge level and very low LMPG. You'll find that the charge level will pratically take care of itself, especially if you help it with regen-braking (brake in gear, not in neutral, and don't downshift) smoothly and a little earlier than you might normally do it (don't rush up to a stop and slam the brakes, brake gradually and sooner). There are tips on the main website about this that are very helpful.

And don't worry, despite what Richard said your car won't break when you leave the dealership

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