[bug_girl]

Hello! I am looking for a mechanic that is NOT a dealer that can replace my battery.

I'd really like to try the Bumblebee battery replacement, but I'm not strong enough (or brave enough) to do it myself. Does anyone have suggestions on a place to try? The dealer is insisting that replace a bunch of control modules in addition to the battery, and there are no codes indicating a problem other than P1449.

Thanks!

 

[TopFuelTim]

Too far away to help, but I just wanted to re-iterate the modules are not necessary. Also, dealer batteries are refurbished, not new, and seem to give about two years of service. Bumblebee sells new ones, so you are on target with that.

My 0.02 worth,
Tim Glover

 

[bug_girl]

Thanks for the validation! So far, every mechanic I have contacted has freaked out and flat out refused to touch the battery. I think they are convinced they will be electrocuted.

Now I'm starting to think I might need to do this myself. And it would save me a lot of money. But I'm a little afraid I'll be electrocuted
Am I crazy? Is this something I (and a friend suitably bribed) can actually do ourselves?

File under: Extremely Poor Decisions/It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time

 

[diamondlarry]

Thanks for the validation! So far, every mechanic I have contacted has freaked out and flat out refused to touch the battery. I think they are convinced they will be electrocuted.

Now I'm starting to think I might need to do this myself. And it would save me a lot of money. But I'm a little afraid I'll be electrocuted
Am I crazy? Is this something I (and a friend suitably bribed) can actually do ourselves?

File under: Extremely Poor Decisions/It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time

Full disclosure up front: I have never swapped out a battery, but I have spent quite a bit of time under the cover in the back and it's not so scary; the real scary part are the gazillion bolts/screws to actually get the cover off. So with all of the info floating around here on the forum and elsewhere, there shouldn't be any major problems with doing it at home with help from a friend. I think the pack weighs around 70ish pounds. I hear you should also keep an eye on various components in the are to make sure nothing is damaged while removing the pack.

 

[TheExitWound]

I attempted this never having touched a hybrid battery pack before and it was dirt simple. It took about 3 hours because it was my first time, and needed two people to carry/move. Other than that, really really simple stuff. The only thing you'll need is the Torx-T30 star bit to open the cover. Other tools are standard sockets and wrenches.

I bought mine from Bumblebee and Eli's service was fantastic in all ways. I had a 1449 error only and reused both control modules and all is fine a few months after the swap.

Here's the procedure: Honda Insight (2000-2006) - Battery Replacement

If you can secure a friend for ten minutes to lift the old one out and the new one in, you're set.

 

[Need4Speed]

Any mechanic, following Jeff's procedure linked in the post above, should be able to do it. I would plan on 6 hours if you are not familiar with tearing apart cars. I don't want to damage anything, and take my time, it would probably take me 4 hours since I have already had the main cover off, swapped bcm, added a charger cable, etc.

If the dealer is replacing the battery under warranty he needs to also replace the modules. If you only buy the battery I would think you would not be required to replace the modules, but maybe Honda forces the dealer to replace the modules to keep the battery warranty.

No matter what, get a battery through one of the sources on this site, I think there are three different places to get a battery that is made with brand new cells with more capacity than the original battery.

Are you in Connecticut, or Ann arbor?

 

[insight10]

Dnt recommend a dealer. It is very easy. I did mines about 3 times. Here's a link that would help. You would need a person to help carry the battery out.

2001 Honda Insight Battery Breakdown and Reconditioning - YouTube