[Evader]

Hi Guys,

Been reading this forum for a few weeks researchign insights.

I've found a salvage car that I'm tempted to buy.

Does this cluster look normal for a running car? I think the battery meter should show something, no? Just checking. Thanks for your input.

[mod edit, removed img function please see the rules regarding pic size limits]

http://www.peteandsteph.ca/pics/insightgauge.jpg

 

[b1shmu63]

You have a check engine light. That could be significant. It is possible that the battery is dead or has been switched off. It could also be a problem with the electronics causing the battery state to show incorrectly. If the car is run at a high idle the battery should start to charge up. Normally the Insight would not let the battery level get that low.

 

[Evader]

thanks for the reply. I'm not worried about the check engine light, I'll scan the code before I purchase the car. I suspect it's codes because the radiator and some sensors are out of ht efront of the car.

I'm mostly worried about the battery level not being there. I don't know what the dash is supposed to look like, but I assume there should be something there. what about on the assist gauge? it's normal to be empty at idle?

 

[sputnik]

It looks like the engine is trying to force-charge the IMA battery. I'd expect that as force-charging proceeded, than the bars on the battery guage would appear (and increase in number as the battery charged up).

Assist kicks in when the IMA battery powers the electric motor, giving that hybrid boost to the internal combustion engine. Assist would be unexpected in an idle situation, even with a healthy IMA. Also, if the IMA battery is in a charging mode, Assist is unavailable during the charging period...it doesn't do both at the same time.

You mentioned various sensors missing from the front. I believe the sensor that regulates the Auto-Idle Stop feature is in that area.

That's it for me...I'm only familiar with some basics; there are other, more experienced forum members who know a lot more. Regards and good luck

 

[The Citrus Smoothie]

With the speedo showing zero, the four bars on the charge guage and zero IMA battery I would say that the car has just started an IMA recalibration (possibly after re-attaching a 12V battery). Let the car idle / charge for a few minutes and bars will start creeping up on the IMA guage.

The most important thing about that picture is the lack of IMA warning light. However if the 12V has just been re-attached then it may take 200+ miles before the IMA software picks up an existing fault and displays the warning light to say that there is a problem. Caveat emptor.

 

[Evader]

Thanks again guys.

Like I said, the car is a salvaged car. Hasn't been repaired yet. I own a body shop so I'm not too concerned about the repair. mostly about the cost of the electrical stuff as I won't have any warranty since the car is salvage title.

The car has no radiator right now, so I'm sure it hasn't been running long enough to show a charge. If I go to take a look at the car how long should it have to idle before showing a charge?

 

[Insightful Trekker]

You'll need the radiator repaired first, or an engine if attempting to recharge the IMA from zero without. (several minutes or miles)