[counselorkv]

A couple times now I have been in autostop mode and shifted back into 1st gear and the car has not started up again. The last time it took 3 times engaging and disengaging. (5 speed, 2000). Does this sound like a problem? Or am I being too sensitive?

 

[Yves M.]

Hi,

Are you sure that in each occasion you have pressed the clutch all the way to the floor.

If not, the car will not know that you have disengaged the clutch and will not start.

Else there could be a problem with the clutch switch adjustment.

 

[counselorkv]

I am almost sure I have pressed the clutch in.

Here is a little additional info:

I got rear-ended and sandwiched when I was at a complete stop. I had my foot on the break but was in neutral. The front wasn't damaged past the bumper, except the ac radiator was bent. The back end was damaged to the point of putting two little dents in the spare tire compartment.

The car body has been repaired but it seemed that the car was running ok, but now, little things seem to be different. It doesn't "roll" as good as it used to. The engine sounds a little different, and then this autostop thing. Do you think they are all related? I also wonder if the battery pack could get hurt from the jarring. I didn't have a mechanic check it, cause I really didn't think the mechanical part was hurt but maybe it could be...

It is such a tech-sensitive car and I am pretty particular myself. I am concerned.

 

[Willie Williford]

Suggestion:
Check and make sure the air temperature sending unit behind the grill is not damaged. With that unit unplugged, you will not have auto stop. If your AC radiator was bent, it (the temp. unit) could also have been damaged.
Also, if in auto stop, you can give it a little throttle presure (gas pedal) and the engine should restart.

 

[james]

Also check to see that your floor mat hasn't slid forward. At least on mine, if it gets under the clutch, I think it's all the way to the floor, but apparently the autostop circuitry doesn't agree

 

[counselorkv]

James,

I did notice that my mat was way forward. I am hoping that this is all it was. Thanks for the easy fix.

Now to continue my evaluation of the "rolling" difference.

 

[No. 166]

Maybe the mechanics of the brake-pedal ITSELF are slightly bent so it's constantly braking slightly :wink:
You were ON the brake-pedal during impact ..... :wink:

 

[flunkysama]

Here's my simple procedure for checking the adjustment of the clutch switch. Transmission in neutral. Parking brake on. Engine off. Foot off clutch. Turn key to start and hold. Slowly puch the clutch pedal down. When the engine cranks (and hopefully starts), is when your clutch pedal switch is triggered. If I remeber correctly, the manual says is should be about 2/3 of the way down.

The service manual would have you testing it by getting to the ECM and putting test leads on it.

Now, if during autostop, you put it in gear and the dash lights up like you stalled it, and then, when you start it with the key and the 12V starter is used. All the while the SOC gauge reads full. Well, then you have a different problem. If anyone has had this problem, please let me know.

 

[counselorkv]

no. 166

You are addressing the rolling problem, right? I suppose I would have to have a mechanic look at it, then. The brake light is not on all the time. Could it still be a problem?

Do you think I am being too picky? There is this one hill that if I let the car cruise down in neutral starting at the same point at the same speed, it used to reach 78, sometimes 79 at tops then at the bottom, there would be this one point where it would go back down to 65. Well, now it only reaches 77 and at the bottom it reaches 65 about 20 feet earlier.

What do you think?

flunkysama, I am thankful that all the lights don't come on like that. It was just not starting the motor when I would put it in gear, (the little fear that I had the first time autostop ever came on, when I first drove the car.)

 

[No. 166]

Ahhh, of course. Didn't think about the brake lights
But have the brakes tested on a rolling-road...just to be on the safe side.

Hmmm, maybe you are a bit fussy, as it is not that big a difference

 

[counselorkv]

Thank you guys for your help!

I admit, I am kind of fussy...... :roll: I just want my little car the way it was before the wreck

I guess I am still just in "after-wreck trauma".

 

[ext1jdh]

I know this was several months back but I'm having the same problem. I end up having to shift from neutral, to first to second (pause while engine comes to life) to first...all with the clutch on the aluminum.

Brand new, 700 miles on the clock

 

[nowtbutrouble]

Autostop Start stopped starting/stopping

Having only recently bought my 2002 (26k miles) 5-speed Insight, I have found that the Autostop doesn't always stop when I expect it to (car is warm, good battery charge, and sitting at lights). I can prompt it to stop however by putting it into first or second, then going back into neutral (all with foot on clutch).

The bigger problem however is that sometimes it won't restart after autostop has stopped the motor from running. At times, the only way to restart the engine (at traffic lights with a queue behind me) is to turn the engine off then on again with the key.

I have even found recently that starting her from cold with the key has been a problem, where she has stood all night, I turn the key (so that the instrument panel lights up), put the clutch to the floor and turn the key fully to start the engine - and nothing happens. I have to do this 3-4 times before she will start.

I don't know whether these problems are linked, but would appreciate any advice on possible solutions (please bear in mind that I am no mechanic).
:?:

 

[The Citrus Smoothie]

Hi nowtbutrouble, welcome to InsightCentral and congratulations on your purchase.

I occasionally have the same problem with my 5 speed Insights after an autostop but I find it is simply because I haven't depressed the clutch fully. Moving the gearstick between neutral and first also helps to restart after an autostop when you have coasted to a stop with the clutch down. Not sure about your starts from cold though...

Out of interest where did you get your Insight?

 

[james]

I've noticed that when starting with the key, it sometimes (maybe always?) won't start unless I also have my foot on the gas. Even a light touch is enough.

 

[nowtbutrouble]

Out of interest where did you get your Insight?[/quote]

I bought it from Chiswick Honda, from a fantastic salesman named 'Nommy' (the Japan Desk Co-ordinator).
Chiswick Honda seem to sell more used Insights than anyone else in the UK.