IMA working Joy, Joy. Dog Hair Everywhere!
Hi David,
> So...what is this thing you did at auto zone? seems like I should do it and then
> check the > codes. Do they hook it up to the computer or something?
I went to autozone, (actaully to 2 other auto parts places as well, kragen, ...), and
borrowed their OBD II reader. I connected the reader to the connector under
the dash (either under the keys, or under the temp knob. Then I read the
codes.
I have never had to deal with insurance, but what an eye-opener. Their 48 hour
response means 48 days! Anyway I inspected the IPA (IMA case) and found no
damage. I also checked the Fuel System and found no damage. Then I
opened up the IPA case and found no damage.
I ordered an IMA Battery from HAPS recycling last week. (cost $950 with shipping)
It came last night. I also ordered a 2000-2005 Insight manual. (cost $70) It too, came last night. Read the manual from 10 pm to midnight. Woke up at 9 am and followed
the directions and had the old IMA battery removed by 11 am. (Ran into one problem,
couldn't get one of the connectors opened. Eventually I removed the connector
from body, then was able to undo the connector.)
By noon had the new (really much older) battery in place, threw the "On" switch
and have had full IMA functionality on my test run.
I would recommend anybody who feels confident in changing the Power Supply
on their computer, to change the battery on their Insight. No big deal, just follow
the instructions.
I think that the accident shook up my battery and caused it fail. But after 140K miles
maybe it didn't have much life left? After the accident, I did drive around for a month with no IMA and found it dangerous. First you can't pull out into traffic fast enough and second you can't accelerate up a hill if you are at a stop. My mailbox is down the hill from
my house, and I couldn't stop to check my mail, because I couldn't continue on
up the hill.
I still have the problem with the gas tank. I think that the gauge is off, and
that the tank really has 10 gallons in it. When I feel brave enough, I will
drive around on empty,(with a spare gallon), and see when it runs dry. I
don't know how many Insight owners have drained their tank, but there is
no electic assist to help you out. As soon as the gas engine stutters, the
whole thing shuts down.
Oh yeah, I found o-tules (lots?) of dog hair inside of my old IMA battery. I wonder
if this is bad? Do I need to install a dog hair filter?
Regards,
Thomas
2001 CVT 140k alive again!
2005 MT 2k (replacement vehicle) in the garage