Holicow said:
Rick said:
New battery pack from the dealership is about $3,000.....
Parts only? If so, what is the standard labor charge for R and R?
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/aut ... t&catcgry2
=2000&catcgry3=3DR+DX+A%2FC&catcgry4=KA5MT&catcgry5=IMA+BATTERY-ECU
Index #3 is conspicuously missing (the battery pack).
The last time I checked (just before my purchase 9/02) it was about $2,000. You guys are scaring me with the $3,000 figure so I'll have to check again.
I was recently rear ended which required the rear floor pan section to be replaced. This requires the entire IMA pack to be removed. The body shop didn't like the thought of messing around with 140v so I was asked to come help.

They didn't even have a volt meter to verify the breaker actually powers off the voltage at the output terminals.
What appears as a neat package from the top is an illusion. The floorpan is used as the base with only a small part of the bottom of the case along the trailing edge appearing the same as the top. This trims out the area immediately above and forward the spare tire. There is a 25mm+- square stiffener that runs along the rear edge. The battery pack and dc-dc converter have many screws through the floorpan with various wires and wire anchor clips. There is extensive ductwork, insulation, and 2 fans for cooling.
I had been as "deep" as removing the top cover for inspection, but wasn't initially prepared for this much greater complexity. With both of us working at a diligent pace we had it completely removed in 2.5 hours. The IMA pack alone should be do-able in about 45 min less. As in most things destruction is easier than construction and after an almost 2 week delay I wasn't looking forward to reassembly. However, utilizing several magnetic trays and sorting screws by size and type we were able to reassemble the unit in the same amount of time.
Honda makes a special tool for IMA battery removal but its simply a frame rail "grip" for the battery module. Not really necessary. Although it does _require_ 2 people to lift the pack out carefully to prevent damage (with or without the tool). With the edge of the case still installed it will be a bit more difficult.
Using basic hand tools and skills, observing _all_ the cautions needed for safely working around a 140v source, and a few minutes of help from a friend for ally-ooping the pack in and out, its a nice Saturday afternoon task.
I'll try to report back tomorrow with the IMA battery pack pricing.
HTH!
