Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Running An Insight Without the NiMH / High Voltage Battery

koolkev · 01-11-2012, 01:54 PM

I would like people who have tried running the car without the high voltage (HV) battery pack to report how that worked out.

I have tried to run my insight without the HV battery, because it is getting IMA failure lights, and wanted to test/recharge the battery, but with the relay board from the pack installed.

The 12v battery died after about 30 miles. At night with my wife in the car. Bad press for the car.

I reinstalled the pack and ran the car for months without incident. I am still getting IMA warnings. I have since had problems with the 12 volt battery (I think related to an old battery and period of very infrequent use) and replaced the 12v battery and the car is running ok,

Again I would like to hear from a sample of people who have tried running without the HV pack and how it worked for them. Are there a tricks? Is there a common failure on the relay board or some process to make it work without the pack? Can it be done indefinitely?

Hopefully this will aid people in getting the pack repaired/reconditioned or allow saving hauling around 40+lbs of dead weight.

01-11-2012, 01:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
koolkev EcoModding Lurker Join Date: May 2011 Location: LA Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Running An Insight Without the NiMH / High Voltage Battery I would like people who have tried running the car without the high voltage (HV) battery pack to report how that worked out. I have tried to run my insight without the HV battery, because it is getting IMA failure lights, and wanted to test/recharge the battery, but with the relay board from the pack installed. The 12v battery died after about 30 miles. At night with my wife in the car. Bad press for the car. I reinstalled the pack and ran the car for months without incident. I am still getting IMA warnings. I have since had problems with the 12 volt battery (I think related to an old battery and period of very infrequent use) and replaced the 12v battery and the car is running ok, Again I would like to hear from a sample of people who have tried running without the HV pack and how it worked for them. Are there a tricks? Is there a common failure on the relay board or some process to make it work without the pack? Can it be done indefinitely? Hopefully this will aid people in getting the pack repaired/reconditioned or allow saving hauling around 40+lbs of dead weight.