Still not sure about the IMA battery pack. I ran an errand at lunch time, and then when it was time to go home at the end of the day, I had only three or four bars on the indicator again. Shouldn't it hold a charge better than that?
I have never had a lean burn Honda before, but I believe that it is working. It behaves much like you describe it, Darin. While cruising along at a steady state, speed will drop a little. Then when you increase pressure slightly on the accelerator, it doesn't really respond. A little more pressure and it goes "Huh? wha- oh, okay, ahem..." and then gives you too much because now you're pressing more than should be needed on the accelerator. "Hiccup" or "slight shudder" would be an appropriate description. It's a funky, funky little car. Just how I like 'em.
I left my impact wrench at home, but I tightened up the strut-top nuts with an air ratchet, followed with a breaker bar. They still rattle a little, but it is much improved. Now I can hear that three cylinder sewing machine ticking away a little better. I will probably end up having to replace the front struts, eventually.
James, thanks, I did notice that it wasn't shutting down on the way home. I figured it was because I had some form of climate control on. Egads, don't get me started on the climate controls. Yet another funky system to figure out. I've been spoiled by Pontiac's three dial system.