1st Gen Insight factory options.... What are? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

live4soccer7 · 12-24-2018, 02:17 PM

Are there any additional insight factory OPTIONS? I know the CVT and AC. There doesn't look like there's much else, HOWEVER there are 3 blank spots to the left of the steering wheel down by the pull out compartment where you might put coins or whatever. I'm curious what those are for.

Also, is there a TEMP sensor/reading for the outside temp??? I'm not privy on all the things you can do on the dash yet, but I didn't see anything like that. I did notice a sensor in front of the radiator that's attached to the back of the grill. It REALLY looks like a temp sensor to me.

Gasoline Fumes · 12-25-2018, 02:41 PM

The temp sensor is used by the climate control. I'm not aware of any options that go in place of those button blanks.

Ecky · 12-25-2018, 06:17 PM

The blanks never had anything. You could get any color as long as it was silver.

In all seriousness and if my memory is correct, 2000 model year did not offer an automatic. You could get A/C or no A/C, and paint options were (I think) silver, blue, red and citrus - citrus was removed either at the end of 2000 or 2001. A/C became standard in 2001 and you had only the option of 5MT or CVT. I'm unaware of any options other than 5MT or CVT and color until the end of 2006, though what the cars came loaded with changed a few times. I think 2004 got rear speakers, paint hues changed at some point, O2 sensor layout was different, etc.

EDIT: I think double DIN was an option in Japan. You can get a double DIN radio trim piece online which can be modified to fit US cars.

Ecky · 12-25-2018, 06:19 PM

Regarding the outside temp, I believe the climate control *can* display it but it's one of those "easter egg" settings. Something like holding 3 buttons down when you start the car. There's no easy way to do it.

EDIT: That sensor is used for determining when the car gets auto-stop (not below 40F), and how the climate control mixes the air. It might have a few other uses as well.

live4soccer7 · 12-26-2018, 01:27 AM

Interesting. They could be for non-domestic options. I'd LOVE to know a way to read the temp. That absolutely drives me nuts in the winter. A double din would be sweet as well. I'll have to take a look at that.

Ecky · 12-26-2018, 07:49 AM

Shouldn't be too hard as an aftermarket add-on. You'll have to really search old threads on IC to find out how to put the climate control in its easter egg mode.

live4soccer7 · 01-02-2019, 01:33 PM

What's the deal with the large space above the license plate where the light license plate light is. There's a tiny light, but it seems there was more of an elaborate and larger light that was designed to go there. There are cutouts, holes, etc....

Ecky · 01-02-2019, 01:38 PM

Haven't a clue. I know there was just a post on IC that on Euro and Japanese cars, the rear aluminum bumper bar is entirely absent, but there's another structure in there instead for some other purpose.

live4soccer7 · 01-02-2019, 01:50 PM

Interesting...

I need to hop on there and find a good thread on the lithium conversion. That definitely seems like that direction I will go when the NiMH batteries start to go. I'm not sure I have the patience to babysit them with a grid charger.

Gasoline Fumes · 01-03-2019, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by live4soccer7

What's the deal with the large space above the license plate where the light license plate light is. There's a tiny light, but it seems there was more of an elaborate and larger light that was designed to go there. There are cutouts, holes, etc....

My guess is that two lights are used on the longer European license plates.