2000 Insight 5 speed repair & build thread

[Daox]

Just an interesting observation. I recently applied rain-x to the rear window as well, so it was more sensitive than normal.

[cowmeat]

Yeah, I checked the head and they're all B plugs. Thus I went to verify that the plugs themselves were B plugs, but I guess I didn't see where to check that since the part number is all the same.

I think the importance of the plug indexing is a little overrated. The plugs had just been changed in my second Insight when I bought it, but were the wrong index (A versus B). I was too cheap and lazy to change them out, but I was able to maintain 70+ mpg tanks the entire time I owned the car, and never noticed the difference.

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by cowmeat

I think the importance of the plug indexing is a little overrated. The plugs had just been changed in my second Insight when I bought it, but were the wrong index (A versus B). I was too cheap and lazy to change them out, but I was able to maintain 70+ mpg tanks the entire time I owned the car, and never noticed the difference.

A versus b is only 90 degrees

Put a c in and it can cause roughness, same deal if you overtorque

[cowmeat]

I agree, but I've never seen an Insight with C or D indexes. I guess they're out there, but every one I've ever seen has been an A or a B, which doesn't seem to make enough difference to detect

[MetroMPG]

I am embarrassed to say I owned the Insight for ~2 years and never pulled the plugs. The little bolts(?)/screws on the coil packs were completely ruined by rust and I couldn't get them off (easily).

[Daox]

The trip in to work today was interesting. It was a brisk 33F this morning. It was the first morning I had to scrape the windows. I figured this should be interesting but, low and behold that integrated exhaust manifold works wonders for heating up the coolant. I wasn't 1/3rd of a mile away from home and it was already doing its job clearing up the windshield. I am very impressed by this. The Metro and the Prius is even worse having to be at least 2/3rds or more of a mile down the road before any usable heat is there.

Of course there is a flipside as well. I was sitting at a light, autostop wasn't working for whatever reason, so I blasted the heat... Woo, that coolant temp can drop like a brick too. Little engine, little thermal mass apparently. Should be interesting when I go to install my 1000W block heater that I pulled off the Metro.

[MetroMPG]

All those darn puddlejumpers are too efficient for their own good.

[Daox]

I also noticed the other day that almost all of the HVAC lights are out. The temperature dial is the only thing that lights up I think. Is there bulbs for each button?

[Ecky]

Originally Posted by Daox

I also noticed the other day that almost all of the HVAC lights are out. The temperature dial is the only thing that lights up I think. Is there bulbs for each button?

I think one of my lights is out too, which suggests they're individual. I'm reluctant to pull the panel off again to check, because last time I did, I cracked it just above my steering wheel.

Sadly, I don't think LEDs would make suitable replacements as dimming doesn't work on most.

[Daox]

Yeah, someone must have tried on mine, the top bezel is busted and has a piece busted out on mine. Just one of a few trim pieces to replace when I get around to it. My trip buttons don't work, so its gotta come off anyways.