DIY Calpod switch install.
 

Hi guys, this will be a quick writeup on how exactly to do it, step by step. It's not hard, just confusing if you don't know what your doing (like I was).

What this mod does:
It tells the ECU that the clutch is pushed in, so it disables the regen and the assist system. When your cruising at say, 55, and your battery isn't fully charged, the IMA system with put a little bit of drag on the electric motor to charge the IMA battery. This can hurt mpg by up to 30%.

Example: I was cruising on my way home at 60, getting about 70-75mpg. I turned off my Calpod switch, enabling the IMA, I instantly dropped to ~60.

Tools needed:

Wire strippers.
Needlenose pliers.
Some wires.
On/off switch.
A headlamp, I used a flashlight and omg I wish I had a headlamp.

WARNING, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAN OCCUR FROM THIS MOD! DO NOT TOUCH OR CUT ANY YELLOW WIRES, AS THE SRS AIRBAG CAN DEPLOY AND KILL YOU!!!!!!! It's very hard to accidentally cut these wires, I'm just saying this for the side of caution.
ALSO, YOU CAN START THE CAR IN GEAR WITH THE SWITCH ON! THIS CAN LURCH YOU INTO CARS AND OTHER OBJECTS SO ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION!!!

Anyway, start by finding your clutch switch. It's very easy to identify, look at your clutch, go strait up, and there will be a yellow switch like this one.

http://imageshack.com/a/img743/8265/tzIrNV.jpg

Now, you can go about this 2 different ways. You can either carefully remove the insulation off the red and black wire, or just do what I did. I just cut the wires completely off, and removed the switch.

I then stripped the ends off of all 3 of my wires about 1/8 inch length, then twisted them all together, then wrapped in electrical tape. I find this is personally the easiest way.

I wish I had taken more pics to help more but, I don't really see why you need more tbh... It's pretty self explanatory. I'll post the rest of my pics below.

Farther away shot.

[Edit]: See the yellow wires way above the clutch wires? Refer to SRS warning.

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/1276/XwyxHJ.jpg

Leading above change holder to mounting spot.
http://imageshack.com/a/img633/8273/fKaarI.jpg

Mounting spot. This isn't the prettiest thing but it gets the job done.
http://imageshack.com/a/img538/9449/Moq8sz.jpg

I noticed the power gain right away. You MUST start your car with the switch on (telling the system the clutch is pushed in) do NOT push the clutch in when you start the car. On my car at least, it will leave the IMA system enabled if you turn it on with the actual clutch peddle pushed in. Once the car is started, you can flip the switch back and forth to enable regen braking and assist when you need it.

Can you explain what it actually does?

I'll edit my OP but I'll explain here too.

It tells the ECU that the clutch is pushed in, so it disables the regen and the assist system. When your cruising at say, 55, and your battery isn't fully charged, the IMA system with put a little bit of drag on the electric motor to charge the IMA battery. This can hurt mpg by up to 30%.

Example: I was cruising on my way home at 60, getting about 70-75mpg. I turned off my Calpod switch, enabling the IMA, I instantly dropped to ~60.

Ha! That's great. This should give you a huge boost in MPG if you can charge overnight #!

Charging like that is extremely bad for the battery. It's easy for me to keep the battery full because I'm not using assist, but I can still regen brake if i want.

I don't know much about hybrids honestly.

60 from 70-75 mpg is 30%? :eek:

No, I'm saying it 'can' hurt mpg by up to 30%. My battery was almost full charge so it wasn't dragging almost at all.