DIY Solutions to Honda Hybrid Battery Problems (Insight, Civic, IMA)

[RobertSmalls]

You can't determine a NiMH pack's SoC by resting voltage alone, and 8 bars SoC will happen at different voltages.

When the weather is cold, I've had my 144V nominal pack up to 172V. In the summer, sometimes it peaks at 167V. If yours has the same cells, I'd expect it to go up to 191V this time of year.

Your objective is to charge each of the cells to full, until their voltage peaks. You need to keep charging the battery once it's at maximum voltage, and the voltage may begin to decline as you continue to apply current. If you do it slowly enough (~350mA i.e. 0.05C works for me) and keep the cells cool, you won't damage the cells. So set it to the full 200V and make sure you can limit the current.

[hunter44102]

Thanks Robert. I will set the current limit and let her charge fully. I'll try it later today and see what happens.

This is an extra pack I got from a wreck. Right now I have it in a basement at about 60°F (16 C) right now.

[discovery]

Robert
Is this the meanwell RS 25W 48V you are recomending for the charger?

Meanwell RS-25-48 Switching Power Supply 25W 48V *NEW* - eBay (item 360144384257 end time Nov-24-10 09:40:17 PST)

[RobertSmalls]

They're the ones from Mike Dabrowski's plans, but I paid about that much for a lot of four on eBay (clearance). They're also in the Jameco catalog for less: RS-25-48: MEAN WELL: Power Supplies & Wall Adapters

[discovery]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

They're the ones from Mike Dabrowski's plans, but I paid about that much for a lot of four on eBay (clearance). They're also in the Jameco catalog for less: RS-25-48: MEAN WELL: Power Supplies & Wall Adapters

Thanks for the web site. Also don't we need one more MeanWell for the 12V battery fan? Do we connect them straight to the 110V grid or we need something else?
Thanks

[Formula413]

Lots of good info in here, thanks for posting it. It looks like my battery has thrown in the towel. I got P1449 today. I was pretty much expecting it, I knew the battery was not very strong, any decent hill would wipe out a full charge. The car is still drivable, it will still regen and assist, so it looks like I have some time to figure out what to do.

Does anyone know if there was a warranty extension on IMA parts at any point for the Civics? It's an '03 with 85,000 miles. I'm going to call Honda and see what they have to say.

Odd coincidence: I saw Mike's Insight on I-290 in Worcester tonight...

[discovery]

Originally Posted by Formula413

Lots of good info in here, thanks for posting it. It looks like my battery has thrown in the towel. I got P1449 today. I was pretty much expecting it, I knew the battery was not very strong, any decent hill would wipe out a full charge. The car is still drivable, it will still regen and assist, so it looks like I have some time to figure out what to do.

Does anyone know if there was a warranty extension on IMA parts at any point for the Civics? It's an '03 with 85,000 miles. I'm going to call Honda and see what they have to say.

Odd coincidence: I saw Mike's Insight on I-290 in Worcester tonight...

There is a guy named Ron in NY, he got this web page hybrid battery repair.com and he can fix your problem for about $1200 more or less. Now if you read the whole thread and all the answers by Robert you will see that you need Super Brain 989 Charger only one or two new battery sticks to replace the bad ones and you should be good for years. Were are you at?

[Formula413]

I'm near Springfield, MA. I looked over the info Robert posted, I'm debating whether I want to invest in the time and tools needed to attempt a repair myself or just buy a reconditioned pack.

[RobertSmalls]

I also have a pack I'm parting out, if you need a source of good cells. You'll probably only need one or two sticks. PM for details.

[Formula413]

Can anyone clarify the definition of P1449? I have seen P1449 referred to as "battery pack degradation" and "battery pack overheat". Would repairs for either condition be similar?