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

[kennedywill]

My error message was subcode 67 [from the onboard diagnostic] which I learn from Mike's Tips must be Battery Module Temperature Signal Circuit Problem. Since my troubles I have never reconnected the IMA housing. Perhaps the car thinks odd that the vent input temperature fails to relate to the battery temp.
The negative 12V terminal removed the 67 code [2x now in 400 miles].
Mileage with this younger battery is 58MPG : a bit lower despite 44PSI in 4 tires but with huge capacity. To see SOC even decrease from full I must haul heavy passenger up hugest hill, same as once emptied my original battery.

[MetroMPG]

Gentlemen & lady -

I've parked my 2000 Insight for the winter and will be pulling its ailing pack this weekend to begin analyzing/characterizing the subpacks/sticks to determine their health.

I'm fortunate to have a back-up car, so I'm under absolutely no pressure to get things done particularly lickety-split. If it's sorted out by early summer, I'll be tickled.

I got this Insight for a good price, knowing the pack was "gone", with the IMA & "check engine" lights on and code P1449 stored.

After messing around with things a little bit (resetting the codes to see if it would in fact recharge and provide assist/regen functions -- it would, for a while), I "shut off" the pack via the big "ON/OFF" service disconnect switch on the battery access panel. I then drove the car from July through November, minus IMA/hybrid functions, and still managed 80+ MPG (US) regardless. Yay for lean burn, good aero & tall gearing.

I got myself a used Super Brain 989 on eBay from a reputable seller, and will cross my fingers that it'll handle this task without expiring prematurely.

Matt: thanks again for the comprehensive write-up and patient, helpful responses to those who asked for more info/clarification. I see more than a couple of people have benefitted from this so far.

FYI, I'm going to document my battery pack adventure here: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ght-19975.html

[jncboy]

Can you tell me whether or not all the very comprehensive information presented by Robert Smalls is applicable to a Honda Civic Hybrid 2006? In particular: does it have a service disconnect switch? If it does where is it located and how does one access it? How is the IMA battery accessed?

[old dude]

Hi all,
Where can I get a "grid charger/balancer"?
The "Mike Dabrowski design" does not come up on the link.
Is the "Super Brain 989" also a grid/charger balancer?

Thank you for your time.
Old dude

[MD2000]

All the info about the chargers is here:
http://99mpg.com/Projectcars/gridcharger/
Schematic of DIY version:
http://99mpg.com/Data/resources/down...dchargerv1.pdf
Accessory discharger to make the system into a smarT cycler
http://99mpg.com/Projectcars/packdischarger/
New software will allow automatic cycling to the first cell dropout, which will get lower on each cycle.
Dataloging and PC based dataloging software is in development, but any HYPerterminal equipped PC can log the RS232 serial daloger output.
The serial now adds full bidirectional PC control of charger.
Can be used on any battery from 6V to 240V, all parameters are adjustable and saved in non volitile memory, and 6 car/car/battery profiles can be stored in the unit.

[Fosters80]

Originally Posted by jncboy

In particular: does it have a service disconnect switch? If it does where is it located and how does one access it? How is the IMA battery accessed?

It's behind the back seat. You have to pull the seat bottom out (1 10mm bolt I believe) and then you can unbolt the seat back. The access panels and cut off switch are all right there.

[MD2000]

Complete HCHII grid charger install instructions including how to get to the IMA switch, where to connect to the battery, how to remove the battery and how to control the fan for cooling during charging:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqTJE...7&feature=plcp

The civics battery cooling air depends on the IMA cover being in place and sealed.
A trick to charge with IMA cover off is shown here:
http://99mpg.com/Projectcars/gridcha...ingthetestpr3/
Basically you use a small box with computer fan to cover the vent in the rear window well, and draw air up through the pack during open IMA box charging

[old dude]

Thanks Mike for kind reply.
Had a friend near Marshfield Wisconsin named Henry Dabrowski.
He passed away a few years ago. Any relation?

I have a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid.
If I understand you correctly, your charger would extend life of my HV battery.
If that is so, which one of your chargers would I need?
And what is price of charger and correct harness?

[MD2000]

Dabrowski is like Smith in Poland, so I expect there are a lot of them scattered all over the US.
The charger information is here: as stated in the earlier post:
http://99mpg.com/Projectcars/gridcharger/
Expect the next build of chargers to be available late June early July.
Will only make the overnight version this time.

[MetroMPG]

Hi Mike - I'm getting an error trying to view the PDF schematic of the older grid trickle charger / balancer at this URL:

http://99mpg.com/Data/resources/down...balancer_2.pdf

Corrupted Content Error

The page you are trying to view cannot be shown because an error in the data transmission was detected.

The page you are trying to view cannot be shown because an error in the data transmission was detected.Please contact the website owners to inform them of this problem.

I have the parts, but I didn't save the schematic to my local computer, so I can't do this afternoon's planned project!

Any chance you could re-post that schematic? (Or if anyone else has it, could they pass it on?)

thanks-
Darin