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Hybrid Vehicles Honda Civic Hybrid Honda Civic Hybrid IMA Problems
185 messages, Last post on Dec 03, 2009 at 2:36 PM
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Replying to: rosie2006 (Sep 17, 2009 7:07 am) Does anyone know the actual Update # or code or listing, and what the "normal" version should be? Again, I want to take my car into a dealer and have them "reset" it so that I can actually use the hybrid instead of having it come on only when you floor the accelerator. If it causes their defective batteries to wear down faster, too bad for them. I paid for a hybrid. As someone else said, they're simply trying to run out the clock, and it's unconscionable. So for those of you out there that have been asking for details and keeping details, can you please post the software "update" codes, and any information that might help me explain to another dealer that I want the car reset to how it should be? Again, the car is still crashing so it's not going to make it any more unsafe to have it reset so I can actually have a somewhat working hybrid system again... (I'm talking about the IMA "updates" for problems with the battery crashing, that limit when the hybrid kicks in, and how much it'll kick in). Thanks...
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Replying to: mrlar (Sep 18, 2009 10:08 pm) Let me preface my remark with the fact that I'm not a Honda tech. It's possible that the dealer may not be able to restore your software to the way it was even if they wanted to. It may be that only the latest version (the one you have currently) is the only version that is available to them. |
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Replying to: mrlar (Sep 18, 2009 10:27 pm) The updates that Honda has made to the MCM software have not been disclosed to anyone or even when they came out. It's easier with the Insights, as the 2000-2001 have to have the modules replaced (not flashable) and they have part numbers that identify the version. The latest updates for the Insight (and presumably the HCH) came out in 2007 and cause the car to attempt to maintain a half-full battery. The car will be more liberal with assist when the gauge is above half and more agressive with regen when below half. This messes with fuel economy and many drivers don't like it. BTW, you might want to refer to it as "recal-ing" instead of "crashing". |
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>>You could get an MCM out of a junkyard and put it in, or contact me as I have one here. (It's easy to install.) What is the MCM? Is it just a chip, is it a motor, is it large? How expensive would one be? Is it heavy? And could a non-Honda mechanic replace it? (And do you have one for a 2006 HCH?) Also, I live in California... with Calif's different emissions and such, would the MCM be different for California cars? Actually the way the car is now, it's NOT more liberal with assist even when full. Before the latest update (less than a month ago) it would indeed be liberal with normal driving, but now the white assist bars will stop at 3 tiny bars unless you really press the accelerator. It will never go to 4 bars as it used to. Also, you can no longer go to electric only coast mode while driving fast on the freeway, even when going straight as you used to easily be able to. I've only been able to get it to happen once, only when going street speed. And again, even when that happened, as I slowly tried to increase it past the 3 bars, the gas immediately came on afterwards. Basically I used to never take the car above "2" on the rpm dial, but now the hybrid won't even kick in until after 2 (between 2 and 3) and will only give 3 small white bars unless you really hit the gas (in which case it'll give 4+ -- but only when really hitting on the gas). I'm serious about doing this because I hate the car the way it is now, but I don't really want to put an Insight part (or version 1 hybrid part) into the 2006 HCH... Thanks
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Replying to: mrlar (Sep 18, 2009 10:27 pm) The Service Bulletin number is 09-058, there are 3 software updates associated with the one SB number is how I understand it, Elk Grove Ca did only a partial and it ran like severe crap, then Lodi Ca did the additional one and it improved but still assists/charges/performance like crap. And no, have already asked if they can return it the original settings, they said no. Just received a follow up letter from Honda Rep, and responded with : American Honda Motor Co., INC 1919 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90501-2746 (310) 783-2000 File Number N012009-08-1701419 Dear Mr. Chandler, I would like to thank you for your time concerning my 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid. I too am grateful that the mileage issue has been resolved, as I mentioned during our conversations, I was under the impression that the tires had been replaced with OE tires. Please correct me if I am wrong concerning our last meeting, I agreed that the 2009 Civic Hybrid that I test drove performed as my 2006 has been performing since the software updates. I do not consider the software updates that were downloaded to my vehicle as “programming enhancements” as they have reduced the original performance of my vehicle; I consider the change in performance a severe safety issue and my vehicle is not performing as it was prior to the software updates. I also informed you that I would never have bought a vehicle that performed as the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid did, nor as my 2006 is performing now. I believe you agreed that the Civic Hybrids were experiencing IMA assist battery issues related to outside temperatures (heat issues) and that the software updates were designed to reduce or eliminate having to replace the IMA batteries. Having said that, I would hope that the engineering department of American Honda Motor Co is addressing the issue and not merely putting a band aid on it. Having been exceptionally happy with my Honda Civic Hybrid since purchasing it in 2006, I am extremely unhappy, frustrated and detest driving it now. Respectfully, |
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Replying to: mrlar (Sep 18, 2009 10:08 pm) |
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Replying to: mrlar (Sep 19, 2009 8:32 am) How expensive would one be? Is it heavy? And could a non-Honda mechanic replace it? (And do you have one for a 2006 HCH?) Also, I live in California... with Calif's different emissions and such, would the MCM be different for California The MCM is a metal box the size of a hardcover book. It's not expensive from a junkyard, but is from a dealer. Any mechanic (or you) can install it. The MCM is CARB certified so is the same for all states. Sorry, I have 2003-2005 only. 2006 is Gen II and there isn't much call to repair batteries on three year old cars yet (they're under the 80K warranty) |
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Replying to: mrlar (Sep 18, 2009 10:08 pm) The new behavior may actually be due to them resetting your IMA system rather than any software update. Your car has been forced to relearn your battery. It is obvious that your battery is dieing, but your bad luck is that it is hanging on. Don't worry, it will die and illuminate your IMA light, and then you'll get a replacement - free. |
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Replying to: texastan (Sep 18, 2009 3:06 pm)
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Replying to: mrlar (Sep 18, 2009 10:27 pm) |
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