The 12 volt battery died yesterday. I drove to work normally and parked. When I hopped in to go home, the car would not start and the instruments dimmed and became largely inoperative after the normal key-on light show. A friend gave me a hand push, and the car started easily (manual transmission). The 13 mile drive home was rough and the only instrument that seemed to work was the speedometer. Assist was dead. A check at several auto parts stores indicated that the battery was a dealer only item. While they had batteries that would work, they were longer and heavier.

So, off to Honda I went. Sure enough, the parts book showed the original small, light battery. However, when the parts gent brought it out, it was a longer, heavier unit (Civic-sized) just like the discount auto parts stores had. I confirmed that the part number was correct. So, Honda has switched the lighter battery out for a cheaper high-volume unit that wipes out a good bit of the fine engineering they did with the aluminum suspension and brake parts.

This is the first shady practice I've seen from Honda since I got my Insight. I wonder what the additional 25 pounds or so would do to DOT fuel efficiency ratings? Shame on you Honda. I went to NAPA and bought their battery for $20 less than Honda's. I'm annoyed and will try to find a smaller unit that will meet the car's original design spec. Perhaps at a Suzuki motorcycle store?