GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars

GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss en Thu, 17 May 2012 02:16:04 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/images/misc/rss.jpg GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss DMV forces mandatory emission recall to renew car registration for Honda Civic Hybrid http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f12/dmv-forces-mandatory-emission-recall-renew-car-registration-honda-civic-hybrid-27794/ Thu, 17 May 2012 01:45:30 GMT Hi folks, I went to DMV today to renew my Honda Civic Hybrid 2003 registration and they gave me this Emission Recall #R83 request to complete my... Hi folks,

I went to DMV today to renew my Honda Civic Hybrid 2003 registration and they gave me this Emission Recall #R83 request to complete my renewal. I hear this is a software update to the IMA battery. Lately I have been hearing a lot of bad news about how a recent software update degrades MPG of car and I am so much hesitant of doing this update. Another fact is that Honda is doing a big class action about IMA battery issues as well which makes me feel even worse that DMV is forcing this update. Does anyone have some experiences about this? Do I have any choices to avoid this update? Or is this update completely different and I will be safe? :)

Thanks a lot!
H ]]> Honda Civic Hybrid hhamid http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f12/dmv-forces-mandatory-emission-recall-renew-car-registration-honda-civic-hybrid-27794/ FEH moving Forward when in Reverse http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f26/feh-moving-forward-when-reverse-27793/ Wed, 16 May 2012 02:03:23 GMT Here's the story. I had to make a roundtrip from Ventura, CA to Arizona and just returned today. It's all Hwy 10, 106F, speed limits from 65 to 75mph. FEH performed perfectly on the way to AZ.

I made the return trip today (500 miles) and stopped for gas halfway. I had been cruising at 75mph, 106F heat, rpm running between 2000-4000, FWT and MeT at normal values, engine oil filled to the mark.

When I restarted after the gas fillup most of the dash lights came on, but I especially noticed the Oil Pressure light and the Service Engine Soon light.

I needed to backup a few feet to be able to raise the hood, so I put it into Reverse, touched the gas, and was alarmed to have the FEH surge FORWARD against the parking curb. I couldn't believe what had just happened so I ran through the gear range and back to Reverse, foot on brake, and it again accelerated forward. I triple checked that it was indeed fully seated in the Reverse position on the shifter. I cycled the key several times and everything returned to normal operation.

I completed the trip without any further problems. But looking under the hood now in my garage, the ICE is very noisy (loud) and there is a pronounced clunk (thud) when shifting into R, D, and L. Something seems very wrong but all warning lights are off.

Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? I feel like I should report the forward acceleration when in reverse to the NHTSA as that is a very dangerous problem imho. ]]> Ford Escape Hybrid econoline http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f26/feh-moving-forward-when-reverse-27793/ The dreaded P1449 IMA code http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f50/dreaded-p1449-ima-code-27792/ Tue, 15 May 2012 21:36:09 GMT Hello everybody, I am the owner of a 2003 Honda Civic hybrid, a manual transmission model. The car has 118K miles on it, all of them by me. The... Hello everybody,

I am the owner of a 2003 Honda Civic hybrid, a manual transmission model. The car has 118K miles on it, all of them by me. The car was purchased in Washington State.

Prologue - A little over a year ago the check engine light came on. I had it checked (don't know the codes) but they said the car needed a new catalytic converter(s) and oxygen sensors for a very large sum of money, saying I would lose fuel efficiency and not pass emissions otherwise. I decided to take my chances and have not lost fuel efficiency and recently passed emissions. The car had the 2007 software update regarding catalytic converter codes but it sounds like there is another from last year regarding O2 sensors I need to have done that may/may not solve this problem. I include this information in the event it is helpful in some way after reading previous threads.

So...yesterday I was driving my car in eastern Washington, reasonably hot day (over 90), going uphill with the AC on which I rarely do when my IMA light came on. I was several miles from a Honda dealership and went in and had the code run (to the tune of $50 and a couple hours). It came back as P1449.

Reading previous threads, it sounds like there can be multiple things going on here. What I was told (although I can't say it was an impressive operation) is that the code was caused by the battery overheating which sounds reasonable based on other threads I've read. I ended my trip early and headed home as I wasn't sure how big of a deal it was or wasn't and didn't want to become stranded.

I've read through a number of threads on the site in the last day (very helpful!) and have several questions I'm hoping someone can assist me with.

The 12v Battery was last changed in February 2008. It was checked more recently and they said that it was fine. However, some of the threads I've read have talked about the importance of having a good battery for the IMA to work properly. So:

1. Could a 12v battery in declining health be a potential cause of the P1449 code? If so, how? It sounds like I should perhaps get it replaced but I don't quite understand the connection.
2. Does changing the 12v battery fix a cause or fix a symptom (that is, take some strain off the IMA battery which is still problematic)?

I have read several posts that have said that an IMA battery in declining health can cause problems anywhere from a little ("I've driven it tens of thousands of miles with no problem with the IMA light on") to a lot ("The 12v battery discharged and the car was inoperable").

3. Given the P1449 code on the IMA, is it more or less likely to be a small problem or a large problem? Is there any way to tell or should I just drive it and find out? I'm trying to figure out essentially how much time I have to drive it and what my risk is of being stranded somewhere as I travel long distances quite frequently to areas far from reliable mechanics.

4. Is there any risk of the battery itself actually overheating and causing damage to the rest of the battery, the car, and its inhabitants?

I have read in other threads that there are options short of replacing the IMA battery from 3rd party solutions (buying a new battery from someone other than a dealer) to home grown ones (recalibrating the battery, turning the IMA battery itself off). I'm wondering if anyone could point me to a good summary of options as I saw a number of different things out there and don't know how effective they each are. And finally...

5. Is there a preferred tool for reading these codes oneself? I've seen them referred to elsewhere but then others have said some of them aren't reliable/don't provide as much information. If this is something that is going to keep recurring, I would ideally like to read and clear the codes myself assuming the device is inexpensive which it sounds like it might be.

I will close by adding that my IMA light went out this afternoon.

Any help anyone could provide is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

Sean ]]> HCH I-Specific Discussions spsulliv http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f50/dreaded-p1449-ima-code-27792/ Tread Depot Deals http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f87/tread-depot-deals-27791/ Tue, 15 May 2012 20:34:52 GMT Tread Depot is currently giving people $50 off of any 4 wheel and tire set purchased, with free mounting and balancing. *does not apply to ATV... Tread Depot is currently giving people $50 off of any 4 wheel and tire set purchased, with free mounting and balancing.

*does not apply to ATV Wheels/Tires*

Now offering $25 off any non atv/utv set of 4 tires over $300 Until 5/18 at Midnight ]]> Wheels and Tires Tread Depot http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f87/tread-depot-deals-27791/ does anyone have a solution for rear tire wear? http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f51/does-anyone-have-solution-rear-tire-wear-27790/ Tue, 15 May 2012 06:45:34 GMT I have an `07 honda civic hybrid. I had the rear control arms replaced at 40,000 km, under warranty, honda kicked in half for the tire... I have an `07 honda civic hybrid. I had the rear control arms replaced at 40,000 km, under warranty, honda kicked in half for the tire (4)replacement. Temporary bliss. I am now at 80,000 km, (50,000 miles) and the rear tires need replacing again. Obviously the control arm replacement was a FAIL! (Unless a snow brush and a roll of paper towel is pushing the cargo weight limit?:lightbulb) The rear tires are literally roaring to be replaced, the fronts are fine. I don't think honda knows how to fix this and i certainly don't want anymore dunpoop tires. Does anyone know of an after market solution? Or is it just throwing good money after bad?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Ken ]]> HCH II-Specific Discussions schitzengiggles http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f51/does-anyone-have-solution-rear-tire-wear-27790/ Different tyres on the hybrid http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f51/different-tyres-hybrid-27789/ Mon, 14 May 2012 11:11:11 GMT Hi, I recently bought a used civic hybrid 2008. Loving every second of the car :) ! Was just wondering if there will be a effect on MPG as three of... Hi, I recently bought a used civic hybrid 2008. Loving every second of the car :) !
Was just wondering if there will be a effect on MPG as three of my tyres are the Michelin energy savers and one of them is a dunlop. Will it be worth replacing the dunlop?

Thanks and will be looking forward for your replies :) ]]> HCH II-Specific Discussions civichybrid http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f51/different-tyres-hybrid-27789/ I love my hybrid Highlander BUT... http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f31/i-love-my-hybrid-highlander-but-27788/ Sun, 13 May 2012 21:35:04 GMT Everything was great until I took my car in for the Intelligent Power Module recall. Mine was one of the ones in the affected range so they replaced... Everything was great until I took my car in for the Intelligent Power Module recall. Mine was one of the ones in the affected range so they replaced the module. I used to always get about 24 MPG (not great but I am a hard driver and the HH really is kind of fun). Since the module replacement (5 tanks) I am averaging about 20.5. My car has about 120,000 miles on it and has been totally trouble free. It still runs fine but I notice the engine is 'on' a lot more.

Has any one else has problems since the module replacement.

Thanks. ]]> Toyota Highlander Hybrid sbbamafan http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f31/i-love-my-hybrid-highlander-but-27788/ name change?? http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f29/name-change-27787/ Sun, 13 May 2012 17:56:22 GMT Is is possible to change my user name, mine no longer reflects me as I no longer own the Metallic pearl honda...I now have a Volt. Is is possible to change my user name, mine no longer reflects me as I no longer own the Metallic pearl honda...I now have a Volt. ]]> Bobs Metallic Pearl http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f29/name-change-27787/ 2012 Camry Hybrid Headlamp Upgrade Review http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f49/2012-camry-hybrid-headlamp-upgrade-review-27786/ Sun, 13 May 2012 16:25:44 GMT Hey guys, I wrote up a review of several lamps that I have tried in my 2012 XLE HV. You will need Adobe Reader to view it. I hope this is helpful to... Hey guys, I wrote up a review of several lamps that I have tried in my 2012 XLE HV. You will need Adobe Reader to view it. I hope this is helpful to some.

{Update - Corrected Typo, and added comment on the 4300K's color-shifting as of 5/14/12}

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HID-Review_Updated.pdf (951.2 KB)

]]> Toyota Camry Hybrid Jason Nipp http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f49/2012-camry-hybrid-headlamp-upgrade-review-27786/ lpg kit of chevrolet tahoe need information http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f69/lpg-kit-chevrolet-tahoe-need-information-27785/ Sun, 13 May 2012 07:29:41 GMT Hi, I have a 2008 chevrolet tahoe hybrid engine 6.0 l v8, and I want to convert to LPG. i live in Costa Rica and unlead fuel is very expensive ... Hi, I have a 2008 chevrolet tahoe hybrid engine 6.0 l v8, and I want to convert to LPG. i live in Costa Rica and unlead fuel is very expensive over $ 1.52 US per litre ,but lpg gas is $ 0.69 US per litre . In Germany German tuner has GeigerCars Developed to LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) conversion kit for the Chevy Tahoe hybrid(I do not believe them) , turning the full-hybrid (aka dual-mode) SUV can run on electric That power, combustion engine or a combination of Both, Into to "tri-mode" vehicle. but they sell very expensive over $ 5000 US . I heard that it is apparently a British Standard mark PrimI could buy it and I think this would be an excellent solution for global consumer tene more economical.
I have many questions

1 How they will manage the auto start (electric to Gasoline) in the system.
If I recall correct, the LPG and CNG make the engine start in gasoline for a few seconds, and then auto change to CNG mode.

2 which system should I buy to install and which Brand

3 when I start the car that I do on gasoline, accelerated to exceed 1200 rpm and automatically switch to gas or a gas once I start it???

Sorry for my English. I speak little

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]]> arafral http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f69/lpg-kit-chevrolet-tahoe-need-information-27785/ 12 V Battery replacement survey... http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f49/12-v-battery-replacement-survey-27784/ Fri, 11 May 2012 11:44:57 GMT (I was requested to set up this survey) Have you had to replace your 12 V battery? (I was requested to set up this survey)

Have you had to replace your 12 V battery? ]]> Toyota Camry Hybrid haroldo http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f49/12-v-battery-replacement-survey-27784/ HHO Booster http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f78/hho-booster-27783/ Thu, 10 May 2012 20:27:37 GMT Has anyone ever used or heard of the HHO Booster (http://www.elitehybridcars.com/hybrid-cars-news.html)? Has anyone ever used or heard of the HHO Booster? ]]> Alternative fuels jayrerickson http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f78/hho-booster-27783/ any non-American using Duracool / HC12 http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f51/any-non-american-using-duracool-hc12-27782/ Thu, 10 May 2012 19:58:57 GMT Duracool AKA HC12 is a refrigerant made of propane and butane. Not legal for cars in the US. Very common in the rest of the world. It cools... Duracool AKA HC12 is a refrigerant made of propane and butane. Not legal for cars in the US. Very common in the rest of the world.

It cools better than R134 at a much lower pressure, maybe a 40% less HP loss.

Might make a difference on a hybrid.
It's popular among some guys who restore vintage GMC motorhomes

read down the page

http://gmcmotorhome.info/heat.html ]]> HCH II-Specific Discussions hertfordnc http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f51/any-non-american-using-duracool-hc12-27782/ hybrid-battery-repair.com is gone http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f11/hybrid-battery-repair-com-gone-27781/ Wed, 09 May 2012 04:33:08 GMT From http://www.insightcentral.net/forums/problems-troubleshooting/22484-hybrid-battery-com.html ---Quote--- It is with deepest regret that I... From http://www.insightcentral.net/forums...ttery-com.html

Quote:

It is with deepest regret that I inform you that Hybrid-Battery.com has ceased operation and closed its' doors. Our battery supplier will no longer ship batteries to us and we can no longer fill orders.

We shipped more than 400 BetterBattery modules and without exception, every purchaser has expressed happiness with their new packs.

We have shipped all warranty batteries back to their owners, some working, some not, so that they will at least have a core for a Honda solution, or to purchase a battery from Re-Involt.com (ask for Dave Taylor) or from Hybrid-Revolt (Matt).

The repair business is no longer tenable and there are no good cells to be gotten anywhere for repairs. It is doubtful that anyone can repair a battery anymore and make it last more than a couple years.

Good luck to everyone and keep on hypermiling.

This will be my last post here.

Ron Hansen
Former President of Hybrid-Battery.com

]]> Honda Insight cwerdna http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f11/hybrid-battery-repair-com-gone-27781/ Finding Keyless Entry Combination http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f65/finding-keyless-entry-combination-27780/ Wed, 09 May 2012 02:59:19 GMT Hello, I recently bought an 06 Mariner Hybrid. I honestly think its the best and most practical car i've ever owned. The 4WD, the close to 30 MPG, etc but i don't need to tell you guys that.

Anyways, i bought the car used. It has a Keyless Entry Pad on the door as alot of Fords do, but i cannot find the combination. In the past my SHO had a card that came with the factory manual. I'm not so lucky this time. I've done some searching and i've heard if i get on the floor on the passenger side front and look upwards toward the radio, the combo is printed somewhere up there. Now i've tried this a few times and i'm pretty flexible but any numbers i've seen haven't worked. They are probably part numbers. Would anyone have more advice or pictures? Those would be best.

The Ford Dealer told me they can find it for about 50-70 bucks but if i can find it why give them my money?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks! ]]> Mercury Mariner Hybrid jruss1601 http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f65/finding-keyless-entry-combination-27780/