Getting Honda to warranty battery before 150k?
 

Not sure if this has been asked before but I have a 2007 and I know the battery warranty is up to 150k, I am currently creeping up and plan on keeping the car a while is there anyway I can get Honda to warranty the battery before it runs out just so I have some peace of mind?

Re: Getting Honda to warranty battery before 150k?
 

150K is only in certain states, and it's also tied to VIN, so don't take it for granted. Settlement warranty is only for 9yr/92,500 mi outside the 150K areas.

Honda replacement packs are notoriously short-lived as the quality of the NiMH cells has dropped. If you want to try and force an IMA light, drive like it's not a hybrid and use the A/C all the time. If you're already experiencing significant mileage deterioration and frequent recalibrations, you might be able to talk them into replacing it.

Good luck,

Steve

Re: Getting Honda to warranty battery before 150k?
 

I might add that they will not cover a 150+ Mile warranty car if you no longer live in the correct states that require it. I just ran into this. They say the vehicle must be "registered and operating" in the state in which the warranty was for. BS!!!!!

Re: Getting Honda to warranty battery before 150k?
 

I thought it was because they built the replacement packs with sticks from existing (used) packs.

Which cars have a 150K IMA warranty? My 2nd pack (yes, one of those short lived Honda replacements) is on its very last legs. If Honda modified the warranty, again, that might be helpful. Oh wait, how many years? This is starting to sound familiar. Mine is a 2003, so if its 10y/150k I'm still screwed.

Re: Getting Honda to warranty battery before 150k?
 

It's the worst of both worlds. They re-use old sticks and when they have to replace with new, the new ones are inferior to the originals.

Pretty sure it's 10/150.

Re: Getting Honda to warranty battery before 150k?
 

well you just answered a question I have. I bought a certified used 08 HCH that was originally bought in NY (i got this from the carfax) about 3 years ago at a dealer in VA. car has run reasonably well the whole time, but the check engine light/IMA light both came on (IMA light turned off by itself though after a day) a few days ago. looking at the IMA warranty, it says for PZEV vehicles, the warranty is 10/150 as many have noted. seeing as how i have the car registered in VA instead of NY, i think i'm screwed. that just doesn't make sense. i did have an extended warranty on my car for powertrain parts to 100k miles. does the IMA qualify as a powertrain part? my car is at 101k... i might be able to get them to work with me on that. who knows? only one way to find out i guess. i'm bringing the car in tomorrow to the dealership.

Re: Getting Honda to warranty battery before 150k?
 

Most extended warranties exclude the IMA system from the warranty as the IMA system is categorized as an emission system.

Check out the links in my sig. There are alternatives to replacement that are very inexpensive.

Re: Getting Honda to warranty battery before 150k?
 

Thanks Keith. It was what I expected. They said my battery pack crapped out and that I am no longer under warranty. They quoted me $400 in labor to swap out the old one and $2395 for a new battery (I live in the metro DC area).

Thanks for the tips. I'll give some of them a try and see what happens.

Re: Getting Honda to warranty battery before 150k?
 

If you look to replace it, don't consider a Honda pack. There are superior aftermarket options from Bumblebee and Hybrid ReVolt.

Additionally, if you don't want to go the DIY route, Hybrid Automotive sells a turnkey charger that makes grid charging almost convenient. Pack has to be pulled from car with my DIY charger.

Good luck,

Steve

Re: Getting Honda to warranty battery before 150k?
 

thank steve. just checked out both of those sites and i can at least save $300-500 off the part cost (not sure how much shipping may impact that though). i'm a little hesitant about replacing the pack myself (not very handy) and wouldn't mind paying for someone around my area to do it.

if it isn't too hard to replace, i guess i can try it. do you know if it requires any special tools?

Re: Getting Honda to warranty battery before 150k?
 

I've had lots of practice. I can do a full swap out of a pack in 15-20 minutes, but it's very easy.

Tools:

• 10mm wrench
• 3/8" Ratchet
• 3/8" 10mm socket
• 3/8" 12mm socket
• 3/8" T30 Torx
• cordless drill with 3/8" socket driver for speed.
• Voltmeter

Instructions:

1. Get radio or navigation code from dealer if you don't have it already.
2. Disconnect negative cable from 12V battery using 10mm wrench. While the pack is out of the car, it would be a good time to test your 12V. Anything older than 2 years is suspect in my book.
3. 2 10mm bolts between upper/lower cushions near seatbelts to remove lower seat foam. Lift up at front to remove.
4. 2 10mm bolts at bottom of upper seat cushion near door frame. Lift straight up firmly to disengage and pull forward an inch or two to prevent re-engagement and lower seat.
5. Route seatbelt straps behind cushion and remove cushion exposing IMA panel.
6. OPTIONAL: re-install lower seat cushion using only the snap in tabs as the front. Big comfort plus here.
7. Facing panel, route center seatbelt strap to the right side and gently tuck behind panel flange.
8. Remove masterswitch cover, 2X 10mm bolts.
9. Switch master off.
10. Remove 10mm bolt exposed when switch is off.
11. TAKE GREAT CARE TO AVOID BENDING IMA PANEL. THE PANEL PROVIDES AN AIR SEAL TO ALLOW COOING OF BATTERY AND IMA COMPONENTS.
12. CAREFULLY remove all T30 torx head screws. Make sure the bit is fully engaged before loosening.
13. Carefully remove panel from car.
14. Check voltage across the two main battery terminals. It should be zero. If there is a voltage, it should slowly drop. If terminal voltage is below 12V remove 10mm bolts securing terminal cables and bend them to the left so they will not obstruct the battery when removed.
15. Disconnect the lower connector and tuck it to the left of the small harness.
16. Disconnect the orange connector from the BCM and tuck to right (it's attached to the pack)
17. Remove 4X 12mm bolts at top and bottom of pack.
18. Flip out pack wire handles. Use handles to lift up and forward to remove from IMA cavity. I find it easy to have right foot outside car, left foot in foot well while doing this. I place it directly on the seat. Move both feet out and lift pack off seat and out of car. Pack weighs about 80#. Mechanic's or other protective gloves will aid in comfort as the wire handles are narrow and cause discomfort to unprotected flesh.

Installation is the reverse of removal. After connecting, start the car and let it idle until is shows either full bars on the battery or charging stops.

That's about it.

Steve