I see/hear of many battery failures. I just picked up an 03 that had the battery pack replaced in Jul 07 and the IMA light came on with the CEL. The dealer that replaced it stated they would take care of it but if Honda says no, I am wondering what's needed to throw in a regular motor and scrap the battery pack. I know motor, wire harness, gauge cluster and things like that.

What would be involved with getting rid of the battery pack. I would most likely take that to the dealer so they could dispose of it correctly. I really could careless about not having the all the hybrid stuff, just as long as I have the hybrid VIN so I can continue to get use of the HOV lane since I have an "HOV" plate.

So, any input would be greatly appreciated. I am not looking into swapping a K20 or anything like that. And the only other thing that would have to be retained is the ac.

 

The dealer called me to let me know something didn't get connected back when I pulled off the plastic cover and that is all it was.

Still interested to know though what will be needed to make this happen. I guess the R18 is a real fuel efficient motor.

 

I could be wrong but I believe the civic engine will continue to work without the IMA. But no point in hauling the extra weight. The battery could be removed fairly easily, leaving the electric motor in place (it is essentially the fly wheel). Granted, it's still extra weight but it would still work.

 

Remember these cars do not have alternators, so the electric motor charges the engine battery as well as the pack. As long as the battery is being charged and the engine and lights work you should be able to go.I would not remove anything!Hal

 

Hal, thanks for chiming in. Would you by chance have an idea though what would be needed to make the the Hybrid a regular driving Civic?

 

For the HCH I...you would need to:

1. You would need to remove the rear battery pack.
2. Swap out the engine with regular civic.
3. Add an alternator
4. Swap out the AC compressor (with Civic regular version)
5. Swap out the transmission (assuming you have CVT)
6. Swap out gas tank…I think the regular version is slightly bigger.
7. Swap out steering electric motor. Not sure if regular had electric steering.
…

----
Minor stuff

1. replace all the glass with regular civic glass
2. remove the rear wing lip
3. remove front air dam
4. Paint the side mirrors black
5. Paint side door moldings black
6. Replace alloy wheels with regular steel wheels and hub cap.
7. Relocate antenna (not in the middle on regular civic)
8. Replace the rear bench seat with a fold down seat.
...
---

I'm sure there is more…not sure how far you want to go to make it a civic.

 

I would not convert to a regular Civic. I would maintain it as is! Hal

 

Thanks Hal. 1-7 should do it. The benefit of the Hybrid is having access to HOV lane. At times I wish I would have never gotten one but after using the HOV lane for the past 3 years, I couldn't imagine not being able to use it.

I just think replacing the motor (already have a 5 speed) is far more practical than spending that much on a battery pack. Civic motors are a dime a dozen and can be had for really cheap.

Hal, one more question for ya if ya don't mind...
The car was regularly serviced. Do you think there would be any issues using Mobil? Based on the receipts, it appears the customer had always used Honda 0-20.

 

Most hch owners use mobile o-20 purchased at Wal-Mart. I would , but never have found it here in Can. It is possible mobile makes it for Honda?

 

I posted this question over on Honda-Tech and they said the K20 from the Si should drop right in. I guess that's what going in when the battery pack decides to go.