I have a 2003 civic hybrid at just over 146k miles. The IMA battery had been struggling for a while and I let it sit for too long. It deteriorated to the point where it needed to be replaced. I'm not sure if it had been replaced previously. I swapped the IMA battery for a refurbished one, but the IMA and check engine lights are still on. The red 12v battery light comes on when idling or below 1500rpm.
It starts and drives ok, but I'm wondering if there's a way to kickstart the IMA into charging? I attempted to charge the IMA by revving the engine and holding at 3500rpm, but had no luck. I have done some basic research on grid charging, but I don't know that much about it. I would like to avoid taking it into the dealership if possible. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

IMA light can come one for a few dozen different reasons. Get your codes checked.

If the codes are battery related, and the symptoms suggest so, you need to contact the battery supplier for a replacement. Good "refurbished" IMA batteries a rare and only come from reputable sources.

You can pull the IPU lid and probe the back of the BCM connector while still plugged in. The 10 voltages should be nearly identical:

https://electricvehicleforums.com/fo...62/#post268612

 

I checked the codes, and they are battery related. (P0A80, P1600, P0420) I'll be contacting the battery supplier.
Thanks for your time!

 

While it indicates a battery failure on Toyotas, P0A80 isn't a valid code for the HCH1.
P1600 is a general IMA fault - it means nothing on its own.
P0420 is a failed/underperforming upstream catalytic converter.

Try again.