Hello

I'd like to get some advice. My 2004 has had trouble starting up a couple times in the last week. Basically, I turn the key and nothing happens. Both times it was after I had been driving for awhile...last week I was getting gas, once I was done I could not start the car (annoyed some other customers who wanted to get gas!). It happened again yesterday....when I noticed when I locked the car (alarm) the sound it makes was "distorted" like it didn't have enough power to make the noise. I then unlocked, got in and couldn't start up. Both times I just waited a half hour or so and it started right up. Also, the IMA batter was more that 2/3 charged yesterday so I'm not sure that is the problem. There has been no IMA indicator fault (warning light) as of yet.

Now...I've had history with this. This happened a could of times some years ago and Honda replaced the IMA battery (under warranty). In fact, I'm on my THIRD IMA battery...this present one has about 50K miles (put in at 120K and now at 171K).

So...do I go to the dealer and see if it's the IMA or do I go a cheap route and see if the regular car battery needs replacement (much cheaper). After having lucked out with not paying for a new IMA the last two times I'm guessing I'll be footing the bill this time.

Any thoughts, ideas?

Thanks

jom

 

how old is your regular battery? do you have a load tester available to test your regular battery? can you check the running and 'off' voltage with a multimeter?

 

Not exactly sure of the age of the battery. I'm guessing 50K miles also. However, I did have the regulator battery checked and they said it was OK.

The car died yet again today (popped the clutch to get it to start) and dropped it off at the local Honda dealer so as to avoid a tow. I guess I'll see what happens tomorrow...I just thought I'd get some advice here.

Thanks

jom

 

try this website for help for civic hybrids.
Honda Civic Hybrid - GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars

 

Had an 04 Hybrid very briefly with 280k km on it and we found out that one of the fuses in the headlights kept running even when the car was off and no key in.

It didn't have headlights at the time but if you didn't pull the drivers headlight fuse, it'd drain the battery. Didn't figure out until I put a bulb in too see them never turn off.

I had a few people mention that it could be the low/high beam selector stick on the steering wheel sticking. I never got around to fixing since the car too much of an problem/hassle at the time, so I sold it.

Most likely not the same as your issue but it could be something similar that is staying on.