Can a low hybrid battery stop a Honda Civic from starting?
A low or dead hybrid battery should not prevent your engine from starting because it also has a conventional 12-volt battery in the engine compartment, and a conventional starter motor to crank the engine. This system serves as a backup for the hybrid battery, and is also used during cold weather to start the engine.
Where is the battery located on a Honda Civic?
The problem has been premature battery failure, which often is NOT covered under warranty. The affected vehicles are 2003 to 2005 Civic Hybrids (1st gen) and 2005 to 2011 Civic Hybrids (2nd gen). The high voltage hybrid battery is part of the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system and is located behind the back seat.
How can I tell if my Honda Civic Hybrid is having problems?
Your car’s self-diagnostic system will detect most problems that can occur in the hybrid battery or charging system. If a fault is detected, one or more fault codes will be set and the IMA warning light will be illuminated.
Is the IMA battery bad on a Honda Civic?
Your Civic may run with a bad IMA battery but you’ll likely be getting far worse mileage than normal as the generator trying to fully charge the battery will put a parasitic drag on the engine. Your Civic battery can likely be rebuilt, check http://www.hybrid-battery-repair.com/ for more information (no affiliation).
A low or dead hybrid battery should not prevent your engine from starting because it also has a conventional 12-volt battery in the engine compartment, and a conventional starter motor to crank the engine. This system serves as a backup for the hybrid battery, and is also used during cold weather to start the engine.
The problem has been premature battery failure, which often is NOT covered under warranty. The affected vehicles are 2003 to 2005 Civic Hybrids (1st gen) and 2005 to 2011 Civic Hybrids (2nd gen). The high voltage hybrid battery is part of the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system and is located behind the back seat.
Your car’s self-diagnostic system will detect most problems that can occur in the hybrid battery or charging system. If a fault is detected, one or more fault codes will be set and the IMA warning light will be illuminated.
Your Civic may run with a bad IMA battery but you’ll likely be getting far worse mileage than normal as the generator trying to fully charge the battery will put a parasitic drag on the engine. Your Civic battery can likely be rebuilt, check http://www.hybrid-battery-repair.com/ for more information (no affiliation).