• 11/01 - I had the oil changed just after I bought it. Since it had 7800 miles on it and the dealer didn't know if the oil was changed (they didn't change it either) I went ahead and did it anyway. I went ahead and bought a case of Honda's special 0-W20 synthetic oil for the Insight (it only requires 2.5 quarts per oil change!), two filters (OEM), and two oil drain washers from a Honda parts distributor. The shop I used to take my Plymouth Neon and Chevy Beretta to agreed to change the oil on this car. They only charged me $8.50 for the time and the oil, filter and washer ran about $7.00. Oil filter comparison
• 1/2/2002 - The check engine light came on today. Hopefully it is something simple. The Honda dealer (Fairfield Motors in Muncy, PA) can't put it in the shop to look at it until January 7. It seems to be running fine in the mean time. Many people report faulty oxygen sensors. They cost $241 but Sipper is under warranty. Update I picked my car up on 1/8 from the dealer. The computer reported a P1164 error code - an oxygen sensor. They are ordering the part and will have it in around 1/15.
• 1/17/2002 - Took the Insight to the dealership for replacement of the oxygen sensor. The check engine light came back on while it was on order. They replaced the sensor, took a 6.6 mile, 57.5mpg test drive, and washed the car for free. It snowed the next day and got dirty right away. Let's see how long the light stays off this time.
• 3/5/2002 - The check engine light came on again today. This is the second instance. I suspect another oxygen sensor. I'm going to stop by the dealership later this week to have it serviced again. I'll bet it's the oxygen sensor.
• 3/13/2002 - I took Sipper to the local Honda dealership today. They put it in the shop right away and got the P1164 code again just like the first time (1/2/02). They called Honda for warranty authorization and Honda told them to reset the light and send me on my way - they didn't replace the oxygen sensor. The dealer told me that Honda was expecting to have a software fix for the emissions control system in May and that would fix the problem. His indication was that the sensor was activating the P1164 code when the mixture gets too lean.
• 3/25/2002 - Oil change and tire rotation near 15,000 miles. The front tires had more wear than the rear tires before the rotation - this should even it out some. Had to inflate the tires back up to 45 psi after picking it up.
• 5/4/2002 - I'm going to perform the MCM reset as described in the Insight owners group on Yahoo to see if it improves battery charge condition and mileage. UPDATE - no particular increase in mileage or SOC conditioning after one week of observation.
• 5/9/2002 - The check engine light came on today. I've got to get the code reset again for the oxygen sensor - this is the third instance. The MCM reset seemed to have worked in terms of battery charge condition and MPG. The weather has gotten nicer and the MCM reset combined to give me excellent mileage recently.
• 5/11/2002 - The check engine light turned off on its own today. Each previous occurrence it came on and it stayed on until reset by the dealer.
• 8/25/2002 - Started my car for the first time in 78 days since I was on the DiscoveryRide. It had 2/3 charge when I stored it and it still had the 2/3 charge two months later. I experienced my first three battery recalibrations within a week of putting the car back into service. I hope the battery recals stop.
• October 2002 - I have noticed more and more battery recalibrations this fall since letting the car sit for the summer. I happens most when the SOC meter drops below 1/2 charge and when I'm going up long grades.
• 11/4/2002 - Oil and filter change, tires rotated and inspection near 21,000 miles. I completely forgot to have an inspection by the end of September and I was at the scene of an accident as a witness when a state police officer noticed my expired sticker. Oops. Had to inflate the tires back up to 45 psi after picking it up. Battery recals aren't as frequent any more. They usually only happen when I drain the battery really fast and get it below 1/4 to 1/3 charge.
• 11/28/2002 - Battery recalibrations are a rare occurrence now. They only happen when climbing for an extended amount of time and the charge falls below 1/4.
• 2/3/2003 - Check engine light came on. I'll get it reset when I have the ECM replaced this month.
• 2/20/2003 - 26821 miles - I just picked up Sipper from Dix Honda in State College, PA and they did an outstanding job. I am happier with the quality of service they provided than when I took it to Fairfield in Montoursville. I dropped it off on Sunday, February 16 with a laundry list of things to do. The entire service was free since it was covered under warranty and recall notices (Assumed total cost based on Honda parts catalog: $3449.18 plus four hours labor). Here's what was accomplished:

1. Diagnosed CEL and it was P1164 again (air fuel ratio error fault). The PCM recall is designed to alleviate that problem.
2. Performed the ECM recall (02-081). Replaced ECM with updated controller, programmed four keys, performed idle learn procedure, test drove car. Cost to Honda: $669.58 for ECM plus labor.
3. Performed IMA controller recall (I assume they replaced both the Motor Control Module (MCM) and Battery Condition Module (BCM) (recall number 01-102) Cost to Honda: $792.33 for MCM $1745.80 for the BCM plus labor.
4. Installed updated window regulator and motor assembly as per service bulletin. They lubricated the window run tracks with silicone spray which they recommend twice a year for best performance. Cost to Honda: $241.48 for regulator plus labor.
5. Checked shifting performance. They indicated that a sticky shifter is typical during cold weather since transmission fluid is cold.
   blah

• After the 2/20 work was done I noticed that the transition from lean burn to normal burn mode is more gradual and smooth than before. The IMA also force charges the battery much earlier than before. Force charging usually only took place below 1/2 charge but it did it today above 3/4 charge and the BCM filled up quickly. The transition from IMA to non-IMA operation is also smoother. I used to be able to feel when the car went in and out of lean burn and assist but now it is absolutely seamless! Read John Wayland's experience with his ECM recall. I also bought an S2000 antenna which I installed and it looks really nice! They also made me another key. Each cost around $20. On my way home the rear attachment bolt on the driver's side wheel skirt came off and I arrived home with the skirt dangling. I zip tied it back on and need to work on a replacement bolt. I might begin to use a zip tie on each wheel skirt anyway since the cost to replace the skirt is very expensive ($209.65).

Current maintenance issues (2/20/03)

• I have to replace the A/C pollen filter once it gets warm enough outside for me to want to do it
• Need to replace the clutch switch on my Rostra cruise control. It has squeaked since the day I bought it.

How to reset the MCM:

"Turn the ignition switch OFF, and remove the No. 18 BACK UP (7.5A) fuse (A) from the under-dash fuse/relay box (B) for 10 seconds.

NOTE: If the MCM has been reset, the IMA battery level indicator (BAT) will not indicate the state of charge when the engine is started. Refer to the 'How to End a Troubleshooting Session' to set the correct state of charge." The section on "How to End a Troubleshooting Session" says:

1. Reset the MCM
2. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
3. Remove the No. 15 EPS (40 A) fuse from the under-hood fuse/relay box.
4. Start the engine, and hold it at 3,500 rpm with no load (in neutral) until the IMA battery level indicator (BAT) on the gauge becomes normal.
5. Reinstall the No.15 EPS (40 A) fuse.

Maintenance information

• Battery information as it relates to draw and replacement