Insight Engine Problems

External Since: Feb 02, 2006 Posts: 1

I have a 2001 Insight (5 speed manual) that went in for service on Oct
of 05. The main battery pack went out and it took 3 weeks or so to
replace. After getting the car back it sputters when driving at a
constant speed. It feels like it is misfiring, even though that is not
the case. After taking the head mechanic on a test drive, they hooked
it up and found nothing wrong. With no lights and no problem codes, as
far as they are concerned, there is nothing wrong. One possible
problem they suggested is that I don't drive my car 'hard enough' and
there is a carbon build-up, which is my fault. Ok... so the manual and
all the fancy computer components and lights that tell you how to best
drive your vehicle are wrong??? Anyway... I digress. Has anyone had a
similar problem and, if so, what was the issue? Possible suggestions
(oxygenated gas, wrong oil, etc) would also be very helpful.

Thanks all,

Michael

External Since: Oct 30, 2004 Posts: 1802

<birdflight RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1138916391.429571.193590@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>I have a 2001 Insight (5 speed manual) that went in for service on Oct
> of 05. The main battery pack went out and it took 3 weeks or so to
> replace. After getting the car back it sputters when driving at a
> constant speed. It feels like it is misfiring, even though that is not
> the case. After taking the head mechanic on a test drive, they hooked
> it up and found nothing wrong. With no lights and no problem codes, as
> far as they are concerned, there is nothing wrong. One possible
> problem they suggested is that I don't drive my car 'hard enough' and
> there is a carbon build-up, which is my fault. Ok... so the manual and
> all the fancy computer components and lights that tell you how to best
> drive your vehicle are wrong??? Anyway... I digress. Has anyone had a
> similar problem and, if so, what was the issue? Possible suggestions
> (oxygenated gas, wrong oil, etc) would also be very helpful.
>
> Thanks all,
>
> Michael
>
I realize the Insight is a different system than I am accustomed to, but
there are a couple possibilities...

One is that the problem is not with the engine, but it is the IMA being
weird. I especially wonder about that since the battery pack was just
replaced. Add to that that the "check engine" light isn't telling you
something is wrong with the combustion and it makes me say, "hmm...."

Otherwise, I would suspect the usual sorts of things - any tune-up parts
that are out of date, cleanings that the owner's manual never mentions like
throttle body, PVC, injectors, etc.

But first it would be good to determine that the IMA is not leading you down
the wrong path.

Mike