2001 Honda Insight ZE1 - Citrus Yellow
Discussion
Well, I doubt any of you saw this coming, but the car itself is hard to miss!
How did this come to be? Well, let's take stock of 2023 developments and a quick 'fleet update':
Rover 75 Tourer - Sold in August, thanks to ULEZ.
Alfa Romeo 164 - Retired to the country, thanks to ULEZ, SORNed.
Saab 900 Turbo - With a specialist for planned structural works, then off to a paint shop for the next 18 months until it is ULEZ exempt, SORNed.
MG ZT-T 260 - With a specialist for remedial subframe, bushes and undercarraige works for the next 3+ months.
That leaves us with a driveway of:
Alfa Romeo GTV - Daily commuting duties for my wife.
Saab 99 - Garaged classic, fully working but sadly 'too good to daily' in the winter or inclement weather. My wife is very protective!
At the start of September, with the wife out and the Saab cleaned for Goodwood, I looked at the driveway and realised I didnt have a car to use. Immediate remedial action was required.
I had perhaps 3k (maybe), and started sifting through my long ULEZ-compatible wishlist. Peugeot 406 Coupe, Alfa 166, Panda 100HP, Audi A2... lots to consider...but wait, what's in this Car & Classic 3-5k bucket? A manual, citrus Insight with 194k a short hop away in Isleworth? This I had to see!
I have long been a fan of the Citreon DS, SM and the ZE1 (as the first gen is known) really piqued my interest in recent years. After following Jonny Smith's 320k example I became convinced it was a DIY-able modern spaceship, and I was very keen to realise my fantasy of playing Deckard from Blade Runner. While 24mpg in my MG is a joy each time, the amount of miles we'll be doing in coming years really means I miss the 50+ I enjoyed in the Rover.
The owner was wonderfully helpful - he was a relatively recent custodian after the previous owner emigrated, and related its long history and (ahem) list of issues. He also had a Volvo 164 (164!) and Singer Chamois in the garage, so was a fellow lover of eccentric motors. Luckily he was on my train journey home from work, so on a balmy summer's eve I dropped in, was instantly smitten and took it for a quick test drive.
Naturally my wife arriving in the Saab 99 and declaring it 'a thing of beauty' was the clincher. After a short negotiation, in large part promising to get it back to full working order, a deal was done.
After a busy Revival Friday, I returned to pick it up on Saturday, including a few choice spares, manuals, the ENTIRE service and bill history and a trickle charger.
Of course, it has a list of issues, but there is a significant enthusiast base in the UK and everything should be known or repairable.
Most importantly... I've heard a Nexus-5 was reported in Sector Phi/66, so I'm heading over there once the acid rain lets up to 'retire' it.
Plenty more to come on this one...especially as it need a new battery, IMA fixes, SRS light, some dents, misted headlights, rear tyres... <fade to mumbling...>
How did this come to be? Well, let's take stock of 2023 developments and a quick 'fleet update':
Rover 75 Tourer - Sold in August, thanks to ULEZ.
Alfa Romeo 164 - Retired to the country, thanks to ULEZ, SORNed.
Saab 900 Turbo - With a specialist for planned structural works, then off to a paint shop for the next 18 months until it is ULEZ exempt, SORNed.
MG ZT-T 260 - With a specialist for remedial subframe, bushes and undercarraige works for the next 3+ months.
That leaves us with a driveway of:
Alfa Romeo GTV - Daily commuting duties for my wife.
Saab 99 - Garaged classic, fully working but sadly 'too good to daily' in the winter or inclement weather. My wife is very protective!
At the start of September, with the wife out and the Saab cleaned for Goodwood, I looked at the driveway and realised I didnt have a car to use. Immediate remedial action was required.
I had perhaps 3k (maybe), and started sifting through my long ULEZ-compatible wishlist. Peugeot 406 Coupe, Alfa 166, Panda 100HP, Audi A2... lots to consider...but wait, what's in this Car & Classic 3-5k bucket? A manual, citrus Insight with 194k a short hop away in Isleworth? This I had to see!
I have long been a fan of the Citreon DS, SM and the ZE1 (as the first gen is known) really piqued my interest in recent years. After following Jonny Smith's 320k example I became convinced it was a DIY-able modern spaceship, and I was very keen to realise my fantasy of playing Deckard from Blade Runner. While 24mpg in my MG is a joy each time, the amount of miles we'll be doing in coming years really means I miss the 50+ I enjoyed in the Rover.
The owner was wonderfully helpful - he was a relatively recent custodian after the previous owner emigrated, and related its long history and (ahem) list of issues. He also had a Volvo 164 (164!) and Singer Chamois in the garage, so was a fellow lover of eccentric motors. Luckily he was on my train journey home from work, so on a balmy summer's eve I dropped in, was instantly smitten and took it for a quick test drive.
Naturally my wife arriving in the Saab 99 and declaring it 'a thing of beauty' was the clincher. After a short negotiation, in large part promising to get it back to full working order, a deal was done.
After a busy Revival Friday, I returned to pick it up on Saturday, including a few choice spares, manuals, the ENTIRE service and bill history and a trickle charger.
Of course, it has a list of issues, but there is a significant enthusiast base in the UK and everything should be known or repairable.
Most importantly... I've heard a Nexus-5 was reported in Sector Phi/66, so I'm heading over there once the acid rain lets up to 'retire' it.
Plenty more to come on this one...especially as it need a new battery, IMA fixes, SRS light, some dents, misted headlights, rear tyres... <fade to mumbling...>
Edited by Spinakerr on Friday 15th September 15:55
Thanks all! As always great to have a warm PH welcome to a new project.
Cambs_Stuart said:
That's a really interesting thing. What's it like to drive?
Just completed 300 miles, and initial impressions are very good. Steering is excellently direct an early electrci setup but with a tiny wheel (S2000?), ride is firm and it is a little noisy. Hills are my new enemy - this reminds me of my old 1.6 Ford Capri, where judging the run-ups and conservation of momentum were key!JonnyVTEC said:
Great stuff. My readers thread is down here of my Insight too.
Yes I did read your thread entirely - thank you!Vsix and Vtec said:
I'm fairly certain that the Insight ( or maybe CRZ) is going to be what I end up driving once the government ban my Jaguar. I like Honda products, and I've always felt the Prius never deserved to be so widely sold when the Insight seemed a much nicer car. I love the wheel spats, really harks back to the streamline cars of the 1930's, but with the wonderful "futuristic" dash. Congratulations on finding such an interesting and rarely seen motor! (Plus Blade Runner is my all time favourite film)
It is in my top 5, and the new 2049 I really enjoyed too. This car defintiely is more of an eye-catcher that committed to its ethos in looks. Mr Tidy said:
Fascinating car there. 
Is it just the photo, or is the bonnet a different colour?
Well spotted - the original 20 year old paint has faded on top from UV, so it is graded from 'light lemon' down to 'deep lime' in a vertial fashion. Plus, the front bumper has been replaced at some point due to a knock.Is it just the photo, or is the bonnet a different colour?
jeremyc said:
The only positive side to ULEZ is the rise in the number of interesting cars in SW London. 
Interesting choice - I look forward to the resurrection.
Ha! Thanks, let's see how far I get - I must say its a genuininely engaging little escape pod to pilot.Interesting choice - I look forward to the resurrection.
Cambs_Stuart said:
Have you considered that if you were to add the V8 rover and insight together, then divide by two the result would be two average, normal cars?
Indeed, but where's the fun in average! As long as one car is in working order and on the driveway at any one time, I'm set!SirGriffin said:
There's a guy on YouTube who has replaced the (presumably blown) engine with a 50cc lawnmower engine - it still retains the variable drive transmission which is just a belt between pulleys. Goes surprisingly well!
Fortunately I have the manual, which has L O N G gears - continuous downshifting for hills if I haven't managed to build up momentum - the 3 cyclinder is willing but still; struggles. Definitely work to be done.The joy of a new vehicle and those first easy fixes, lulling you into a false sense of progress and inextricably weaving a commitment that will lead to heart over wallet purchases in future...
The rear bumper squidge was an easy fix with a hairdryer and a rubber mallet - fortunately easy access for this one.
I'll have a go at gettign the trim back to black at some point, never fear.
First few trips allowed some reassuring warning lights to make their presence known on the dash - IMA, check engine, SRS, fuel light...
The IMA/EML are related to the battery and IMA - this was known and the car will operate, to some extent, as intended for about 100 miles if charged externally, but after that a few lights will pop up. The 'charge' green bars rarely come on, the 'asst' for motor IMA never come on and the 'battery' meter just generally drops. That'll be a job for an expert.
The fuel light is a common issue of the level sender failing - it is under the battery pack so I am hoping this can be rectified at the saem time as the above.
The SRS light, as we all know, is going to be a connector somewhere that needs a little nudge. There are some loose panels around the seatbelts, and plenty of info on the forums, so I'll tackle that at some point.
Naturally, far more imprtant than any of that was giving is a clean.
Externally, a careful power wash removed mould and ingrained grot, and after removal of the spats around 2kg of amalgamated mud and soil...
Some of the paint is looking very, er, 'delicate' on the bonnet and doors, so I kept the power low. A proper clay and polish as some point should improve it a fair bit.
The engine bay was my main concern - there was a lot of leaves, detritus and a mouse nest hidden in the orange power cable, lower bowels and every nook and cranny.
One of the best purchases I have ever made is this Carpro engine brush - its ability to clean around bolts, recesses and shrug off every engine fluid & cleaning chemical is unmatched.
A short while later... now I can rest easy, and no doubt that's another few hundred grams shaved...
Finally, while seeing my parents we dropped into the Yeovil Honda dealership to pick up two new number plates - the rear original was an MOT advisory and new number plates are a mandatory 'new car' purchase for me:
Interesting to scan the prices of new Honda ... things... - 46k for an SUV thing? 50k for a hybrid thing? Really?
Anyway, great service from the team in Yeovil, and plates a vary reasonablle 10.99 each, instantly produced.
Old...
...and new.
WIth the electrical gremlins still present I don't think I'll be letting the wife use this for required commuting just yet. It also needs two new rear tyres to replace the current HobNobs fitted, and then I'll tackle the EGR and various 'common ailments' before winter sets in.
Oh, and I also need to get a copy of the WipeOut 2097 soundtrack from 1996...
The rear bumper squidge was an easy fix with a hairdryer and a rubber mallet - fortunately easy access for this one.
I'll have a go at gettign the trim back to black at some point, never fear.
First few trips allowed some reassuring warning lights to make their presence known on the dash - IMA, check engine, SRS, fuel light...
The IMA/EML are related to the battery and IMA - this was known and the car will operate, to some extent, as intended for about 100 miles if charged externally, but after that a few lights will pop up. The 'charge' green bars rarely come on, the 'asst' for motor IMA never come on and the 'battery' meter just generally drops. That'll be a job for an expert.
The fuel light is a common issue of the level sender failing - it is under the battery pack so I am hoping this can be rectified at the saem time as the above.
The SRS light, as we all know, is going to be a connector somewhere that needs a little nudge. There are some loose panels around the seatbelts, and plenty of info on the forums, so I'll tackle that at some point.
Naturally, far more imprtant than any of that was giving is a clean.
Externally, a careful power wash removed mould and ingrained grot, and after removal of the spats around 2kg of amalgamated mud and soil...
Some of the paint is looking very, er, 'delicate' on the bonnet and doors, so I kept the power low. A proper clay and polish as some point should improve it a fair bit.
The engine bay was my main concern - there was a lot of leaves, detritus and a mouse nest hidden in the orange power cable, lower bowels and every nook and cranny.
One of the best purchases I have ever made is this Carpro engine brush - its ability to clean around bolts, recesses and shrug off every engine fluid & cleaning chemical is unmatched.
A short while later... now I can rest easy, and no doubt that's another few hundred grams shaved...
Finally, while seeing my parents we dropped into the Yeovil Honda dealership to pick up two new number plates - the rear original was an MOT advisory and new number plates are a mandatory 'new car' purchase for me:
Interesting to scan the prices of new Honda ... things... - 46k for an SUV thing? 50k for a hybrid thing? Really?
Anyway, great service from the team in Yeovil, and plates a vary reasonablle 10.99 each, instantly produced.
Old...
...and new.
WIth the electrical gremlins still present I don't think I'll be letting the wife use this for required commuting just yet. It also needs two new rear tyres to replace the current HobNobs fitted, and then I'll tackle the EGR and various 'common ailments' before winter sets in.
Oh, and I also need to get a copy of the WipeOut 2097 soundtrack from 1996...
mb148 said:
Great little car and looking forward to more updates, love you went for dealer plates!
It was actually an old thread on PH that put me onto dealers being cheaper than a lot of the online resellers, so with a fresh V5 I thought it would be fun to have the Honda logo on them.The fact that Yeovil is called 'Horizon' leant a certain sci fi edge too - not a bad alternative name for an innovative car, that...
-Ad- said:
Cracking car and citrus is the best colour.
My Mrs wants to switch my silver/grey one for a citrus one
Good luck with all the work, I recommend hitting it all at once and getting it as right as possible.
Mine failed MOT this year on 2 leaky rear shocks, now I've got x2 Gaz Shocks and Scott's (Killer3cylinder.com) springs to sort the rear out. You've just missed a wee group buy organised on the UK Facebook group.
Thanks, I've heard from so many owners, almost all 'on the sly' as if they are concerned about their petrolhead credentials! Makes me chuckle; I remeber my 17 year old self in 2001 having to 'go with the flow' by being snarky about hybrid tech, all the while my eyes glittering with dreams of gliding through downtown Osaka in neon-drenched evening drizzle...My Mrs wants to switch my silver/grey one for a citrus one
Good luck with all the work, I recommend hitting it all at once and getting it as right as possible.
Mine failed MOT this year on 2 leaky rear shocks, now I've got x2 Gaz Shocks and Scott's (Killer3cylinder.com) springs to sort the rear out. You've just missed a wee group buy organised on the UK Facebook group.
Some further easy fixes and tinkering this weekend - first up, the aerial was looking forlorn:
I'm typically an 'OEM' type, but for some reason a smaller aerial attracted me, to match the aero washer jet and other 'minimal, smooth' adornments of the car's design ethos. I will never use the radio, so offering this up for judgement:
The rear wiper was completely past it, and while poking around Insight Central a large number of posters advocate removal...I though its worth a go as a reversable mod.
The wiper popped off with some gentle encouragement, then a 22mm socket on the Stahlwille took care of the securing nut.
Inside, a cackling parliament of fragile clips await you, each ready the split, crack or fall into some nether-world of the bodywork, ready to rattle at you until the end of time. Two little fasteners near the latch 'push in' to release, a neat design, and the rest just requires 'firm encouragement to disengage'. Sure.
Three 10mm bolts and an unclipped connector later, the wiper was out, shedding 500g and a fresh 37mm blank with some sealant tidies it nicely.
I applied some indepth glass cleaner action inside and out, then RainX to encourage hydrophobia. I think this is a significant improvement:
On the subject of fasteners and clips, I couldn't leave some of the missing screws and clips in the wheel arches and trim alone. It simply Would Not Do to have unsymmetrical holes.
First up, the rear wheel spats had 'ZusZ' (or something like that) fasteners, with a large flathead slot. I had a premonition of a future rainy nighttime breakdown where a flathead is not present, so ordered a test 'D type' 21mm for the missing screw, which can be operated with human fingers only. Hopefully, I'll always have a set of those on me.
Perfect! Three more ordered.
But wait... more clips and screws are missing... I dug out my store of used bits, refitted the wheelarch liners, undertrays and aligned a few items. Much better!
With those little wins completed, I'm starting a 'grid deep disharge cycle' procedure, following the current level of conjecture over on the Insight Central forum... wish me luck...
Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 24th September 09:39
-Ad- said:
Cracking work.
Do you have a link to where you grabbed those rear wheel cover d-ring fixings? I hate the flat headed ones with a passion.
Enjoy the deep discharge procedure. The last time I did it, I only used 1 bulb, so the full multi discharge/charger cycles took a week
Yes of course - I tried a few but these DZUS are from speedyfasteners, specfication:Do you have a link to where you grabbed those rear wheel cover d-ring fixings? I hate the flat headed ones with a passion.
Enjoy the deep discharge procedure. The last time I did it, I only used 1 bulb, so the full multi discharge/charger cycles took a week
Dzus Length: 21mm
Head Style: Black Bail Handle (D-Ring)
Cambs_Stuart said:
Just remind me what a grid deep discharge cycle is?
I didn't know either until two weeks ago, and there are many, many schools of thought, but its the practise of charging and discharging a battery to attempt ot bring it back to full functionality. For the Insight, there is a crowded forum and two decades worth of very smart people exploring all the options. I'm going with three full charge and discharge cycles, over about 4 days, using some contrations that came wiht the car.If it works, I might be back to normal motoring with a happy bank balance, if not we'll be setting a date in the calendar to vitis Peter Perkins in Yorkshire...
Thanks all - and yes its 4x100!
Its been a highly technical week of grid charging and cycling the battery this week... I have a notebook full of voltages and timestamps, and took the average of conjecture across 20 years of smart people on Honda forums experimenting.
In short, I completed three full charge/discharge cycles using some Back To The Future-esque equipment a previous owner constructed. I also found in the history a similar record of one of these cycles. I'm not electrically adept - mechanics, metals and petrol bits fine, magic coloured cables that move electrons (controversial statement), not so much.
Tehre's not much to show pictorially, but it would make for a good sideplot in a sitcom as I would check it before heaidnt o work, get anxious about the discharge rate and have to call my wife to hurry over and check the numbers, label switches and generally get wound up about moving numbers on a screen. Which is my day job, so this was a proper bus driver's holiday. I was also paranoid the fans on the battery pack would fail, or some other calamity that would begin a Homer Simpson-esque meltdown on my driveway.
Yesterday evening I tentatively unplugged the equipment, reconnected the 12V battery, muttered a quick prayer to Nikolai Tesla's memory, and turned the key.
Charging light first as it recalibrates... good...
Battery meter slowly building as it retabulates the 'State Of Charge' (SOC)...
...and we're back to full health.
OK, so far so good - time for a quick, gentle drive.
For the first time the regenerative braking kicked in, which caught me off guard. The Auto Stop worked correctly when clutch is down at a stop... good...also correct operation - time to set a 0-60mph.
Result! The ASST kicked in, a noticeable boost to the car's performance (and smooth running)!
In the last 24hrs, 70 miles have been dispatched over varied driving, and so far, it appears to be running like it should.
Now the test is - how many miles will it go without throwing a code or havign an issue? TIme will tell, but for now its great to know it has the *capability to run correctly. This motor ASST makes all the difference! Its really, wonderfully satifyign to drive and super smooth. The motor gets you up inclines and out of junctions neatly, the steering is sharp, the size and weight making this a delightful machine for cruising, even if the extra long gears ensure it will never be an Alfa GTV. Speaking of which... very happy with our two car garage at present.
Its been a highly technical week of grid charging and cycling the battery this week... I have a notebook full of voltages and timestamps, and took the average of conjecture across 20 years of smart people on Honda forums experimenting.
In short, I completed three full charge/discharge cycles using some Back To The Future-esque equipment a previous owner constructed. I also found in the history a similar record of one of these cycles. I'm not electrically adept - mechanics, metals and petrol bits fine, magic coloured cables that move electrons (controversial statement), not so much.
Tehre's not much to show pictorially, but it would make for a good sideplot in a sitcom as I would check it before heaidnt o work, get anxious about the discharge rate and have to call my wife to hurry over and check the numbers, label switches and generally get wound up about moving numbers on a screen. Which is my day job, so this was a proper bus driver's holiday. I was also paranoid the fans on the battery pack would fail, or some other calamity that would begin a Homer Simpson-esque meltdown on my driveway.
Yesterday evening I tentatively unplugged the equipment, reconnected the 12V battery, muttered a quick prayer to Nikolai Tesla's memory, and turned the key.
Charging light first as it recalibrates... good...
Battery meter slowly building as it retabulates the 'State Of Charge' (SOC)...
...and we're back to full health.
OK, so far so good - time for a quick, gentle drive.
For the first time the regenerative braking kicked in, which caught me off guard. The Auto Stop worked correctly when clutch is down at a stop... good...also correct operation - time to set a 0-60mph.
Result! The ASST kicked in, a noticeable boost to the car's performance (and smooth running)!
In the last 24hrs, 70 miles have been dispatched over varied driving, and so far, it appears to be running like it should.
Now the test is - how many miles will it go without throwing a code or havign an issue? TIme will tell, but for now its great to know it has the *capability to run correctly. This motor ASST makes all the difference! Its really, wonderfully satifyign to drive and super smooth. The motor gets you up inclines and out of junctions neatly, the steering is sharp, the size and weight making this a delightful machine for cruising, even if the extra long gears ensure it will never be an Alfa GTV. Speaking of which... very happy with our two car garage at present.
Thank you both - after 80 miles, a short trip yesterday threw up the IMA and EML light... but then when I restarted later in the day the battery recharged and it went back to normal operation....
I believe this is standard behaviour for an old Insight, so I (weary sigh) will now read up on code reading and other such OBD flavoured witchcraft...
WIth the SRS and fuel light on, I prioritised decataracting the left headlight with Autosol
An easy win, with some trusted 303 to keep it that way.
Back to the forums and technical archives of P codes...
I believe this is standard behaviour for an old Insight, so I (weary sigh) will now read up on code reading and other such OBD flavoured witchcraft...
WIth the SRS and fuel light on, I prioritised decataracting the left headlight with Autosol
An easy win, with some trusted 303 to keep it that way.
Back to the forums and technical archives of P codes...
Sadly the battery has waned further and we are now back to solely three cylinder thrumminess.
Having spoken with Peter Perkins I'll be reading the blink codes and likely booking it in for a battery replacement and proper assessment.
In the meantime, I busied myself with soem essential - replacing the slightly gooey 195k plastic steering wheel...
The S2000 leather wheel is a well-trodden upgrade path, and with my original wheel having a cutout (presumably for an IMA overide?), I spotted a cheap AF2 and pounced on it.
Battery off, two torx T30 bolts under little flaps to release the airbag; the assembly came out in a minute.
Whatever this is, it can go.
One 14mm bolt and a few clips later, swap accomplished.
Much better! It may not look it, but the feel is a significant tactile improvement, and after a few leather care wipes it has come up nicely.
Next up, the first oil change at 195,000. The service history showed reassuringly frequent services, but with various grades of oil. Naturally, the forum debates of 0W20, 5W30, 5W20, C3PO will rage until the end of time, but i went for original spec 0W20 and a K&N filter.
First step, jack up the car... hmm missing undertrays... another addition to the list.
Carefully undid the sump plug as the entire assembly is various alchemic lightweight alloy for a 17mm socket. Fortunately the gorilla that did up the plug on my Alfa GTV has not been near the Insight.
Old Mahle filter required a clamp to loosen but no drama, just awkward access...
New K&N version on without fuss.
I've never had actual 'green' oil before - 2.49 litres of this disconcertingly flat Appletise, and the engine should be all set to go to ... perhaps ... 200k? Damn, I've jinxed it now!
Having spoken with Peter Perkins I'll be reading the blink codes and likely booking it in for a battery replacement and proper assessment.
In the meantime, I busied myself with soem essential - replacing the slightly gooey 195k plastic steering wheel...
The S2000 leather wheel is a well-trodden upgrade path, and with my original wheel having a cutout (presumably for an IMA overide?), I spotted a cheap AF2 and pounced on it.
Battery off, two torx T30 bolts under little flaps to release the airbag; the assembly came out in a minute.
Whatever this is, it can go.
One 14mm bolt and a few clips later, swap accomplished.
Much better! It may not look it, but the feel is a significant tactile improvement, and after a few leather care wipes it has come up nicely.
Next up, the first oil change at 195,000. The service history showed reassuringly frequent services, but with various grades of oil. Naturally, the forum debates of 0W20, 5W30, 5W20, C3PO will rage until the end of time, but i went for original spec 0W20 and a K&N filter.
First step, jack up the car... hmm missing undertrays... another addition to the list.
Carefully undid the sump plug as the entire assembly is various alchemic lightweight alloy for a 17mm socket. Fortunately the gorilla that did up the plug on my Alfa GTV has not been near the Insight.
Old Mahle filter required a clamp to loosen but no drama, just awkward access...
New K&N version on without fuss.
I've never had actual 'green' oil before - 2.49 litres of this disconcertingly flat Appletise, and the engine should be all set to go to ... perhaps ... 200k? Damn, I've jinxed it now!
-Ad- said:
Yeah, might have to go that way.
Peter was offering a Lithium conversion earlier in the year, but there were only a limited number of packs available.
I kinda wish I just did that then sold my good IMA battery to someone else to part pay for it.
I would have bought your old pack!Peter was offering a Lithium conversion earlier in the year, but there were only a limited number of packs available.
I kinda wish I just did that then sold my good IMA battery to someone else to part pay for it.
[
bolidemichael said:
I love this line… see all my threads for validation. It doesn’t make us any saner, unfortunately!
My observations:
- I prefer the period longer aerial
- Look at Angelwax Vision (glass cleaner) and H2GO (repellent) for the glass. It’ll be long lasting and so satisfying.
My observations:
- I prefer the period longer aerial
- Look at Angelwax Vision (glass cleaner) and H2GO (repellent) for the glass. It’ll be long lasting and so satisfying.
Cambs_Stuart said:
I think I will print that out and attach it to my toolbox.
Ha! I think we're all in the club here of spending too much time and money on a vehicle, but what else would we be doing?Appreciate the tips on the glass. Unfortnately this car does have the signature Insight leaks in the rear, so H2GO will be on my list. Longer aerials... we'll see... it might be quite fun to find an even longer one for the Jetsons/Futurama feeling!
The Insight ticked off another 250 miles this weekend on various errands and a trip to Somerset.
First up on Saturday morning was Micheldever tyres to replace the ancient rear tyres with Hankook Kinergy Eco2 at 165/65/R14...
Unfortuanetly we caught them just before lunch, or something, and it took almost 1.5 hours...
Plenty of time to have a good poke around the underside and note a polybushed suspension, drums and springs in good order. The rear beam and hub rdefinitely need derustification and painting - probably next summer, but on the list.
Returning on Sunday a package was ready for me - an aluminium gearknob, weighted at 120g to be close to the original. It screwed straight on with a supplied adaptor and is far nice than the 195k plastic original.
With the IMA and CEL light back on, I scrolled through the forums to find out how to read the 'blink' codes from the dashboard to narrow down the issue.
On UK cars, a connector the passenger side can be unclipped and shorted to prompt a playback on the dashboard of flashing lights that can be decoded.
The result was a single code... IMA 66, also known as P1568, or the snappily named Battery Module Individual Voltage Input Problem.
I've sent this off to Peter Perkins to see what can be done... after another grid charge the car managed 120 miles at normal assisted operation before the IMA light came on...
First up on Saturday morning was Micheldever tyres to replace the ancient rear tyres with Hankook Kinergy Eco2 at 165/65/R14...
Unfortuanetly we caught them just before lunch, or something, and it took almost 1.5 hours...
Plenty of time to have a good poke around the underside and note a polybushed suspension, drums and springs in good order. The rear beam and hub rdefinitely need derustification and painting - probably next summer, but on the list.
Returning on Sunday a package was ready for me - an aluminium gearknob, weighted at 120g to be close to the original. It screwed straight on with a supplied adaptor and is far nice than the 195k plastic original.
With the IMA and CEL light back on, I scrolled through the forums to find out how to read the 'blink' codes from the dashboard to narrow down the issue.
On UK cars, a connector the passenger side can be unclipped and shorted to prompt a playback on the dashboard of flashing lights that can be decoded.
The result was a single code... IMA 66, also known as P1568, or the snappily named Battery Module Individual Voltage Input Problem.
I've sent this off to Peter Perkins to see what can be done... after another grid charge the car managed 120 miles at normal assisted operation before the IMA light came on...
Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 22 October 22:08
theicemario said:
Never having seen one of these before, this morning I spotted two Citrus Yellow ones within 10 minutes, near Silverstone. Came to check this thread to see which was one was the OP’s, turns out neither. One was a 51 plate and the other an 02. Bizarre 
Are you absolutely sure you hadn't strayed onto the set of Back To The Future 4? Or maybe the new Blade Runner series? That's truly a 'what are the chances!' with so few on the road!The Christmas lights have gone up early, with driving now populated by IMA, CEL, SRS, fuel light permanent and occasionally a flickering red battery symbol. Being an MG 260 owner (at least, on paper, I have no idea when it will be back...) the flickering red battery light istotally normal.
One little fix completed - the heater temperature knob, in all its 90s Rotel/Quad hi fi greatness, has been rescued by some gorilla glue and careful tiny pins inserted for structural support.
Its leaking a fair bit, so I ordered a Bluetooth stero.
Didge3 said:
Are these different from the early Civic hybrids? I believe the tech is very similar but if the IMA stops working on the Civic it stops charging the 12v battery so you can only drive as far as your 12v holds enough charge to run the ECU etc. One of things that put me off them when they were mega cheap a few years ago
Simialr system I believe - in fact the red 12V light starts flickering on after about 150 miles of the main battery... failing... I haven't had this happen to me yet. My wife, on the other hand, just took it down to Corfe Castle and ran out of motion after 2 hours (ahem). More on that story later.conanius said:
These cars are a real favorite of mine - thank you for the detail (The rest of your fleet is also equally as exceptional).
When its all up together (see what I did there) what sort of real world economy do people actually achieve?
Thanks! The internet is awash with myths of target mpg, and of course the AMericans calculate it to different gallons so it all get a little confusing. On a mixed run at the moment we see around 72mpg since purchase. If the system is fully working and I have the right tyres, no passenger and tackle the flattest part of Holland, around 80mps would be down well.When its all up together (see what I did there) what sort of real world economy do people actually achieve?
bolidemichael said:
Spotted this from the Portsmouth to IoW ferry and was disappointed that there was no SAAB, Alfa or Insight parked outside.
Ha! Well spotted! There was also a rumour flying around that I part owned a tower on the south coast, but sadly a greasy spoon would be far more my speed. I'll try and stop by whenever I get to the IoW!Last week my wife was aiming to meet her sister 2 hours from home on a particularly bleak day. With the GTV in for its MOT, the Insight was available but we discussed how "It must be charged before another long journey...". Well, we both forgot and 1hr50 into the journey, the red battery light had been on and the power steering reportedly became heavy...
Fortunately she was off any motorway (like the dreaded M3 with its 'deathlanes' of no hard shoulder), and as as the engine puttered its last 3 cylinder gasp, she coasted around a roundabout and into... a pub car park.
A phone call to me and the RAC later, her sister came to meet her and the 12V battery was charged enough to get to their destination.
Fortunately, I have a partner who is adept at steering ailing cars out of trouble when there is a problem, and aside from a few barbed comments on the phone this was all taken in her stride.
The next day we had a quick chat and she was off to Halfords to buy a 10mm spanner, Allen key and a mains charger, and two days later the Insight made it back without issue.
It was a stark reminder of how lucky we had been with the geriatric main rear battery thus far, so it was all the more timely that yesterday I had my long-awaited appointment with Insight guru Peter Perkins in Yorkshire. A check of all fluids and tyres pressures, plus loading of a few Insight spares, and I was set.
A full charge the night before, and a 5am start, accompanied by a beautiful dawn and near painless drive set the tone for the day.
Halfway point at Tibshelf services on the M1 (2 hours in).
Some truly lovely roads around Hull, and I arrived ahead of schedule at Peter's house. Benchmark for the 231 mile journey was 72mpg.
With a hearty introduction we quickly disassembled the rear of the car and he had the old battery out in no time.
I tried to keep up with the knowledge being provided, making notes and taking photos, but if anyone is in doubt - this is the one person you want to take your Insight!
Peter has a full test bench of a 'naked' Insight on the workbench... marvelous stuff.
Various modules and brackets transferred over to the new unit...
Imbalanced near-death state of the old unit confirmed - the variance in these cells will require a full rebuild.
A few short hours and c cup of coffee later, the new unit was in and we took it for a quick test drive... definite improvement! The response of the IMA and charging was noticeable. Heart transplant complete.
The journey back had a bit more traffic - M1 and M25 accidents and a few detours...
Even with the additional miles and the volume of traffic, the Insight returned a frankly astonishing 80mpg...
Home by 6pm, and despite 9 hours of driving and a 5am start I felt surprisingly fresh. Usually I associate comfortable long distance driving with big leather seats, cruise control, sound insulation and a decent stereo. The Insight ahs none of these, and yet it was a very enjoyable cruiser - yes, really!
The Integrated Motor Assist system has a 'full assist/regen' switch on the dash installed by a previous owner, which Peter gave a clean bill of health and this really did make a difference. The assist gives you the push to be confident with overtaking and joining traffic from stop, and the regen helps with braking - I'm always so grateful for the ignorant drivers on the M25 who made me test that.
A big bill for sure, and I calculated roughly 170,000 miles required to pay for itself in the fuel saving, but that's beside the point - the car is a huge leap forward in functionality, and hopefully will now reward us with many more safe miles.
Next up - following tips from Peter, proper resealing of the leaky cabin/wet seatbelt cure, plus the SRS warning and fuel sender unit.
Fortunately she was off any motorway (like the dreaded M3 with its 'deathlanes' of no hard shoulder), and as as the engine puttered its last 3 cylinder gasp, she coasted around a roundabout and into... a pub car park.
A phone call to me and the RAC later, her sister came to meet her and the 12V battery was charged enough to get to their destination.
Fortunately, I have a partner who is adept at steering ailing cars out of trouble when there is a problem, and aside from a few barbed comments on the phone this was all taken in her stride.
The next day we had a quick chat and she was off to Halfords to buy a 10mm spanner, Allen key and a mains charger, and two days later the Insight made it back without issue.
It was a stark reminder of how lucky we had been with the geriatric main rear battery thus far, so it was all the more timely that yesterday I had my long-awaited appointment with Insight guru Peter Perkins in Yorkshire. A check of all fluids and tyres pressures, plus loading of a few Insight spares, and I was set.
A full charge the night before, and a 5am start, accompanied by a beautiful dawn and near painless drive set the tone for the day.
Halfway point at Tibshelf services on the M1 (2 hours in).
Some truly lovely roads around Hull, and I arrived ahead of schedule at Peter's house. Benchmark for the 231 mile journey was 72mpg.
With a hearty introduction we quickly disassembled the rear of the car and he had the old battery out in no time.
I tried to keep up with the knowledge being provided, making notes and taking photos, but if anyone is in doubt - this is the one person you want to take your Insight!
Peter has a full test bench of a 'naked' Insight on the workbench... marvelous stuff.
Various modules and brackets transferred over to the new unit...
Imbalanced near-death state of the old unit confirmed - the variance in these cells will require a full rebuild.
A few short hours and c cup of coffee later, the new unit was in and we took it for a quick test drive... definite improvement! The response of the IMA and charging was noticeable. Heart transplant complete.
The journey back had a bit more traffic - M1 and M25 accidents and a few detours...
Even with the additional miles and the volume of traffic, the Insight returned a frankly astonishing 80mpg...
Home by 6pm, and despite 9 hours of driving and a 5am start I felt surprisingly fresh. Usually I associate comfortable long distance driving with big leather seats, cruise control, sound insulation and a decent stereo. The Insight ahs none of these, and yet it was a very enjoyable cruiser - yes, really!
The Integrated Motor Assist system has a 'full assist/regen' switch on the dash installed by a previous owner, which Peter gave a clean bill of health and this really did make a difference. The assist gives you the push to be confident with overtaking and joining traffic from stop, and the regen helps with braking - I'm always so grateful for the ignorant drivers on the M25 who made me test that.
A big bill for sure, and I calculated roughly 170,000 miles required to pay for itself in the fuel saving, but that's beside the point - the car is a huge leap forward in functionality, and hopefully will now reward us with many more safe miles.
Next up - following tips from Peter, proper resealing of the leaky cabin/wet seatbelt cure, plus the SRS warning and fuel sender unit.
Mr Tidy said:
That's fantastic economy!
Presumably the range will have increased significantly after that fettling. It makes me think the Insight was ahead of its time.
Indeed! If the figures are to be believed, this would mean a 700 mile range for the 40 litre tank. Presumably the range will have increased significantly after that fettling. It makes me think the Insight was ahead of its time.
We'll see how we get on, but defintiely a step int he right direction.
Cambs_Stuart said:
As a serial subaru owner 80mpg seems like witchcraft. Good to see the major issue is resolved!
Have fun with the rest of the fleet.
Same - I'm dimly recalling my time with my Rover P5B V8 int he high teens - this seems like I'm stepping into Back To The Future 2 straight from the 1950s.Have fun with the rest of the fleet.
peterperkins said:
In a strange quirk I have just bought back one of my old UK Manual Insights and it's a citrus!
Needs a bit of fettling/tlc and I might put a new Nimh pack or Lithium in it.
Oh lovely! Very little UV fade as well, unlike mine - great stuff. Needs a bit of fettling/tlc and I might put a new Nimh pack or Lithium in it.
I would be keen to hear how you approach the conversion... eprhap sa Reader's Cars thread...(nudge nudge!).
I had hoped the holiday period would allow me some proper car time after a hectic year, but it appears we may be spending more time on the road than actual downtime near my tools.
With that in mind I prioritised fixing the audio today, as the single crackly hearing aid and decrepit single CD unit were just not acceptable.
Speakers were easy - I purchased some 'similar size' 17cm PIONEER TS-G1730F a few months ago. In the car a single slot pops the grill off and then there are three screws holding the original unit onto the door card.
Naturally there were some wonderfully elaborate Honda plugs on the ends of the wires. With a fine screwdriver and some patience the clips were free, and I resorted to mild bending and prodding to get the existing wire ends onto the new terminals. I havent soldered these as I want them to be removable, but we'll see how it goes.
The head unit was the opposite of easy... after a 10 minute mumbling irritation with stereo removal tools, a torch from behind revealed it was screwed in!
Some mintues later...
Honestly...
iPod entrails and a few other leads ejected.
Always a good sign...
Luckily it all worked neatly - after ensuring power, output and excess wiring was removed, I tested it with appropriate music...
...and mounted the other side speaker with some freshly drilled holes.
Phew. Even more ready for some long distances.
With that in mind I prioritised fixing the audio today, as the single crackly hearing aid and decrepit single CD unit were just not acceptable.
Speakers were easy - I purchased some 'similar size' 17cm PIONEER TS-G1730F a few months ago. In the car a single slot pops the grill off and then there are three screws holding the original unit onto the door card.
Naturally there were some wonderfully elaborate Honda plugs on the ends of the wires. With a fine screwdriver and some patience the clips were free, and I resorted to mild bending and prodding to get the existing wire ends onto the new terminals. I havent soldered these as I want them to be removable, but we'll see how it goes.
The head unit was the opposite of easy... after a 10 minute mumbling irritation with stereo removal tools, a torch from behind revealed it was screwed in!
Some mintues later...
Honestly...
iPod entrails and a few other leads ejected.
Always a good sign...
Luckily it all worked neatly - after ensuring power, output and excess wiring was removed, I tested it with appropriate music...
...and mounted the other side speaker with some freshly drilled holes.
Phew. Even more ready for some long distances.
Cambs_Stuart said:
Nice addition. Always an important update.
How are the rest of the fleet?
The first drive last night with actual music (not screeching from one failed channel) was a revelation. The Insight road noise can be the one tiresome element of a long trip, absolutely dependent on the road surface, so I'm very happy to report its a nicer place to be!How are the rest of the fleet?
Fleet hasn't had much attention in the past few weeks, other than the GTV getting some love for the MOT and being the most used. The MG is ... still in a workship somewhere, in pieces... that's 4 months now. The 900 likewise. The 164 is in storage, and the 99 is fine but nestled in for winter.
I've ordered a health pick n mix of clips for the Insight to tackle the trims that are letting water in - that's a job I'm not especially lookign forward to but that will also allow me to properly dry out the interior, hopefully fix the SRS light (damp is a potential cause on the seatbelt connectors) and also fix the fuel level sensor.
Roll on dry January - in the meteorological sense.
Yes all ok, it continues to work as expected, lightly sipping petrol and therefore my wallet.
I have some new boot struts to fit, and a selection of expensive clips to try and solve the water ingress issue.
2024 will be all about extinguishing the remaining warning lights before the MOT...
I have some new boot struts to fit, and a selection of expensive clips to try and solve the water ingress issue.
2024 will be all about extinguishing the remaining warning lights before the MOT...
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