Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) System

Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) System

- The INSIGHT is equipped with the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system and high voltage (144 V)circuits are used in this system. Be sure to shut off the electric circuit and isolate the IMA system and related parts before servicing the IMA system.
- The high voltage cables and their covers are identified with orange color. The caution labels are attached to the high voltage and related parts. Be careful not to touch these cables and parts without adequate protection. The front floor under-cover protecting the high voltage cables is marked
- If the 12 V battery has been discharged or its cable has been disconnected, the IMA battery level indicator (BAT) does not indicate the state of charge when the engine is started. Drive the vehicle for approximately 30 minutes, and the IMA battery level indicator (BAT) will function properly.

- Observe the following instructions when inspecting or servicing the IMA system.
- When the IMA system indicator lamp is on, perform the IMA system troubleshooting first.
- Wear the insulated gloves whenever you inspect or service the IMA system. Be sure to check the gloves for pin holes, tear and other damages.




- Turn the battery module switch OFF and hold the switch in the OFF position with the locking cover before servicing the IMA system.
- Wait for 5 minutes or more after turning the battery module switch OFF. (It takes approximately 5 minutes for the condenser to discharge.)




- Before disconnecting the high voltage cable terminals, make sure that the voltage between the terminals is 0 V by measuring with a voltmeter.

- When servicing the parts without the insulating sheath, be sure to use insulated tools to prevent short circuiting.




- The IMA system has high voltage parts and strong magnetic part (motor rotor). Do not put on the metal goods or magnetic recording media (for example, prepaid card, cash card, etc.) when servicing the IMA system, as they can cause short circuit or destroy the magnetic record of media.
Anyone who wears the electronic medical instrument (for example, heart pacemaker, etc.) must not work on the IMA system. The electronic medical instrument will be influenced by the magnetic force, which is very dangerous.

- After disconnecting the high voltage terminals, busbar, etc., insulate the parts with the insulating tape.
- Attach the indication of "WORKING ON HIGH VOLTAGE PARTS. DO NOT TOUCH!" to the steering wheel and set it at the work place as well to warn for safety.

How to Turn the Battery Module Switch OFF

WARNING: Turn the battery module switch OFF and hold the switch in the OFF position with the locking cover to isolate the electric circuit before servicing the IMA system.

1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
2. Remove the trunk floor mat.




3. Remove the two bolts and the battery module switch cover.
4. Remove the locking cover from the battery module switch.
5. Turn the battery module switch OFF.




6. Install the locking cover to hold the battery module switch in the OFF position.

Engine Compartment Inspection/Servicing
The Insight has an Auto-Stop system that shuts the engine off under certain conditions to improve fuel economy while the vehicle is at a stop. In Auto-Stop mode, driver input, such as pressing the clutch, will cause the engine to restart.

Before servicing the Insight, turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the key so the engine cannot be started.

Before performing any service on the Insight's IMA system, make sure to turn the battery module switch OFF and wait five minutes before working on the vehicle.

How to Handle a Collision Damaged Vehicle
The Insight's IMA system uses a high voltage battery pack. The battery electrolyte is potassium hydroxide, which is highly caustic. It can cause burns if it comes in contact with your skin or eyes.

The battery pack is located in the integrated power unit (IPU) compartment. It is well protected and not likely to be damaged in most collisions

If the IPU compartment has been damaged in a collision, please contact American Honda TechLine for handling information.

Required Materials
- Protection (insulated or rubber gloves, protective goggles, safety shoes)
- Saturated boric acid solution: 20 liters (purchase 800 grams of powdered boric at a pharmacy and liquefy it)
- Red litmus paper (purchase at a pharmacy)
- ABC fire extinguisher (applicable for both oil fires and electrical fires)
- Shop towels, cloths, etc. (to wipe up the electrolyte)
- Cloth adhesive tape
- Voltmeter

Handling Recommendations
- Wear insulated or rubber gloves, protective goggles and safety shoes.
- Do not touch the bare wire especially if you are not sure whether the wire is a high voltage one. If you must or may touch it, be sure to wear insulated gloves, measure the voltage to the body ground; and then insulate the part with cloth adhesive tape.
- If the vehicle catches on fire, extinguish it with an ABC fire extinguisher. Fighting the fire with a small amount of water can spread it. Pour a large quantity of water on a fire directly from a hydrant or wait for the arrival of the fire fighters.
- You can get shocked when servicing a vehicle in water. Do not touch the high voltage parts and wires. Remove the vehicle from the water before proceeding.
- Check the areas near the battery module for fluid leakage. Do not touch the leaking fluid as it may be the strong alkaline electrolyte. If you must touch it, wear rubber gloves and protective goggles, and neutralize it with the saturated boric acid solution. Make sure that the red litmus paper does not turn into blue, and wipe up the leaking fluid with shop towels or equivalent.

WARNING: Take extreme care not to let the electrolyte get in your eyes and on your skin as it cause loss of sight or other serious injury.If it gets in your skin, flush with a large quantity of water immediately and get medical care.