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With a 2006 Insight it is apprently true that the normal Calpod fas switch will not work. Lots of folks hold this view and I have no doubt that it is true.

Still, I want to find a better way to fas my 2006 than operating the ignition key, so I want to check out an idea before I invest lots of energy and money.

Since many of us fas the 2005-06 Insights by operating the ignition switch, why could we not construct a relay bank with a single energizing toggle switch, which would accomplish the same thing? For example, we might simply install a relay contact between each of the switched wires on the ignition switch. The "always hot" wire could be used as a source of power for the relay activation voltage.

I think that such a "box" would be relatively small and in fact might be no more than a single multipole relay.

What you think?

Hi, Jim -- the Calpod switch is a simple clutch switch toggle and doesn't trigger a FAS. On 2000-2004 Insights that switch will prevent use of assist or regen while enabled and the SoC is above force regen levels -- very handy for accelerating or climbing without assist. IIRC on the later model Insights this switch will disable regen but not assist (exactly the opposite of what we want!).

Your proposed solution would work as it would simply be a relocation of the ignition switch... but why do that?

If you are comfortable disassembling and tapping into wiring harnesses a FAS kit from Mike Dabrowski is an excellent way to go -- it is a bit involved to install but it triggers AutoStop at any speed and temperature while also retaining its failsafe mechanisms (restart on gear selection, brake depletion, or accelerator pedal application).

Thanks Sean for setting me straight on that. There has been so much information to assimilate :-)

If you are comfortable disassembling and tapping into wiring harnesses a FAS kit from Mike Dabrowski is an excellent way to go -- it is a bit involved to install but it triggers AutoStop at any speed and temperature while also retaining its failsafe mechanisms (restart on gear selection, brake depletion, or accelerator pedal application).

The only thing on that list which bothers me is brake boost depletion, and that not so much as I have been accustomed to it and know how to work around it.

I think I recall that the Dabrowski kit is what you did on your Insight. It looked like a huge amount of work. I am also concerned about possibly creating warranty issues since my car is still well within the warranty period. I know that Mike argues that Honda must prove any impact, but I'd rather not have the possibly very long discussion with the service folks. I think I can design the relay box so that it can be readily removed in case of warranty work. But, your comments are welcome and have given me some questions to think through.

It certainly is a smoother and more seamless operation with Mike's kit. I'm not particularly intimidated by the wiring needed, being an electrical engineer by training.

I have MIMA with the FAS module from Mike Dabrowski in my 2006 I-1. Installing it was fairly invasive (though reversible!) but putting in the FAS module alone might be simpler. I simply switch it off via a defeat switch on the dash when taking the car in to my Honda dealer for service and have never had any problems from them. But this is a fairly savvy regional dealer that I have dealt with for many years: Curtis-Ryan Honda in Derby, CT.

As I understand it, Mike's FAS module takes a completely different route from what you are suggesting. It leaves the ignition alone and simply shuts off fuel (no injection) for as long as you hold the button down, thus strangling the engine.

As Sean explained, this leaves a lot of safety mechanisms operational. One other advantage is that restarting does not involve either bump starting or turning the key to activate the 12v starter. So if you FAS to a stop, the ICE will restart just as it would if you were in a "real" FAS: simply moving the shift lever to a gear will do it. With the system you have in mind you would have to turn the key.

Why not contact Mike at 99mpg.com ? He's very helpful and constantly improves MIMA and the FAS module.

Hi, Jim -- you are correct that it did take some work but I love the results!! (Here's the link (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=235691) if you want to review it.) Like John's install, mine is reversible to the extent that no one should be able to tell I modified the wiring at all. My install used a pin-popping approach so no original wiring was cut or stripped.

It does cut fuel flow to the injectors, but it also toggles the HV inverter on (so your 12V doesn't die -- this is the part that I'm really using heavily with cold temps and headlight on driving), holds the clutch wire so you don't have to in order to keep the car in AutoStop, and twiddles the neutral switch signal so that FAS can be triggered before you pull to neutral. As John said, the injectors are only interrupted as long as you hold the switch -- though I found after install that during the recal (because I had to disconnect the 12V battery) it would restart the engine even though I was holding the switch in (nice!) to "charge" the "empty" battery.

Mike did tell me that my kit was the last he had of the pin-popping style, but I do think you ought to contact him to see what your options could be. He's an extremely resourceful fellow and I'm sure the two of you could come up with some great ideas. :) You can find his contact info at the bottom of his homepage here:

http://www.99mpg.com/

Good luck and let us know if you can't find some information you'd like to have.

One other advantage is that restarting does not involve either bump starting or turning the key to activate the 12v starter. So if you FAS to a stop, the ICE will restart just as it would if you were in a "real" FAS: simply moving the shift lever to a gear will do it. With the system you have in mind you would have to turn the key.

Why not contact Mike at 99mpg.com ? He's very helpful and constantly improves MIMA and the FAS module.

That is a very good point that I had not thought through. Thank you!

I'll drop Mike an e-mail.