Archives

Just brought my new Civic HCH II home today. I drove about 100 miles today and enjoyed every mile. The car is a beaut and rides very well for a small vehicle. (I traded an '00 Accord V6). I have a question about installing a remote start. Has anyone got one on their HCH II? It's my understanding that the car starts off the battery pack instead of the small 12v battery. Does this affect the installation of the remote start unit? It seems like it would. Any thoughts on this out there, folks?
BTW, what is the 12v battery's function, if not to start the thing?

I answered a similar question over at greenhybrid I think. There shouldn't be a problem. The 12v runs the electrics, and it also is used as a secondary way to start the engine using a small starter motor should the pack be unable to start it (this happens sometimes in the dead of winter for some people).

I have a remote start in my HCH I and I don't think the HCH I and HCH II are too different in how they start the car.

I don't know this as fact so verify this, but I think all the remote start does is send the ignition signal to start the car, it doesn't care how the car is started.

Also, note that remote start has a huge penalty on a tanks fuel economy. It is best if you can limit your use of it to only times where you really need it.

Thanks for the info. It's been difficult finding an answer to this question. The dealer had no clue and no one around here seemed to know. I appreciate your response. I can see where the remote start would put a hurtin' on the FE. Most of the time, it's not extremely nasty cold here, and I hadn't used it very often on my Accord. But it sure is nice on those frigid nights after walking across the parking lot after work to get into a car that's not frozen. Even a car that's been running jst a minute or two is a big improvement. I get your meaning, though-it is a waste of gas just sitting there, and I don't want to do anything to negate the benefits of the hybrid system. What's the point of buying the technology if you're going to waste the advantages?

I tend to use mine for the same situations you mentioned. Used only when needed the FE loss is livable but painful.