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Has anyone else had a problem with the regenerative braking failing to charge the battery?

In the last month, my regenerative braking has ceased to recharge the battery. (It still stops:) Mileage dropped to the high 30's, from 45+ mpg. (Its obviously draining MPGs to keep the battery charged.)

The local dealer called Honda and the solution was to wipe the IMA and reload. It worked for about 5 days - until I drove/parked in 85+ degree weather for several hours.

Before the original computer was replaced last year, it absolutely loved high temperatures. Mileage was into the high 40's on a short (8 mile) commute. I had no problems.

With the new computer, I've been averaging about 45 mpg doing nothing special - until the temperature hit the high 80's or more. (Moving to a cooler climate is not an option at the moment...)

The story from the dealer is that they have new diagnostic soiftware, but it doesn't work because they have a bad server. (Yes, it can take a few weeks to get a new server. I'll go along with it for now.) I want to get it fixed. I'd be happy to take a dump, click a buttopnh to mark the time it failed, whatever it takes.

Thoughts anyone?

RetiredMom

i am seemingly having the same problems with my 05. i posted a thread earlier in the week about my battery going south, i thought perhaps because it was so hot. however, i, too, have noticed that braking is not recharging, and i am having a very hard time getting a full charge. it ends up sitting below half, and i am not very pleased. i really have to work at getting decent mileage right now.

so.....if anyone has any answers, there are two of us looking. i will be calling honda either tomorrow or monday.

Hello RetiredMom Welcome to cleanmpg.

It would seem Honda is having some control issues. Ive had problems with the ECU in my EX.

Are either of your cars throwing CELS Warnings. Mine does't. But know when the ECU is acting up. My mpg tanks something awful.

Laurie did you call the dealer yet?

psy

Before the original computer was replaced last year, it absolutely loved high temperatures. Mileage was into the high 40's on a short (8 mile) commute. I had no problems.

With the new computer, I've been averaging about 45 mpg doing nothing special - until the temperature hit the high 80's or more. (Moving to a cooler climate is not an option at the moment...)

The story from the dealer is that they have new diagnostic soiftware, but it doesn't work because they have a bad server. (Yes, it can take a few weeks to get a new server. I'll go along with it for now.) I want to get it fixed. I'd be happy to take a dump, click a buttopnh to mark the time it failed, whatever it takes.

Thoughts anyone?

RetiredMom

Did they really change the computer (most likely the BCM), or did they just apply the lastest software to it?

With these temperatures I would not be surprised that the behavior you see is intentional and by design. I have noticed that after the software updates I received during my recent oil change, the thresholds have been adjusted and are more sensitive to higher temps. This sensitivity is marked by reduced regens and even absent assists.


By the way, do you operate your HCH-II with the AC on? If you do, do you use the "Auto" setting at all?


Cheers;

MSantos

Did they really change the computer (most likely the BCM), or did they just apply the lastest software to it?

They really changed some piece of computing hardware. I got my HCHII in January - one of the first 2006 models off the line. Its still had the 2005 version of software and hardware. The first replacement was truly flakey - complaining about various systems being bad and they had to replace it with a second one.

I avoid using the AC because my mileage really goes down the tubes then. (All the electrical systems are powered off the battery and its not recharging as it should when braking.) When using the AC, I usually turn it on low, although once my husband used the auto setting. It didn't seem to behave any differently.

Nope, no CELS warnings.

The old computer/algorithm absolutely loved hot weather. 85 F is not a real record breaker in St. Louis. It can easily go into the mid-90's in July and August and never drop below 80 most nights. This change, if intentional, could be a serious problem.