IMA System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Honda Insight and 2010 Honda Insight. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The IMA (integrated motor assisted) system uses high voltage (100 V) circuits. Be sure to shut off the electrical circuits and isolate the IMA system and related parts before servicing the IMA system.
The high voltage cables and their covers are identified by orange coloring. The caution labels are attached to high voltage and other related parts (see DANGER/WARNING/CAUTION LABEL LOCATIONS ). When the system is energized, be careful not to touch these cables and parts without adequate protective gear.
The front floor under-cover protecting the high voltage cables is marked [ ].
If the 12 V battery is discharged, its cables have been disconnected, or the MCM (Motor Control Module) has been reset, the IMA battery level indicator does not display the state-of-charge (SOC) when the engine is first started. To display the level in the indicator, start the engine, and hold it between 3,500 and 4,000 rpm without load (in P or N) until the level in the indicator is half full.
Observe the following instructions when inspecting or servicing the IMA system:
- When the system is energized, servicing, disassembling, or replacing items marked with [ ] in each procedure requires insulated tools.
- When the IMA system indicator is on, do the IMA system troubleshooting first (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ).
- Wear insulated gloves whenever you inspect or service the IMA system. Be sure to check the gloves for pin holes, tears, or other damage.
- To make sure the system is not energized, turn the battery module switch OFF, and secure the switch in the OFF position with the locking cover before servicing the IMA system (see TURNING OFF AND ON POWER TO THE HIGH VOLTAGE CIRCUIT ).
- Wait at least 5 minutes after turning off the battery module switch, then disconnect the negative cable from the 12 V battery (it takes about 5 minutes for the PDU capacitor to discharge).
- Before disconnecting the high voltage cable terminals, use a voltmeter to make sure that the voltage between the terminals is below 30 V.
When the system is energized and you are servicing parts without an insulated sheath, be sure to use insulated tools to prevent short circuiting.
The rotor assembly contains very strong magnets and should be handled with special care. People with pacemakers or other magnetically sensitive medical devices should not handle the rotor assembly.
Use the special tool (rotor puller) to remove or install the rotor assembly.
WARNING: If the rotor is installed by hand, it may suddenly be pulled toward the stator with great force, causing serious hand or finger injury - Always use the special tool (rotor puller) to remove or install the rotor assembly.
Keep the rotor assembly away from magnetically sensitive devices.
After disconnecting the high voltage terminals, busbars, etc., insulate the parts with insulated tape.
As a safety warning, attach a sign saying, WORKING ON HIGH VOLTAGE PARTS. DO NOT TOUCH I to the steering wheel.