Here is my situation:

I have a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid. 85,000 miles.

The hybrid battery pack was replaced 6 months ago. The 12v "small" battery was replaced in April, 2011.

The car barely starts.

A week ago, the trouble started. One morning, it just wouldn't start. I "jumped" it, and it started just fine. Drove it for 1/2 hour. I parked it, turned it off, and immediately turned it back "on". It wouldn't start.

I took it to a repair shop. They charged the 12v battery. They tested the 12v battery. It tested fine. It held a charge. They tested the charging system. It worked fine.

Over the past few days, it has BARELY started. Here's what happens:

1. Turn the key
2. The "instant start" (off of the IMA?) isn't there, but a starter kicks in (back up?). After a few clicks and about 10 seconds of faster and faster "clicks", the engine starts up. Sometimes, it won't start after 10 seconds, I turn the key off, then back on, then the "instant start" kicks in and it starts fine.
3. I drive it around for 1/2 hour, park it, and it has the same trouble. i.e. it can't seem to hold a charge.

Sounds like a 12v battery problem, but it's only 1 year old and the shop said it tested fine. Is there something I'm missing?

Thanks!

 

I've had those troubles with my 2004 Civic Hybrid for years. I've gone thru so many 12v batteries, and routinely carry a jump-starter booster.

I buy a new battery and it'll start pretty well for about 9 months or so, then start needing jumps, until I get too frustrated and get another new one. Given a jump, it starts and quietly purrs along.

I've taken it to 2 different Honda dealers, and they cheerfully inform me that everything is fine. So frustrating -- feels like they're deliberately being stupid. I just want a solution.

I have superstitions that it's getting drained by the electric fan that cools the motor after you turn it off. But I've had it with a dead battery while stopping just long enough to refuel during a day-long drive. Also, it'll be so dead just settin in the parking lot for a day of work that the radio resets its security code. It's my 4th Honda, and I liked the first 3 very much, but this one has been a huge hassle.

The Honda shops have been clueless, but I don't know where else to take it.

 

Maybe an electrical short of some sort?

 

It almost seems that way, that there's something that drains the battery all the time. However, I have gone for months without having to jump it, altho I'm now jumping it twice a day.

Mine has symptoms similar to Colorado Hybrid's, but I have to say it really is intermittent.