Where is the 12 volt battery in a Honda Insight?

The 12 volt battery in a Honda Insight is located in the trunk of the vehicle, behind the rear seats. This battery powers the vehicle's electrical systems and accessories when the main hybrid battery is not providing power.

Detailed Explanation

The Honda Insight is a hybrid electric vehicle, which means it has both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. The main power source for the Insight is a high-voltage hybrid battery pack, typically located under the rear seats or in the trunk area. However, the Insight also has a separate 12 volt battery that serves as the traditional 12 volt electrical system for the vehicle.

The 12 volt battery in the Honda Insight is responsible for powering various electrical components, such as the lights, infotainment system, and other accessories, when the main hybrid battery is not providing power. This 12 volt battery is typically located in the trunk of the vehicle, behind the rear seats, and is accessible for maintenance and replacement if needed.

Accessing the 12 Volt Battery

To access the 12 volt battery in a Honda Insight, you will need to follow these steps:

• Open the trunk of the vehicle.


• Locate the battery cover, which is typically a plastic panel or cover in the trunk area.


• Remove the battery cover to expose the 12 volt battery.


• The battery will be securely mounted and may have a protective cover or tray.


• Disconnect the negative (-) terminal first, then the positive (+) terminal to remove the battery.

It's important to note that the 12 volt battery in a Honda Insight is not the same as the main hybrid battery pack, which is a high-voltage battery that powers the electric motor and provides supplemental power to the gasoline engine. The 12 volt battery is a separate component that serves a different purpose in the vehicle's electrical system.

Where is the battery located on a Honda Insight?

The 12-volt battery in a Honda Insight is located inside the center console, on the passenger side, behind a trim panel. To access it, you will need to remove the panel to get to the battery itself, though you can jump-start the car using a jump terminal located under the hood, as shown in this YouTube video.
 
This video demonstrates how to access the battery in a Honda Insight: 56sTommyJacksonTVYouTube · Nov 14, 2022
12-Volt battery location 

• Interior: The 12-volt battery is located inside the cabin, beneath the center console on the passenger side. 
• Access: To reach it, you will need to remove a plastic trim panel. 
• Function: This battery powers the car's standard electrical systems, like the lights and audio. 

Jump-starting the 12-volt battery 

• Jump terminals: For jump-starting, you do not need to access the main battery under the console. Instead, use the positive and negative jump terminals located under the hood.
• Procedure:
  1. Turn the car off.
  2. Locate the jump terminals under the hood and connect your jumper cables to them. The positive terminal has a red cap.
  3. Connect the other car to the terminals under the hood as you would for a normal car.
  4. Start the working car and let it run for about 10 minutes before trying to start the Insight. 

You can watch this video to learn how to jump-start a Honda Insight: 43sLouisville Honda WorldYouTube · Jul 6, 2018

What happens when the 12-volt battery dies in a hybrid car?

When a hybrid's 12-volt battery dies, the car won't start because the 12V battery is needed to power the internal computer systems and engage the high-voltage hybrid system. Even if the large hybrid battery is fully charged, the car will remain undrivable, displaying signs like a blank dashboard and failing to turn on. To fix this, you can jump-start the car, and once it's running, the high-voltage system will charge the 12V battery.
 
What happens 
This video explains why a hybrid's 12V battery depletes and how it interacts with the main high-voltage battery: 40sSteve LitchfieldYouTube · Oct 3, 2024

• Car won't start: You won't be able to turn on the car or put it into "READY" mode. 
• No power to accessories: Lights, windows, radio, and other accessories will not work. 
• Dashboard is blank: The dashboard will not light up, and you may see error messages. 
• Cannot enter "READY" mode: The car's internal computer and systems that allow it to be driven are shut down because they are powered by the 12V battery. 

How to fix it
You can watch this video to see a demonstration of how to jump-start a hybrid car: 46sOrtoTech GarageYouTube · Nov 16, 2024

1. Jump-start the car: You can jump-start a hybrid with a gasoline car just like a conventional one. Follow your vehicle's specific instructions, as the 12V battery is often in a different location, such as the trunk. 
2. Charge the battery: Once started, drive the car to allow the high-voltage system to recharge the 12V battery. 
3. Consider a replacement: The 12V battery in a hybrid typically lasts 3 to 5 years and will need to be replaced to prevent future issues. 

What is the common problem in Honda Insight?

Common problems for the Honda Insight include hybrid battery degradation, CVT transmission shudder, and issues with the automatic emergency brake system and headlights. Other frequent complaints involve the climate control system (specifically the AC compressor and blower motor), engine performance issues, and various electrical problems like blank display screens and charging faults. 
Hybrid and electrical system problems 

• Hybrid battery failure: This is a very common issue, leading to warning lights, reduced acceleration, and decreased fuel economy. 
• Electrical system faults: Owners report various issues, including error messages, battery charging problems, and faults with the 12V battery that can prevent the engine from restarting. 
• Automatic emergency brake: The system has been linked to problems and complaints, including false alerts and issues with forward collision avoidance. 
• Headlight problems: Dipped beam headlights can fail, sometimes due to heat damage to the switch or wiring. 
• Display screen issues: Blank screens, freezing, and reboots on the infotainment or navigation screen have been reported. 

Powertrain and engine issues 

• CVT transmission shudder: A common complaint is a shaking or shuddering sensation during acceleration, often due to a worn start clutch in the CVT.
• Engine hesitation or surge: This can be caused by issues like clogged EGR passages.
• Rough idle: A faulty EVAP emission control solenoid can cause the engine to idle roughly.
• Fuel system: Problems with the fuel cap and filler neck can trigger a "check engine" light. 

Other common problems

• Climate control: Issues with the AC compressor, blower motor, and refrigerant leaks have been reported. 
• Body and paint: Some models have experienced paint issues like chipping or peeling, and there have been reports of the hood vibrating or shaking at highway speeds. 
• Brake system: The regenerative braking system can sometimes feel spongy or less responsive. 
• Structural issues: Some owners have reported the hood flipping up while driving, or even a moonroof exploding. 

This video discusses common issues with the Honda Insight, including problems with the automatic emergency brake, CVT transmission, and the hybrid battery: 50sVerdier 400YouTube · Feb 4, 2022

Where is the 12-volt battery in a hybrid?

This cover again just pops up when it should do. Yeah I normally do. And there we go that is our 12 volt battery. And we are we have the same one 45 amp hour 325 cold cranking amps.