Honda IMA light and engine light on: what now?
Is the IMA light on in your Honda Civic Hybrid, Insight or Jazz Hybrid, together with the engine light? Then there is a fault in Honda's hybrid system, called IMA: Integrated Motor Assist. In most cases the IMA battery is worn out. Below you can read how to recognise this and what the solution is.
What is the IMA system?
In Honda hybrids, an electric motor between the engine and the gearbox assists the petrol engine when accelerating. The energy for this comes from the IMA battery, which sits behind the rear seat. If that battery is weak, the system switches off the assistance and the IMA light comes on – often together with the engine light.
Symptoms of a worn IMA battery
- The IMA light and the engine light are on at the same time.
- The battery gauge jumps quickly from full to empty (often called 'recal').
- The car accelerates slowly because the electric assistance drops out.
- The auto-stop function at standstill no longer works.
- A code such as P0A7F (battery deteriorated) or another Honda-specific IMA code is stored in the memory.
Which models are affected?
| Model | Year | Refurbished | New cells |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic Hybrid | 2006–2011 | € 695,- | € 1.745,- |
| Honda Insight | 2009–2015 | € 645,- | € 1.795,- |
| Honda Jazz Hybrid | 2011–2016 | € 645,- | € 1.795,- |
What is the solution?
We first read out the fault codes to be sure the IMA battery is the cause. If so, you can choose between a refurbished battery (the most affordable solution) or a battery with completely new cells (the longest-lasting solution). The replacement takes about 1 to 2 hours, in our workshop in Purmerend or at your home.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving when the IMA light is on?
Usually yes: the petrol engine keeps working. Only the electric assistance (partly) drops out, so the car accelerates more slowly and uses more fuel. In the long run the 12-volt battery can run flat if the system no longer charges properly.
Can the battery be 'recalibrated'?
A recalibration can help temporarily with a slightly weakened battery. With truly worn cells, the IMA light almost always comes back.
What does a new IMA battery cost?
At Hybridbro a refurbished IMA battery costs from €645 (6 months warranty) and a battery with new cells from €1,745 (24 months warranty), including VAT, fitting and diagnosis.
