Honda Insight Battery Woes: Dim Lights & Hard Starts

Hey there! I experienced similar issues with my 2012 Honda CR-Z Hybrid. The symptoms you're describing match what I encountered, flickering lights and sluggish starts. Turned out my battery temperature sensor was failing, which made the car's computer receive incorrect readings about the battery condition. Got it fixed at a certified hybrid specialist last month. They had to replace the temperature sensor and recalibrate the battery management system. It wasn't a major repair, but it's crucial to get it done right since it affects the whole hybrid system's performance. The symptoms definitely shouldn't be ignored though, a faulty temp sensor can lead to improper battery charging and potentially damage other components. Look specifically for techs with hybrid certification and experience. If you want a recommendation, the dealership's hybrid department or certified hybrid specialists are your best bet for this type of issue. Best of luck with the repair!

Hey, thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful since it sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with. It's good to know I'm not the only one who's had this issue. Would you mind sharing how much the repair set you back? Also, just curious, has everything been running smoothly since the fix, or have you noticed any other quirks pop up? I'm trying to get a sense of what to expect cost-wise and if I should be watching out for anything else.

Hey again! Happy to give you an update! After getting my CR-Z fixed, everything's been running like a charm. The repair cost me 315€ for the battery temperature sensor replacement, which was actually less than I expected given it was a hybrid-specific issue. Since the fix, all those annoying symptoms, the flickering lights and rough starts, have completely disappeared. The car feels much more responsive now, and I haven't noticed any other issues pop up. It's been about 3 months now, and the car's performing just like it should. Just make sure you get a qualified hybrid tech to do the work, it really makes a difference having someone who knows these systems inside and out. Trust me, it's worth spending a bit more for someone who specializes in hybrids rather than trying to save money with a general mechanic who might not be as familiar with these cars. Let me know if you need any other info! Always happy to help another hybrid owner.

Thanks so much for the detailed follow-up! I actually just got back from a certified hybrid specialist and you were spot on. Had the same issue with the temp sensor, and the repair cost was pretty close to what you paid. The mechanic was super knowledgeable and explained everything clearly, which was a refreshing change from my last experience. The best part? My car's running perfectly now, no more flickering lights or hesitant starts. The mechanic also did a full system check and said everything else looks good, so I shouldn't have any related issues popping up. Such a relief to have this sorted! Really appreciate you sharing your experience, it gave me the confidence to get this fixed properly instead of putting it off. Sometimes it's worth spending a bit more to get things done right the first time. Thanks again for your help!