Honda
Honda hybrid service and repairs
We work on both older Honda hybrids, with the IMA system, and newer e:HEV models. They are two different technologies with different problems, and we treat them accordingly.
Why take your Honda to a specialist
Electrified Honda cars aren’t repaired like a petrol car. Without the right equipment and high-voltage experience, the diagnosis stays half done.
- 01
IMA batteries have a known problem
On the Civic Hybrid, Insight and other IMA hybrids, the nickel batteries degraded quickly. Honda blamed lots of stop-and-go city driving with the air conditioning on, and released a software update that puts less load on the battery.
- 02
e:HEV works differently
On e:HEV hybrids, the wheels are almost always driven by the electric motor, while the petrol engine mostly generates electricity. There is no conventional gearbox, just a clutch that connects the engine at higher speeds.
- 03
Diagnostics across the whole electrified system
We read the codes from every control unit involved and measure the battery, inverter and charging. We separate a weak module from a flat 12 V battery, a connector or a software fault.
We test first, then suggest
What we do on Honda hybrids and EVs
We handle the systems we see most often on electrified cars, from the high-voltage battery to charging, brakes and maintenance.
Many Honda owners come to us after the range dropped, after a dashboard message or after a quote for a new battery. We test first and tell you what we confirmed.
- High-voltage battery diagnostics
- Testing every module and the battery’s condition
- The charging system, where relevant
- The 12 V battery and the DC-DC converter
- Regenerative and friction braking
- Battery and inverter cooling
- Maintenance: filters, fluids, tyres
- Software, where we have access for the make
Honda models we see often
Every model has its weak points. Here is what we know about the most common ones:
IMA hybrid
Civic Hybrid și Insight
The IMA battery is the main weak point. We test the modules and tell you whether only the weak ones can be replaced or a new battery is needed.
IMA hybrid
Jazz Hybrid și CR-Z
The same IMA system, with a small battery that works hard. The test shows how far its capacity has dropped.
e:HEV hybrid
Jazz, HR-V, Civic și CR-V e:HEV
The electric motors do almost all the work, so diagnosis starts with them and the power electronics, not a gearbox.
When to bring your Honda in
It makes sense when range drops, charging fails, a warning message appears or another garage lacks the equipment for the electrified side.
Hybrid system warning light on
The dashboard is warning you, but the car may still drive. The code is only the starting point; we check the battery, inverter and wiring before any expensive part.
Higher consumption, less electric driving
Weak or unbalanced modules, or clogged cooling, eat into the hybrid’s economy. A battery test shows the cause.
Reduced power or limp mode
The system is protecting itself. The cause can be the battery, the inverter or a sensor; we don’t assume straight away that the battery needs replacing.
The battery fan runs often
The battery is running hot, usually because of a clogged filter or air ducts. Caught in time, the problem doesn’t reach the modules.
Frequently asked questions about Honda hybrids and EVs
Do you work on Honda hybrids and electric cars?+
Yes, on the common electrified Honda models. When you book, we confirm from the VIN what we can do on your car.
Can you check the battery’s condition?+
Yes. We test the battery before any replacement quote and tell you what we found and what options you have.
Is it cheaper than a dealer?+
Often, yes, because we repair only what is faulty rather than replacing whole assemblies. If the car is still under the manufacturer’s warranty or has an open recall, we tell you to go to a dealer first, where the fix is free.
How long does it take?+
It varies from case to case: it depends on the model, the fault and the parts. We give you an estimate after talking through the symptoms or after the diagnosis.
Find out what is wrong with your Honda
Book a check. We tell you the cause and whether the next step is the battery, the charging or maintenance.