Well, my IMA light just went on, and I took it in - and they are telling me it will be about $3200 to fix that, plus I have a few other things I need to fix. I am not too happy about it - thinking that that is a pretty major expense for a Honda (and knowing that eventually you also have to do the transmission, etc, etc.) I had no idea I would have to be replacing such an expensive part when I purchased my car!
We did some research - and we have a hunch as to maybe why some of the IMA batteries go out earlier than others though. They have found that if the car was exposed to high temps (we are talking over 150 degrees) that the battery tends to degrade more quickly. I had had a car accident a few years ago - and some body work was done on it - thus exposing it to high temperatures. maybe this is why the battery is giving out so soon?
Anyway - the day I was at the Honda place learning of my car’s impending doom - another girl was there with the exact same car - and the exact same problem.
I was told that unless I fix my car, one day, it is just going to stop on me. Since then, the IMA light has gone off on its own, and the car seems to be running fine. I am saving my pennies for a new car, and will drive this one until it ‘stops’ on me. My next car will most likely NOT be a hybrid.