9/7/2001
Emergency Procedures for the Honda Insight
A Gasoline-Electric Hybrid
by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.,
Click here for the full brochure in Acrobat
PDF
This information is an excerpt from the Emergency Response Guide published by American Honda Motor Co., Inc in May 2001. These recommendations and procedures are presented by Honda.
The Insight is a two-passenger gasoline-electric hybrid, the first vehicle sold in North America that utilizes both a conventional gasoline engine and a battery-powered electric motor for power.
The Insight can be identified by its aerodynamic shape and rear fender skirts... and by the Insight logo and the words “Gasoline-Electric Hybrid” on the rear hatch.
The chassis and most components are made of aluminum, some parts are plastic, and a few are made of magnesium.
High-Voltage Cables
Electrical energy is conducted between the battery module and the electric motor via three heavy-duty orange cables. The cables are routed on the left side of the vehicle under the driver’s seat.
As shown in the photo to the left, the cables are protected by a sturdy orange plastic shield, which is bolted to the unibody undercarriage.
Airbags & Seat Belts
The Insight is equipped with dual front airbags, three-point seat belts, and pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners. The deactivation time for the airbags’ and the tensioners’ backup power systems is 3 minutes.
(Holmatro Note: The Insight is included in the 2001 supplement to the Rescuer's Guide to Vehicle Safety Systems)
Rescuing Occupants
Before attempting to rescue occupants from a damaged Insight, or move a damaged vehicle, it’s important to reduce the potential for high-voltage current to flow into the cables from either the motor or the high-voltage battery.
The best method...
...is to turn the ignition switch off. This simple
action:
• Turns off the engine and the motor, which prevents
electric current from flowing into the cables from either the motor or the high-voltage battery, and,
• Turns off power to the airbags and the seat belt
tensioners.
After turning off the ignition switch, we recommend removing the key so the car cannot be inadvertently restarted.
The second-best method ...
...is to remove the main fuse and disconnect the 12V battery. The advantages of this method are:
• Removing the main fuse turns off the engine and motor,which prevents electric current from flowing into the cables from the motor.
• Removing the fuse also cuts power to the airbags and the seat belt tensioners.
• Disconnecting the battery cable disables the high-voltage battery controller, which prevents electric current from flowing into the cables from the high-voltage battery.
The disadvantage of this method is:
• Removing the main fuse and disconnecting the battery
cable both require hand tools.
The least-desirable method...
...is to turn off the battery module switch, located on top of the IPU compartment. Turning off this switch:
• Prevents electricity from flowing into the cables from the high voltage battery.
This method has several disadvantages.
• If the engine is running, the high-voltage cables will potentially be “hot.”
• This method does NOT cut power to the airbags and seat belt tensioners, so caution must be used.
• A 10mm wrench is required.
If you cannot perform any of three methods described
above, use extreme care and do not cut into the high- high voltage cables or touch any damaged cables as they may voltage potentially be “hot.”
How to Remove the Main Fuse & Disconnect the Battery
If you cannot reach the ignition key, but you can reach the underhood fuse box:
1. Remove the under-hood fuse box cover. The underhood fuse box is located in the engine compartment near the front fender on the driver’s side.
.
2. Unscrew and remove the main fuse (#1). This will require a Phillips-head screwdriver.
.
3. Disconnect the negative 12V battery. Either cut the battery cable or remove the battery terminal connector.
See the full Insight pamphlet or reference Holmatro's Rescuer's Guide to Vehicle Safety Systems for the battery location.
.
How to Turn Off the Battery Module Switch
If you cannot reach the ignition key or the under-hood fuse box:
1. Remove the cargo area carpet. This provides access to the lid of the IPU compartment.
.
2. Unscrew the bolts on the battery module switch cover and remove the cover. This will require a 10mm wrench, crescent wrench, or pliers.
.
3. Remove the red locking cover and turn the switch
from the ON position to the Off position.
4. Reattach the locking cover over the switch. This
prevents the switch from inadvertently being turned to the on position.
.
Extricating Occupants
If hydraulic rescue tools are required to remove occupants from a damaged Insight, be sure to stay within the cut zone illustrated below. Since most components, including the structural pillars, are made of aluminum, there should be no difficulty using either spreading or cutting equipment.
For additional information on the Honda Insight, please refer to the full publication published by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. You may request a copy from Holmatro by using our contact form.
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