HONDA Insight - Manual (Page 53)

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No Energy Flow (Vehicle stationary, coasting or decelerating)
To prevent unnecessary fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, the Insight's gasoline engine is turned
off when there is no need for propulsion or air conditioning. During typical deceleration, the regenerative
braking and fuel cut mode begin as soon as the driver begins to decelerate. When the engine speed slows
down to about 1000 rpm, regenerative braking will stop, and the driver will typically switch into neutral. At
this point, the fuel may be needed if the IMA system determines that there is a need to keep the engine
running (idling).
After the vehicle speed drops below 30 km/h (19 mph), idle stop mode will typically be triggered, and
the gasoline engine will stop turning. The engine will typically remain off until the transmission is put into
first to begin accelerating again. Restart is performed instantly and very quietly and smoothly using the
IMA motor.
Conditions for Engine Shutdown
While reducing vehicle speed, the engine stops itself automatically under these conditions:
• The vehicle speed is less than 30 km/h and the the brake pedal is pressed, or vehicle speed is
less than 5 km/h
• The transmission is in any gear, except 1st, before slowing down
• The clutch is disengaged or neutral position is now selected
• The engine speed is less than 1000 rpm
If the brake pedal is released while the Insight is slowing down, the engine starts again instantly, unless
vehicle speed is below a certain speed. Even in this case, the engine will be restarted if a gear is selected or
the gas pedal is touched.
Idle stop will not take place in any of the following conditions:
• The engine has not yet had time to warm up
• The transmission is in reverse gear
• The Battery Module is not charged sufficiently to restart the engine using the IMA Motor
• If the IMA-ECU detects stop-and-go traffic conditions (e.g. if the transmission has not been
switch out of first since the car was last stopped).
Also, climate control mode will affect whether or not idle stop is performed. In Auto mode, the engine
will be allowed to continue running to operate the air conditioning compressor. In Econ mode, idle stop