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2003 Civic Hybrid. Check Engine light has been on since we bought it this year. (it's why we could afford the car...) The code says the battery temp is too hot. We confirmed that the cooling fan in the trunk is working, so no quick-fix available there. Then we disabled the IMA (switch "off" behind passenger seat, unplug the passenger-side wire cluster to the IMA, which is behind the "do not open" panel) closed it all up tight. And unplugged the cooling fan in trunk. 2 days later, "check engine" still on. Gotta get this light out to get inspected... any help out there? We can live without the hybrid part of this car, if we can only get inspected! Although, the plan is to get inspected, then restore the IMA with it's troubled "heat" code...we don't wish to replace the battery pack, just want to get inspected and get down the road!

 
Rep Power: 518

What fault codes do you get?

 
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The code reads U0110, Lost communication with DMC module drive motor control module ... ,which I presume means The IMA since we unplugged it behind the backseat. So the only code we're getting is due to unplugging the IMA to the best of my knowledge. So I don't know how to work around this to get inspected

 
Rep Power: 518

Seems the PCM knows it lost communication with that module and sets corresponding code for it.

There is no workaround IMO.
Fix what needs fixed the right way, or cut your losses and sell the car to someone else.

 
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AND I forgot to mention, right after we posted that we restored the IMA/ hybrid system. (because of trouble keeping 12v battery charged up)
There's no "check engine" light yet, but when the hybrid batteries get warming up, we expect the original trouble code (sorry don't have that number) of the cooling fan for the battery, to trigger the check engine. We're trying to drive short trips and not heat up too much, and get inspected while the C E light is off...

 
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Oh, just saw your answer. Thank you ezone!

 
Rep Power: 518

Can you get the exact code numbers from 'battery temp is too hot'?

 
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P1600, battery fan is what we were told

 
Rep Power: 518

You were told incorrect information, by someone who has no idea how this works and/or is not trained and equipped to correctly deal with a Hybrid car.
Period.

P1600 is a "generic" code that exists only in the PCM (engine control unit), it's simply an indicator ......that is to tell the technician there are code(s) that must be retrieved from the IMA system. The code does NOT describe any condition other than there is a problem in the IMA system.

You need a much better scanner to read codes from the IMA systems.
You're going to chase your *** in circles and waste money without it.

You could spend a hundred bucks or so and take it to a Honda dealership and get correct answers quickly.

 
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Ok I found a Honda dealer who will read the codes for 35 bucks, I will head over there tomorrow and hopefully pick their brain while I'm at it thank you again

 
Rep Power: 518

$35 ???? Wow that's scary cheap!

I'm sure someone will want to know where this is?

 
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Honda of Fort Worth, on west Loop 820. Orlando told me to come in and ask for him. This is a pretty rockin' dealership, with a great customer wait area and even kids play area. I'll have to post on YELP about it too!

 
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P1449 is the code from the dealer battery module deterioration, battery cell overheating

 
Rep Power: 518

It needs the IMA battery replaced. That's probably why the car was so cheap

Did the dealer shoot you a price for fixing it?

 
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Yes! Around $3300 for the hybrid battery. Plus he said the 12v battery needs replacement, a strut is shot, a motor mount, a few more things. We are going to sell as is and get something else. Thank you for your assistance