So, after spending a month in Cambodia... I finally get to sit in my Fit again.

Only the battery is too low to start the car, so I have to jump it. It had enough to power most of the stuff, just not starting the engine.

I let it run for a bit, and when I go to move it... the steering is stiff and all manner of dash lights are on (engine, steering, tpms, etc)... as if the engine wasn't on. But I was able to move the car (from one side of the driveway to the other). Halfway through, the steering got easier and all the lights went away.

I let it sit for a another minute or so as I move my sister's SUV into the garage (moved my Fit to clear a path into garage). Went back to the Fit shortly after... again, with the steering and lights.

Turned off the car and restarted the engine... lights normal and steering was light.

Hum... I'm hoping it's just an odd symptom of having not used my car for a month, and not something else that requires $$.

What a way to return to the forums.

P.S. If my cousin is correct... I saw 50% of all Fits in the entire country of Cambodia... a whooping 10 1st Gen Fits (nearly all cars sold there are used to begin with). My cousin says that there are maybe 20 in total... I'm inclined to believe it. Damn, there were a lot of Prius.

 

Sounds like the battery, Try Charging it fully but you might need a new one.

Batteries like keeping a memory. I remember a car I had and if you threw the lights on it would work normal and because the electric steering and lights all work off the battery first I think its the battery.

BTW: WELCOME BACK

 

What would be nice is if they made a gel cel battery for the Fit like I have in my airplane. I can leave that thing in the coldest temperatures outside for a couple months, and crank the 10:1 engine like I had just charged the battery. Before the gel cel I had major problems if I left the airplane for a couple months... the battery would be almost dead.... if not dead.

 

One benefit of a manual transmission: no need to jump start. Get it rolling and pop the clutch in 1st gear (if moving forward) or reverse (if going backwards).

 

Welcome back Goobs! So you made it through your Fit withdrawals ok huh? Happy New Year!

 

Thanks.

The Fit seems fine now. It was just strange that the car got better after moving, but then back to issues after sitting a few minutes. Only thing I could think of, is that when moving, I had to rev the engine higher.

I'm up for any improved battery tech... hopefully, with a decreased environmental cost.

My brother and I did it on a Ford Escort some 16 years ago.

But, that's just too crazy for me to attempt by myself.

I've been trying to think up excuses to take my Fit out for a drive... was going to take a long drive last night, but ended up having to rush to home depot before they closed to buy some plastic to cover the windows (leaking cold air into house).

But, I will be returning to work today, so I should be doing plenty of driving.

 

I had to run and push my Fit by myself in the middle of Shibuya (at the bus terminal area and it was 1am so not many people around, besides drunk ones) , I was waiting for somebody watching 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' inside with the engine off, stupid me, lost track of time after about 4 episodes. Person came, go to start the car and nothing. Thankfully had a very slight decline and the Fit being as light as it is I was able to push it just fast enough, jump in and pop the clutch and get going. Another reason I hope manufacturers never completely bury MT vehicles.

Welcome back Goobz. How was your trip to Cambodia?

 

Goobers, I would drive the car to fully charge the battery. You will know when it gets cold if there is a problem with the battery if it ever gets cold.