The OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) port in your Honda Civic Hybrid is a valuable tool for understanding your car’s performance and health. Accessing real-time data through an OBD2 reader can provide insights into various systems, including battery state of charge (SOC), assist amperage (AMP), engine coolant temperature (ECT), intake air temperature (IAT), and more. This article delves into the data obtained from a Civic Hybrid’s OBD2 port, offering insights into what these readings signify and how they reflect the car’s operation.
Decoding the Data from a Civic Hybrid OBD2 Reader
Using an OBD2 scanner on a Civic Hybrid revealed several key data points. While “TEM” remained consistently at 0 (its function unknown), other readings provided valuable information:
Battery Performance: SOC and AMP
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VOL: This value, likely representing battery voltage, updates upon starting the car and fluctuated between 155 and 162 during various driving conditions. Changes seemed linked to restarts and driving duration, not mileage covered.
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SOC (State of Charge): The SOC readings accurately reflected the battery’s charge level. Slow charging was observed up to 50%, followed by a jump to 70%. Assist Boost Control (ABC) typically engaged at 3.5-6 amps until around 70% SOC. Resetting the charge low point twice resulted in a positive recalibration to 75%. Through downhill regenerative braking, the SOC reached a maximum of 77.8%. A deliberate discharge and recharge cycle revealed a sudden voltage drop around 60% SOC, highlighting potential battery weakness.
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AMP (Assist Amperage): The highest assist amperage recorded was 63.0 amps during hard acceleration uphill. Lower ambient temperatures correlated with reduced assist, peaking around 42 amps. Regeneration peaked at 38 amps but typically hovered around 23-25 amps. At idle stop with headlights on, the reading was -2.8 amps, increasing to -4.3 amps with additional electrical loads. Negative amperage during deceleration in neutral likely indicated 12v battery charging.
Temperature Readings: ECT and IAT
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ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature): ECT readings appeared accurate, starting at 0°C (32°F) in cold weather and reaching a maximum of 84°C (183°F) on the highway regardless of driving intensity. Activating the heater with fresh air caused the ECT to dip to around 81°C (178°F).
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IAT (Intake Air Temperature): IAT readings, presumably in Celsius, also seemed accurate. Around town at 40 mph, temperatures ranged from 33-34°C (91-93°F), dropping to 20-21°C (68-70°F) at highway speeds. Stop-and-go driving and low speeds resulted in temperatures up to 53°C (127°F). During auto stop, the IAT reached 59°C (138°F) due to lack of airflow.
Other Observations and Conclusion
Unfortunately, the AFR (Air Fuel Ratio) value and associated lean burn indicator were unavailable. The fourth missing value remains unidentified. The auto shutdown feature functioned correctly. Further testing is required to evaluate the cooling fan operation. These OBD2 readings offer valuable insights into the Civic Hybrid’s performance, enabling owners to monitor key systems and potentially identify issues early on. Regularly checking your car’s data with an OBD2 reader can contribute to preventative maintenance and improved vehicle longevity. While this specific data provides a snapshot of one Civic Hybrid’s performance, individual results may vary.
