How to Improve the Clarity

Discussion in 'Clarity' started by David Towle, Nov 22, 2018.

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  1. Fidzio

    Fidzio Member

    After 50,000km and almost 3 years I have some suggestions for improvements to the Clarity software. Although I like the car very much and am very happy with the purchase, there are some niggling things that I would like to change if I could:

    1. Make the lane keep assist (LKAS) default to "ON" when you start the car rather than having to press the button. (The "Main" button stays where you left it - couldn't the same be done for the LKAS button?)
    2. Get rid of the warning screen which comes on and needs "OK" to be pressed or a delay to expire before I can do anything on the centre screen. (I'd be happy to sign a waiver that I have memorised the paragraph :))
    3. Provide an electric range number by the instrument panel gauge so I don't have to check this on the vehicle info screen.
    4. Get rid of the beep when cruise control is engaged and I pull the regen braking paddle and it then disengages the cruise control. I know I'm braking, that's why I pulled the paddle!
    5. As to switching off the low speed noise to alert pedestrians when the car is moving slowly, the Canadian Clarity has this button, but I've never used it . . . Not sure why I would want to do this as I can hardly hear the noise when I'm in the car with the windows closed.

    I agree that these are all "first world" problems, but I was able to make some custom adjustments to a Lexus and VW through an OBD2 device called "Carista" which allowed me to disable the seat belt warning chime and just leave the dash light warning (as if I would drive without seat belts fastened) and also to switch off the headlights on the VW when I removed the ignition key (to avoid an embarrassing dead battery the following morning)

    I don't think that there is anyone who makes an aftermarket device which allows custom changes to the Clarity.
     
    leehinde likes this.
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  3. neal adkins

    neal adkins Active Member

    Honda looks at it from a stand point of liabilities. By not making Lkas automatic and requiring a selection, it provides a legal advantage in the event of system failure due to inclimate weather. Same with screen warning In this law suit happy world.
     
  4. Fidzio

    Fidzio Member

    Thanks for the explanation. I understand Honda's perspective, however there are sometimes aftermarket tools that allow customisation (at the owner's risk) and that is what I would like to do if such a device exists.
     
  5. neal adkins

    neal adkins Active Member

    If that's the case, lets also get rid of steering required in lkas!
     
  6. insightman

    insightman Well-Known Member Subscriber

    Have you seen this thread about people using the Honda Hack software?
     
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  8. Fidzio

    Fidzio Member

    Thanks Insightman! That's what I was looking for - and it also has a claim to be able to remove the need to hit "agree" each time I drive the car and the volume reduction when in reverse would also be nice. Not sure why I would want to watch Netflix in the car - I prefer sitting on the couch in front of my TV :) I'll check it out when the warranty expires and report back if I can get rid of the beep when I pull the regen paddle when in cruise control.
     
    insightman likes this.
  9. Such a device does exist. It is called the Comma 2. Full self-driving autopilot. Better than Tesla. It substitutes for Honda's LKAS and ACC and is fully hands off.
     
  10. insightman

    insightman Well-Known Member Subscriber

    There's a long Clarity forum thread for that, too.
     
  11. jpkik96

    jpkik96 Member

    All - While I enjoy driving the Clarty, I think there are many ways it can be improved in the future and as others have suggested, maybe we will see in the next-generation Accord PHEV. Here are some of my thoughts:
    - Switch the 1.5 engine for the 2.0 engine for more power and refinement.
    - Add a bigger gas tank to increase trip range to over 400 miles
    - Add a spare time! Fix a flat does not inspire confidence and just having a donut strapped in the truck for road trips does not inspire confidence
    - Improve the infotainment system, which was derived from the previous generation Civic....
    - Give the option for a sunroof, heated back seats, and a heads-up display to better differentiate the Touring model from base modes (ie: Accord EXL and Touring)
    - My personal preference would be to offer in a 5 door hatchback format (ie Civic Touring, A5, Kia Stinger, and VW Arteon

    Thanks!
     
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  13. Boston_Pilot

    Boston_Pilot Active Member

    Sounds like you just want an entirely different car.
     
  14. jpkik96

    jpkik96 Member

    Boston_Pilot - After driving the Clarity for close to three years and 36,000 miles these are just my thoughts. I agree with you that changing the powertrain and/or body style would be transformational and likely require an entirely new platform. However, adding a spare tire, improving the infotainment, and adding some additional amenities (ie: sunroof) seems to me to represent more incremental improvements. I have mentioned in another post my disappointment that Honda has made virtually no changes to the Clarity in four years and clearly is not actively trying to market this car - at least outside of California. I strongly believe EV/PHEV adoption will be increasing going forward and these are just my thoughts on how Honda might be able to make the Clarity - or whatever follows it - more appealing to a broader buyer market.
     
  15. JimOKeefe

    JimOKeefe New Member

    With a level 2 charger, you can pre-condition the car interior temperature on AC so no miles lost on the road.
     
  16. Boston_Pilot

    Boston_Pilot Active Member

    Can do it with a lvl 1 charger as well. As long as battery is already charged. Just can’t condition and charge on lvl 1.
     
  17. JimOKeefe

    JimOKeefe New Member

    I've tried but get a message the can't condition on Level 1. You may be right about conditioning with the plug removed but that wouldn't mean depleting the battery? My goal is to leaving home with a conditioned car and 100% charge.
     
  18. Boston_Pilot

    Boston_Pilot Active Member

    I never mentioned removing the plug, just that the battery should already be fully charged before it will let you condition.
     

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