Second Service A01

If you are using the engine very infrequently that is a good reason to change the oil at 1 year. An engine that runs more frequently but not high mileage will protect the oil better, because the frequent hot oil will dissipate the moisture in the oil. Also some operating conditions (like high altitude mountain passes in HV mode) put a lot of strain on Clarity engine, much more than a typical ICE engine. So I believe the 1 year oil change interval is overkill for most situations, but necessary for some cases. I think Clarity engine is very unlikely to have any problems during the life of the car unless you don't use HV mode frequently. Depending on humidity in your area the maintenance cycle could not be long enough to evaporate all the moisture in the system, so if you are in a humid region make sure you run in extended HV mode once a week or at least every other week.

 

While searching for the recommended interval for a transmission fluid change I stumbled across this description of how the MM calculates when service is due. This is from Kelly Blue Book.

 

I think the oil change reminder is just based on days remaining. At least that's how I see it from the Car Scanner app. It shows exactly how many days are left for the next oil service, the cabin filters, and many other things. I did my first oil change with only 2 gas fill up. I'm due for my 2nd oil change soon, the maintenance minder keeps nagging me these days. I think it's kind of a waste as I only filled gas once this time.

 

The one size fits all doesn't work with the Clarity. You driving habits suggest that the once per year oil change is in order. Also the engine air filter change interval will be longer.

 

It may be, particularly if you’re running up to the 12 month interval. The oil change interval is also determined by mileage. How the Clarity calculates ICE mileage may remain one of life’s mysteries. My limited experience is that an oil change and tire rotation is called for at approximately 7500 miles, regardless of what form of energy propelled the car for those miles.

A “Days to service” reminder would be inherently inaccurate. At best, it could only estimate when a service would be due based on past driving history and anticipated future driving. If it said that service was due in 3 weeks and the car was left to sit for 3 weeks, would it say that service was now due once the car was started after the 3 week period?

 

The screenshot says it is monitoring time, not mileage. This jives with what I’ve seen over the last two years I’ve had my Clarity. Their assumptions on use are not in alignment with how I use my PHEV, more like a standard ICE. However when I raised this objection with my husband, he countered, “oil is cheap; engines are expensive.” When we looked at the oil he drained out, it was still pristine. I bit my tongue.

 

This data was collected and disseminated over a year ago. Post #9 in the link posted below has a link to the most recent data points taken off a Clarity.

For those who choose to argue with the data...argue with the maintenance minder numbers...not the collector. Even better yet...collect your own data and then present it to disprove the post linked below (or others viewpoints you disagree with)...instead of "I think or I read somewhere". Data is very easy to collect off this car for most things.

https://insideevsforum.com/community/index.php?threads/a-day-in-the-life-of-the-clarity-maintenance-minder.8189/#post-101836

Data is data...you can't argue with the numbers or the trend be it as you will try.

Life is a bell shaped curve...at the top of the curve...the POS MM will recommend oil change at ~1 year if less than 6500 miles...or when mileage is between ~6500 to 7500 if less than a year. Of course there are outliers in either direction...but hey...if everything is 100% predictable...what fun would that be?

Don't just look at the oil...look at all the inputs.

I've asked this before...I'd love to see responses which are data based and clearly show a trend one way or the other...much like the screenshots I presented. Articles written by stooges for the car companies (read KBB) et. al. which support the chosen narrative don't count. Lets see the data off your Clarity.

Disrespecting or berating posters who present data and their conclusions will solve nothing. None of this is opinion based nor personal...just data off a car. You examine the screenshots and provide your conclusions...or better yet...lets see data off your car? (Did I already mention that?)

Please present data which refutes previous findings. Collectively we can all learn from actual data points. Agreed?

Happy fourth to all!

 

The data that you’ve collected and provided appears to indicate that the MM uses both time and mileage to determine when service is due. It that correct?

In some cases, mileage modifies time and in others time modifies mileage. Can we conclude that we’re all partially correct? With the exception of the previously mentioned service tech who stated that it was 100% based on time.

The information provided by the stooges at KBB, simply states that the first service message is sent at 15% and the second is sent at 5%. Finally, a past due is sent at 0%. There is no mention of either time or mileage. Presumably, these numbers represent the amount of service life remaining for the item that will soon need service. Does you data indicate that the service messages trigger, at or near these percentages? Put differently, do you have data that shows the stooges claims to be incorrect?

 

Depends on which item you are talking about. Mostly the Honda MM is a day countdown calendar with some items based on miles and/or time which ever comes first...nothing new there...been discussed for several years.

If you would collect your own data instead of always parroting something you've read perhaps you would see that. I offer no opinion...just report the data collected off the MM.

I have had the fortunate opportunity to look at multiple data sets collected from other Clarity's. Regardless of who, what, when, where or how...data thus far has been 100% replicated on how the MM collects data.

Any percentage calculation would be based on where the Clarity is for either...time or miles. Purdy simple concept and easily programmed into the Clarity software. It means nothing to me. If it means something to others...kool.

The hard data is out there for folks to come to their own conclusion. The intent is to help those who may question what is behind the MM recommendations. Responses from many clarity owners who asked questions demonstrates the thirst for understanding.

Folks who are not inclined to do their own research can read the absolutes offered by mega-posters and be happy as well. To each their own...correct? No judgement or negativity required.

For any forum...the common goal is to assist others with pertinent information regardless of how it is presented and/or approach used.

Thanks for the input.

 

Of course it depends on the item. The point I am attempting to get across to those seeking information, is that the technician who said that the MM alerts are 100% based on time, is incorrect. Your response appears to validate my statement.

It really doesn’t require anyone to stick their head to deep into this car to figure that out. What is discouraging, is that we have Honda service technicians feeding us incorrect information, which then gets posted and repeated on these forums.

If you disagree with my statement that the MM alerts are not 100% based on time, please clarify your position.

 

I agree that MM is not based on just time alone. It would be nice if we knew whether it's actually based on engine operation time, how hard it's driven using gas, of frequent start stops of the gas engine, etc.

My MM was showing the nag screen for the engine oil change the last couple days and now shows "Past due: 02 days". It was consistent with what my ODB adapter and CarScanner was reporting for "[Clarity]Maintenance Item A - Oil & filt" for the last 30 days. I want to do my 2nd engine oil change, but I want to do it after burning up some gas so I'm postponing it a bit.

In CarScanner - item "[Clarity]Maintenance Item 2 - Cabin Filter" shows 664 days, maybe it's setting 2 years interval? That seems pretty long as I replace my cabin air filters every 6 months with a cheap generic. Do you guys think things like that is also time & driven miles based?