Clarity System Check

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Scottacus

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My paper manual just arrived and I was paging through it when I saw on page 13 a section on Auto Engine Stop/Start. It goes on to say that the car will start the engine if the vehicle is running a "system check."

Any ideas on what a "System Check" is and what triggers it?
 
It’s interesting that System Check is also mentioned under the VSA and ABS headings. So it may we’ll be “checking” various functions/systems instead of just exercising the ICE to keep the seals and friction points lubricated as some have speculated.
As to whether it’s called for according to time, distance, or both (or something else) is unknown since Honda is quite tight lipped about the algorithms running our cars.
In 1200 miles and 2 months, my ICE has only come on twice when I didn’t think it should, but no indication of a System Check popped up.
Does anyone know if we get a notification whenever the computer decides to do a System Check?
 
Here is one condition that I noticed would trigger the system check (and the only one I observed so far with about 7000 miles - I commute about 90 miles each day roundtrip, mostly on EV):

If the batter is fully charged to 100%, and not another drop of electricity can go in, then due to down hill or slowing down at a stop sign, when regen comes on, it won't be able to charge the battery any further. ICE starts and it appears like a system check begins.

I noticed this since I have an immediate down hill after leaving the house, then a stop sign before exiting the neighborhood. I suspected that might have been triggering the system check and began deliberately using up a little battery (with fan, seat heater) before getting to the downhill and stop sign, which worked consistently to avoid the system check coming on (for over two months). Then a couple of days ago, I forgot to turn on the fan (as I don't usually use the fan), and sure enough, it did the system check again, right at the stop sign. So I am pretty convinced that's one trigger for system check.

Although I see why a system check may be helpful when the battery can no longer take any charge, but it would be smarter if it also checks and noticed that it is due to a full battery, not a potential problem. It is a minor issue compared to other bugs (like HV range).
 
I had this happen 3 times. Twice the battery was fully charged and the car was stopped. ICE came on. Once it happened on the freeway after driving a few miles.
 
Happened again. In 10 miles ICE came on 5 times. Why? Battery fully charged. No accessories on. Outside temperature 65. City driving under 50 mph.


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bobcubsfan said:
Both. Came on immediately and then on and off for 9 miles. Used 6 miles of HV range.


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Click to expand...
I’m at a loss to explain this behavior. Coming on once for a System Check and staying on until reaching operating temp, I can understand. And coming on immediately after a full charge I could buy as it might need the ICE for decel since no more power could be added to battery thru regen. And cycling during HV mode is normal, but you were not in HV mode and had plenty of charge to boot. Also the temps were not extreme. So the reasons for all the other times are not readily apparent to me.
Anybody got any ideas?
This seems to be a new scenario.
 
KentuckyKen said:
I’m at a loss to explain this behavior. Coming on once for a System Check and staying on until reaching operating temp, I can understand. And coming on immediately after a full charge I could buy as it might need the ICE for decel since no more power could be added to battery thru regen. And cycling during HV mode is normal, but you were not in HV mode and had plenty of charge to boot. Also the temps were not extreme. So the reasons for all the other times are not readily apparent to me.
Anybody got any ideas?
This seems to be a new scenario.
Click to expand...

All was fine until last week. Puzzling.


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I wonder if it isn't completing some maintenance mode due to the trip not being long enough or something so it keeps trying to restart it?

EV light just means if engine is running or not.
 
That is what I concluded. Seems that maintenance mode parameters are too aggressive. Or maybe something wrong with ICE. Does Honda follow these posts?
 
Honda does not appear to have anyone on this forum. Your ICE operation does not sound typical and certainly does not match what my Clarity is doing. In 1,300 miles, my ICE has only come on twice for brief intervals and with no high reving (other than on a long hwy trip).
If yours keeps doing this for no apparent reason, a trip to the dealer may be warranted. (No pun intended)
 
I feel your pain. About the only good thing I can say about my dealer is that at least they admit to not being familiar with the Clarity.
 
I am in touch with Honda. They know the situation and are allegedly contacting engineering to see what they know if anything. Thanks for your time. Remember the old definition: The pioneers are the ones with arrows in their backs. Or in computers, never buy version 1.0 of anything. Welcome to being a beta tester. At least we are not in line waiting for a Tesla Model 3.
 
bobcubsfan said:
I am in touch with Honda. They know the situation and are allegedly contacting engineering to see what they know if anything. Thanks for your time. Remember the old definition: The pioneers are the ones with arrows in their backs. Or in computers, never buy version 1.0 of anything. Welcome to being a beta tester. At least we are not in line waiting for a Tesla Model 3.
Click to expand...
Hi I am new to any kind of forum but have used many to fix my autos and felt compelled to post here so pardon my ignorance. I have a 2018 Clarity and love it but have had four episodes occur where suddenly and randomly the gas engine revs at an uncontrolled rpm and car does not accelerate as quickly as it should. Three times it occurred with battery depleted at two bars and between 25-35 miles per hour and on a slight incline. Pushing the sport mode seemed to help the acceleration issue slightly but the gas motor continued to rev at a high rpm. After bringing it to the dealer, they could find no codes nor imitate the issue. I started a case file with Honda and the sales guy at the dealer informed me of a way to put the vehicle in hv charge mode which I have been doing in case it was a glitch when computer was transitioning from ev to hv mode to charge battery. All has been great until last week while traveling on the highway at 68 mph in hv charge mode with 6 bars on battery charge gauge it suddenly revved at an unctrolled rpm and I lost acceleration. This was a bit frightening and luckily did not have the kids in the car. I took my foot off the gas and tried again only to rev the gas motor again to a point I thought it was going to send the Pistons through the hood. I quickly pulled to the right lane and hit the sport mode but with no change and quickly hit the hv button which put vehicle into ev mode causing gas motor to shut down, as it should and made it to the hotel. Next two days it ran and reacted as it should in hv and hv charge mode. Instantly called dealer, who I must say, are really trying to figure this out since they understand the safety issue here. I called Honda to report on my open case file. I feel, in my humble opinion, it is a software glitch or bug as it seems to be random and impossible to recreate. Dealer thought it was a transmission problem but now think it may be software. Anyone having this issue please let me know your thoughts but also inform your dealer and Honda to push them to fix a very dangerous and potentially fatal problem. Bummer is I love the car when it's working properly! Thanks for letting me vent!
 
Sorry probably should have posted this on another thread but could not find this specific issue in my lame search! What caught my eye was the revving reference in one of the posts. Any guidance on issue or connection to those that have had similar issues would be helpful thanks!
 
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