How to Improve the Clarity

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.
 
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.
 
neal adkins said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
Fidzio said:
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.
Click to expand...
If that's the case, lets also get rid of steering required in lkas!
 
insightman said:
Have you seen this thread about people using the Honda Hack software?
Click to expand...
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.
 
Fidzio said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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!
 
jpkik96 said:
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!
Click to expand...

Sounds like you just want an entirely different car.
 
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.
 
David Towle said:
Had my car 1.5 months, thought this would be a fun thread. Here are improvements, some of which should take just software mods, that i would like to see on the car.

1. I started using the heater in EV mode and my mpg plummets, not a surprise. What I would like to have, is a Heat-EV mode where the car uses the ICE only when needed to maintain cabin temperature. When its on of course the ICE will also power the car and charge the battery, but it would only stay on as long as required for heat. The rest of the time, even up hills, would just be electric. The electric heater would be locked off in this mode. Could probably be implemented to go on with a long push of the Sport or Eco button.

2. Its annoying sometimes that there is no mode with no regenerative braking. I would like to be able to give the right paddle one pull and have it go into this mode for maximum coasting. It should also stay in this mode until you give a pull on the left paddle.

3. Have snap in panels to go over the jacking point in the holes in the sills to keep out all the leaves and mud that now pile up in there. I hate to pull the sill covers off but I think they'll have to go eventually as they are now.

4. The plug in hybrid badge on the cover of the receptacle is ugly and should not be there. Has anyone tried removing this with a hair dryer? (Worried about warping the whole door.) The one on the back is fine but its enough.

Let's hear what you think of my ideas and what else you have! thanks, Dave
Click to expand...

With a level 2 charger, you can pre-condition the car interior temperature on AC so no miles lost on the road.
 
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.
 
JimOKeefe said:
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.
Click to expand...

I never mentioned removing the plug, just that the battery should already be fully charged before it will let you condition.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top