result: Power System Problem, OBDII: U0296

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Breezy

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Reporting the results of our first service/problem with our 2018 Clarity, 1 year old, 6.5k miles:

As mentioned in thread last week, this fault popped up while driving: "Plug-in Power System Problem. Range Limited." Check engine and Power System icons were lit as well. OBDII read U0296. Dealer followed Honda instructions to replace battery charge control module, part # HP1C600-5WJ-A02, Charger, 1C999. Their notes say that after 2 test drives, error codes appeared again:
Cause: WIRES BY C156 BROKEN. PART OF MAIN HARNESS ABOVE FUEL TANK COVER
Correction: REPAIR WIRES BY C156 AND APPLY RODENT TAPE​

Something to watch for if any others of you have a power system problem pop up. This was all completed under warranty.

They were supposed to deal with the recall on EVTC (18-089) but the paperwork only says they fulfilled the other recall about replacing the warranty CD that comes with the car, 18-096. The service guy insists they did both and that the car has up to date software (and was rather dismissive/condescending about this). However, the paperwork makes no mention of the SBs, despite my giving him all the SB numbers shown in this forum. Also, this dealer (like many) has no EV chargers so they did not charge the car. Battery was down to a few miles, given the fault code. Irresopnsible of them to repair a charging system issue and then not be able to test the plug-in charging system. It's beyond annoying and something I put a complaint in about that they sell and service electric cars but have no chargers.

Thankfully, no hassles about them paying for car rental. The part came in the next day and the service was complete by early the 3rd day. I also had them do the A01 (oil change) and state inspection. Hopefully we won't have issues related to 18-089.
 
Interesting...

We have had several instances of wires being chewed through (on multiple vehicles). We have lots of squirrels, chipmunks, and mice.

Do you think this was actually a case of rodent damage, or could it have been a factory defect and they just applied "rodent tape" as a precaution?

I heard that the auto manufacturers abandoned petroleum-based wire insulation in favor of plant-based (for environmental reasons). Then they found that this actually attracted rodents and occurrences of damage went way up. I am not sure where this stands today, but it is a real problem, as you might have discovered.

I have never heard of "rodent tape".. I'll have to look for that.

Check this out (it references a Honda TSB) -
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/how-to-protect-your-car-from-rodents/
 
Actually, I asked how wires could be broken and the service person didn't mention mice. He said we can't really guess. Since we use the car nearly every day and it's parked totally on gravel in the driveway vs up against grass or foliage, I'm guessing less likely to be mouse damage than a defect. Though who knows. Might look into that tape for the tractor, though! And maybe for our older CRV that sits unused more often. I've given up getting mice out of the cabin filter area that isn't easily accessible (to humans) in that vehicle. Maybe some of that tape near vents...
 
The 2000 Honda Insight used a soy-based insulation on its wiring that rodents enjoyed very much. A friend's Insight was totaled by the beasts when the cost of wiring-harness repairs became unfeasible. Later (not sure when) in the gen-1 Insight's 7-year run, Honda changed the insulation to a less tasty formula.
 
Just saw this...
Squirrels took up residence in this vehicle (in Pennsylvania) and were storing walnuts there.

82c5f035825e5b82bb9ac1cf2057a0c6


The owners noticed a burning smell and a strange noise !!
 
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