Auxiliary Starter Motor

Published November 6, 2006

Most of the time, the Insight uses the electric motor/generator to start the internal combustion engine, but if the main battery is discharged, or the weather is very cold, there is also an auxiliary starter motor that is powered by the auxiliary 12-volt battery. It's important to check the auxiliary battery periodically, since you are less likely to notice the engine beginning to crank slowly as the battery loses capacity—like you normally would with a conventional car. If the main battery and the auxiliary battery both become low on charge, you won't be able to start your car. If this happens, you can get a jump start, just like any other car. However, you may have some difficulty convincing passing motorists this is the case. Many people are surprised to find out that a conventional car can give a hybrid a jump-start.