Category: For Technicians

I have seen 2 versions of Think TechCentre, and they are almost exactly the same, except the I believe the second version lost some live data capability.  Otherwise the differences are just aesthetic.

First, connect the VIM to the car and to the computer that will be running TechCentre and turn the key on.  Order is not important.  (A few years ago Hondas were very finicky about what got plugged in first.)

Only after everything is connected and the car is on (can be key-on or ready-on), then start the Think TechCentre software. You will see a splash screen and then the home screen, but it may take a good 30 seconds or a minute to load/start-up. Continue reading Think TechCentre

Long story short, I previously advocated in this post that fuses in the PCU should be replaced by higher rated fuses and the correctly rated fuses should be installed in the wire harness where they are easily accessible.  I am amending that recommendation to say that the fuses inside the PCU should be removed and replaced with a simple jumper wire– no fuse at all inside the PCU, only one in the wire harness.

Why the change of heart?  Continue reading EVSE Fuse Retrofit — IMPORTANT CORRECTION

This post summarizes the cables/adapters that are used for various functions in Think service.  I refer to a cable as a simple conductor with a connector at either end.  When a piece of hardware incorporates electronics that perform some sort of signal conversion I call it an adapter, converter, module, etc. Continue reading Technicians’ diagnostic hardware

I have only ever replaced the 12V battery while the car is on a lift, and I would strongly discourage anyone from attempting otherwise.  (Any mention of “battery” in this article refers to the conventional 12V lead-acid battery.)

Lee Underkofler was kind enough to make this suggestion for those of you attempting this repair without a lift:  Remove the front bumper cover.  It’s relatively easy to do.  I’ll try to remember to put up some instructions and photos– If I haven’t deleted this sentence by October 2015, someone please prod me to do an update.

Here is a document provided by Think regarding 12V battery replacement:

Procedure_to_remove_and_replace_12v_battery[2]

But I’m still going to provide my own advice:

The battery is located under the car just inboard of the left front wheel.  Remove the entire battery bracket assembly, install a new battery into the bracket and then reinstall the bracket to the car. Continue reading 12 Volt Battery Replacement