/r/HondaClarity

Photograph via snooOG

A subreddit for Honda Clarity owners and enthusiasts to discuss the vehicle and associated matters

Welcome to /r/HondaClarity , a sub about the Honda Clarity. Ask questions, tell us about your Clarity or post anything you think is important relating to PHEV/BEV/FCEV's in general, and please subscribe. Thanks!

This sub is maintained by Honda Clarity fans, owners, and enthusiasts; It is not affiliated with Honda.

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Posts/comments not related to the Clarity, Honda or PHEV/BEV/FCEVs, etc will be removed.

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/r/HondaClarity

563 Subscribers

5

Honda App

Is anyone's app still working for the find my car feature and other functions that used to work years ago?

9 Comments
2025/01/17
05:03 UTC

1

Question about Hydrogen Resources & Hydrogen Station Map?

I drive a 2023 Toyota Mirai XLE 4dr Sedan (fuel cell) and live in the Bay Area. I’m looking for resources to help me find nearby hydrogen fueling stations, as well as information on their current status. I came across a link to a hydrogen fueling Discord server, but it was expired by the time I clicked on it. If anyone has a working invite to that Discord, or any other recommendations for maps and resources to locate stations and check their availability, would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

1 Comment
2025/01/16
03:09 UTC

7

Cold weather affecting HV mode direct drive?

I’ve made the same 120 mile drive 2x a week for the last 9 months, and noticed my HV mode mileage for the highway portion drop from 45+ during the summer to 30-35 when the temp is under 15-20 Fahrenheit.

I watched the drive mode screen the last few times and noticed it stayed in hybrid mode the whole time instead of switching to direct drive (with the white circle on the drive display) where it usually would.

I know the battery mileage suffers in the cold, but not sure how the temp would affect the mechanical drive once everything is at operating temp…

The dealership recommended I not waste my money to have them run diagnostics if there aren’t any lights or n the dash.

Any thoughts or similar experiences from people who probably know more about a Clarity than the Honda service advisor?

6 Comments
2025/01/12
17:47 UTC

5

Check engine power system

Hello everybody, has anyone on this thread come across this problem before?? this is my first time experiencing a check engine light on this car and before I take it to a dealer and spend a lot of money I just want to know if this is a problem I can fix my own or use a local shop. The check engine light pops up and then it says power system, and whenever I try to put it in Econ mode, it forces me out.

18 Comments
2025/01/12
01:14 UTC

5

High mileage (160k) 2019 Clarity PHEV a good idea?

Hey all! I'm looking to purchase a car and this listing for a Clarity PHEV really piqued my interest-- only issue being the very high mileage on it. Its only existed in California, so I would assume its mostly highway miles, but given the relatively little information on these models I wanted to see what others thought:

2019 Honda Clarity Plug-In
168k miles
$12,995

Carfax: minor damage to the front (potentially just cosmetic), single owner, well-maintained

I'm looking to negotiate with the dealer down, as well as take advantage of both the $4000 Federal Tax Credit for used EVs, and the $1500 rebate from LADWP.

What do you think about potential future maintenance issues, or battery replacements? My other options (to take advantage of the above credits) are a lower-mileage (90k) 2019 Ioniq, or (stretching further) a 175k 2020 Prius Prime.

7 Comments
2025/01/08
01:21 UTC

10

Hybrid battery degradation ? How to check it !

So I didn’t realize that with a new clarity the range on the fully charged hybrid battery should be about 52 miles . I bought the car used in 2023 and highest I’ve ever seen on the guess o meter was 38 . I’ve had that pretty consistently up until a couple of days ago where it is now showing 26 on a full charge . I use a level two charger . I also live in Southern California, where the temperatures are not too extreme. I realize that many different factors affect the numbers, including the way I drive however upon reading a bit more, it seems that a reading of 26 on a full charge would mean degradation of the hybrid battery . i’d like to get the battery checked, however I don’t wanna take it to the dealer because I know they will charge for diagnostics. I’ve seen some people purchase devices to check the condition of the battery and I’d like to get recommendations as well as how to use it I am not very tech savvy but would like to take advantage of the warranty for the hybrid battery before I reach the 100 K miles if in fact, it is an issue with the battery any tips suggestions are appreciated .

18 Comments
2025/01/07
22:22 UTC

6

Issue, front drivers wheel has a rubbing sound.

About a month ago my clarity phev started making a noise. It sounds similar to this clip: https://youtube.com/shorts/pWkTm7eE6p4?si=LbgCzeptyVJQCgog It first started when I was going down the road at about 40miles per hour, but would go away if i applied the breaks for a couple seconds, than would come back a little bit later. Than it turned into a sound that would happen only sometimes, and now it happens all the time non-stop accelerating or breaking it’s always there. It sounds like metal scraping or faintly like jingle bells. Has anyone else had this issue? What might it be?

For context: 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV 95k miles Ohio

11 Comments
2025/01/06
16:57 UTC

2

Anyone replaced the Engine Control Module?

Has anyone had to replace their ECU, PCM, ECM, the main computer? How easy is it, DIY? Local shop? Dealer? I can get the part cheap. Does it need to be programmed?

My codes are below. P0D58 is a new code I haven’t seen on the forums, but nothing comes up on the web either for Honda. Could be proximity sensor could be battery charging. Makes sense if it’s proximity, it does seem to happen when say I’m kind of close to an object while turning like in a parking lot.

12v disconnect resets it but I’m getting the error much more frequently now. Makes screen go dim and Prevents LKAS / ACC from working so it’s a big problem.

Car Scanner ELM OBD2 Version: 1.112.9/1.112.9/iOS DTC report Connection profile: Honda Clarity PHEVDate: 1/4/2025 3:06:47 PM VIN:

OBD-IIOBD-II DTCs: 10

U1600 [0xD600] Key not recognised Status: Confirmed

U1204 [0xD204] Status: Confirmed

U0100 [0xC100] Data bus, engine control module (ECM) A - no communication Status: Confirmed

P0D58 [0x0D58] Status: Confirmed

P1DFD(09) [0x1DFD09] Archive (inactive) Status: Confirmed

U1600(09) [0xD60009] Archive (inactive) Key not recognised Status: Confirmed

U1204(09) [0xD20409] Archive (inactive) Status: Confirmed

U0100(09) [0xC10009] Archive (inactive) Data bus, engine control module (ECM) A - no communication Status: Confirmed

P1D00(09) [0x1D0009] Archive (inactive) Status: Confirmed

P0D58(09) [0x0D5809] Archive (inactive) Status: Confirmed

Engine #1 No DTC found.

ABS No DTC found.

SRS No DTC found.

4 Comments
2025/01/04
23:15 UTC

34

Still haven't found another PHEV to upgrade my Clarity

Just cleaned it and I feel it can go another 100k miles (currently at 130k miles)

29 Comments
2025/01/04
16:04 UTC

2

How to change settings while driving?

Road tripping in my mom's recently purchased 2021 clarity touring.

While she was driving, I tried to connect my phone via Bluetooth, the car said we needed to stop. So I plugged it in directly, and it still refused to connect, it even had an option to make an exception which was grayed out.

I looked through the settings and saw that a huge number of all types of settings were grayed out, not just entertainment ones. Is there any way to have this car stop behaving like a helicopter parent even with multiple people in the car?

5 Comments
2025/01/03
18:12 UTC

5

What are your favorite accessories?

I know these things are super limited, but what aftermarket accessories or upgrades have people really liked?

7 Comments
2025/01/03
14:50 UTC

3

Oil change ….dealer or elsewhere?

It’s about that time for my annual oil change and I’m looking for recommendations specifically in the Los Angeles area. The last two years I have gone to the Honda dealership and I’m looking over my receipt. It seems I was charged $245 which seems insanely high. I have zero knowledge or desire to attempt to do this myself however was wondering if it’s best to just stick with a certified Honda dealer as they know the car best has anyone ever taken this to a different shop to effectively get the oil change done and reset the maintenance reminders? I don’t want to run into any issues with voiding the warranty or messing up the electrical system by mechanics that may not be familiar with the vehicle. Any tips and suggestions are welcome.

8 Comments
2024/12/31
23:00 UTC

3

2020 clarity vs 2022/24 prius prime?

I got the impression from some other posts that the clarity is superior to the gen 4 prius but haven't found much on the gen 5. Ideally I'd test drive both but the nearest clarity is two hours away... I test drove a regular gen 5 prius and it seemed pretty nice. But, it's 10k more than the clarity.

My most frequent drive is 40 miles round trip that goes over a ~2000ft elevation change. I occasionally go on shorter trips to town, about 30 miles with no elevation gain. My partner has an EV so I already have a charger at home. The main thing I'm looking for is a quiet, mostly-electric drive that can handle the occasional road trip. Cargo space isn't a concern. The driver's seat does need to be adjustable enough to accommodate a 5' driver without being too close to the airbag, though.

Anyone have thoughts or experience with both? I just came across a 2021 ioniq phev in my area as well but haven't looked into that at all.

13 Comments
2024/12/31
18:57 UTC

3

2018 clarity vs 2021 clarity

I have the clean car for all grant ($9500) and federal EV tax credit ($4000) totaling $13500 as rebate. I am debating between 2018 and 2021 Honda Clarity base models.

2018 (gray) : 54K miles - OTD price $10350

2021 (silver) : 39K miles - OTD price $15000

I prefer the gray color over silver since the black panel in the back sort of blends in with the gray. Does the 2021 get more mpg irl? Please help me decide!

16 Comments
2024/12/31
03:03 UTC

5

2018 Clarity PHEV with over 200k

I came across a 2018 for sale with a little over 200k on it. The price is right (well below book value) and I'm considering purchasing it. Am I crazy? They report that it is problem-free and still gets about 35 miles on charge.

19 Comments
2024/12/30
20:13 UTC

0

Looking at a clarity vs a slightly older lexus.

College student, the clarity is a 2018 touring with 30k miles for 20.5 (not sure about tax credits, but it could bring it down to 16.5). the es300h is a 2017 for 20.8 with 100k miles,. I am debating a few things like the honda having carplay, but the lexus having better driver assist and a nicer interior.
my main concern with the clarity is finding mechanics/parts going foreword since it was low volume as opposed to the ES being a camry with so many made. any gripes or complaints with claritys (anything, the car, repairs, insurance, anything) trying to find good reasons to sway one way or the other as otherwise, the ownership costs should be negligible between them (i am on public charging, 6.6kw, $2/hr)
help me out

80 Comments
2024/12/29
17:21 UTC

4

Fuel gauge

So I just got the Fuel Pump recall serviced but I just filled it up today and the gauge didn't say I was full it stayed the same... I'm hoping it fixes itself but idk...

9 Comments
2024/12/28
02:00 UTC

2

Car making loud noises in EV mode.

I recently bought a Clarity in September at 52,000 miles. Currently, it's at 55,000 miles. Around 3 weeks ago it started making a noise that sounded like the engine was kicking in when in EV mode. I've noticed it starts when I go about over 15 mph. I think it has been getting louder over time. Doing research it sounds like it may be a wheel bearing issue but not sure. Hopefully, there's nothing wrong with the battery or engine. Want to have a better idea before I bring it to a mechanic, Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

3 Comments
2024/12/27
20:05 UTC

4

Drive Cycle Info for SMOG/Emissions Testing

Just looking up this info for u/Master-Artist-2953 and thought I would post in here so you can add any real world experience you folks have.

To set the emission monitors you first need to enter maintenance mode so the IC engine stays on full time.

Applicable vehicles:

  • 2018-21 Honda CLARITY PLUG-IN

How to Enter PGM-FI System Maintenance Mode

Procedure

  1. Maintenance Mode - EnterNOTE: Do the following procedure within 60 seconds to start the engine in the maintenance mode.NOTE:
    1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
    2. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode without stepping on the brake pedal.
    3. With the shift lever in P position/mode, press the accelerator pedal to the floor twice, then release it.
    4. Press the brake pedal and move the shift lever to N position/mode, then press the accelerator pedal to the floor twice, then release it.
    5. Press the brake pedal and move the shift lever to P position/mode, then press the accelerator pedal to the floor twice, then release it.
    6. Press the engine start/stop button while pressing down on the brake pedal. The vehicle is now in the maintenance mode and the engine will start.
    7. "Maintenance Mode" is displayed in the MID.
    8. If the engine coolant temperature gets too hot, the engine may not start until the engine coolant temperature drops.
    9. To turn the engine OFF and cancel the maintenance mode, turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
    10. The VSA operates normally while the maintenance mode is in operation.
    11. During cold starts in maintenance mode, for about 60 seconds there may be some additional transmission noise, this is considered normal.
    12. When starting the engine in maintenance mode, you may hear a groan/rattle for about the first minute, or when the engine decelerates. This noise is caused by gear tolerance's, when the generator is not under load. This noise is considered normal while in maintenance mode.

The here is the service manual page on the criteria needed to set each monitor:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hJ2n6702N9XFu7Ewm1skcI3h6OGsGAKb/view?usp=sharing

5 Comments
2024/12/27
01:33 UTC

24

I Made A Clarity PHEV Spark Plugs Change How-To Video

6 Comments
2024/12/26
00:42 UTC

5

Mpg?

Curious on whats yall average mpg for hv is. Also anyone out there that there gas range dropping rather fast? I’ve been keeping track of it and noticed it goes down 1 every .4-.5. Maybe normal but idk

20 Comments
2024/12/24
05:03 UTC

6

When to sell?

I bought a Clarity new in 2018. I have 116k miles on it and planned to keep it for another 4 years and 50k miles.

Obviously the range has dropped over time, but I decided to get an OBD2 sensor to get a number on it. I'm at 75% battery capacity from new.

I've had no problems with the car and the range decrease doesn't bother me (commute is longer than all battery range anyway).

I am worried that the battery depreciation can cause other issues. My understanding from other posts here is when the battery goes, the car doesn't just work like a hybrid: it's replace or junk metal.

Is it time to move on? Or am I being paranoid?

24 Comments
2024/12/21
21:16 UTC

20

My Clarity stalled on the highway yesterday

UPDATE!!

On our drive home a few days ago, we pulled into a gas station with about a quarter tank of gas left (about what we had when it stalled). I filled it, and the pump told me I put 7.055 gallons of gas into the tank! The tank is a 7 gallon tank.

Sure enough, I checked the Honda service center's receipt for the gasoline they put into the car, and that was 7.218 gallons! So now my hypothesis is not that we got bad gas, but that we actually ran out, or were very close to it. My guess is that the new fuel pump installation messed up the gas gauge somehow, and googling brings up stories of people having their gas gauges messed up with new fuel pumps. Anyway, we're going to bring it up to the local service center that installed the new fuel pump and see if we can get our money back for the service visit after our stall. Or at the very least have our gas gauge recalibrated.

Original post:

I was on my second day of driving to my parents' place for the holiday season, and I was going at highway speeds of 70+ mph in HV mode when the car started slowing down on its own, then speeding up to where it had been, almost like driving with cruise control. Then a scary message popped up on the display behind the steering wheel, which said "Power system failure, stop driving when safe" (going from memory, it might not have been that exactly).

Anyway, we pulled over and turned the car off. We immediately thought it might've been an issue with the new fuel pump, which we recently had replaced in the recall. Luckily, we were only a few miles from a Honda dealership. We started the car up in EV mode and drove there without any problems, no warning messages or anything. They checked out the car and said that they checked the car's logs, and that we experienced a stall, where the car kept dumping more and more gas into the engine in order to keep up, and finally couldn't. The tech said our exhaust smelled like e85, and that we'd probably been sold some bad gas. Anyway, they filled it up with 91 and all the readings went back to normal.

The irony of it is that I was about to get off the road to fill the tank anyway when the stall happened. Had it held off for just a few minutes, we wouldn't have noticed any problem at all.

16 Comments
2024/12/21
21:14 UTC

5

Am I foolish for driving my 156k miles Clarity as a Lyft/Uber?

I have no existing problems, mechanically the car is working great. Say I drive 500 extra miles a week, is that just going to send this car into serious problems soon?

14 Comments
2024/12/19
22:16 UTC

8

Brought home used 2018 Honda Clarity and it seems to not charge

I don't know if it's the charger that's defective or the Clarity's hybrid battery system. Here's a picture of the charger and it's status lights, and a video of the Clarity's charging port after I plug it in. I am connecting the charger to a 120 volt outlet. The dealership handed me this charger for use (Lectron 15 Amp Portable EV Charger); it's not Honda's.

Edit #1: I cannot include photos or videos to this post for some reason unknown to me. Maybe because I just joined the community this morning. My apologies.

Edit #2: I finally got it charging after connecting the charger to the car and holding the plug-in button on the key fob, thanks to awang44's reply. I'm attempting to set up the HondaLink account, as suggested by other folks. Thank you all!

16 Comments
2024/12/19
16:17 UTC

55

The rare moment where 2 clarities met...

28 Comments
2024/12/17
16:48 UTC

8

Planning on getting a 2019 Honda Clarity. Two different dealers in mind same cars but one has 109k miles for $14,985 and the other has 135k miles for $15,999, neither have tax credit included. Should I buy? Is it reliable? Please help

As the title says, I’m really looking into a Honda Clarity. I live in Los Angeles but I’ve been getting mixed reviews on reliability and functionality considering different problems. I’ve seen more issues with 2018 than 2019. However, I’m stuck and want to make a decision before the year ends for tax credit for IRS and Edison. Can anyone help me what they think if I should go forward with this investment or just get a Toyota Prius Prime 2019?

I super appreciate the input. Thanks!

Edit: Thanks everyone who responded! After carefully researching I’m going with a 2020 Toyota Prius Prime for reliability.

17 Comments
2024/12/17
00:59 UTC

9

Dealership recommending replace the battery for $9.5k because of this (but it still runs and holds charge)

Anybody who had this error message also? Did yall replace the battery?

My Clarity is 6 yrs old. Was hoping to keep it for at least 10.

44 Comments
2024/12/15
22:07 UTC

10

Tip for CarPlay in the clarity

Don’t have your VPN on. I turned mine on and forgot about it. So when I tried to connect to CarPlay it wouldn’t. I rebooted everything only to remember that I had my vpn on. Once I turned it off everything worked as before.

Ugh.

6 Comments
2024/12/11
17:41 UTC

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