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Honda Accord (2003-2007) Maintenance and Repair

5868 messages,  Last post on May 07, 2013 at 7:55 PM

You are in the Honda Accord Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda Accord, Electrical, Engine, Coupe, Sedan

    
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Messages Page 584 of 588

#5827 of 5868 Honda offered me NOTHING by ktnr

Oct 25, 2012 (6:17 am)

Honda got back to me. I had faxed them Denso’s warranty on their compressors (requires system purging and dryer replacement or the warranty is immediately void) along with industry articles describing the importance of thoroughly cleaning A/C systems to avoid contaminating a new compressor. I faxed them a copy of the Honda Service Bulletin showing the easy and very inexpensive alternative to the dealer’s suggested $480 power steering pump rebuild to cure a minor noise issue. I explained how the Service Advisor switched from protesting AGAINST additional work that would be wise (but would have required him to come in on his day off OR split his commission with someone else) to pushing unnecessary and over-priced work the next day (once he was resigned to protecting his commission by coming in on his day off, the Service Advisor wanted to make it damned worth his while). I explained how the dealer tried to charge me 8.976111 shop hours (a plugged number they made up) before they backed off their “mistake” and cut the labor charge by 40%.
 
Bottom line: Honda said repairing a contaminated A/C system just by replacing one part at a time was “proper”. The attempted over-charges and commission wrangling are solely between me and the dealership. Honda suggested I contact the dealership Service Manager again to see if he can explain what they had previously refused to explain. In a word, Honda offered me NOTHING.
 
If you’re looking for Honda dealer service in downtown Atlanta, you’d be wise to go far North (Woodstock, Georgia) or far South (Morrow, Georgia) instead. Even then, ask in advance to insure that your Service Advisor will be working the next day too in case your car needs to stay overnight. If anyone quotes you a price over the phone, get their full name to avoid hassles over service prices and commissions. Better yet, find a small, local shop who works off their reputation and repeat customers.

#5828 of 5868 Re: Deal From My Honda Dealer [Honda30] by michael2595

Oct 25, 2012 (8:40 am)

Replying to: Honda30 (Apr 27, 2012 4:55 pm)
By golly ... 59.95 is a downright steal for a 15 dollar filter and 3 minutes work. My Honda dealer wants 99.95.. Those service writers are salesman on a commission.

#5829 of 5868 Re: Deal From My Honda Dealer [michael2595] by ktnr

Oct 26, 2012 (1:32 pm)

Replying to: michael2595 (Oct 25, 2012 8:40 am)
I used to think that owners were Honda's customers and dealers were just a necessary evil. I'm thinking now that it's the other way around. Auto dealers and their lobbyists are where the money and the power is. The people who drive the products are just an unpleasant annoyance for the manufacturer; always complaining about things that blow up or catch fire or fail to work safely.

#5830 of 5868 Re: Deal From My Honda Dealer [ktnr] by mr_gone

Oct 26, 2012 (1:44 pm)

Replying to: ktnr (Oct 26, 2012 1:32 pm)
I have had nothing but good experiences with my Honda dealers in the Twin Cities.

#5831 of 5868 Re: Deal From My Honda Dealer [mr_gone] by ktnr

Oct 29, 2012 (1:19 pm)

Replying to: mr_gone (Oct 26, 2012 1:44 pm)
Before the economic crisis in 2008, it seemed to me that Honda was holding the feet of it's franchised dealers to the fire. Honda wanted to ensure that every customer was treated well by dealers they kept on a short leash. It's a different world today where not only Honda but even Acura is challenged by the Korean competition. Honda seems to have backed off their pro-consumer stance and is now willing to allow it's dealers far more latitude in finding ways to lighten the customer's pockets. A "Honda" sign on the building no longer means that you can reasonably trust the people working there. If your Honda dealership's service department happens to be honest, then I'm happy for you. It's not that way though because Honda insists.
 
Then again, what about all the premature transmission and A/C compressor failures in the last decade? Honda behaved in a very stubborn and cost-conscious way in handling the design and manufacturing mistakes that cost Honda drivers a LOT of money. I had my doubts then but now my bubble is fully burst - Honda isn't any better than any other large auto-manufacturer. Shame that.

#5832 of 5868 Re: Deal From My Honda Dealer [ktnr] by michael2595

Nov 01, 2012 (6:49 am)

Replying to: ktnr (Oct 29, 2012 1:19 pm)
WHy should Honda dealers be any different than others? The service department is the profit center. Your service writer is basically a salesman. I waited for my warranty to run out and then took my car to a neighborhood repair shop. No issues here. When you put a company or a person on a pedestal they are bound to fall off. Now everyone loves Hundai. How much of the Sonata is made by Honda? Its all global. Buyer beware. Second car is a 96 Subaru. Never had one problem. Never will. My 2007 Honda had brake issues. Took it to dealership after rotors went at 5,000 miles and brakes at 10. They jerked me around telling me I didnt know how to drive and said Honda would not pay. I am 58. Took my car to my repair shop , Had them yank out the whole brake system and put in a new one at a cost of 1,000. I dont have time for dealerships and their games. Will never buy a new car again.

#5833 of 5868 2005 ACCORD EXL 6 CYLINDER AC PROBLEM by voicemailking

Nov 01, 2012 (8:23 am)

Have dual A/C. The drivers side blows hot while the passenger side is fine. The car has 136,000 miles so i do not want to put big money in it. What could be the problem and any idea of cost to repair...Thanks in advance.

#5834 of 5868 Re: 2005 ACCORD EXL 6 CYLINDER AC PROBLEM [voicemailking] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Nov 01, 2012 (8:42 am)

Replying to: voicemailking (Nov 01, 2012 8:23 am)
Sounds like a stuck blend door (diverter door) or broken actuator that works said door. Might not be a big fix IF...IF...you can get at it without tearing the car apart.

#5835 of 5868 Check Fuel Cap by savegas

Nov 03, 2012 (7:12 am)

I have 07 I4 SE Auto and about a month ago, 'Check Fuel Cap' message appears while i was driving.
Pull over the car, stop engine and to recap, and message is gone right away.
 
Ever since then, with same driving condition and the fuel consumption becomes worse: about 4 miles less per gallon.
 
Car is out of the warranty, anyone experience such problem?
 
I know the rule about fuel cap: click at least 3 times (i done 4) after refuel.
 
Thank you,

#5836 of 5868 Re: 2005 ACCORD EXL 6 CYLINDER AC PROBLEM [voicemailking] by sockpuppet1969

Nov 05, 2012 (5:55 am)

Replying to: voicemailking (Nov 01, 2012 8:23 am)
Mr. Shiftright is correct. My 2003 Accord EXL 4cyl does the same thing from time to time. Here is how I fix it:
 
1. Turn the climate control to AUTO (make sure DUAL is off).
2. Turn the temperature all the way down then all the way up and then set to your desired temp.
 
So far this has worked every time the door has stuck for me (usually in the middle of the summer!). My car has almost 150K miles and I have no plans to get rid of it anytime soon. If this problem became permanent and was cost prohibitive to repair, my eyes might start wandering though...

Messages Page 584 of 588

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