Wife did 90000mile service on honda at a dealer which included electrical inspection. Next day she notices battery light, car starts slowly dying, engine light comes on. She stops car has it towed and leaves it as it's sunday. Dealer than says it's not their fault, alternators can die any time and wants 500 to fix.

It's a 96 accord lx. 105,000 miles. They want 340 for alternator and 190 for parts. An independent quoted 200-300. Power steering pump needs to be removed. They did do an electrical system check during 90,000 service (done late at 105000miles)(battery condition, alternator output & starter draw, interior + exterior lights)

They won't fix it, ie. core, brushes, etc. Dealer stated it's not rebrushable.

Wife went in and paid. They wanted $20 for the old alternator (as they send it to Honda to be rebuilt)so she did not get the old one.

I am going to try to get them to keep the alternator. They stated that they do not know why it failed or why the service light went on; it has to be replaced. Dealer said that there is nothing wrong with the engine-some kind of malfunction of the light--they don't know why the engine light came on and why the alternator failed (is it normal for them not to know).

Dealer said the 'new' alternator is refurbished and made/assembled in USA.

If this is the Dealer's fault, what's the best way to recover fees/damages.

I asked her to get a copy of the full service record but they told her they'd get in trouble if they gave it to her.

There was also a recall regarding a throttle cable which they said does not apply to her VIN. How does one check for this.

I just called the service manager; he said he stands by the techs is not willing to give the part back but will let it be inspected. If I go to see it, what am I looking for.


Recall Alert: HONDA ACCORD, HONDA CIVIC
Owner Notification Date: Mar 26, 2000
Number of Units Potentially Affected: Unknown
Component Description: FUEL:THROTTLE LINKAGES AND CONTROL
NHTSA Campaign Number: 99I002000
Description of Recall Campaign: This is not a safety defect in accordance with the Safety Act. However, it is
deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency.
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal feels rough or
notchy when you press it.
It may feel like the car is not responding properly when traveling at low speeds
and are required to move the accelerator pedal to make slight speed adjustments.
Dealers will replace the throttle cable.
Honda has decided to conduct a Product Improvement Campaign to replace the
throttle cable. Owners can contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Modified by slowerest at 11:51 PM 8/20/2003


Modified by slowerest at 12:07 AM 8/21/2003


Modified by slowerest at 1:18 AM 8/21/2003


Modified by slowerest at 1:19 AM 8/21/2003

 

The alternator can and will fail whenever it wants.

The service advisor probably didn't know why the check engine light was on because there were no codes in the computer. A low voltage condition can cause funny things to happen.

The vast majority of service centers, dealer or aftermarket, don't rebuild alternators. There is always a core charge.

The AutoZone or PepBoys alternators are going to be cheaper but that's because they're junk. They get the parts so cheap; they usually can give you a lifetime warranty on the alternator. But who cares about parts if your wife and kids are broke down in rush hour traffic for hours and you have to pay for a tow truck.


The service advisor must have misunderstood the request for your service history. There is no reason not to give it to you.

I don't see any recall concerning a throttle cable for a 1996 Accord. Are you in Canada?

 

thanks for responding:
I am in Los Angeles. I don't think it was a misunderstanding. He probably decided since she is female and does not know anything, he can just say whatever he likes.

This is the recall:
Recall Alert: HONDA ACCORD, HONDA CIVIC
Owner Notification Date: Mar 26, 2000
Number of Units Potentially Affected: Unknown
Component Description: FUEL:THROTTLE LINKAGES AND CONTROL
NHTSA Campaign Number: 99I002000
Dealers will replace the throttle cable.
Honda has decided to conduct a Product Improvement Campaign to replace the
throttle cable. Owners can contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.



Modified by slowerest at 12:10 AM 8/21/2003


Modified by slowerest at 12:50 AM 8/21/2003


Modified by slowerest at 1:08 AM 8/21/2003

 

Howdy (*cough*)

I know the recall your talking about. From what I understand, it only applies to civics as i don't see a recall listing in 96 Accords. An aquaintance of mine actually had her civic worked on for this (idling high was a symptom)

Btw, what dealer is this? Goudy? Norm Reeves?


Bulletins for 1996 Honda Accord Sedan L4-2.2L SOHC (16 Valve)

General Recalls
MAR 01 Campaign - Front Balancer Shaft Oil Seal Replacement
OCT 98 Recall - A/C Wiring Harness Routing

Service Bulletins

NOV 01 A/T - In-Warranty Exchange Program
00-088 AUG 01 Brake Discs - Refinishing Guidelines
98-011 AUG 01 Keyless Entry - Transmitter
01-070 AUG 01 M/T - 5th Gear Grinds On Upshift
01-029 MAY 01 Engine Controls - DTC Capture and Downloading
00-099 DEC 00 Wiring Terminal - Repair Instructions
00-088 NOV 00 Brake Rotor - Refinishing Guidelines
00-089 OCT 00 Supplemental Restraint System - Inspection
00-063 AUG 00 Special Tool - Chassis EAR(TM), Diagnostic Tool
99-053 JUN 00 Immobilizer Key - Key Code Duplicator
99-018 APR 00 Required Special Tools And Equipment,
98-019 MAR 00 Audio Unit - Warranty Exhange/Out of Warranty Repair
00-015 MAR 00 Audio Unit with CD Player/Changer - Error Codes
00-022 MAR 00 Torque Converter Oil Seal - Installation Tool
97-015 DEC 99 Service Publications - Availability & Ordering
98-031 NOV 99 Aftermarket On Board Diagnostic (OBD) || Tester
99-062 OCT 99 Paint Damage From Environmental Fallout
99-061 JUL 99 Ball Joint Removal and Installation Tools
99-037 MAY 99 Front Balancer Shaft Oil Seal Installation Tool
99-030 MAY 99 Recommended Materials
98-009 APR 99 Engine - Ticking Noise From The Valve Train
98-081 MAR 99 Emission Control Systems - Warranty Extension
98-081 OCT 98 Emissions - Warranty Extension
98-058 AUG 98 Radio - Poor Reception/Static on AM Band
98-051 AUG 98 Special Tool Loan Program
98-040 JUL 98 A/T - MIL ON/DTC P0740 Set
98-042 MAY 98 Engine Block - Oil Seepage
98-026 APR 98 Audio Unit - Antitheft Code Labels
98-018 APR 98 CV Joint Boot - Band Tool
98-023 MAR 98 Power Steering Pump - Fluid Leak
98-001 FEB 98 Engine/Transmission - Hydraulic Lift Truck usage
98-009 JAN 98 Engine - Ticking Noise From the Valve Train
97-060 SEP 97 Windows - Front Door Glass Comes Out of Run Channel
95-057 AUG 97 M/T - Fifth Gear Grinds During Upshift.
97-031 AUG 97 A/C - Does Not Blow Cold Air
90-007 MAY 97 90-007 - 05/27/97
86-020 MAY 97 Brakes - Disc Refinishing Procedure
97-027 MAY 97 Tools - Denso HLD-100 Halogen Leak Detector
97-016 APR 97 Seats - Manual Seats Hard to Adjust
97-028 MAR 97 Body - Minor Paint Finish Repair
97-018 MAR 97 Suspension - Rear Wheel Bearing Noise
97-025 MAR 97 A/T - Torque Converter Does Not Lock Up
97-020 MAR 97 Tools - New Fuel Pressure Gauge and Replacement Parts
97-014 FEB 97 PDI - Inserting SRS Information
97-008 FEB 97 Radio - Static When Adjusting the Volume
96-050 NOV 96 Brakes - Fluid Leak from the ABS Modulator
96-055 OCT 96 Clutch - Judder at Cold Start
96-052 OCT 96 Instruments - Fuel Gauge Stays At Empty
96-046 OCT 96 Keyless Entry - Transmitter Programming Information
96042 SEP 96 Tools - Power Steering Pressure Gauge
96025 JUN 96 Interior - Power Seat Does Not Move Forward or Backward
93033 JUN 96 Seat Belt - Tongue Stopper Button Broken
94041 MAY 96 Exhaust - System Buzz
89029 MAY 96 Radio - Warranty Exchange/Out Of Warranty Repair
89004 MAY 96 Required Special Tools & Equipment
96022 APR 96 Doors - Doors Lock When Lifting Handle
96012 MAR 96 A/C - System Performance Test
95025 MAR 96 Clutch - Creaking Pedal
96014 FEB 96 Tools - Belt Tension Gauge Calibration and Repair
91030 JAN 96 Seat Belt - Slow to Retract
92012 JAN 96 Seat Belts - Warranty Replacement Policy

 

I found a throttle cable recall for a 1996 Civic but not an Accord. I don't know what the problem could be. Maybe the recall has expired for the Accord.

Did the dealer do your second OBD2 inspection yet?

 

Hi Rotary
thanks for your previous advice.
This is colonial honda in glendale.

Another experience I had there was with the radiator. They said it was cracked and leaking. I was there and I asked them to keep the old one and show me the crack. (An independent had said it was not cracked. ) When we came back they said it was not cracked but there was a problem with the cap which they replaced.
This did not solve the problem however. Another independent later decided it was cracked and replaced which did solve the problem. Interesting.

I found the recall on autos.msn.com. it appears linked to nhtsa. It does list the accord in the text but I guess it could be wrong.
The car does have this situation where the gears don't change smoothly and you have to depress the gas pedal majorly to get it to speed up. It had this since the beginning.

It was purchased used in 97 and had that from the beginning. It also has this weirdness where it won't start if the gas tank is almost empty.
Other: power windows croak and move slowly (expensive fix).

When I drive it I feel this (I don't know how to describe it as I don't know cars) minor situation as if the body does not quite follow the wheels when steering.

 

I called myself to request the service record and the secretary said she'll mail it but it'll take her a few days.

Then she calls back and says that my wife will have to show up with an ID to get the records in person. Is this normal and is there CA code that either states this is required or that the dealer has to mail service records if they are requested.

oh and your list of recalls reminds me. Before it became a recall, oil seals !@#!@#up and splurted oil all over the engine. The santa monica dealer decided this was not unusual. I did have it paid eventually by Honda customer service but it took a lot of back and forth. And the car sat at the dealer for several days which made me think it might be better to pay immediately and try to recover funds later as opposed to argue for days and wait for Honda inc to call.

Are there any good places in Los Angeles to fix this car. These are some of the dealers in the vicinity but wife works on the Westside and could go there, too.


Goudy Honda
(626) 299-3860 1526 W Main St
Alhambra, CA Map
4.8


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Goudy Honda
(626) 576-1114 Website 1400 W Main St
Alhambra, CA Map
4.9


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kaiser Brothers Olds Honda
(213) 749-2331 1540 S Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA Map
5.0


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Honda Of Hollywood
(323) 466-3247 6511 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA Map
6.1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Honda Of Pasadena
(626) 683-5888 1965 E Foothill Blvd
Pasadena, CA Map
7.4







Modified by slowerest at 8:58 AM 8/21/2003

 

I called myself to request the service record and the secretary said she'll mail it but it'll take her a few days.

Then she calls back and says that my wife will have to show up with an ID to get the records in person. Is this normal and is there CA code that either states this is required or that the dealer has to mail service records if they are requested.

I might have made a mistake while talking to the Mgr. today He was completely unapologetic so I threatened complaints and possibly suing if that does not work. This might have put them on the defensive with the record request etc.


I am in the city of Los Angeles (northeast) on the border to Glendale/Eagle Rock. Colonial does have an unsatisfactory record with BBB.

"In this case, although the company has responded to some customer complaints brought to its attention by the Bureau, others remain unanswered and one remains unresolved because the customer was not satisfied with the company's response. "




Modified by slowerest at 9:01 AM 8/21/2003


Modified by slowerest at 9:10 AM 8/21/2003


Modified by slowerest at 1:27 AM 8/22/2003

 

That's bogus...shops routinely FAX over/printout service record requests w/ no problem. Especially if they're talking to the freakin' owners. I'd be upset....They're really trying to impede your inquiry.

I've never heard anything negative about Colonial Honda but then again...nothing ever good. I might check the Better Business Bureau to see how many complaints they have lodged against them.

What city are you in specifically? Glendale? Sun Valley?

 

I am in the city of Los Angeles (northeast) on the border to Glendale/Eagle Rock. Colonial does have an unsatisfactory record with BBB.

"In this case, although the company has responded to some customer complaints brought to its attention by the Bureau, others remain unanswered and one remains unresolved because the customer was not satisfied with the company's response. "

 

Just take the time and go to a different dealer. If the dealership has a bad record with the BBB then that is a red flag right there. If you aren't happy with their service, go elsewhere!

You seem extremely paranoid about getting ripped off or that everyone is trying to rip you off. Learn what your looking at before questioning what their trying to do for you. Don't always question what their doing because it could be their totally right and your wrong.

Stay on honda-tech and read about your problems, and then think about questioning them. Not everyone in this world is out to get you..only some are.

Nate.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by slowerest &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Goudy Honda
(626) 299-3860 1526 W Main St
Alhambra, CA Map
4.8


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Goudy Honda
(626) 576-1114 Website 1400 W Main St
Alhambra, CA Map
4.9
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Do NOT go to Goudy Honda!!!! (you have it listed twice because their used car and new car/service are on different lots. They're pretty close to one another, though) The salesman I had was HORRIBLE - basically lied to my face, then said it was my fault for not clarifying. Then the Parts department said they had 5 of a certain part in stock, and when I came by (only 10 minutes later), they were sold out!

I haven't gone to their Service Department yet, but if they're 0-2 so far, I don't want to risk it...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Do NOT go to Goudy Honda!!!! (you have it listed twice because their used car and new car/service are on different lots. They're pretty close to one another, though) The salesman I had was HORRIBLE - basically lied to my face, then said it was my fault for not clarifying. Then the Parts department said they had 5 of a certain part in stock, and when I came by (only 10 minutes later), they were sold out!

I haven't gone to their Service Department yet, but if they're 0-2 so far, I don't want to risk it...</TD></TR></TABLE>

hey bro, you know what? I am buying you a beer.
everytime i go there, they want my *** to bend over..i was there this week, the ******* quote me 74 for an hour or labor and then the other bigger *** hole quote me double..what a fu-king service team they got there.
and there's my other story, i order some lid from them, i waited two month before i can get it, it just some cheap *** 3buck lids.

goudy can go to hell and burn..their warranty is non-existance

 

anyone know how to file a feedback or something for honda?
I am gonna send some letter to honda about how goudy **** me over

 

LOL. You want to tell Honda how this dealer "fucked you over". I guess you have another story you didn't share with us because a simple misquote can happen anywhere. You just have to speak up so they can straighten it out for you. I really couldn't decipher your second complaint…...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by iam7head &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
hey bro, you know what? I am buying you a beer.
everytime i go there, they want my *** to bend over..i was there this week, the ******* quote me 74 for an hour or labor and then the other bigger *** hole quote me double..what a fu-king service team they got there.
and there's my other story, i order some lid from them, i waited two month before i can get it, it just some cheap *** 3buck lids.

goudy can go to hell and burn..their warranty is non-existance
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Ooops, sorry 'bout the late reply. But yeah, Goudy is pretty bad. You could send in a letter to American Honda stating your concerns and grievances. I suppose if they get enough complaints about one dealership in particular, that will hopefully get their attention. I will be sending in a letter also in a few days, after I sort everything out so my letter is as factually correct as possible.

Basically, DON'T go to Goudy. My Odyssey I bring to Nelson Honda (where we bought two Odysseys). They have really good service; but they're pretty far. If you're in Pasadena, have you tried Pasadena Honda?

And thanks for the beer offer, but I've given up drinking.

 

i would rather take my car to goudy then nelson honda .... nelson hondas parts cost 20% more then goudys parts if you dont believe me then cal for a part and then call the other dealer .... you will see


we buy all our parts from goudy honda ... their prices are pretty good and the parts people seem to know what they are doing ... also scott robensen honda is a great place to buy parts they are cheaper then goudy ..... remember i am using a shop account so we deal with them every day and probally spend 3-4K in parts a month with them ...

 

I was just referring to the service and overall experience from Goudy and Nelson. If I ever need any parts, I usually get the from A&H Motorsport or HandA. But I haven't had the need to get anything lately...

 

Hey, I was wondering where I can find a list of service bulletins for my '99 Accord?

With regard to the alternator problem, can't you find an independent alternator rebuilder? My car hasn't seen the inside of a dealer's shop since a recall for the ignition switch, they will always charge a premium price for their services.

 

How can I receive the service bulletins for a 99 Accord 4 cyl?

 

You can find the names of the service bulletins at the link below, though I don't know how to actually get them.

http://www.alldata.com/TSB/9924_mo.html

From perusing the list, there was nothing that matches the problem I'm having (the front locks don't want to lock or unlock remotely anymore).