Hi All

Remember my problem with my car breaking down and having to be towed by the AA. Well, the car is back and fixed thank god.

It wasn't a pleasant experience dealing with Honda in Cardiff. The car went in last Thursday, they started looking at the car on Friday. I had a phone call that afternoon saying a "sensor and belt" was damaged. They blamed my K&N induction kit. K&N induction kit? Anyway, I gave them the go ahead to do the work (At this point just under £500). They said they would order the parts in and they would be in Tuesday (just gone). I had a phone call on Tuesday afternoon the parts had came in but they ordered the wrong belt. I was thinking to myself is this a Honda dealer or Halfords? Later that afternoon I had another call from the "senior engineer". They fitted the new sensor but the diagnostic code was still showing the sensor was the problem. I quote from him "We are not sure what to do now we are going to need a day's work to sort this problem." They want more money!

At this point I was starting to get worried how much is this bloody job going to cost? Will this error code ever go away? I phoned Rob (Garage R), spoke to him for a good 30 mins and he offered good advice. I was that pissed off with Honda I was seriously contemplating taking the car to him (240 miles away).

Friday came and finally some good news belt all fitted and the reason the error code was showing is that they forgot to replace a fuse.

Honda couldn't explain what happened. What I think happened was the sensor became loose and was dangling near the belt this damaged the sensor and the belt. Apparently the belt was frayed so needed to be replaced my old belt looked ok to me. Honda also said if the harness (see photos) was damaged that would have cost £700 but they taped it back up.

Can I just say Rob is thoroughly nice bloke and very knowledgeable I will be certaintly taking my car to him for my 54K service even though he's a fair distance away. Honda Cardiff I don't have respect for.

Here are some photos of the parts and bill.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/45643165@N03/4314334710/

The part replaced is circled.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/45643165@N03/4313598311/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/45643165@N03/4314334798/

The bill!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/45643165@N03/4314334898/

Images didn't work so had to replace with link.

 

wow ?

who fitted the K&N?

You had an electrical power failure, the belt must have come off. Did you call a recovery service like the AA or RAC? quick charge to get you home, then fit a belt. I bet that there is nothing wrong with the valve either. they diagnosed it faulty before they changed the fuse!

 

K&N was already fitted when I bought it. I don't think that was the problem. Yes I called the AA and they gave me enough charge in my battery to get to Cardiff. I think the valve may be damaged it looks it, there's a massive groove in it, must have been caused by the belt.

 

Glad you got it sorted in the end. Them dealers sure know how to charge.

 

Glad you have it back... ...but the bill.. .

Any info on what may have caused this 'failure' ?

Good luck with it from now on

 

Cheers. I keep calling it a sensor it's a friggin valve. No info what caused it as they don't know. Maybe my theory is partially correct.

 

Also glad you've got it back. I hate to say this however...you've been seriously ripped off.

It would have taken any reasonable mechanic with a code reader to diagnose this in under 45 minutes.

The belt is a 30 second job to replace...can't believe it actually costs £70 either...I'm sure there are much cheaper alternatives.

My little sister could have replaced the valve in about 10 minutes too.

Lesson for the day...avoid Honda, and speak to Rob at GarageR when you know what the problem is, so you can source the required part without selling a limb

 

I agree Loftust but wasn't sure what to do at the time because the car couldn't exactly go far. Yes I'll be avoiding Honda from now including services.

 

Wow, some charge, it seems to be the only thing Honda know how to do. Still at least you're mobile again.

 

next time let me take a look, can't belive what they charged you!!