Mega thumbs down for Bronx Honda [Archive]

greg-ster

12-20-2005, 01:24 PM

So I spent the day at Bronx Honda's service dept.

Wow, this place sucks so bad, that the idiots at Honda of New Rochelle look almost as high caliber as a tech like prince.

And did I mention unbelivably unprofessional... and rude.

Particularly, a POS named "Gabe" that sits behind the front desk. Calling him a POS would be too kind... he just has a complete lack of class, and has an outward appearance that reflects that too. Every other word out of this POS' mouth is some variation of the "F" word.

A short, older man with short white hair is also another rude POS... he looks like he's some manager of some sort.

The techs there are just stupid. And I mean that in the most derogatory way possible. The idiot teen tech tried to say that there wasn't a problem because the check engine light was not on at the time. However, did he hook it up to the HDS? No, because the check engine light was not on.

They actually tried to charge me $176 ( 2 HOURS labor) to hook the car up to the HDS. I called American Honda, and my attorneys and let them rough up the dealership...

They pulled like 6 codes, and they said that they needed to hold the car "because they had never seen a car with 6 codes, and they didn't know what was wrong".

I suggested to the tech that he check for continuity between the cruise control unit and the PCM... I even literally said " Maybe you should examine the PCM more closely, it just might be bad and throwing all these random codes".

This is where POS "Gabe" starts running his mouth:

POS: Hold up, hold up, These techs are factory trained and dont need you telling them what to do.

Me: I'm just trying to help him out.

Tech to POS: It sounds like he knows what he's talking about, stop, it sounds like he knows that he's saying.

POS: THey know more than you because they are factory trained.

Me to POS (I probebly shouldn't have said this): I go to Columbia, I don't have to prove myself smarter than anyone.

This shut the POS up

The only person that conducted themself with decency, and self respect was the other person at the desk, Kathy. She was actually quite polite and helpful. :thmsup:

Now they want me to bring the car back so that the tech can "diagnose the issue". Mind you, I was at that dealership from 8am till 4pm. :thumbsdow

God, why me...:(

Am I ever going to get my car fixed???? :dunno:

Accord4Life

12-20-2005, 01:36 PM

Just give it time. My 89' Accord used to 'gobble' up ECU's. And by that I mean destroy them. This was when I still lived in Brooklyn, and I went to Bay Ridge Honda. They had my car at serveral points, always trying to tell me that the ECU just needed a reset. Well they were wrong, and finally when I cooked up the nerve to write a letter to the manager, stalk him dailiy, and bug the heck out of the service dept. I got a new ECU! But since then I'm on my 3rd ECU. I hear its a common issue though. I do suggest you try BayRidge if its not to far away. I bought my 1996 there in Dec. of 95' (wow that was 10 years ago!), and they had a new owner, and the place was very much lore likeable. And the service dept. was VERY good this time around!

princess

12-20-2005, 06:41 PM

6 codes with no light means it's the whole unit that's bad....the fix is to replace the control unit.... this would normally be a "no brainer"...but with what you're dealing with who knows!!

So sorry you have to deal with such people!!!

Be tough, stick with it!! When replaced, you should have your Accord driving like it supposed to!!

OwAce

12-20-2005, 10:02 PM

come to curry honda mass. they will take great care of you. :banana:

Pairallel

12-21-2005, 06:27 AM

Maybe a little more realistic...if you want to try Mahwah Honda, they might be able to arrange a loaner for you. It's about 25 miles from NYC, and they are nothing but honest and efficient. :thmsup:

greg-ster

12-21-2005, 06:50 AM

Maybe a little more realistic...if you want to try Mahwah Honda, they might be able to arrange a loaner for you. It's about 25 miles from NYC, and they are nothing but honest and efficient. :thmsup:
Genius!! :thmsup:

I just looked up Mahwah on Google maps, and it looks to be quite close to Montvale, a town which this car visits very frequently! :banana:

I just might call them...

I'll need to plan the logistics of this out, if I were to go there. Are they a very busy dealership?

Just give it time. My 89' Accord used to 'gobble' up ECU's. And by that I mean destroy them. This was when I still lived in Brooklyn, and I went to Bay Ridge Honda. They had my car at serveral points, always trying to tell me that the ECU just needed a reset. Well they were wrong, and finally when I cooked up the nerve to write a letter to the manager, stalk him dailiy, and bug the heck out of the service dept. I got a new ECU! But since then I'm on my 3rd ECU. I hear its a common issue though. I do suggest you try BayRidge if its not to far away. I bought my 1996 there in Dec. of 95' (wow that was 10 years ago!), and they had a new owner, and the place was very much lore likeable. And the service dept. was VERY good this time around!
I'm starting to get wary of NYC area dealerships...mainly because of the horror stories on AcuraZine about Acura of Brooklyn :eek:

Thanks so much for the suggestions/help everyone, especially prince/princess :)

Having a support group has helped keep me sane, and from driving this car into a telephone pole :nuts:

Pairallel

12-21-2005, 07:30 AM

Genius!!
I just looked up Mahwah on Google maps, and it looks to be quite close to Montvale, a town which this car visits very frequently! :banana:

I'll need to plan the logistics of this out, if I were to go there. Are they a very busy dealership?

From Montvale, you can go a mile or 2 north on the GS Parkway, then a few miles north on 287 to the Rt 17 south exit. It is about a mile from there.

They are busy, but if you make an appointment, they will make sure you are completely done before the end of the day.

Service Manager is a woman (Paula), who has been there for 15+ years.

greg-ster

12-21-2005, 07:51 AM

From Montvale, you can go a mile or 2 north on the GS Parkway, then a few miles north on 287 to the Rt 17 south exit. It is about a mile from there.

They are busy, but if you make an appointment, they will make sure you are completely done before the end of the day.

Service Manager is a woman (Paula), who has been there for 15+ years.
It looks like it'd be even simpler for me to get there :banana:

I'd just have to take lake street into RT-17, and then keep right onto Franklin Turnpike :biggrin:

I'll investigate my free time options and compare that to their appointment availiablity.

Edit: I just got a rather frantic phone call from the person driving the car today...the car didn't want to start, and there was a "yellow light on the dash" (the check engine light). The light wasn't on when I left the dealership yesterday :thumbsdow

EXLNavi

12-21-2005, 09:36 AM

I will never, ever, ever, EVER, EVERRRR deal with any dealer within New York City, especially the Bronx.

OwAce

12-21-2005, 09:48 AM

imma need hookups on nyc dealers since im moving into manhattan in 2 weeks.

:wave:

greg-ster

12-21-2005, 12:03 PM

Okie, so I called Mahwah Honda to make an appointment.

They asked for my phone number, and told me to being my registration when I visit them since it was my first time visiting them.

However, they didn't schedule a date/time for service...should I be concerned? I don't want to call back unnecessarily, since I don't want to annoy anyone. :dunno:

psyshack

12-21-2005, 08:02 PM

Stop being the only nice guy in NYC for gods sake! Im imbarresed buy NY State as a American. They are the rudeist, meanist, ass holes Ive ever met in my life! And im pretty good at it. After alls said and done. Not one person in all these months have taken anything to heart or cared one damn bit about your car. Now it throws full failure codes and the desk bum jumps in and the tech is like the dude has thought about this. HELL YOUR PAYING FOR THIS!!!! Waisted vacation days on end with these idiots... You have a lawyer I would walk in with his card and a buldge in my pocket. It seems the only thing folks in NYC understand is lawyers or the taleban. It would seem NYC isnt fit for humans muchless hondas. I deal with factorys in NY State and they are the worst sob's on the face of the earth to deal with. If they worked as hard as they do at games and lieing up, there god would have put gold on the roads.

Spence,, Wallden
ITT,, Buff.

And then theres the reps and cust. that call.. Want a part ups red NOW!!! and want it at $800.00,,,, there fighting for a deal ,, $800.00 is List. My price is 25% off that and then I pay a 5% commision to there rip off rep that wants $1600.00 for the same part.

I read about your endless problems with your car and your mutterings about service and the dealers. And I relive atleast one hour per. day i have to deal with those worthless sob's in that state. Im to the point if a Co. Headquarters are in NY State ,, I wont sell there product. Given that,, and the problems you have had. Why do you live there? Why are you waisteing time being a nice guy in a state and metro that hasnt a oz. of nice in it? I wont go there anymore. I will never vist the NYC metro or the State ever again. I was suppose to be in NYC for a product launch two weeks ago. when I came in the office and they thought i was on a plane to NYC it sunk in. I wont go! Heres my key.

We have had afew problems with our Accord under warrenty. I told the dealer,, not the one we bought the car from...lmao. We bought a Accord for 20 years of pride and quality. We have junkness going on here. I could have bought two pos chevys for the price of this Accord. This is how its going to be done. You take a loaner to my wifes place of work. You do you basic inspection of the problem. Take warrenty work car to dealer service and FIX the Damn thing... Bring it back and pick up your loaner. I dont make my cust. bring me there problems I go to them. PERIOD!!! Ive bought the big American three. German, English, and Italia cars in my life and I expect to be treated with the utmost. I complain at times at my work place about how we kiss ass. Cust. #1. If I have to go to extreme measures by most Americans standards to make sure shit works right. So should others.

Job #1!!!!

I spent today making sure a system that controls a hospital was working right. I didnt sell the pipe, fitings, or controls. Just the pumps. But I found the problems and fixed it. One bad weld in a pipe run. Then i went to the new bomb proof wal-mart data center. Complaint... pumps viberating at certin speeds. Hell the system hasnt been balanced yet and pump alginment is with in one thousant. As I had lunch with a buddy of mine that has been my best man at both weddings wo is a svip at wally-world. Dosent matter if you have a problem with a circ pump in your home for domistic hot water. I will consult with you. WTF is up with Honda treating folks like there lepers?

This is Bull Shit!!!!

I think we as Honda owners should flood dealers and America Honda with complaints on owners concerns. Let me tell you if a complant is emailed , snail mailed or voice called into the factory about anything,,, wrong or right,, ( parent company ITT ) with in 12 hours the CEO is emailing,, calling and wants heads up on the problem. Seems Honda needs to tighen up there damn dealer contrats and stop being a whore... leave that to the Brits/Germans.

My rant is done,,, greg-ster.. I would have made a upset postal worker look like a saint....

Pairallel

12-22-2005, 08:32 AM

They asked for my phone number, and told me to being my registration when I visit them since it was my first time visiting them.

However, they didn't schedule a date/time for service...should I be concerned? I don't want to call back unnecessarily, since I don't want to annoy anyone. :dunno:

Feel free to call them back and let them know you have a complicated warranty problem, and you want to make sure they can handle it in one day since you live in NY.

Ask them if you can get a loaner if it will be a long-term issue.

Don't be shy - they are good people and they get evaluated on how many cases get handles and resolved each day.

Pairallel

12-22-2005, 08:36 AM

[QUOTE=psyshack]Why do you live there? Why are you waisteing time being a nice guy in a state and metro that hasnt a oz. of nice in it? I wont go there anymore. I will never vist the NYC metro or the State ever again./QUOTE]

1. A few nasty people and you write off the 20 million other people that live in NY, NJ, and CT, too? Seems a little hasty to me... :dunno:

2. Based on your rant, it seems to me like you would fit in well in the NY metro area...you can dish it out pretty well yourself... :lmao:

BenjiBoy650

12-22-2005, 09:57 AM

1. A few nasty people and you write off the 20 million other people that live in NY, NJ, and CT, too? Seems a little hasty to me... :dunno:

Seems pretty safe to say that almost every dealer in NYC is pretty crappy...based on what I've seen just on here.

Pairallel

12-22-2005, 10:31 AM

Seems pretty safe to say that almost every dealer in NYC is pretty crappy...based on what I've seen just on here.

Absolutely; I would agree based on comments I've read on this site... :yes:

greg-ster

12-22-2005, 12:17 PM

Feel free to call them back and let them know you have a complicated warranty problem, and you want to make sure they can handle it in one day since you live in NY.

Ask them if you can get a loaner if it will be a long-term issue.

Don't be shy - they are good people and they get evaluated on how many cases get handles and resolved each day.
Wow, i just called again... they're super friendly, a shocking contrast from what went down on tuesday :thmsup:

They had appointments availiable on Tuesday and Wednesday, so I took wednesday.

Hopefully I have found a new home :)

EXLNavi

12-22-2005, 02:01 PM

Stop being the only nice guy in NYC for gods sake! Im imbarresed buy NY State as a American. They are the rudeist, meanist, ass holes Ive ever met in my life!

The state itself isn't that bad. The city is the problem. The city is overcrowded, and as a result everyone is fighting for whatever space is left. Pressure is high because everyone has to be competitive or die. It's the law of the concrete jungle.

Most of the state is like your state. Most of it's farmland. I've been to other parts of the state and they are really not that bad. People are courteous, believe it or not. Just not in New York City. Thankfully I'm leaving soon.

And im pretty good at it. After alls said and done. Not one person in all these months have taken anything to heart or cared one damn bit about your car. Now it throws full failure codes and the desk bum jumps in and the tech is like the dude has thought about this. HELL YOUR PAYING FOR THIS!!!! Waisted vacation days on end with these idiots... You have a lawyer I would walk in with his card and a buldge in my pocket. It seems the only thing folks in NYC understand is lawyers or the taleban.

Im to the point if a Co. Headquarters are in NY State ,, I wont sell there product.

You're in the pump business, I assume you won't be writing off Goulds anytime soon, since their HQ is in Seneca Falls, NY, which is actually upstate and so far removed from the city it's like a totally different country.

EXLNavi

12-22-2005, 02:04 PM

Seems pretty safe to say that almost every dealer in NYC is pretty crappy...based on what I've seen just on here.

Based on my experiences, yes. I would never buy a new or used car from any dealer within the 5 boroughs of NYC. I prefer to buy from NJ, PA, CT, upstate or long island.

Paragon, hillside, bay ridge, bronx, martin's - I've been to them all, and they are all pretty crappy. Their sales departments wants to overcharge you for the car or they're always up to some slimey scam. I would never, ever, ever, not on my life buy a car from any dealer within the 5 boroughs of NYC.

psyshack

12-23-2005, 01:35 AM

EXL

I do rep Goulds. If I sell one of there pumps its thru the Memphis office or Lubbock. There alot nicer than NY State Hq. Office. Parent Co. is ITT so that puts Goulds, Bell & Gossett, Marlow, Flyt, and afew others under the the umbrella. Bell & Gossett is my leader. I only get Goulds and others when asked by a cust. Never ever push them. :thmsup:

greg-ster

12-28-2005, 08:13 AM

Ayyyy, this is getting absurd.

Mahwah was friendly, and I was only in there for ~90 minutes.

However, (according to the recipt) they found codes: P2185, P0122, P0113, P0102, P0108.

They were also informed from the get-go about the ~500RPM idle and Cruise control.

Their answer: They cleared the codes, and now say that nothing is wrong since these are "intermittent failures".

I respond " But there are 5 DTC's, how could there not be anyting wrong?"

I guess that I'm going to have to keep going back until they fix something...:(

Pairallel

12-28-2005, 10:11 AM

However, (according to the recipt) they found codes: P2185, P0122, P0113, P0102, P0108.
(

1. What do those codes mean?
2. Are you still having problems?

princess

12-28-2005, 10:48 AM

Having that many codes at once means the control unit is bad!!

P0122- TP Sensor circut low voltage
P0113- IAT Sensor circut high voltage
P0102- MAF sensor circut low voltage
P0108-MAP sensor circut high voltage

The first ones not in the data bank..... :dunno:

EXLNavi

12-28-2005, 11:05 AM

Does P2185 mean that it's running lean?

princess

12-28-2005, 11:16 AM

Doubt it since it's over using fuel..... but it's a code that as of the research I've done so far, doesn't exsist. :dunno:

Scratch that.... I found it....

P2185-ETC sensor 2 circut high voltage (05-06)

EXLNavi

12-28-2005, 11:24 AM

So what will it take to get greg-ster's car fixed?

A trip to prince's dealership? :lmao:

Road trip! Road trip!

princess

12-28-2005, 11:36 AM

It's ashame it's so far!! I KNOW they'd replace the control unit... the way the manager is if a customer so much as raises their voice they get stuff done!! Sometimes undeserved!! :dunno: He scares easy! :lmao:

That poor car needs a new control unit.... It's sick & wants to feel all better!!!

samsonskeg

12-28-2005, 11:51 AM

Man, if you think mahwah honda is good, you should try middletown honda in orange county, new york.

They make mahwah look like garbage in customer relations. So if your up for the trip, i suggest you try them out.

princess

12-28-2005, 01:16 PM

greg-ster

12-28-2005, 10:21 PM

Hey Greg,
Is your car in the VIN range on this bulletin 05-034???

If it were a desktop computer & the "power supply" was bad.... it could show up anywhere.... When I told my Prince of the codes, he wanted me to ask you. So maybe there's a chance it's not a bad control unit as much as the little welds....as described in the bulletin. :dunno:
Our VIN does fall into the range of models affected...

The tech at Mahwah went for a test drive with a computer hooked up, and had a couple of abnormal values circled on a printout sheet. The service advisor said that they shouldn't be a problem because no lights came back on after resetting the PCM then roadtesting. He also said that the circled values might be because the car "wasn't fully warmed up" - The car was driven ~32 miles to the dealership and parked for less than 15 minutes before its 6 mile tech roadtest; the car was very warm.

I'm pretty much going to keep going back until something gets done - or until I get 2 more service reciepts so that I have the option to wave the NY Lemon law over American Honda's collective heads, because this is just getting insane. I think that I have been way more than polite and patient when dealing with American Honda/Dealers regarding the list of issues this car has had from its first service visit at 2818 miles on the odometer.

The dealer offers shuttle service, which I will be investigating at ~7:30AM EST this morning... If they think that i'm going away, they've got another thing coming.

I'll be relatively busy, and will try to keep you guys updated.

Thanks everyone, especially prince/princess :thmsup:

ericrwalker

12-28-2005, 10:40 PM

I can't imagine the extra money you are spending just for gas when you should be getting 3 times more MPG...and all the extra trips to the dealerships and your time. It would be awesome if they say your car's a lemon and give you a new one....(that's possible right?)

Our VIN does fall into the range of models affected...

The tech at Mahwah went for a test drive with a computer hooked up, and had a couple of abnormal values circled on a printout sheet. The service advisor said that they shouldn't be a problem because no lights came back on after resetting the PCM then roadtesting. He also said that the circled values might be because the car "wasn't fully warmed up" - The car was driven ~32 miles to the dealership and parked for less than 15 minutes before its 6 mile tech roadtest; the car was very warm.

I'm pretty much going to keep going back until something gets done - or until I get 2 more service reciepts so that I have the option to wave the NY Lemon law over American Honda's collective heads, because this is just getting insane. I think that I have been way more than polite and patient when dealing with American Honda/Dealers regarding the list of issues this car has had from its first service visit at 2818 miles on the odometer.

The dealer offers shuttle service, which I will be investigating at ~7:30AM EST this morning... If they think that i'm going away, they've got another thing coming.

I'll be relatively busy, and will try to keep you guys updated.

Thanks everyone, especially prince/princess :thmsup:

OwAce

12-28-2005, 11:27 PM

princess

12-29-2005, 08:13 AM

Are the headlights dimming too??? If they are the bulletin does have the word "OR" on it.... meaning sometimes NO code happens....

ALL of the codes they gave you are voltage codes... it would make sense that that whether or not it has the ELD code of 1298 it could easily still be the same thing, right?

In home computers when a power supply has gone bad it can & has done weird things.... my sister's had a bad reading in the minus part & it ended up cooking her little hard drive. We've had bad PS that made memory errors & all sorts of things.... :dunno: So if the car's "power supply" isn't getting the required voltage from either the fuse box or the control box itself, then all sorts of weird readings may happen!!

So they could start with the cheaper route of the fuse box as in the bulletin, then if it's still giving odd readings replace the control box. This COULD be done by borrowing them off another car in the lot. It happens all the time. Then they put the brand new parts in the lot car, but your's is fixed & sent on it's way.

Here, they get 3 tries to fix it.... if the work order is worded different they CAN get out of the lemon law. So pay attention to how it's written up!!

We'll keep our hopes up for you!!

greg-ster

12-29-2005, 12:53 PM

It looks like i've got another date ... pushed back till next tuesday...:)

Like PLanet Honda, I don't think that Mahwah Honda is a sucky dealership; it just appears to have its moments of cluelessness - like yesterday.

I'll be nice, but will calmly let them know that I have no qualms about lemon-ing this thing but would prefer not to do so...in other words, they'd better start fixing something.

I'll mention the fuse box, if they decide to take the obvious route of replacing the PCM. The fuse box might be what damaged the PCM, with its voltage irregularities...remember folks, the DTC's aren't the only issue the car has had.

Keeping a smile on my face, thanks to you guys :thmsup:

EXLNavi

12-29-2005, 12:54 PM

how far is that from nyc?

Like 18-20 miles. Close to where I work I think.

samsonskeg

12-31-2005, 05:38 PM

heres a lil map of where it is

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=from%3A+nyc+to%3A+520+Rte.+211+East+Middlet own,+NY&spn=0.983270,2.447479&f=d&hl=en

samsonskeg

12-31-2005, 05:39 PM

or just go to the website. www.middletownhonda.com

ericrwalker

01-22-2006, 12:05 PM

Any updates here greg-ster? I see you have a glovebox light problem now, but don't you still have other problems? Might want squeeze your car...make some lemonade. :nuts:

greg-ster

01-22-2006, 12:26 PM

I'm in the midst of having parts replaced

Mahwah started with the ECT, because the car was reporting that it was cold, then would suddenly report that it was overheating (even thought the coolant gauge wouldn't move) causing the idle RPM to drop and bounce at 400-500. That didn't work...

Now, we're waiting on the PCM to be replaced tomorrow, if it doesn't snow... This also might fix the rough idling too (I haven't mentioned this to them, but they know about the engine racing thing)

I'll keep you guys updated

ericrwalker

01-22-2006, 12:46 PM

:thmsup: cool, I hope it's fixed soon....I can't imagine the headaches this has caused you....Good luck :thmsup:

greg-ster

01-22-2006, 12:53 PM

Thanks :)

I think that American Honda should just be happy that I didn't take the route of arbitration and suing...I just wanted my car fixed

SSMV6

01-23-2006, 09:53 AM

Glad to see that they're finally doing something to fix your car! :banana:

greg-ster

01-23-2006, 04:02 PM

PCM should show up and be installed by wednesday

In the mean time, I am driving a civic loaner (looks to be an '04 or 05)... the civic idles a lot smoother than my accord does! This means that I don't get a firm butt massage while I sit at a light.

I really am going to give my service advisor a great survey (i'm pretty sure that i'll get one)...she's really been trying, and really has gone above and beyond.

My only slight beef is with the techs... I really shouldn't have had to make this many visits there (today is number 4)- on my first visit they just cleared the codes and sent me on my way. Although I am happy that someone is finally doing something :)

OwAce

01-23-2006, 04:16 PM

looks like i might be making this my honda dealer from now on, given that they have treated you with a lot more respect than other dealers in the area. originally i had just planned to return to chicopee mass to get my car serviced every 5k miles.

Pairallel

01-23-2006, 05:04 PM

I really am going to give my service advisor a great survey (i'm pretty sure that i'll get one)...she's really been trying, and really has gone above and beyond.

You got the female service adviser? She is the best! Very friendly, and super efficient.

If you need to go over her head, talk to Paula, the Manager - she is the best!

They do have a problem getting first rate techs though. Only the most persistent customers get the best ones to work on their car. :naughty:

greg-ster

01-23-2006, 07:23 PM

You got the female service adviser? She is the best! Very friendly, and super efficient.

Sara, she's very cool...very very awesomely cool

They do have a problem getting first rate techs though. Only the most persistent customers get the best ones to work on their car. :naughty:
Ohhh, that is so true...

The other service advisors are friendly, although I overheard one (Ramon) say something disturbing:

Cust is insisting that there's something up since he filled coolant reseivoir bottle and that the coolant disappeared, and went below the MIN line twice. Cust has a Pilot, apparently

S/A Ramon: That's ok, it's an overflow bottle. It's ok for it to be below min, or empty. :confused: :eek: :jawdrop:

My first service advisor said that he's seen cars with 8 DTC's at once, and clearing the codes fixed the problem for good - when I questioned him about the tech's decision to just clear the codes without further investigation. 8 DTC's? Yikes...

I'm happy, and will probably be a regular there since they've been the best dealership service department yet.

SSMV6

01-24-2006, 06:23 AM

Cust is insisting that there's something up since he filled coolant reseivoir bottle and that the coolant disappeared, and went below the MIN line twice. Cust has a Pilot, apparently

S/A Ramon: That's ok, it's an overflow bottle. It's ok for it to be below min, or empty. :confused: :eek: :jawdrop: It's "ok" for the coolant to be empty in the overflow bottle as long as the radiator stays at least 85% full, but it's not ok for it to go below "min" twice in a short period of time unless the radiator was drained previously! The S/A was just lazy and didn't want spend a whole bunch of a tech's time to find a small gasket leak.

My first service advisor said that he's seen cars with 8 DTC's at once, and clearing the codes fixed the problem for good - when I questioned him about the tech's decision to just clear the codes without further investigation. 8 DTC's? Yikes... Not all DTCs are bad or is a sign of impending engine damage. If it's cleared, and it stays away for good, then that's great! But I don't know what codes were pulled up and 8 DTC's do sound a bit excessive. The codes will probably pop up again a week later. :nuts:

I'm happy, and will probably be a regular there since they've been the best dealership service department yet.Unfortunately, I'm still on the quest for the perfect service department... Herb Chambers Honda is like Mahwah Honda. Their service advisors are great, but their techs are so-so... Not sure if I'll go there if my car ever has any problems. On the other hand, Weymouth Hondas techs are good, but their service advisor is only so-so... I guess you can't have the best of both worlds! :dunno:

Pairallel

01-24-2006, 09:39 AM

Sara, she's very cool...very very awesomely cool

I'm happy, and will probably be a regular there since they've been the best dealership service department yet.

I was at Mahwah Honda today, and just for fun, I asked Sarah if she remembered a customer from the Bronx who was having serious problems with his Accord. She didn't remember, but I went on to tell her that Accord owners all over the country are watching the unfolding story of these car repairs, and that Mahwah Honda was looking good...so far. She was surprised to hear that, and she promised to keep after it if she could remember who the customer was.

I will be back there later this week (power steering rack on '01 Civic - under Certified warranty I hope), so if you want to message me with more info, I will continue to push for you... :thmsup:

SSMV6

01-24-2006, 09:42 AM

Way to put on the pressure, Pairallel! :lmao:

Now she just got to figure out who's car you're talking about! :lmao:

Nothing like publicity to motivate a company into doing the right thing(s)! :yes:

OwAce

01-24-2006, 10:51 AM

I was at Mahwah Honda today, and just for fun, I asked Sarah if she remembered a customer from the Bronx who was having serious problems with his Accord. She didn't remember, but I went on to tell her that Accord owners all over the country are watching the unfolding story of these car repairs, and that Mahwah Honda was looking good...so far. She was surprised to hear that, and she promised to keep after it if she could remember who the customer was.

I will be back there later this week (power steering rack on '01 Civic - under Certified warranty I hope), so if you want to message me with more info, I will continue to push for you... :thmsup:

i am printing this thread out to show her. so that i get good customer service, yah?

:banana:

greg-ster

01-24-2006, 12:26 PM

I was at Mahwah Honda today, and just for fun, I asked Sarah if she remembered a customer from the Bronx who was having serious problems with his Accord. She didn't remember, but I went on to tell her that Accord owners all over the country are watching the unfolding story of these car repairs, and that Mahwah Honda was looking good...so far. She was surprised to hear that, and she promised to keep after it if she could remember who the customer was.

I will be back there later this week (power steering rack on '01 Civic - under Certified warranty I hope), so if you want to message me with more info, I will continue to push for you... :thmsup:

Well, the bronx part probably threw her off.. :naughty:

She called about 20 minutes ago with some good news

No, she didn't just save a bunch of money on car insurance by switching to Geico - but, my car is ready! yay! Not to mention being ahead of schedule :banana:

She's really cool, like really :notworthy

And if you were there today, you probebly drove past my car in the lot :thmsup:

Pairallel

01-24-2006, 12:44 PM

She called about 20 minutes ago with some good news

She's really cool, like really :notworthy

And if you were there today, you probebly drove past my car in the lot :thmsup:

Make sure you ask her if some guy was asking about "the guy from the Bronx", and let her know it was you. I might get a little goodwill myself if we DA members keep dropping names.... :yes:

greg-ster

01-24-2006, 12:56 PM

I'll keep you in mind the next time I drop by (I won't be the one picking up the car this afternoon)

Thanks again for the suggestion of Mahwah Honda, Pairallel. :thumbsup:

I'm also quite glad that I found this site along with everyone on it, especially with prince/princess and their technical help :thmsup:

I'll wait till the car gets here before I officially declare the car "fixed"...although I cannot imagine it not being fixed; it just had a brain transplant!

EXLNavi

01-24-2006, 01:45 PM

Great news greg!

First thing I'd do is put a full tank of gas in it, reset the trip computer and monitor it for the whole tank.

SSMV6

01-24-2006, 01:55 PM

Congratulations on surviving the brain transplant! ;) Keep us updated on how it goes! :banana:

greg-ster

01-24-2006, 02:09 PM

Great news greg!

First thing I'd do is put a full tank of gas in it, reset the trip computer and monitor it for the whole tank.

That's part of my game plan; the trip computer will be reset for the ~38 mile trip that the car will begin in about 30 minutes.
That MPG number is usually pretty constant per tank.

Word on the street is that the idle vibration isn't as bad as before (read: no more firm butt massages) :)

Hopefully, i'm not in for a let down :thmsup:

stiller fan

01-24-2006, 02:10 PM

let us know what happens, please.... :yes: :wave:

greg-ster

01-24-2006, 04:16 PM

Allrightie, here are some preliminary numbers:

36.3mpg over a 31 mile trip.

This looks promising; lets see how this holds up over a tank or two :)

The car has officially entered the testing and evaluation stage, which is right before I declare it "fixed" :thmsup:

List of parts replaced:

37820-RAD-A54 CONTROL MODULE, E
37870-PLC-004 SWITCH, THERMOSTA
0L999-9011 COOLANT TYP2 BLU

From the looks of my reciepts, it looks like tech 742 is the only one that's ever touched my car... :confused:

stiller fan

01-24-2006, 04:18 PM

lookin good so far, but i guess still paranoid to declare it "officially fixed" tho.... :paranoid:

we're rooting for you!!! :yes: :grouphug:

greg-ster

01-24-2006, 04:20 PM

Thanks stiller, I really appreciate it :)

stiller fan

01-24-2006, 04:22 PM

no prob....... :)

princess

01-24-2006, 04:23 PM

You got it back???? Cool!!! :thmsup: I can't wait to hear how much you love it again!!! (or maybe the first time!)

:lmao:

I <3 Mahwah Honda and the princess family! :blush:

BenjiBoy650

01-24-2006, 04:52 PM

Dude that's awesome. But now I'm jealous cuz ur mileage is much better than mine. Maybe I should try putting a 7th gen ECU in my car and see what happens...haha

princess

01-24-2006, 04:57 PM

:lmao: :lmao:

greg-ster

01-24-2006, 05:03 PM

Thanks so much for everthing princess, and prince too :thmsup: :notworthy

I think that I might have noticed something about the part number of the installed PCM, could you tell me if somethings up or no need to worry:

Our car was purchased, and delivered in the state of New York; subsequently, it's a PZEV, California KL emissions model.

The part number for the newly installed PCM is 37820-RAD-A54; which corresponds to a KA 49-state emissions model (according to hondapartdeals.com). New Jersey is a KA state...

Links to KL equipment:
Catalytic converter for PZEV cars (https://www.hondapartsdeals.com/honda_parts_list.php?hp_queried_components=0&hp_series_id=2552&hp_series_model=ACCORD&hp_series_year=2005&hp_series_door_ext_grade=4DR+EXL+NAVI&hp_series_transmission=5AT&hp_series_slsareacd=KL&hp_system=E&hp_component=B++02)
PCM for PZEV cars (https://www.hondapartsdeals.com/honda_parts_list.php?hp_queried_components=0&hp_series_id=2552&hp_series_model=ACCORD&hp_series_year=2005&hp_series_door_ext_grade=4DR+EXL+NAVI&hp_series_transmission=5AT&hp_series_slsareacd=KL&hp_system=E&hp_component=B++1310)

Links to KA equipment:
Catalytic converter for LEV, 49-state models (https://www.hondapartsdeals.com/honda_parts_list.php?hp_queried_components=0&hp_series_id=2527&hp_series_model=ACCORD&hp_series_year=2005&hp_series_door_ext_grade=4DR+EXL+NAVI&hp_series_transmission=5AT&hp_series_slsareacd=KA&hp_system=E&hp_component=B++02)
PCM for KA 49-state models, matches part number on my invoice (https://www.hondapartsdeals.com/honda_parts_list.php?hp_queried_components=0&hp_series_id=2527&hp_series_model=ACCORD&hp_series_year=2005&hp_series_door_ext_grade=4DR+EXL+NAVI&hp_series_transmission=5AT&hp_series_slsareacd=KA&hp_system=E&hp_component=B++1310)

Does the prince think that this is OK, or no?

princess

01-24-2006, 05:17 PM

I'll ask, but Honda doesn't really seem to make the 49 state cars like they used to. In the old days they were WAY different. But now they're all pretty much CA standards. It was cheaper that way.

You can't always go by parts...it depends on their system & how updated it is. Even his dealer's parts dept will drive him nuts when they don't keep up with the company name changes for parts! He's had to literally get them a picture & say I need THIS!! :lmao:

So hopefully it's jsut one of those "tomAto, tomato" things.... :dunno:

EXLNavi

01-24-2006, 05:22 PM

And here I go thinking that because my car was bought in NJ somehow it would give better performance than one bought in NY!

greg-ster

01-24-2006, 05:24 PM

I'll ask, but Honda doesn't really seem to make the 49 state cars like they used to. In the old days they were WAY different. But now they're all pretty much CA standards. It was cheaper that way.

So hopefully it's jsut one of those "tomAto, tomato" things.... :dunno:
I'm just concerned because my cat's $733, versus $300 for a LEV model :eek:

Even if the hardware's the same, can I be sure that they installed the PZEV software on the KA PCM now in my car? :dunno:

I don't think a 05 EXL AT has a LEV model :dunno: Does your cruise work normally again?I haven't tested it yet, but i'll assume that it does since the pcm was likely the cause of the problem... i'll try it out over the weekend :)
The 4cyl LEV models are sold in the non-"green" states...

BenjiBoy650

01-24-2006, 05:28 PM

I don't think a 05 EXL AT has a LEV model :dunno: Does your cruise work normally again?

EXLNavi

01-24-2006, 05:49 PM

I don't think a 05 EXL AT has a LEV model :dunno: Does your cruise work normally again?

Wow, so they did away with that in 05? My 04 is a LEV.

greg-ster

01-24-2006, 09:55 PM

Plenty of '06 LEV-2 4-bangers in Mahwah's lot...

I'm hoping that the non PZEV PCM doesn't overwhelm/damage my catalytic converter, because that would suck :(...

Aside from the catalytic converter, the only other readily apparent parts difference between KA and KL exhaust systems is the oxygen sensor; the air/fuel sensor is the same...

I'm pretty sure that the use of a LEV/KA-emission PCM in my car was an oversight on the tech's part...why would he want to have to re-program a PCM when he could have ordered a pre-programmed PZEV/KL-emission PCM to begin with? :confused:

princess

01-25-2006, 07:49 AM

Maybe the tech has seen better results using that ECM??? :dunno: If it works..... :thmsup:

I couldn't get any parts info because THAT part of the site was down.... I'll try again later.

EXLNavi

01-25-2006, 08:13 AM

Allrightie, here are some preliminary numbers:

36.3mpg over a 31 mile trip.

This looks promising; lets see how this holds up over a tank or two :)

That's awesome. Where did you drive? Was most of this New Jersey or was part of it New York City traffic?

If I drive strictly Jersey I can get those kind of numbers. If I drive in NYC traffic, it drops like a rock. Average is usually 25-27MPG NYC/NJ on a good week (which is how long a tank usually lasts).

On my DC roadtrip I almost saw 40. I would have loved to see 40, but I have a feeling I'll have to wait until spring/summer for that.

ericrwalker

01-25-2006, 11:02 AM

It's good to hear your mileage is better....I hope you don't have any future problems with it....How many miles do you have on your car now? you should send a bill to Honda for the extra gas you've used because of the problem. :biggrin:

SSMV6

01-25-2006, 11:35 AM

The real test is during city driving... if you can hit 26+ MPG city, you're golden! :banana:

EXLNavi

01-25-2006, 11:42 AM

The real test is during city driving... if you can hit 26+ MPG city, you're golden! :banana:

Doesn't apply to new York City, unfortunately. :lmao:

greg-ster

01-25-2006, 12:01 PM

Maybe the tech has seen better results using that ECM??? :dunno: If it works..... :thmsup:

I couldn't get any parts info because THAT part of the site was down.... I'll try again later.
THanks Princess :)

Judging from the hondapartdeals site, it looks as if the PCM hardware is identical (the price is the same for them both), but the part numbers differ by one letter - either 'A' or 'L', probably from KA or KL...which leads me to guess that there's a just a software difference, which makes sense because the PCM is interacting with different parts, like the $180 oxygen sensor in the PZEV cars http://www.acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/ugh.gif

I'm hoping that the tech who replaced the PCM realized that this is a PZEV car, which would ameliorate my concerns.

I could understand how something like KA/KL status might have been overlooked because Mahwah Honda is a New Jersey dealership, and NJ doesn't sell KL cars... but if it did happen, that'd be pretty careless

OwAce

01-25-2006, 01:26 PM

Doesn't apply to new York City, unfortunately. :lmao:

i hit 26mpg in nyc.

26 minutes (of standing) per gallon. :nuts:

greg-ster

01-25-2006, 08:36 PM

Okie, I've got some news:

Over a ~170 mile trip, the trip computer is reporting an average of 30.4MPG; consisting of mostly highway driving, a small amount of local driving, and some nasty traffic jams on the highway :)

Princess:

I've been reading a few Acura TL TSB's and some service news, and from what I've seen/read, i'm not sure that the HDS allows for the "wiping" clean of the PCM's software to install different software; only updates of existing software and programming of things. Is this the case? :dunno:

I'm just not sure what to expect when there appears to be a PCM with a "dirtier running" part number installed in my PZEV car...I fear for the safety of women, infants, and my exhaust components if they haven't been damaged by a formerly gas slurping car :yes:

I know, I know, i'm a bit of a worrywort :lmao:

princess

01-25-2006, 09:51 PM

He thinks the PCM is loaded with new programming....seems how if you interupt it while it's loading, you have to "throw it away". :dunno:

greg-ster

01-26-2006, 04:42 AM

Sounds kinda like flashing the firmware on a Motorola phone... interupt it, and it's toast

Does the HDS present the tech with a list of software/firmware that he can choose to install, or is it more of a "Updates Availiable flag" (kinda like Windows XP)?

-------
I'm trying to figure out from my ton of questions:

a) Is it possible that the tech installed the PZEV/KL-emissions software after realizing that the wrong part got ordered

b) Will Mahwah have to physically remove the KA-Emissions PCM, or can they just reflash it with the KL-emissions software

I wanted to make sure that I had a good understanding of the situation before I called Mahwah back, since there's a chance they won't be sure of what I am talking about; after all, [it appears that] the tech did make this boo-boo.
------
Yeah, it definately makes sense that there's a software difference between the KA and KL PCM's, since they are meeting different emissions standards, and interact with different sensors in the car.

THanks princess, and tell prince thanks for me too :thmsup: