Honda Accord Woes
Discussion
So I had a lot of work done by a local back street garage, which included 2 bits of essential work and an MOT, and following the failure of the MOT further work.
In my first discussion, I said I wanted
a) A new Manifold. This would require buying the new part from Honda (I reckon it would pass the MOT like that but I was getting pissed off by billowing smoke on start up - once warm the crack sealed up)
b) A new Honda Diesel Filter (None-genuine ones causing all sorts of issues for other owners) - and whilst they have the manifold off the job will be much easier.
c) The ABS/VSA warning lights diagnosed and fixed. They told me they had all the diagnostics they would need.
After I dropped it off, I agreed they could also put it in for a MOT and we'd discuss which of the work they might do.
They put it in for the MOT first, and it failed on 3 drop links and one being an advisory, the ABS light, and advisories on all 4 tyres, which I had planned to replace in about 4 week at Costco (£78 a piece).
So over the phone I agreed that they could do the drop links too.
They didn't tell me that one,(just one), rear brake pad was also an advisory at 3mm.
So they had done the drop links and manifold (apparently a bit of a job - well that's why I did not want to do it), and phoned me to say they were struggling with the ABS fault, their reader saying it was a rear wheel sensor, but when tested it was giving the right pulses, but not to worry, they were taking it to a car electrical specialist round the corner.
At this point I reminded them that IF it turned out to be the Module, I had 2 piston heads recommended suppliers who could refurb my unit for 1/10th the Honda price.
So then they ring, up, the specialist has 'done' something, they've replaced the sensor already, and they can do me a great deal on 4 Michelins. (Well at £3 a corner cheaper, that would save me the hassle, so agreed to that)
So. I go pick the car up, and it has a full MOT with no advisories, (they included the first mot with all the advisories and failures), and I pay the bill. I didn't really look too closely, because I am a t
t, and they were closing and I wanted to get home after 4 hours on a train.
Got half way home (1/4 mile) and realise the abs light is off, the vsa light is off, but the warning triange in between is still on.
Drove back, but the boss has Friday afternoon off, and they 'couldn't' get in touch with him.
Anyway, yesterday morning I had a good look at the tyres, and am convinced they are not new, a couple of clips were not refitted, and then I looked at the bill.
Tyres are NOT on the bill.
Rear Brake pads are.
Mark up on all parts is erm excessive. (I reckon there's a 20 to 150% mark up on all parts, but averages about 40%)
Labour hours seem Low.
There's a charge for the subcontract diagnostics.
There's a charge for their diagnostics
I need the car next week, to drive 500 miles, the ABS works (I tested it on a gravel road), which is why it could pass the MOT.
Now I'm expecting the boss to phone me on Monday when he realises he's failed to charge me for the tyres, but given that they don't seem to have the ability to fix anything a bit modern, I'm not happy that I've paid for something that's not fixed. And given that I'm almost certain that he's tried to con me on the tyres, by fitting part worn ones he's got from somewhere. (They look like my old tyres did after 500 miles...no ink marks, no sprues, a little wear.
Effectively I'm thinking the price I've paid is right for what I've actually got. Half fixed car, and second hand tyres
So tell me if this is the wrong approach.
1)Take photos of tyres with a ruler next to tread. (I have done 1 mile)
2) Go to tyre place and take photo of new tyre with a ruler
3) Wait to be phoned, and then explain my disgust. And offer to pay for used tyres, (Say £150) but only if he knocks off all the diagnostics costs of the bill (say £150), as I really can't trust a word they say.
or alternatively.
I could take buy new tyres and take his tyres back to him and then demand a reduction in my already paid bill, (credit card). And get nowhere.
This is why I usually do my own repairs.
In my first discussion, I said I wanted
a) A new Manifold. This would require buying the new part from Honda (I reckon it would pass the MOT like that but I was getting pissed off by billowing smoke on start up - once warm the crack sealed up)
b) A new Honda Diesel Filter (None-genuine ones causing all sorts of issues for other owners) - and whilst they have the manifold off the job will be much easier.
c) The ABS/VSA warning lights diagnosed and fixed. They told me they had all the diagnostics they would need.
After I dropped it off, I agreed they could also put it in for a MOT and we'd discuss which of the work they might do.
They put it in for the MOT first, and it failed on 3 drop links and one being an advisory, the ABS light, and advisories on all 4 tyres, which I had planned to replace in about 4 week at Costco (£78 a piece).
So over the phone I agreed that they could do the drop links too.
They didn't tell me that one,(just one), rear brake pad was also an advisory at 3mm.
So they had done the drop links and manifold (apparently a bit of a job - well that's why I did not want to do it), and phoned me to say they were struggling with the ABS fault, their reader saying it was a rear wheel sensor, but when tested it was giving the right pulses, but not to worry, they were taking it to a car electrical specialist round the corner.
At this point I reminded them that IF it turned out to be the Module, I had 2 piston heads recommended suppliers who could refurb my unit for 1/10th the Honda price.
So then they ring, up, the specialist has 'done' something, they've replaced the sensor already, and they can do me a great deal on 4 Michelins. (Well at £3 a corner cheaper, that would save me the hassle, so agreed to that)
So. I go pick the car up, and it has a full MOT with no advisories, (they included the first mot with all the advisories and failures), and I pay the bill. I didn't really look too closely, because I am a t
t, and they were closing and I wanted to get home after 4 hours on a train. Got half way home (1/4 mile) and realise the abs light is off, the vsa light is off, but the warning triange in between is still on.
Drove back, but the boss has Friday afternoon off, and they 'couldn't' get in touch with him.
Anyway, yesterday morning I had a good look at the tyres, and am convinced they are not new, a couple of clips were not refitted, and then I looked at the bill.
Tyres are NOT on the bill.
Rear Brake pads are.
Mark up on all parts is erm excessive. (I reckon there's a 20 to 150% mark up on all parts, but averages about 40%)
Labour hours seem Low.
There's a charge for the subcontract diagnostics.
There's a charge for their diagnostics
I need the car next week, to drive 500 miles, the ABS works (I tested it on a gravel road), which is why it could pass the MOT.
Now I'm expecting the boss to phone me on Monday when he realises he's failed to charge me for the tyres, but given that they don't seem to have the ability to fix anything a bit modern, I'm not happy that I've paid for something that's not fixed. And given that I'm almost certain that he's tried to con me on the tyres, by fitting part worn ones he's got from somewhere. (They look like my old tyres did after 500 miles...no ink marks, no sprues, a little wear.
Effectively I'm thinking the price I've paid is right for what I've actually got. Half fixed car, and second hand tyres
So tell me if this is the wrong approach.
1)Take photos of tyres with a ruler next to tread. (I have done 1 mile)
2) Go to tyre place and take photo of new tyre with a ruler
3) Wait to be phoned, and then explain my disgust. And offer to pay for used tyres, (Say £150) but only if he knocks off all the diagnostics costs of the bill (say £150), as I really can't trust a word they say.
or alternatively.
I could take buy new tyres and take his tyres back to him and then demand a reduction in my already paid bill, (credit card). And get nowhere.
This is why I usually do my own repairs.
Edited by Pit Pony on Sunday 6th July 07:16
Ouch, from personal experience I know the Exhaust manifold is a PIG of a job on Honda Accord Diesels, they're also a common fault - actually it's a 'trait' as every pre-facelift Accord Diesel's manifold WILL crack at some point.
Anyway, when the manifold failed on my Accord I bought a 'reconditioned' Manifold (a back street engineering place re-weld them correctly) and gave it to a garage that specialised in electronics as mine were going to hell in a hand-basket - he quoted 2 hours to do the exhaust - it took 3 days, or at least he said it did.
Anyway, personally I'll draw a line under it, he might call you asking for cash for the tyres, but I doubt it - I'd move on and find someone else next time.
As for the electrics - I don't want to scare you, but mine were a disaster - started with warning lights, then the boot not opening, then the doors on locking - or worse refusing to unlock and un-immobilise and eventually the whole car 'bricked' - I took it to 4 different supposed auto-electric experts who all said the previous place had butchered it - in the end only a replacement fuse box fixed it - they're £800 + VAT, I went second-hand.
Anyway, when the manifold failed on my Accord I bought a 'reconditioned' Manifold (a back street engineering place re-weld them correctly) and gave it to a garage that specialised in electronics as mine were going to hell in a hand-basket - he quoted 2 hours to do the exhaust - it took 3 days, or at least he said it did.
Anyway, personally I'll draw a line under it, he might call you asking for cash for the tyres, but I doubt it - I'd move on and find someone else next time.
As for the electrics - I don't want to scare you, but mine were a disaster - started with warning lights, then the boot not opening, then the doors on locking - or worse refusing to unlock and un-immobilise and eventually the whole car 'bricked' - I took it to 4 different supposed auto-electric experts who all said the previous place had butchered it - in the end only a replacement fuse box fixed it - they're £800 + VAT, I went second-hand.
After searching on the internet, the warning triangle means that they didn't have the equipment to 'calibrate' the sensor to the car. The ABS works, but I'm sure the traction control doesn't. I'm sure I can't be arsed to take it to a Honda dealer, who will lie and tell me they can't fix it without a zillion quid, and so I may just live with it.
Car seems faster with an exhaust manifold that doesn't leak.
Car seems faster with an exhaust manifold that doesn't leak.
Oem fuel filter helps with the Accord, they're just fussy if they don't get one every couple of years. Yes you need a honda tech to sort the vsa/abs thingy. Contact Fahad on TypeAccord.co.uk as he has one and can also remap the accord for better performance while not losing on economy
Thunder18 said:
Oem fuel filter helps with the Accord, they're just fussy if they don't get one every couple of years. Yes you need a honda tech to sort the vsa/abs thingy. Contact Fahad on TypeAccord.co.uk as he has one and can also remap the accord for better performance while not losing on economy
I had a quote from him. Awesome, hope it works out favourably for you, as for your tyre quandary, if you not certain of new tyres, maybe they were pre worn and hence cheaper than your original quote..... Obviously talking to the manager will let you know more, but as soon as some of these places feel a complaint coming on, they already have their backs up and can be very difficult to deal with. Try to be as polite as you can first, then if you can't get anywhere, open up a can of your finest whoop ass!! Catch em off guard!!
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