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-   -   2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue? (https://www.gtcarz.com/honda-mailing-list-327/2003-accord-ex-coupe-hydraulic-cluctch-issue-276386/)

News Scout 10-18-2003 09:41 AM

2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I was
wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a 5-speed
Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500 miles,
had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy when the
clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out the
hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in 2003
Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early in the
car's lifetime.

Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased with my
first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on Honda after
considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).

As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the clutch went
soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all. Stranded -
again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they can fix
again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.

Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly here (or
am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to the point
of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with a
5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.




Tom Waugh 10-18-2003 09:35 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 

"News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I was
> wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a

5-speed
> Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500 miles,
> had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy when

the
> clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out the
> hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in 2003
> Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early in the
> car's lifetime.
>
> Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased with

my
> first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on Honda

after
> considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
>
> As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the clutch

went
> soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all.

Stranded -
> again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they can fix
> again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
>
> Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly here

(or
> am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to the

point
> of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with a
> 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.
>
>

I have owned a 5 speed Accord before (a 99) and currently have a 01.
TPrelude -- plus we have a 5 spd Civic in the family. Never had a problem
with the clutch master or slave cylinders. Usually they start leaking
slowly at around 60 or so thousand miles and don't fail suddenly. Sounds
like a really inept dealer. The setup is akin to your brake system and
should not be that difficult to fix. I would try another dealer.
>




Tom Waugh 10-18-2003 09:35 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 

"News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I was
> wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a

5-speed
> Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500 miles,
> had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy when

the
> clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out the
> hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in 2003
> Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early in the
> car's lifetime.
>
> Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased with

my
> first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on Honda

after
> considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
>
> As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the clutch

went
> soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all.

Stranded -
> again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they can fix
> again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
>
> Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly here

(or
> am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to the

point
> of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with a
> 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.
>
>

I have owned a 5 speed Accord before (a 99) and currently have a 01.
TPrelude -- plus we have a 5 spd Civic in the family. Never had a problem
with the clutch master or slave cylinders. Usually they start leaking
slowly at around 60 or so thousand miles and don't fail suddenly. Sounds
like a really inept dealer. The setup is akin to your brake system and
should not be that difficult to fix. I would try another dealer.
>




Tom Waugh 10-18-2003 09:35 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 

"News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I was
> wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a

5-speed
> Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500 miles,
> had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy when

the
> clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out the
> hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in 2003
> Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early in the
> car's lifetime.
>
> Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased with

my
> first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on Honda

after
> considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
>
> As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the clutch

went
> soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all.

Stranded -
> again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they can fix
> again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
>
> Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly here

(or
> am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to the

point
> of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with a
> 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.
>
>

I have owned a 5 speed Accord before (a 99) and currently have a 01.
TPrelude -- plus we have a 5 spd Civic in the family. Never had a problem
with the clutch master or slave cylinders. Usually they start leaking
slowly at around 60 or so thousand miles and don't fail suddenly. Sounds
like a really inept dealer. The setup is akin to your brake system and
should not be that difficult to fix. I would try another dealer.
>




News Scout 10-18-2003 10:28 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
Think I will do that - just irks me that an initial hydraulic clutch master
would fail without provocation after only 7K miles.....

And off we go.....

"Tom Waugh" <twaugh5@cox.net> wrote in message
news:5Ulkb.79960$sp2.21@lakeread04...
>
> "News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> > After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I was
> > wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a

> 5-speed
> > Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500

miles,
> > had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy when

> the
> > clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out the
> > hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> > manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in 2003
> > Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early in

the
> > car's lifetime.
> >
> > Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased with

> my
> > first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on Honda

> after
> > considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
> >
> > As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the clutch

> went
> > soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all.

> Stranded -
> > again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they can

fix
> > again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
> >
> > Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly here

> (or
> > am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to the

> point
> > of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with a
> > 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.
> >
> >

> I have owned a 5 speed Accord before (a 99) and currently have a 01.
> TPrelude -- plus we have a 5 spd Civic in the family. Never had a problem
> with the clutch master or slave cylinders. Usually they start leaking
> slowly at around 60 or so thousand miles and don't fail suddenly. Sounds
> like a really inept dealer. The setup is akin to your brake system and
> should not be that difficult to fix. I would try another dealer.
> >

>
>




News Scout 10-18-2003 10:28 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
Think I will do that - just irks me that an initial hydraulic clutch master
would fail without provocation after only 7K miles.....

And off we go.....

"Tom Waugh" <twaugh5@cox.net> wrote in message
news:5Ulkb.79960$sp2.21@lakeread04...
>
> "News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> > After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I was
> > wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a

> 5-speed
> > Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500

miles,
> > had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy when

> the
> > clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out the
> > hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> > manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in 2003
> > Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early in

the
> > car's lifetime.
> >
> > Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased with

> my
> > first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on Honda

> after
> > considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
> >
> > As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the clutch

> went
> > soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all.

> Stranded -
> > again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they can

fix
> > again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
> >
> > Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly here

> (or
> > am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to the

> point
> > of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with a
> > 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.
> >
> >

> I have owned a 5 speed Accord before (a 99) and currently have a 01.
> TPrelude -- plus we have a 5 spd Civic in the family. Never had a problem
> with the clutch master or slave cylinders. Usually they start leaking
> slowly at around 60 or so thousand miles and don't fail suddenly. Sounds
> like a really inept dealer. The setup is akin to your brake system and
> should not be that difficult to fix. I would try another dealer.
> >

>
>




News Scout 10-18-2003 10:28 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
Think I will do that - just irks me that an initial hydraulic clutch master
would fail without provocation after only 7K miles.....

And off we go.....

"Tom Waugh" <twaugh5@cox.net> wrote in message
news:5Ulkb.79960$sp2.21@lakeread04...
>
> "News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> > After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I was
> > wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a

> 5-speed
> > Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500

miles,
> > had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy when

> the
> > clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out the
> > hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> > manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in 2003
> > Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early in

the
> > car's lifetime.
> >
> > Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased with

> my
> > first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on Honda

> after
> > considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
> >
> > As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the clutch

> went
> > soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all.

> Stranded -
> > again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they can

fix
> > again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
> >
> > Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly here

> (or
> > am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to the

> point
> > of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with a
> > 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.
> >
> >

> I have owned a 5 speed Accord before (a 99) and currently have a 01.
> TPrelude -- plus we have a 5 spd Civic in the family. Never had a problem
> with the clutch master or slave cylinders. Usually they start leaking
> slowly at around 60 or so thousand miles and don't fail suddenly. Sounds
> like a really inept dealer. The setup is akin to your brake system and
> should not be that difficult to fix. I would try another dealer.
> >

>
>




Tom Waugh 10-19-2003 03:49 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
More--- The hydraulic clutch set-up has been around for years. The British
sports cars of the 50s & 60s had that set-up and it was generally pretty
reliable. Most of the time when they leaked they were rebuilt. Nowadays
they replace the entire unit -- at least that what the Nissan folks did with
a 5 spd Maxima I had 10 years ago. I have never heard of a failure like
yours ever. I would certainly write to Honda about it and the dealer
obviously did not get it right.
\
"News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:rFmkb.2498$Uz6.739@newsread1.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> Think I will do that - just irks me that an initial hydraulic clutch

master
> would fail without provocation after only 7K miles.....
>
> And off we go.....
>
> "Tom Waugh" <twaugh5@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:5Ulkb.79960$sp2.21@lakeread04...
> >
> > "News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > news:9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> > > After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I was
> > > wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a

> > 5-speed
> > > Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500

> miles,
> > > had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy

when
> > the
> > > clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out

the
> > > hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> > > manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in

2003
> > > Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early in

> the
> > > car's lifetime.
> > >
> > > Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased

with
> > my
> > > first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on Honda

> > after
> > > considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
> > >
> > > As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the clutch

> > went
> > > soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all.

> > Stranded -
> > > again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they can

> fix
> > > again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
> > >
> > > Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly

here
> > (or
> > > am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to the

> > point
> > > of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with a
> > > 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.
> > >
> > >

> > I have owned a 5 speed Accord before (a 99) and currently have a 01.
> > TPrelude -- plus we have a 5 spd Civic in the family. Never had a

problem
> > with the clutch master or slave cylinders. Usually they start leaking
> > slowly at around 60 or so thousand miles and don't fail suddenly.

Sounds
> > like a really inept dealer. The setup is akin to your brake system and
> > should not be that difficult to fix. I would try another dealer.
> > >

> >
> >

>
>




Tom Waugh 10-19-2003 03:49 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
More--- The hydraulic clutch set-up has been around for years. The British
sports cars of the 50s & 60s had that set-up and it was generally pretty
reliable. Most of the time when they leaked they were rebuilt. Nowadays
they replace the entire unit -- at least that what the Nissan folks did with
a 5 spd Maxima I had 10 years ago. I have never heard of a failure like
yours ever. I would certainly write to Honda about it and the dealer
obviously did not get it right.
\
"News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:rFmkb.2498$Uz6.739@newsread1.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> Think I will do that - just irks me that an initial hydraulic clutch

master
> would fail without provocation after only 7K miles.....
>
> And off we go.....
>
> "Tom Waugh" <twaugh5@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:5Ulkb.79960$sp2.21@lakeread04...
> >
> > "News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > news:9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> > > After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I was
> > > wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a

> > 5-speed
> > > Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500

> miles,
> > > had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy

when
> > the
> > > clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out

the
> > > hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> > > manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in

2003
> > > Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early in

> the
> > > car's lifetime.
> > >
> > > Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased

with
> > my
> > > first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on Honda

> > after
> > > considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
> > >
> > > As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the clutch

> > went
> > > soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all.

> > Stranded -
> > > again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they can

> fix
> > > again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
> > >
> > > Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly

here
> > (or
> > > am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to the

> > point
> > > of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with a
> > > 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.
> > >
> > >

> > I have owned a 5 speed Accord before (a 99) and currently have a 01.
> > TPrelude -- plus we have a 5 spd Civic in the family. Never had a

problem
> > with the clutch master or slave cylinders. Usually they start leaking
> > slowly at around 60 or so thousand miles and don't fail suddenly.

Sounds
> > like a really inept dealer. The setup is akin to your brake system and
> > should not be that difficult to fix. I would try another dealer.
> > >

> >
> >

>
>




Tom Waugh 10-19-2003 03:49 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
More--- The hydraulic clutch set-up has been around for years. The British
sports cars of the 50s & 60s had that set-up and it was generally pretty
reliable. Most of the time when they leaked they were rebuilt. Nowadays
they replace the entire unit -- at least that what the Nissan folks did with
a 5 spd Maxima I had 10 years ago. I have never heard of a failure like
yours ever. I would certainly write to Honda about it and the dealer
obviously did not get it right.
\
"News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:rFmkb.2498$Uz6.739@newsread1.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> Think I will do that - just irks me that an initial hydraulic clutch

master
> would fail without provocation after only 7K miles.....
>
> And off we go.....
>
> "Tom Waugh" <twaugh5@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:5Ulkb.79960$sp2.21@lakeread04...
> >
> > "News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > news:9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> > > After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I was
> > > wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a

> > 5-speed
> > > Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500

> miles,
> > > had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy

when
> > the
> > > clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out

the
> > > hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> > > manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in

2003
> > > Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early in

> the
> > > car's lifetime.
> > >
> > > Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased

with
> > my
> > > first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on Honda

> > after
> > > considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
> > >
> > > As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the clutch

> > went
> > > soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all.

> > Stranded -
> > > again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they can

> fix
> > > again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
> > >
> > > Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly

here
> > (or
> > > am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to the

> > point
> > > of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with a
> > > 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.
> > >
> > >

> > I have owned a 5 speed Accord before (a 99) and currently have a 01.
> > TPrelude -- plus we have a 5 spd Civic in the family. Never had a

problem
> > with the clutch master or slave cylinders. Usually they start leaking
> > slowly at around 60 or so thousand miles and don't fail suddenly.

Sounds
> > like a really inept dealer. The setup is akin to your brake system and
> > should not be that difficult to fix. I would try another dealer.
> > >

> >
> >

>
>




News Scout 10-19-2003 08:17 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
I plan on writing Honda this week - firstly, about it going bad so early in
the lifetime of the car - and I drive very meticulously, even with a
5-speed.

The second issue is the dealership that fixed the first one (I hope,
anyway), and in which the issue again came back not 20 minutes after I drove
off the dealer's lot.

I am still in shock that an apparent design flaw/defect like this happened
in a brand new Honda. Looks like my confidence may have been misplaced.

Anyway, at least a have a sprightly Ford Focus as a rental courtesy of Honda
(kinda fun to drive, but what an econocar that thing is).

"Tom Waugh" <twaugh5@cox.net> wrote in message
news:iVBkb.80194$sp2.3257@lakeread04...
> More--- The hydraulic clutch set-up has been around for years. The

British
> sports cars of the 50s & 60s had that set-up and it was generally pretty
> reliable. Most of the time when they leaked they were rebuilt. Nowadays
> they replace the entire unit -- at least that what the Nissan folks did

with
> a 5 spd Maxima I had 10 years ago. I have never heard of a failure like
> yours ever. I would certainly write to Honda about it and the dealer
> obviously did not get it right.
> \
> "News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:rFmkb.2498$Uz6.739@newsread1.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> > Think I will do that - just irks me that an initial hydraulic clutch

> master
> > would fail without provocation after only 7K miles.....
> >
> > And off we go.....
> >
> > "Tom Waugh" <twaugh5@cox.net> wrote in message
> > news:5Ulkb.79960$sp2.21@lakeread04...
> > >
> > > "News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > > news:9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> > > > After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I

was
> > > > wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a
> > > 5-speed
> > > > Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500

> > miles,
> > > > had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy

> when
> > > the
> > > > clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out

> the
> > > > hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> > > > manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in

> 2003
> > > > Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early

in
> > the
> > > > car's lifetime.
> > > >
> > > > Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased

> with
> > > my
> > > > first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on

Honda
> > > after
> > > > considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
> > > >
> > > > As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the

clutch
> > > went
> > > > soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all.
> > > Stranded -
> > > > again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they

can
> > fix
> > > > again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
> > > >
> > > > Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly

> here
> > > (or
> > > > am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to

the
> > > point
> > > > of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with

a
> > > > 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > I have owned a 5 speed Accord before (a 99) and currently have a 01.
> > > TPrelude -- plus we have a 5 spd Civic in the family. Never had a

> problem
> > > with the clutch master or slave cylinders. Usually they start leaking
> > > slowly at around 60 or so thousand miles and don't fail suddenly.

> Sounds
> > > like a really inept dealer. The setup is akin to your brake system and
> > > should not be that difficult to fix. I would try another dealer.
> > > >
> > >
> > >

> >
> >

>
>




News Scout 10-19-2003 08:17 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
I plan on writing Honda this week - firstly, about it going bad so early in
the lifetime of the car - and I drive very meticulously, even with a
5-speed.

The second issue is the dealership that fixed the first one (I hope,
anyway), and in which the issue again came back not 20 minutes after I drove
off the dealer's lot.

I am still in shock that an apparent design flaw/defect like this happened
in a brand new Honda. Looks like my confidence may have been misplaced.

Anyway, at least a have a sprightly Ford Focus as a rental courtesy of Honda
(kinda fun to drive, but what an econocar that thing is).

"Tom Waugh" <twaugh5@cox.net> wrote in message
news:iVBkb.80194$sp2.3257@lakeread04...
> More--- The hydraulic clutch set-up has been around for years. The

British
> sports cars of the 50s & 60s had that set-up and it was generally pretty
> reliable. Most of the time when they leaked they were rebuilt. Nowadays
> they replace the entire unit -- at least that what the Nissan folks did

with
> a 5 spd Maxima I had 10 years ago. I have never heard of a failure like
> yours ever. I would certainly write to Honda about it and the dealer
> obviously did not get it right.
> \
> "News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:rFmkb.2498$Uz6.739@newsread1.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> > Think I will do that - just irks me that an initial hydraulic clutch

> master
> > would fail without provocation after only 7K miles.....
> >
> > And off we go.....
> >
> > "Tom Waugh" <twaugh5@cox.net> wrote in message
> > news:5Ulkb.79960$sp2.21@lakeread04...
> > >
> > > "News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > > news:9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> > > > After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I

was
> > > > wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a
> > > 5-speed
> > > > Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500

> > miles,
> > > > had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy

> when
> > > the
> > > > clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out

> the
> > > > hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> > > > manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in

> 2003
> > > > Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early

in
> > the
> > > > car's lifetime.
> > > >
> > > > Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased

> with
> > > my
> > > > first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on

Honda
> > > after
> > > > considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
> > > >
> > > > As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the

clutch
> > > went
> > > > soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all.
> > > Stranded -
> > > > again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they

can
> > fix
> > > > again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
> > > >
> > > > Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly

> here
> > > (or
> > > > am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to

the
> > > point
> > > > of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with

a
> > > > 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > I have owned a 5 speed Accord before (a 99) and currently have a 01.
> > > TPrelude -- plus we have a 5 spd Civic in the family. Never had a

> problem
> > > with the clutch master or slave cylinders. Usually they start leaking
> > > slowly at around 60 or so thousand miles and don't fail suddenly.

> Sounds
> > > like a really inept dealer. The setup is akin to your brake system and
> > > should not be that difficult to fix. I would try another dealer.
> > > >
> > >
> > >

> >
> >

>
>




News Scout 10-19-2003 08:17 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
I plan on writing Honda this week - firstly, about it going bad so early in
the lifetime of the car - and I drive very meticulously, even with a
5-speed.

The second issue is the dealership that fixed the first one (I hope,
anyway), and in which the issue again came back not 20 minutes after I drove
off the dealer's lot.

I am still in shock that an apparent design flaw/defect like this happened
in a brand new Honda. Looks like my confidence may have been misplaced.

Anyway, at least a have a sprightly Ford Focus as a rental courtesy of Honda
(kinda fun to drive, but what an econocar that thing is).

"Tom Waugh" <twaugh5@cox.net> wrote in message
news:iVBkb.80194$sp2.3257@lakeread04...
> More--- The hydraulic clutch set-up has been around for years. The

British
> sports cars of the 50s & 60s had that set-up and it was generally pretty
> reliable. Most of the time when they leaked they were rebuilt. Nowadays
> they replace the entire unit -- at least that what the Nissan folks did

with
> a 5 spd Maxima I had 10 years ago. I have never heard of a failure like
> yours ever. I would certainly write to Honda about it and the dealer
> obviously did not get it right.
> \
> "News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:rFmkb.2498$Uz6.739@newsread1.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> > Think I will do that - just irks me that an initial hydraulic clutch

> master
> > would fail without provocation after only 7K miles.....
> >
> > And off we go.....
> >
> > "Tom Waugh" <twaugh5@cox.net> wrote in message
> > news:5Ulkb.79960$sp2.21@lakeread04...
> > >
> > > "News Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > > news:9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthli nk.net...
> > > > After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I

was
> > > > wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a
> > > 5-speed
> > > > Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500

> > miles,
> > > > had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy

> when
> > > the
> > > > clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out

> the
> > > > hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> > > > manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in

> 2003
> > > > Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early

in
> > the
> > > > car's lifetime.
> > > >
> > > > Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased

> with
> > > my
> > > > first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on

Honda
> > > after
> > > > considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
> > > >
> > > > As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the

clutch
> > > went
> > > > soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all.
> > > Stranded -
> > > > again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they

can
> > fix
> > > > again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
> > > >
> > > > Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly

> here
> > > (or
> > > > am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to

the
> > > point
> > > > of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with

a
> > > > 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > I have owned a 5 speed Accord before (a 99) and currently have a 01.
> > > TPrelude -- plus we have a 5 spd Civic in the family. Never had a

> problem
> > > with the clutch master or slave cylinders. Usually they start leaking
> > > slowly at around 60 or so thousand miles and don't fail suddenly.

> Sounds
> > > like a really inept dealer. The setup is akin to your brake system and
> > > should not be that difficult to fix. I would try another dealer.
> > > >
> > >
> > >

> >
> >

>
>




Bill B. Johnson 10-19-2003 09:28 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
In article <9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink.n et>, "News
Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:

> After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I was
> wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a 5-speed
> Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500 miles,
> had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy when the
> clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out the
> hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in 2003
> Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early in the
> car's lifetime.
>
> Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased with my
> first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on Honda after
> considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
>
> As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the clutch went
> soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all. Stranded -
> again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they can fix
> again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
>
> Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly here (or
> am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to the point
> of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with a
> 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.


Your vehicle is still under warranty--let the dealer do the work. If you
do it yourself or hire a private mechanic to do it--Honda will use this as
an escuse to not do work on the specific problem.

Bill B. Johnson 10-19-2003 09:28 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
In article <9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink.n et>, "News
Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:

> After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I was
> wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a 5-speed
> Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500 miles,
> had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy when the
> clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out the
> hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in 2003
> Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early in the
> car's lifetime.
>
> Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased with my
> first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on Honda after
> considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
>
> As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the clutch went
> soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all. Stranded -
> again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they can fix
> again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
>
> Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly here (or
> am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to the point
> of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with a
> 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.


Your vehicle is still under warranty--let the dealer do the work. If you
do it yourself or hire a private mechanic to do it--Honda will use this as
an escuse to not do work on the specific problem.

Bill B. Johnson 10-19-2003 09:28 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
In article <9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink.n et>, "News
Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:

> After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I was
> wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a 5-speed
> Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500 miles,
> had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy when the
> clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out the
> hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in 2003
> Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early in the
> car's lifetime.
>
> Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased with my
> first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on Honda after
> considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
>
> As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the clutch went
> soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all. Stranded -
> again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they can fix
> again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
>
> Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly here (or
> am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to the point
> of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with a
> 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.


Your vehicle is still under warranty--let the dealer do the work. If you
do it yourself or hire a private mechanic to do it--Honda will use this as
an escuse to not do work on the specific problem.

News Scout 10-20-2003 12:33 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles). The
towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money spent at
all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as this car
is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design defect
(and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission. The
non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is not
something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one thing.
Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.

I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California and this
may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic outsells
the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed 2.4L
2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem than just
the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential problem on
their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the hell
knows.

We'll see.................


"Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
news:billbjohnson555-1910031828500001@pm5-broad-127.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> In article <9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink.n et>, "News
> Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> > After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I was
> > wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a

5-speed
> > Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500

miles,
> > had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy when

the
> > clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out the
> > hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> > manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in 2003
> > Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early in

the
> > car's lifetime.
> >
> > Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased with

my
> > first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on Honda

after
> > considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
> >
> > As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the clutch

went
> > soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all.

Stranded -
> > again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they can

fix
> > again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
> >
> > Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly here

(or
> > am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to the

point
> > of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with a
> > 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.

>
> Your vehicle is still under warranty--let the dealer do the work. If you
> do it yourself or hire a private mechanic to do it--Honda will use this as
> an escuse to not do work on the specific problem.




News Scout 10-20-2003 12:33 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles). The
towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money spent at
all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as this car
is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design defect
(and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission. The
non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is not
something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one thing.
Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.

I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California and this
may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic outsells
the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed 2.4L
2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem than just
the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential problem on
their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the hell
knows.

We'll see.................


"Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
news:billbjohnson555-1910031828500001@pm5-broad-127.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> In article <9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink.n et>, "News
> Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> > After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I was
> > wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a

5-speed
> > Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500

miles,
> > had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy when

the
> > clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out the
> > hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> > manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in 2003
> > Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early in

the
> > car's lifetime.
> >
> > Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased with

my
> > first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on Honda

after
> > considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
> >
> > As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the clutch

went
> > soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all.

Stranded -
> > again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they can

fix
> > again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
> >
> > Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly here

(or
> > am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to the

point
> > of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with a
> > 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.

>
> Your vehicle is still under warranty--let the dealer do the work. If you
> do it yourself or hire a private mechanic to do it--Honda will use this as
> an escuse to not do work on the specific problem.




News Scout 10-20-2003 12:33 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles). The
towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money spent at
all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as this car
is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design defect
(and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission. The
non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is not
something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one thing.
Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.

I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California and this
may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic outsells
the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed 2.4L
2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem than just
the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential problem on
their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the hell
knows.

We'll see.................


"Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
news:billbjohnson555-1910031828500001@pm5-broad-127.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> In article <9qbkb.2170$W16.332@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink.n et>, "News
> Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> > After searching several forums and this NG for a similar issue, I was
> > wondering if anyone has experienced a hydraulic leaking issue with a

5-speed
> > Accord EX? I picked this car up in March this year, drove it 7,500

miles,
> > had already performed the initial oil change, and was plenty happy when

the
> > clutch went totally soft this week while driving to work. Turns out the
> > hydraulic pump for the clutch leaked (the dealer said it was a
> > manufacturer's defect) and needed to be replaced. With a broken-in 2003
> > Honda, I was blown away something like this could go wrong so early in

the
> > car's lifetime.
> >
> > Anyway, they fixed it and I was happy, although somewhat displeased with

my
> > first Honda ever (after several bad GM experiences, I decided on Honda

after
> > considering a Toyota Solara and Nissan Altima).
> >
> > As luck would have it, ten minutes after I left the dealer, the clutch

went
> > soft again and I could not get the 5-speed into any gear at all.

Stranded -
> > again. The 2003 Accord is being loaded now onto a flatbed so they can

fix
> > again, and I will surely need a rental car for a few days.
> >
> > Sorry for the diatribe, but I must be the sole statistical anomaly here

(or
> > am I) - has anyone else seen a hydraulic clutch go bad (leaking to the

point
> > of ensuring you cannot get into gear) on a 2003 Accord EX coupe with a
> > 5-speed? This is the standard 2.4L engine obviously.

>
> Your vehicle is still under warranty--let the dealer do the work. If you
> do it yourself or hire a private mechanic to do it--Honda will use this as
> an escuse to not do work on the specific problem.




Bill B. Johnson 10-21-2003 01:26 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
In article <x7Ukb.4431$S52.803@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.n et>, "News
Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:

> Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles). The
> towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money spent at
> all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as this car
> is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design defect
> (and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
> center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission. The
> non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is not
> something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one thing.
> Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.
>
> I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California and this
> may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic outsells
> the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed 2.4L
> 2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem than just
> the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential problem on
> their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the hell
> knows.


You may be right--this could be a bigger issue than just the problem with
your car. Many car companies try to keep problems that effect lots of cars
a secret from the public. They usually just fix the problems under the
warranty program as the owners bring them in for service. They will notify
the Honda mechanics via of special notices so they can fix the problems on
those effected vehicles. Rarely ever do car companies annouce a major
recall since a major recall will in most cases appear as a major news
story and no car company likes it to happen.

Bill B. Johnson 10-21-2003 01:26 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
In article <x7Ukb.4431$S52.803@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.n et>, "News
Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:

> Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles). The
> towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money spent at
> all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as this car
> is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design defect
> (and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
> center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission. The
> non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is not
> something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one thing.
> Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.
>
> I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California and this
> may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic outsells
> the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed 2.4L
> 2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem than just
> the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential problem on
> their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the hell
> knows.


You may be right--this could be a bigger issue than just the problem with
your car. Many car companies try to keep problems that effect lots of cars
a secret from the public. They usually just fix the problems under the
warranty program as the owners bring them in for service. They will notify
the Honda mechanics via of special notices so they can fix the problems on
those effected vehicles. Rarely ever do car companies annouce a major
recall since a major recall will in most cases appear as a major news
story and no car company likes it to happen.

Bill B. Johnson 10-21-2003 01:26 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
In article <x7Ukb.4431$S52.803@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.n et>, "News
Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:

> Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles). The
> towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money spent at
> all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as this car
> is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design defect
> (and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
> center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission. The
> non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is not
> something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one thing.
> Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.
>
> I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California and this
> may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic outsells
> the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed 2.4L
> 2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem than just
> the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential problem on
> their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the hell
> knows.


You may be right--this could be a bigger issue than just the problem with
your car. Many car companies try to keep problems that effect lots of cars
a secret from the public. They usually just fix the problems under the
warranty program as the owners bring them in for service. They will notify
the Honda mechanics via of special notices so they can fix the problems on
those effected vehicles. Rarely ever do car companies annouce a major
recall since a major recall will in most cases appear as a major news
story and no car company likes it to happen.

News Scout 10-21-2003 05:00 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
Us an update to this NG....

The root cause of the issue was this: a metal piece in very close proximity
to the clutch mechanism had rubbed a small metal hose that connects the
clutch slave cylinder to the clutch master cylinder to the point that this
small hose had developed a "pinhole" leak analogous to a copper water pipe.

Hence, when the slave clutch cylinder was originally replaced, the dealer
thought that was the problem, seeing as it was covered with hydraulic fluid.
However, they did not notice or find through testing that the slave cylinder
was fine, but the small metal pipe that connects the slave and master clutch
cylinders had a tiny leak. So 30 minutes after I drove the "fixed" Accord
off the lot and applied the clutch a few times, all the hydraulic fluid
again completely leaked out of the system and clutch pressure went away with
no functioning hydraulic system.

The repair report said something about the proximity of this pipe in
relation to another unrelated engine component, after several thousand
miles, could cause friction activity leading to a leak. As Oklahoma has
crappy roads, this jostling of the car over the last six months may have
contributed to an early failure.

So, the end result - Honda fabricated a new design (or they had a local shop
do it) for this small pipe and made one for this Accord that ensures there
is no contact with it and any other piece of the clutch or engine assembly,
hence solving this issue.

I am quite perplexed that computer-assisted modeling and accelerated life
testing, in the thousands of variables that were probably used, did not
catch this design flaw. Being Six Sigma and ISO trained, the end analysis
tells me that there was definitely an error made in this area of the vehicle
insofar as design.

Oh well, it's purring again and all seems to be well. It's so nice to get
rid of that Ford Focus and relax in my car's environment. I'll give Honda
one thing - their road and engine noise suppression is excellent. The sound
tolerances remind me of a Lexus.

Thanks for listening.

Ciao.


"Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
news:billbjohnson555-2110031026490001@pm3-broad-201.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> In article <x7Ukb.4431$S52.803@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.n et>, "News
> Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> > Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles). The
> > towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money spent

at
> > all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as this

car
> > is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design defect
> > (and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
> > center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission.

The
> > non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is not
> > something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one thing.
> > Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.
> >
> > I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California and

this
> > may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic

outsells
> > the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed

2.4L
> > 2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem than

just
> > the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential problem

on
> > their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the hell
> > knows.

>
> You may be right--this could be a bigger issue than just the problem with
> your car. Many car companies try to keep problems that effect lots of cars
> a secret from the public. They usually just fix the problems under the
> warranty program as the owners bring them in for service. They will notify
> the Honda mechanics via of special notices so they can fix the problems on
> those effected vehicles. Rarely ever do car companies annouce a major
> recall since a major recall will in most cases appear as a major news
> story and no car company likes it to happen.




News Scout 10-21-2003 05:00 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
Us an update to this NG....

The root cause of the issue was this: a metal piece in very close proximity
to the clutch mechanism had rubbed a small metal hose that connects the
clutch slave cylinder to the clutch master cylinder to the point that this
small hose had developed a "pinhole" leak analogous to a copper water pipe.

Hence, when the slave clutch cylinder was originally replaced, the dealer
thought that was the problem, seeing as it was covered with hydraulic fluid.
However, they did not notice or find through testing that the slave cylinder
was fine, but the small metal pipe that connects the slave and master clutch
cylinders had a tiny leak. So 30 minutes after I drove the "fixed" Accord
off the lot and applied the clutch a few times, all the hydraulic fluid
again completely leaked out of the system and clutch pressure went away with
no functioning hydraulic system.

The repair report said something about the proximity of this pipe in
relation to another unrelated engine component, after several thousand
miles, could cause friction activity leading to a leak. As Oklahoma has
crappy roads, this jostling of the car over the last six months may have
contributed to an early failure.

So, the end result - Honda fabricated a new design (or they had a local shop
do it) for this small pipe and made one for this Accord that ensures there
is no contact with it and any other piece of the clutch or engine assembly,
hence solving this issue.

I am quite perplexed that computer-assisted modeling and accelerated life
testing, in the thousands of variables that were probably used, did not
catch this design flaw. Being Six Sigma and ISO trained, the end analysis
tells me that there was definitely an error made in this area of the vehicle
insofar as design.

Oh well, it's purring again and all seems to be well. It's so nice to get
rid of that Ford Focus and relax in my car's environment. I'll give Honda
one thing - their road and engine noise suppression is excellent. The sound
tolerances remind me of a Lexus.

Thanks for listening.

Ciao.


"Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
news:billbjohnson555-2110031026490001@pm3-broad-201.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> In article <x7Ukb.4431$S52.803@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.n et>, "News
> Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> > Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles). The
> > towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money spent

at
> > all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as this

car
> > is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design defect
> > (and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
> > center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission.

The
> > non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is not
> > something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one thing.
> > Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.
> >
> > I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California and

this
> > may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic

outsells
> > the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed

2.4L
> > 2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem than

just
> > the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential problem

on
> > their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the hell
> > knows.

>
> You may be right--this could be a bigger issue than just the problem with
> your car. Many car companies try to keep problems that effect lots of cars
> a secret from the public. They usually just fix the problems under the
> warranty program as the owners bring them in for service. They will notify
> the Honda mechanics via of special notices so they can fix the problems on
> those effected vehicles. Rarely ever do car companies annouce a major
> recall since a major recall will in most cases appear as a major news
> story and no car company likes it to happen.




News Scout 10-21-2003 05:00 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
Us an update to this NG....

The root cause of the issue was this: a metal piece in very close proximity
to the clutch mechanism had rubbed a small metal hose that connects the
clutch slave cylinder to the clutch master cylinder to the point that this
small hose had developed a "pinhole" leak analogous to a copper water pipe.

Hence, when the slave clutch cylinder was originally replaced, the dealer
thought that was the problem, seeing as it was covered with hydraulic fluid.
However, they did not notice or find through testing that the slave cylinder
was fine, but the small metal pipe that connects the slave and master clutch
cylinders had a tiny leak. So 30 minutes after I drove the "fixed" Accord
off the lot and applied the clutch a few times, all the hydraulic fluid
again completely leaked out of the system and clutch pressure went away with
no functioning hydraulic system.

The repair report said something about the proximity of this pipe in
relation to another unrelated engine component, after several thousand
miles, could cause friction activity leading to a leak. As Oklahoma has
crappy roads, this jostling of the car over the last six months may have
contributed to an early failure.

So, the end result - Honda fabricated a new design (or they had a local shop
do it) for this small pipe and made one for this Accord that ensures there
is no contact with it and any other piece of the clutch or engine assembly,
hence solving this issue.

I am quite perplexed that computer-assisted modeling and accelerated life
testing, in the thousands of variables that were probably used, did not
catch this design flaw. Being Six Sigma and ISO trained, the end analysis
tells me that there was definitely an error made in this area of the vehicle
insofar as design.

Oh well, it's purring again and all seems to be well. It's so nice to get
rid of that Ford Focus and relax in my car's environment. I'll give Honda
one thing - their road and engine noise suppression is excellent. The sound
tolerances remind me of a Lexus.

Thanks for listening.

Ciao.


"Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
news:billbjohnson555-2110031026490001@pm3-broad-201.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> In article <x7Ukb.4431$S52.803@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.n et>, "News
> Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> > Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles). The
> > towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money spent

at
> > all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as this

car
> > is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design defect
> > (and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
> > center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission.

The
> > non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is not
> > something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one thing.
> > Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.
> >
> > I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California and

this
> > may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic

outsells
> > the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed

2.4L
> > 2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem than

just
> > the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential problem

on
> > their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the hell
> > knows.

>
> You may be right--this could be a bigger issue than just the problem with
> your car. Many car companies try to keep problems that effect lots of cars
> a secret from the public. They usually just fix the problems under the
> warranty program as the owners bring them in for service. They will notify
> the Honda mechanics via of special notices so they can fix the problems on
> those effected vehicles. Rarely ever do car companies annouce a major
> recall since a major recall will in most cases appear as a major news
> story and no car company likes it to happen.




Bill B. Johnson 10-22-2003 03:39 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
In article <y7hlb.236$wc3.9@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net> , "News
Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:

> Us an update to this NG....
>
> The root cause of the issue was this: a metal piece in very close proximity
> to the clutch mechanism had rubbed a small metal hose that connects the
> clutch slave cylinder to the clutch master cylinder to the point that this
> small hose had developed a "pinhole" leak analogous to a copper water pipe.
>
> Hence, when the slave clutch cylinder was originally replaced, the dealer
> thought that was the problem, seeing as it was covered with hydraulic fluid.
> However, they did not notice or find through testing that the slave cylinder
> was fine, but the small metal pipe that connects the slave and master clutch
> cylinders had a tiny leak. So 30 minutes after I drove the "fixed" Accord
> off the lot and applied the clutch a few times, all the hydraulic fluid
> again completely leaked out of the system and clutch pressure went away with
> no functioning hydraulic system.
>
> The repair report said something about the proximity of this pipe in
> relation to another unrelated engine component, after several thousand
> miles, could cause friction activity leading to a leak. As Oklahoma has
> crappy roads, this jostling of the car over the last six months may have
> contributed to an early failure.
>
> So, the end result - Honda fabricated a new design (or they had a local shop
> do it) for this small pipe and made one for this Accord that ensures there
> is no contact with it and any other piece of the clutch or engine assembly,
> hence solving this issue.
>
> I am quite perplexed that computer-assisted modeling and accelerated life
> testing, in the thousands of variables that were probably used, did not
> catch this design flaw. Being Six Sigma and ISO trained, the end analysis
> tells me that there was definitely an error made in this area of the vehicle
> insofar as design.
>
> Oh well, it's purring again and all seems to be well. It's so nice to get
> rid of that Ford Focus and relax in my car's environment. I'll give Honda
> one thing - their road and engine noise suppression is excellent. The sound
> tolerances remind me of a Lexus.
>
> Thanks for listening.
>
> Ciao.
>
>
> "Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:billbjohnson555-2110031026490001@pm3-broad-201.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> > In article <x7Ukb.4431$S52.803@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.n et>, "News
> > Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
> >
> > > Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles). The
> > > towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money spent

> at
> > > all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as this

> car
> > > is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design defect
> > > (and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
> > > center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission.

> The
> > > non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is not
> > > something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one thing.
> > > Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.
> > >
> > > I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California and

> this
> > > may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic

> outsells
> > > the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed

> 2.4L
> > > 2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem than

> just
> > > the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential problem

> on
> > > their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the hell
> > > knows.

> >
> > You may be right--this could be a bigger issue than just the problem with
> > your car. Many car companies try to keep problems that effect lots of cars
> > a secret from the public. They usually just fix the problems under the
> > warranty program as the owners bring them in for service. They will notify
> > the Honda mechanics via of special notices so they can fix the problems on
> > those effected vehicles. Rarely ever do car companies annouce a major
> > recall since a major recall will in most cases appear as a major news
> > story and no car company likes it to happen.


I'm glad that your problem has now been fixed to your satisfaction. You
might call the mechanic and ask him to advise Honda Inc. of the problem so
they can repair the problem in the same way related to many other vehicles
that have the same problem. They can also correct the design flaw on next
year's model of the same vehicle.

Bill B. Johnson 10-22-2003 03:39 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
In article <y7hlb.236$wc3.9@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net> , "News
Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:

> Us an update to this NG....
>
> The root cause of the issue was this: a metal piece in very close proximity
> to the clutch mechanism had rubbed a small metal hose that connects the
> clutch slave cylinder to the clutch master cylinder to the point that this
> small hose had developed a "pinhole" leak analogous to a copper water pipe.
>
> Hence, when the slave clutch cylinder was originally replaced, the dealer
> thought that was the problem, seeing as it was covered with hydraulic fluid.
> However, they did not notice or find through testing that the slave cylinder
> was fine, but the small metal pipe that connects the slave and master clutch
> cylinders had a tiny leak. So 30 minutes after I drove the "fixed" Accord
> off the lot and applied the clutch a few times, all the hydraulic fluid
> again completely leaked out of the system and clutch pressure went away with
> no functioning hydraulic system.
>
> The repair report said something about the proximity of this pipe in
> relation to another unrelated engine component, after several thousand
> miles, could cause friction activity leading to a leak. As Oklahoma has
> crappy roads, this jostling of the car over the last six months may have
> contributed to an early failure.
>
> So, the end result - Honda fabricated a new design (or they had a local shop
> do it) for this small pipe and made one for this Accord that ensures there
> is no contact with it and any other piece of the clutch or engine assembly,
> hence solving this issue.
>
> I am quite perplexed that computer-assisted modeling and accelerated life
> testing, in the thousands of variables that were probably used, did not
> catch this design flaw. Being Six Sigma and ISO trained, the end analysis
> tells me that there was definitely an error made in this area of the vehicle
> insofar as design.
>
> Oh well, it's purring again and all seems to be well. It's so nice to get
> rid of that Ford Focus and relax in my car's environment. I'll give Honda
> one thing - their road and engine noise suppression is excellent. The sound
> tolerances remind me of a Lexus.
>
> Thanks for listening.
>
> Ciao.
>
>
> "Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:billbjohnson555-2110031026490001@pm3-broad-201.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> > In article <x7Ukb.4431$S52.803@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.n et>, "News
> > Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
> >
> > > Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles). The
> > > towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money spent

> at
> > > all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as this

> car
> > > is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design defect
> > > (and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
> > > center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission.

> The
> > > non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is not
> > > something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one thing.
> > > Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.
> > >
> > > I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California and

> this
> > > may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic

> outsells
> > > the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed

> 2.4L
> > > 2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem than

> just
> > > the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential problem

> on
> > > their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the hell
> > > knows.

> >
> > You may be right--this could be a bigger issue than just the problem with
> > your car. Many car companies try to keep problems that effect lots of cars
> > a secret from the public. They usually just fix the problems under the
> > warranty program as the owners bring them in for service. They will notify
> > the Honda mechanics via of special notices so they can fix the problems on
> > those effected vehicles. Rarely ever do car companies annouce a major
> > recall since a major recall will in most cases appear as a major news
> > story and no car company likes it to happen.


I'm glad that your problem has now been fixed to your satisfaction. You
might call the mechanic and ask him to advise Honda Inc. of the problem so
they can repair the problem in the same way related to many other vehicles
that have the same problem. They can also correct the design flaw on next
year's model of the same vehicle.

Bill B. Johnson 10-22-2003 03:39 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
In article <y7hlb.236$wc3.9@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net> , "News
Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:

> Us an update to this NG....
>
> The root cause of the issue was this: a metal piece in very close proximity
> to the clutch mechanism had rubbed a small metal hose that connects the
> clutch slave cylinder to the clutch master cylinder to the point that this
> small hose had developed a "pinhole" leak analogous to a copper water pipe.
>
> Hence, when the slave clutch cylinder was originally replaced, the dealer
> thought that was the problem, seeing as it was covered with hydraulic fluid.
> However, they did not notice or find through testing that the slave cylinder
> was fine, but the small metal pipe that connects the slave and master clutch
> cylinders had a tiny leak. So 30 minutes after I drove the "fixed" Accord
> off the lot and applied the clutch a few times, all the hydraulic fluid
> again completely leaked out of the system and clutch pressure went away with
> no functioning hydraulic system.
>
> The repair report said something about the proximity of this pipe in
> relation to another unrelated engine component, after several thousand
> miles, could cause friction activity leading to a leak. As Oklahoma has
> crappy roads, this jostling of the car over the last six months may have
> contributed to an early failure.
>
> So, the end result - Honda fabricated a new design (or they had a local shop
> do it) for this small pipe and made one for this Accord that ensures there
> is no contact with it and any other piece of the clutch or engine assembly,
> hence solving this issue.
>
> I am quite perplexed that computer-assisted modeling and accelerated life
> testing, in the thousands of variables that were probably used, did not
> catch this design flaw. Being Six Sigma and ISO trained, the end analysis
> tells me that there was definitely an error made in this area of the vehicle
> insofar as design.
>
> Oh well, it's purring again and all seems to be well. It's so nice to get
> rid of that Ford Focus and relax in my car's environment. I'll give Honda
> one thing - their road and engine noise suppression is excellent. The sound
> tolerances remind me of a Lexus.
>
> Thanks for listening.
>
> Ciao.
>
>
> "Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:billbjohnson555-2110031026490001@pm3-broad-201.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> > In article <x7Ukb.4431$S52.803@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.n et>, "News
> > Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
> >
> > > Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles). The
> > > towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money spent

> at
> > > all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as this

> car
> > > is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design defect
> > > (and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
> > > center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission.

> The
> > > non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is not
> > > something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one thing.
> > > Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.
> > >
> > > I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California and

> this
> > > may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic

> outsells
> > > the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed

> 2.4L
> > > 2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem than

> just
> > > the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential problem

> on
> > > their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the hell
> > > knows.

> >
> > You may be right--this could be a bigger issue than just the problem with
> > your car. Many car companies try to keep problems that effect lots of cars
> > a secret from the public. They usually just fix the problems under the
> > warranty program as the owners bring them in for service. They will notify
> > the Honda mechanics via of special notices so they can fix the problems on
> > those effected vehicles. Rarely ever do car companies annouce a major
> > recall since a major recall will in most cases appear as a major news
> > story and no car company likes it to happen.


I'm glad that your problem has now been fixed to your satisfaction. You
might call the mechanic and ask him to advise Honda Inc. of the problem so
they can repair the problem in the same way related to many other vehicles
that have the same problem. They can also correct the design flaw on next
year's model of the same vehicle.

News Scout 10-22-2003 08:42 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
Thanks Bill,

I have done this - the Honda dealer, where the Accord was fixed twice under
warranty, communicated the entire episode to Honda's American HQ
(Engineering Dept). They said this information is now in a national
database to red flag similar repairs/issues that may be caused by this flaw.
No word on how it will be rectified in the 2004 model.

Just glad to have the ride back.


<EOM>


"Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
news:billbjohnson555-2210031239470001@pm5-broad-70.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> In article <y7hlb.236$wc3.9@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net> , "News
> Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> > Us an update to this NG....
> >
> > The root cause of the issue was this: a metal piece in very close

proximity
> > to the clutch mechanism had rubbed a small metal hose that connects the
> > clutch slave cylinder to the clutch master cylinder to the point that

this
> > small hose had developed a "pinhole" leak analogous to a copper water

pipe.
> >
> > Hence, when the slave clutch cylinder was originally replaced, the

dealer
> > thought that was the problem, seeing as it was covered with hydraulic

fluid.
> > However, they did not notice or find through testing that the slave

cylinder
> > was fine, but the small metal pipe that connects the slave and master

clutch
> > cylinders had a tiny leak. So 30 minutes after I drove the "fixed"

Accord
> > off the lot and applied the clutch a few times, all the hydraulic fluid
> > again completely leaked out of the system and clutch pressure went away

with
> > no functioning hydraulic system.
> >
> > The repair report said something about the proximity of this pipe in
> > relation to another unrelated engine component, after several thousand
> > miles, could cause friction activity leading to a leak. As Oklahoma has
> > crappy roads, this jostling of the car over the last six months may have
> > contributed to an early failure.
> >
> > So, the end result - Honda fabricated a new design (or they had a local

shop
> > do it) for this small pipe and made one for this Accord that ensures

there
> > is no contact with it and any other piece of the clutch or engine

assembly,
> > hence solving this issue.
> >
> > I am quite perplexed that computer-assisted modeling and accelerated

life
> > testing, in the thousands of variables that were probably used, did not
> > catch this design flaw. Being Six Sigma and ISO trained, the end

analysis
> > tells me that there was definitely an error made in this area of the

vehicle
> > insofar as design.
> >
> > Oh well, it's purring again and all seems to be well. It's so nice to

get
> > rid of that Ford Focus and relax in my car's environment. I'll give

Honda
> > one thing - their road and engine noise suppression is excellent. The

sound
> > tolerances remind me of a Lexus.
> >
> > Thanks for listening.
> >
> > Ciao.
> >
> >
> > "Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
> >

news:billbjohnson555-2110031026490001@pm3-broad-201.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> > > In article <x7Ukb.4431$S52.803@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.n et>,

"News
> > > Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
> > >
> > > > Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles).

The
> > > > towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money

spent
> > at
> > > > all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as

this
> > car
> > > > is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design

defect
> > > > (and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
> > > > center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission.

> > The
> > > > non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is

not
> > > > something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one

thing.
> > > > Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.
> > > >
> > > > I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California

and
> > this
> > > > may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic

> > outsells
> > > > the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed

> > 2.4L
> > > > 2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem

than
> > just
> > > > the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential

problem
> > on
> > > > their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the

hell
> > > > knows.
> > >
> > > You may be right--this could be a bigger issue than just the problem

with
> > > your car. Many car companies try to keep problems that effect lots of

cars
> > > a secret from the public. They usually just fix the problems under the
> > > warranty program as the owners bring them in for service. They will

notify
> > > the Honda mechanics via of special notices so they can fix the

problems on
> > > those effected vehicles. Rarely ever do car companies annouce a major
> > > recall since a major recall will in most cases appear as a major news
> > > story and no car company likes it to happen.

>
> I'm glad that your problem has now been fixed to your satisfaction. You
> might call the mechanic and ask him to advise Honda Inc. of the problem so
> they can repair the problem in the same way related to many other vehicles
> that have the same problem. They can also correct the design flaw on next
> year's model of the same vehicle.




News Scout 10-22-2003 08:42 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
Thanks Bill,

I have done this - the Honda dealer, where the Accord was fixed twice under
warranty, communicated the entire episode to Honda's American HQ
(Engineering Dept). They said this information is now in a national
database to red flag similar repairs/issues that may be caused by this flaw.
No word on how it will be rectified in the 2004 model.

Just glad to have the ride back.


<EOM>


"Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
news:billbjohnson555-2210031239470001@pm5-broad-70.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> In article <y7hlb.236$wc3.9@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net> , "News
> Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> > Us an update to this NG....
> >
> > The root cause of the issue was this: a metal piece in very close

proximity
> > to the clutch mechanism had rubbed a small metal hose that connects the
> > clutch slave cylinder to the clutch master cylinder to the point that

this
> > small hose had developed a "pinhole" leak analogous to a copper water

pipe.
> >
> > Hence, when the slave clutch cylinder was originally replaced, the

dealer
> > thought that was the problem, seeing as it was covered with hydraulic

fluid.
> > However, they did not notice or find through testing that the slave

cylinder
> > was fine, but the small metal pipe that connects the slave and master

clutch
> > cylinders had a tiny leak. So 30 minutes after I drove the "fixed"

Accord
> > off the lot and applied the clutch a few times, all the hydraulic fluid
> > again completely leaked out of the system and clutch pressure went away

with
> > no functioning hydraulic system.
> >
> > The repair report said something about the proximity of this pipe in
> > relation to another unrelated engine component, after several thousand
> > miles, could cause friction activity leading to a leak. As Oklahoma has
> > crappy roads, this jostling of the car over the last six months may have
> > contributed to an early failure.
> >
> > So, the end result - Honda fabricated a new design (or they had a local

shop
> > do it) for this small pipe and made one for this Accord that ensures

there
> > is no contact with it and any other piece of the clutch or engine

assembly,
> > hence solving this issue.
> >
> > I am quite perplexed that computer-assisted modeling and accelerated

life
> > testing, in the thousands of variables that were probably used, did not
> > catch this design flaw. Being Six Sigma and ISO trained, the end

analysis
> > tells me that there was definitely an error made in this area of the

vehicle
> > insofar as design.
> >
> > Oh well, it's purring again and all seems to be well. It's so nice to

get
> > rid of that Ford Focus and relax in my car's environment. I'll give

Honda
> > one thing - their road and engine noise suppression is excellent. The

sound
> > tolerances remind me of a Lexus.
> >
> > Thanks for listening.
> >
> > Ciao.
> >
> >
> > "Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
> >

news:billbjohnson555-2110031026490001@pm3-broad-201.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> > > In article <x7Ukb.4431$S52.803@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.n et>,

"News
> > > Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
> > >
> > > > Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles).

The
> > > > towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money

spent
> > at
> > > > all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as

this
> > car
> > > > is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design

defect
> > > > (and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
> > > > center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission.

> > The
> > > > non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is

not
> > > > something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one

thing.
> > > > Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.
> > > >
> > > > I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California

and
> > this
> > > > may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic

> > outsells
> > > > the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed

> > 2.4L
> > > > 2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem

than
> > just
> > > > the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential

problem
> > on
> > > > their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the

hell
> > > > knows.
> > >
> > > You may be right--this could be a bigger issue than just the problem

with
> > > your car. Many car companies try to keep problems that effect lots of

cars
> > > a secret from the public. They usually just fix the problems under the
> > > warranty program as the owners bring them in for service. They will

notify
> > > the Honda mechanics via of special notices so they can fix the

problems on
> > > those effected vehicles. Rarely ever do car companies annouce a major
> > > recall since a major recall will in most cases appear as a major news
> > > story and no car company likes it to happen.

>
> I'm glad that your problem has now been fixed to your satisfaction. You
> might call the mechanic and ask him to advise Honda Inc. of the problem so
> they can repair the problem in the same way related to many other vehicles
> that have the same problem. They can also correct the design flaw on next
> year's model of the same vehicle.




News Scout 10-22-2003 08:42 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
Thanks Bill,

I have done this - the Honda dealer, where the Accord was fixed twice under
warranty, communicated the entire episode to Honda's American HQ
(Engineering Dept). They said this information is now in a national
database to red flag similar repairs/issues that may be caused by this flaw.
No word on how it will be rectified in the 2004 model.

Just glad to have the ride back.


<EOM>


"Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
news:billbjohnson555-2210031239470001@pm5-broad-70.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> In article <y7hlb.236$wc3.9@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net> , "News
> Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> > Us an update to this NG....
> >
> > The root cause of the issue was this: a metal piece in very close

proximity
> > to the clutch mechanism had rubbed a small metal hose that connects the
> > clutch slave cylinder to the clutch master cylinder to the point that

this
> > small hose had developed a "pinhole" leak analogous to a copper water

pipe.
> >
> > Hence, when the slave clutch cylinder was originally replaced, the

dealer
> > thought that was the problem, seeing as it was covered with hydraulic

fluid.
> > However, they did not notice or find through testing that the slave

cylinder
> > was fine, but the small metal pipe that connects the slave and master

clutch
> > cylinders had a tiny leak. So 30 minutes after I drove the "fixed"

Accord
> > off the lot and applied the clutch a few times, all the hydraulic fluid
> > again completely leaked out of the system and clutch pressure went away

with
> > no functioning hydraulic system.
> >
> > The repair report said something about the proximity of this pipe in
> > relation to another unrelated engine component, after several thousand
> > miles, could cause friction activity leading to a leak. As Oklahoma has
> > crappy roads, this jostling of the car over the last six months may have
> > contributed to an early failure.
> >
> > So, the end result - Honda fabricated a new design (or they had a local

shop
> > do it) for this small pipe and made one for this Accord that ensures

there
> > is no contact with it and any other piece of the clutch or engine

assembly,
> > hence solving this issue.
> >
> > I am quite perplexed that computer-assisted modeling and accelerated

life
> > testing, in the thousands of variables that were probably used, did not
> > catch this design flaw. Being Six Sigma and ISO trained, the end

analysis
> > tells me that there was definitely an error made in this area of the

vehicle
> > insofar as design.
> >
> > Oh well, it's purring again and all seems to be well. It's so nice to

get
> > rid of that Ford Focus and relax in my car's environment. I'll give

Honda
> > one thing - their road and engine noise suppression is excellent. The

sound
> > tolerances remind me of a Lexus.
> >
> > Thanks for listening.
> >
> > Ciao.
> >
> >
> > "Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
> >

news:billbjohnson555-2110031026490001@pm3-broad-201.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> > > In article <x7Ukb.4431$S52.803@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.n et>,

"News
> > > Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
> > >
> > > > Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles).

The
> > > > towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money

spent
> > at
> > > > all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as

this
> > car
> > > > is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design

defect
> > > > (and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
> > > > center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission.

> > The
> > > > non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is

not
> > > > something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one

thing.
> > > > Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.
> > > >
> > > > I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California

and
> > this
> > > > may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic

> > outsells
> > > > the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed

> > 2.4L
> > > > 2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem

than
> > just
> > > > the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential

problem
> > on
> > > > their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the

hell
> > > > knows.
> > >
> > > You may be right--this could be a bigger issue than just the problem

with
> > > your car. Many car companies try to keep problems that effect lots of

cars
> > > a secret from the public. They usually just fix the problems under the
> > > warranty program as the owners bring them in for service. They will

notify
> > > the Honda mechanics via of special notices so they can fix the

problems on
> > > those effected vehicles. Rarely ever do car companies annouce a major
> > > recall since a major recall will in most cases appear as a major news
> > > story and no car company likes it to happen.

>
> I'm glad that your problem has now been fixed to your satisfaction. You
> might call the mechanic and ask him to advise Honda Inc. of the problem so
> they can repair the problem in the same way related to many other vehicles
> that have the same problem. They can also correct the design flaw on next
> year's model of the same vehicle.




Bill B. Johnson 10-23-2003 04:04 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
In article <wtFlb.1373$I04.68@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.ne t>, "News
Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:

> Thanks Bill,
>
> I have done this - the Honda dealer, where the Accord was fixed twice under
> warranty, communicated the entire episode to Honda's American HQ
> (Engineering Dept). They said this information is now in a national
> database to red flag similar repairs/issues that may be caused by this flaw.
> No word on how it will be rectified in the 2004 model.
>
> Just glad to have the ride back.
>
>
> <EOM>
>
>
> "Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:billbjohnson555-2210031239470001@pm5-broad-70.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> > In article <y7hlb.236$wc3.9@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net> , "News
> > Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
> >
> > > Us an update to this NG....
> > >
> > > The root cause of the issue was this: a metal piece in very close

> proximity
> > > to the clutch mechanism had rubbed a small metal hose that connects the
> > > clutch slave cylinder to the clutch master cylinder to the point that

> this
> > > small hose had developed a "pinhole" leak analogous to a copper water

> pipe.
> > >
> > > Hence, when the slave clutch cylinder was originally replaced, the

> dealer
> > > thought that was the problem, seeing as it was covered with hydraulic

> fluid.
> > > However, they did not notice or find through testing that the slave

> cylinder
> > > was fine, but the small metal pipe that connects the slave and master

> clutch
> > > cylinders had a tiny leak. So 30 minutes after I drove the "fixed"

> Accord
> > > off the lot and applied the clutch a few times, all the hydraulic fluid
> > > again completely leaked out of the system and clutch pressure went away

> with
> > > no functioning hydraulic system.
> > >
> > > The repair report said something about the proximity of this pipe in
> > > relation to another unrelated engine component, after several thousand
> > > miles, could cause friction activity leading to a leak. As Oklahoma has
> > > crappy roads, this jostling of the car over the last six months may have
> > > contributed to an early failure.
> > >
> > > So, the end result - Honda fabricated a new design (or they had a local

> shop
> > > do it) for this small pipe and made one for this Accord that ensures

> there
> > > is no contact with it and any other piece of the clutch or engine

> assembly,
> > > hence solving this issue.
> > >
> > > I am quite perplexed that computer-assisted modeling and accelerated

> life
> > > testing, in the thousands of variables that were probably used, did not
> > > catch this design flaw. Being Six Sigma and ISO trained, the end

> analysis
> > > tells me that there was definitely an error made in this area of the

> vehicle
> > > insofar as design.
> > >
> > > Oh well, it's purring again and all seems to be well. It's so nice to

> get
> > > rid of that Ford Focus and relax in my car's environment. I'll give

> Honda
> > > one thing - their road and engine noise suppression is excellent. The

> sound
> > > tolerances remind me of a Lexus.
> > >
> > > Thanks for listening.
> > >
> > > Ciao.
> > >
> > >
> > > "Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
> > >

> news:billbjohnson555-2110031026490001@pm3-broad-201.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> > > > In article <x7Ukb.4431$S52.803@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.n et>,

> "News
> > > > Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles).

> The
> > > > > towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money

> spent
> > > at
> > > > > all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as

> this
> > > car
> > > > > is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design

> defect
> > > > > (and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
> > > > > center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission.
> > > The
> > > > > non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is

> not
> > > > > something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one

> thing.
> > > > > Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.
> > > > >
> > > > > I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California

> and
> > > this
> > > > > may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic
> > > outsells
> > > > > the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed
> > > 2.4L
> > > > > 2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem

> than
> > > just
> > > > > the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential

> problem
> > > on
> > > > > their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the

> hell
> > > > > knows.
> > > >
> > > > You may be right--this could be a bigger issue than just the problem

> with
> > > > your car. Many car companies try to keep problems that effect lots of

> cars
> > > > a secret from the public. They usually just fix the problems under the
> > > > warranty program as the owners bring them in for service. They will

> notify
> > > > the Honda mechanics via of special notices so they can fix the

> problems on
> > > > those effected vehicles. Rarely ever do car companies annouce a major
> > > > recall since a major recall will in most cases appear as a major news
> > > > story and no car company likes it to happen.

> >
> > I'm glad that your problem has now been fixed to your satisfaction. You
> > might call the mechanic and ask him to advise Honda Inc. of the problem so
> > they can repair the problem in the same way related to many other vehicles
> > that have the same problem. They can also correct the design flaw on next
> > year's model of the same vehicle.


Great Work--as a result of your actions and the actions of the service
department of the Honda dealership that you visited--many owners of Honda
cars like the one you own will be repaired. It's obvious that this design
flaw will be fixed on next year's model. Thanks

Bill B. Johnson 10-23-2003 04:04 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
In article <wtFlb.1373$I04.68@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.ne t>, "News
Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:

> Thanks Bill,
>
> I have done this - the Honda dealer, where the Accord was fixed twice under
> warranty, communicated the entire episode to Honda's American HQ
> (Engineering Dept). They said this information is now in a national
> database to red flag similar repairs/issues that may be caused by this flaw.
> No word on how it will be rectified in the 2004 model.
>
> Just glad to have the ride back.
>
>
> <EOM>
>
>
> "Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:billbjohnson555-2210031239470001@pm5-broad-70.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> > In article <y7hlb.236$wc3.9@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net> , "News
> > Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
> >
> > > Us an update to this NG....
> > >
> > > The root cause of the issue was this: a metal piece in very close

> proximity
> > > to the clutch mechanism had rubbed a small metal hose that connects the
> > > clutch slave cylinder to the clutch master cylinder to the point that

> this
> > > small hose had developed a "pinhole" leak analogous to a copper water

> pipe.
> > >
> > > Hence, when the slave clutch cylinder was originally replaced, the

> dealer
> > > thought that was the problem, seeing as it was covered with hydraulic

> fluid.
> > > However, they did not notice or find through testing that the slave

> cylinder
> > > was fine, but the small metal pipe that connects the slave and master

> clutch
> > > cylinders had a tiny leak. So 30 minutes after I drove the "fixed"

> Accord
> > > off the lot and applied the clutch a few times, all the hydraulic fluid
> > > again completely leaked out of the system and clutch pressure went away

> with
> > > no functioning hydraulic system.
> > >
> > > The repair report said something about the proximity of this pipe in
> > > relation to another unrelated engine component, after several thousand
> > > miles, could cause friction activity leading to a leak. As Oklahoma has
> > > crappy roads, this jostling of the car over the last six months may have
> > > contributed to an early failure.
> > >
> > > So, the end result - Honda fabricated a new design (or they had a local

> shop
> > > do it) for this small pipe and made one for this Accord that ensures

> there
> > > is no contact with it and any other piece of the clutch or engine

> assembly,
> > > hence solving this issue.
> > >
> > > I am quite perplexed that computer-assisted modeling and accelerated

> life
> > > testing, in the thousands of variables that were probably used, did not
> > > catch this design flaw. Being Six Sigma and ISO trained, the end

> analysis
> > > tells me that there was definitely an error made in this area of the

> vehicle
> > > insofar as design.
> > >
> > > Oh well, it's purring again and all seems to be well. It's so nice to

> get
> > > rid of that Ford Focus and relax in my car's environment. I'll give

> Honda
> > > one thing - their road and engine noise suppression is excellent. The

> sound
> > > tolerances remind me of a Lexus.
> > >
> > > Thanks for listening.
> > >
> > > Ciao.
> > >
> > >
> > > "Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
> > >

> news:billbjohnson555-2110031026490001@pm3-broad-201.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> > > > In article <x7Ukb.4431$S52.803@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.n et>,

> "News
> > > > Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles).

> The
> > > > > towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money

> spent
> > > at
> > > > > all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as

> this
> > > car
> > > > > is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design

> defect
> > > > > (and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
> > > > > center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission.
> > > The
> > > > > non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is

> not
> > > > > something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one

> thing.
> > > > > Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.
> > > > >
> > > > > I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California

> and
> > > this
> > > > > may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic
> > > outsells
> > > > > the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed
> > > 2.4L
> > > > > 2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem

> than
> > > just
> > > > > the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential

> problem
> > > on
> > > > > their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the

> hell
> > > > > knows.
> > > >
> > > > You may be right--this could be a bigger issue than just the problem

> with
> > > > your car. Many car companies try to keep problems that effect lots of

> cars
> > > > a secret from the public. They usually just fix the problems under the
> > > > warranty program as the owners bring them in for service. They will

> notify
> > > > the Honda mechanics via of special notices so they can fix the

> problems on
> > > > those effected vehicles. Rarely ever do car companies annouce a major
> > > > recall since a major recall will in most cases appear as a major news
> > > > story and no car company likes it to happen.

> >
> > I'm glad that your problem has now been fixed to your satisfaction. You
> > might call the mechanic and ask him to advise Honda Inc. of the problem so
> > they can repair the problem in the same way related to many other vehicles
> > that have the same problem. They can also correct the design flaw on next
> > year's model of the same vehicle.


Great Work--as a result of your actions and the actions of the service
department of the Honda dealership that you visited--many owners of Honda
cars like the one you own will be repaired. It's obvious that this design
flaw will be fixed on next year's model. Thanks

Bill B. Johnson 10-23-2003 04:04 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
In article <wtFlb.1373$I04.68@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.ne t>, "News
Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:

> Thanks Bill,
>
> I have done this - the Honda dealer, where the Accord was fixed twice under
> warranty, communicated the entire episode to Honda's American HQ
> (Engineering Dept). They said this information is now in a national
> database to red flag similar repairs/issues that may be caused by this flaw.
> No word on how it will be rectified in the 2004 model.
>
> Just glad to have the ride back.
>
>
> <EOM>
>
>
> "Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:billbjohnson555-2210031239470001@pm5-broad-70.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> > In article <y7hlb.236$wc3.9@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net> , "News
> > Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
> >
> > > Us an update to this NG....
> > >
> > > The root cause of the issue was this: a metal piece in very close

> proximity
> > > to the clutch mechanism had rubbed a small metal hose that connects the
> > > clutch slave cylinder to the clutch master cylinder to the point that

> this
> > > small hose had developed a "pinhole" leak analogous to a copper water

> pipe.
> > >
> > > Hence, when the slave clutch cylinder was originally replaced, the

> dealer
> > > thought that was the problem, seeing as it was covered with hydraulic

> fluid.
> > > However, they did not notice or find through testing that the slave

> cylinder
> > > was fine, but the small metal pipe that connects the slave and master

> clutch
> > > cylinders had a tiny leak. So 30 minutes after I drove the "fixed"

> Accord
> > > off the lot and applied the clutch a few times, all the hydraulic fluid
> > > again completely leaked out of the system and clutch pressure went away

> with
> > > no functioning hydraulic system.
> > >
> > > The repair report said something about the proximity of this pipe in
> > > relation to another unrelated engine component, after several thousand
> > > miles, could cause friction activity leading to a leak. As Oklahoma has
> > > crappy roads, this jostling of the car over the last six months may have
> > > contributed to an early failure.
> > >
> > > So, the end result - Honda fabricated a new design (or they had a local

> shop
> > > do it) for this small pipe and made one for this Accord that ensures

> there
> > > is no contact with it and any other piece of the clutch or engine

> assembly,
> > > hence solving this issue.
> > >
> > > I am quite perplexed that computer-assisted modeling and accelerated

> life
> > > testing, in the thousands of variables that were probably used, did not
> > > catch this design flaw. Being Six Sigma and ISO trained, the end

> analysis
> > > tells me that there was definitely an error made in this area of the

> vehicle
> > > insofar as design.
> > >
> > > Oh well, it's purring again and all seems to be well. It's so nice to

> get
> > > rid of that Ford Focus and relax in my car's environment. I'll give

> Honda
> > > one thing - their road and engine noise suppression is excellent. The

> sound
> > > tolerances remind me of a Lexus.
> > >
> > > Thanks for listening.
> > >
> > > Ciao.
> > >
> > >
> > > "Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
> > >

> news:billbjohnson555-2110031026490001@pm3-broad-201.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> > > > In article <x7Ukb.4431$S52.803@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.n et>,

> "News
> > > > Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles).

> The
> > > > > towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money

> spent
> > > at
> > > > > all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as

> this
> > > car
> > > > > is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design

> defect
> > > > > (and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
> > > > > center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission.
> > > The
> > > > > non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is

> not
> > > > > something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one

> thing.
> > > > > Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.
> > > > >
> > > > > I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California

> and
> > > this
> > > > > may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic
> > > outsells
> > > > > the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed
> > > 2.4L
> > > > > 2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem

> than
> > > just
> > > > > the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential

> problem
> > > on
> > > > > their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the

> hell
> > > > > knows.
> > > >
> > > > You may be right--this could be a bigger issue than just the problem

> with
> > > > your car. Many car companies try to keep problems that effect lots of

> cars
> > > > a secret from the public. They usually just fix the problems under the
> > > > warranty program as the owners bring them in for service. They will

> notify
> > > > the Honda mechanics via of special notices so they can fix the

> problems on
> > > > those effected vehicles. Rarely ever do car companies annouce a major
> > > > recall since a major recall will in most cases appear as a major news
> > > > story and no car company likes it to happen.

> >
> > I'm glad that your problem has now been fixed to your satisfaction. You
> > might call the mechanic and ask him to advise Honda Inc. of the problem so
> > they can repair the problem in the same way related to many other vehicles
> > that have the same problem. They can also correct the design flaw on next
> > year's model of the same vehicle.


Great Work--as a result of your actions and the actions of the service
department of the Honda dealership that you visited--many owners of Honda
cars like the one you own will be repaired. It's obvious that this design
flaw will be fixed on next year's model. Thanks

Bill B. Johnson 10-23-2003 04:04 PM

Re: 2003 Accord EX Coupe - hydraulic cluctch issue?
 
In article <wtFlb.1373$I04.68@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.ne t>, "News
Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:

> Thanks Bill,
>
> I have done this - the Honda dealer, where the Accord was fixed twice under
> warranty, communicated the entire episode to Honda's American HQ
> (Engineering Dept). They said this information is now in a national
> database to red flag similar repairs/issues that may be caused by this flaw.
> No word on how it will be rectified in the 2004 model.
>
> Just glad to have the ride back.
>
>
> <EOM>
>
>
> "Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:billbjohnson555-2210031239470001@pm5-broad-70.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> > In article <y7hlb.236$wc3.9@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net> , "News
> > Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
> >
> > > Us an update to this NG....
> > >
> > > The root cause of the issue was this: a metal piece in very close

> proximity
> > > to the clutch mechanism had rubbed a small metal hose that connects the
> > > clutch slave cylinder to the clutch master cylinder to the point that

> this
> > > small hose had developed a "pinhole" leak analogous to a copper water

> pipe.
> > >
> > > Hence, when the slave clutch cylinder was originally replaced, the

> dealer
> > > thought that was the problem, seeing as it was covered with hydraulic

> fluid.
> > > However, they did not notice or find through testing that the slave

> cylinder
> > > was fine, but the small metal pipe that connects the slave and master

> clutch
> > > cylinders had a tiny leak. So 30 minutes after I drove the "fixed"

> Accord
> > > off the lot and applied the clutch a few times, all the hydraulic fluid
> > > again completely leaked out of the system and clutch pressure went away

> with
> > > no functioning hydraulic system.
> > >
> > > The repair report said something about the proximity of this pipe in
> > > relation to another unrelated engine component, after several thousand
> > > miles, could cause friction activity leading to a leak. As Oklahoma has
> > > crappy roads, this jostling of the car over the last six months may have
> > > contributed to an early failure.
> > >
> > > So, the end result - Honda fabricated a new design (or they had a local

> shop
> > > do it) for this small pipe and made one for this Accord that ensures

> there
> > > is no contact with it and any other piece of the clutch or engine

> assembly,
> > > hence solving this issue.
> > >
> > > I am quite perplexed that computer-assisted modeling and accelerated

> life
> > > testing, in the thousands of variables that were probably used, did not
> > > catch this design flaw. Being Six Sigma and ISO trained, the end

> analysis
> > > tells me that there was definitely an error made in this area of the

> vehicle
> > > insofar as design.
> > >
> > > Oh well, it's purring again and all seems to be well. It's so nice to

> get
> > > rid of that Ford Focus and relax in my car's environment. I'll give

> Honda
> > > one thing - their road and engine noise suppression is excellent. The

> sound
> > > tolerances remind me of a Lexus.
> > >
> > > Thanks for listening.
> > >
> > > Ciao.
> > >
> > >
> > > "Bill B. Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote in message
> > >

> news:billbjohnson555-2110031026490001@pm3-broad-201.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> > > > In article <x7Ukb.4431$S52.803@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.n et>,

> "News
> > > > Scout" <scoutnews@earthlink.net> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > Very true - it is still very much in warranty (only 7,000 miles).

> The
> > > > > towing and rental cars have all been courtesy of Honda (no money

> spent
> > > at
> > > > > all from me), so it is not that much of a nuisance at this time, as

> this
> > > car
> > > > > is a lease anyway (I never buy cars). However, if it is a design

> defect
> > > > > (and now I have seen both leaking mechanisms at the dealer's service
> > > > > center), I would insist on a new car with an automatic transmission.
> > > The
> > > > > non-confidence of being on a road trip and this happening again is

> not
> > > > > something I want. A mechanical problem that happens once is one

> thing.
> > > > > Twice makes me think real hard about alternatives.
> > > > >
> > > > > I listened to the dealer talking to Honda Engineering in California

> and
> > > this
> > > > > may be a larger issue than just my car. Apparently, the automatic
> > > outsells
> > > > > the standard by 100-1, so there are not tens of thousands of 5-speed
> > > 2.4L
> > > > > 2003 Accord Coupes on the road - yet. If this is a bigger problem

> than
> > > just
> > > > > the fluke of it happening to me twice, they have a big potential

> problem
> > > on
> > > > > their hands. I doubt this would escalate into a recall, but who the

> hell
> > > > > knows.
> > > >
> > > > You may be right--this could be a bigger issue than just the problem

> with
> > > > your car. Many car companies try to keep problems that effect lots of

> cars
> > > > a secret from the public. They usually just fix the problems under the
> > > > warranty program as the owners bring them in for service. They will

> notify
> > > > the Honda mechanics via of special notices so they can fix the

> problems on
> > > > those effected vehicles. Rarely ever do car companies annouce a major
> > > > recall since a major recall will in most cases appear as a major news
> > > > story and no car company likes it to happen.

> >
> > I'm glad that your problem has now been fixed to your satisfaction. You
> > might call the mechanic and ask him to advise Honda Inc. of the problem so
> > they can repair the problem in the same way related to many other vehicles
> > that have the same problem. They can also correct the design flaw on next
> > year's model of the same vehicle.


Great Work--as a result of your actions and the actions of the service
department of the Honda dealership that you visited--many owners of Honda
cars like the one you own will be repaired. It's obvious that this design
flaw will be fixed on next year's model. Thanks


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