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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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