News Scout

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

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

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

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

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