I recently bought a 2009 Fit Sport, with 118000 miles. 3 weeks later, it developed a rough idle, and stalled at low rpm. I thought it might be the ignition coils, but I took it to the Honda dealership. They then informed me the engine and wiring harness had been swapped out with a 2014 Fit, and weren't compatible which was causing the issues (plus this 2014 engine had a knock).

My question for you all is the validity of this. Are those year's engines not compatible, or is it maybe more because of the wiring harness? I never had any check engine lights come on. I realize I got a bit screwed on this, I'm just trying to figure out how much. Any input is appreciated.

 

I can believe Honda's claim the two don't play nice. I work in the plant for the Mercedes GLE and GLS, and the level of over-complicated hardware decisions is insane. We had a running change in headlight part numbers, minor behind the scenes change on the mounts but because the part number changed the car's computer refuses to arm the headlights, citing the headlights as aftermarket and non OEM. What was wrong with just a bulb and a switch?

If this ends up being a big problem I'd recommend going to Carpo and sourcing an '09 Fit and trailering home and swapping the two. I've been eyeing a couple on their site to buy and strip for parts. On average Fits are going for $500 or so but depending on what you buy you can get some pretty good deals. Here's a link if you're curious.

 

Does your state have lemon-law protections for auto buyers? Can you file a court case. You should try to return the car or have the seller fix this.

Someone can sort out the wiring mess. And someone can sort out the knocking mess. But those are expensive for a car worth say $4000 in good condition.

 

There isn't a lemon law for used cars unfortunately. I'm going to try and chat with the dealer today, but my hopes are not high...

 

You should call the State's Attorney General for some guidance. Those are the lawyers who work for the state regarding commercial behavior. (The District Attorney does similar for criminal behavior).

Good luck!

 

If you are in america, (I'm assuming you are) you should challenge the dealer that said it is using "2014 Fit" parts. The 2014 wasn't sold in the US. They could mean the 2015, but usually a dealership wouldn't make that kind of mistake. That just seems really off to me....

 

If you have a trusted mechanic, I'd suggest you get a second opinion. I think that, unless your motor has "Earth Dreams" written on it, engine and harness should be compatible.

 

The bigger worry is that if some meathead swapped out the wiring harness, then what else did they do? Has the radio been swapped out and then put back together, but so poorly that it's a potential fire hazard?