TSB/Software Update for Inaccurate MPG Display
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 142
From: Kaneohe, HI
service done...but.....hassles
So I called to do a 1st service on 1 of our Fits and told them about service bulletin 09-086, and asked if they could do it at the same time. I was immediately told that it didn't apply to my car. Huh? I said...wait...(deep breath...control anger...)
...I explained that this was not a recall, it was a service bulletin and that I was reading it right now. The "service advisor" then asked if I had received a letter in the mail about this...I said no, that I have the service bulletin in my hands and that this is not a recall notice. She then said again, that this does not apply to my car. Now I got angry. I told her that, if it doesn't apply to my car, why does it say.."Applies to: 2009 Fit --ALL", she then put me on hold.
Tech got on the phone. I talked to him about the service bulletin. He had no clue and was trying to talk me out of it. He asked me how do I know that it applies to my car, and that service bulletins are for the techs so that they can do their jobs. I told him that I know that. (This is far too much talking that I have to do, but am remaining calm) He then says that he has to "read up on that bulletin" to figure it out.
This is ridiculous that I have to go to this extent to get them to do the work.
Anyway...took the car in. They said that they would check it out and call me back. No call back. I called them back at the end of the day...car is done. I had to go over the work done to make sure that they flashed the new firmware.
I am disappointed in this service from this dealer. They normally do great work, and are known for great service. I had my previous Honda accord serviced there for years.
Bottom line - the work was done.
Question - should I call the service manager and talk to them? Do you think it would help future Fit owners??
...I explained that this was not a recall, it was a service bulletin and that I was reading it right now. The "service advisor" then asked if I had received a letter in the mail about this...I said no, that I have the service bulletin in my hands and that this is not a recall notice. She then said again, that this does not apply to my car. Now I got angry. I told her that, if it doesn't apply to my car, why does it say.."Applies to: 2009 Fit --ALL", she then put me on hold.Tech got on the phone. I talked to him about the service bulletin. He had no clue and was trying to talk me out of it. He asked me how do I know that it applies to my car, and that service bulletins are for the techs so that they can do their jobs. I told him that I know that. (This is far too much talking that I have to do, but am remaining calm) He then says that he has to "read up on that bulletin" to figure it out.
This is ridiculous that I have to go to this extent to get them to do the work.
Anyway...took the car in. They said that they would check it out and call me back. No call back. I called them back at the end of the day...car is done. I had to go over the work done to make sure that they flashed the new firmware.
I am disappointed in this service from this dealer. They normally do great work, and are known for great service. I had my previous Honda accord serviced there for years.
Bottom line - the work was done.
Question - should I call the service manager and talk to them? Do you think it would help future Fit owners??
Last edited by handymus; Apr 26, 2010 at 10:44 PM. Reason: typo
New Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3
From: Kissimmee, FL
unless honda issues a recall, i don't think we're going to have the same experience all across the board. there are some dealers that will do it, no questions asked. and others that will try to convince you that they know what they're doing (in which they have every right to) and question your position on the request.
i've thought about going back to get my car reflashed, but i just don't want to deal with the hassle, personally.
i've thought about going back to get my car reflashed, but i just don't want to deal with the hassle, personally.
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 176
From: Richmond, VA
Just got this done today. Took it to a dealer that I did not buy the car from or have ever had it for servicing. No problems whatsoever 
Told the lady about the service bulletin when I made the appointment, and the actual update only took about 30 mins.
Told the lady about the service bulletin when I made the appointment, and the actual update only took about 30 mins.
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 181
From: Rochester Hills, MI
So I called to do a 1st service on 1 of our Fits and told them about service bulletin 09-086, and asked if they could do it at the same time. I was immediately told that it didn't apply to my car. Huh? I said...wait...(deep breath...control anger...)...I explained that this was not a recall, it was a service bulletin and that I was reading it right now. The "service advisor" then asked if I had received a letter in the mail about this...I said no, that I have the service bulletin in my hands and that this is not a recall notice. She then said again, that this does not apply to my car. Now I got angry. I told her that, if it doesn't apply to my car, why does it say.."Applies to: 2009 Fit --ALL", she then put me on hold.
Tech got on the phone. I talked to him about the service bulletin. He had no clue and was trying to talk me out of it. He asked me how do I know that it applies to my car, and that service bulletins are for the techs so that they can do their jobs. I told him that I know that. (This is far too much talking that I have to do, but am remaining calm) He then says that he has to "read up on that bulletin" to figure it out.
This is ridiculous that I have to go to this extent to get them to do the work.
Anyway...took the car in. They said that they would check it out and call me back. No call back. I called them back at the end of the day...car is done. I had to go over the work done to make sure that they flashed the new firmware.
I am disappointed in this service from this dealer. They normally do great work, and are known for great service. I had my previous Honda accord serviced there for years.
Bottom line - the work was done.
Question - should I call the service manager and talk to them? Do you think it would help future Fit owners??
...I explained that this was not a recall, it was a service bulletin and that I was reading it right now. The "service advisor" then asked if I had received a letter in the mail about this...I said no, that I have the service bulletin in my hands and that this is not a recall notice. She then said again, that this does not apply to my car. Now I got angry. I told her that, if it doesn't apply to my car, why does it say.."Applies to: 2009 Fit --ALL", she then put me on hold.Tech got on the phone. I talked to him about the service bulletin. He had no clue and was trying to talk me out of it. He asked me how do I know that it applies to my car, and that service bulletins are for the techs so that they can do their jobs. I told him that I know that. (This is far too much talking that I have to do, but am remaining calm) He then says that he has to "read up on that bulletin" to figure it out.
This is ridiculous that I have to go to this extent to get them to do the work.
Anyway...took the car in. They said that they would check it out and call me back. No call back. I called them back at the end of the day...car is done. I had to go over the work done to make sure that they flashed the new firmware.
I am disappointed in this service from this dealer. They normally do great work, and are known for great service. I had my previous Honda accord serviced there for years.
Bottom line - the work was done.
Question - should I call the service manager and talk to them? Do you think it would help future Fit owners??
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 142
From: Kaneohe, HI
don't understand why
Why do dealers balk at doing this service? Do they lose money doing warranty work? It seems pretty simple to me...and keeps the customers happy.
It's not like we go in there and don't know what we are talking about.
Or is it more of a..."I know more than you about your FIT" kind of deal?
I don't get it...
It's not like we go in there and don't know what we are talking about.
Or is it more of a..."I know more than you about your FIT" kind of deal?
I don't get it...
I was planning to have this done to my car too. I noticed you live in Kaneohe, did you go to Windward Honda? I hope I dont have the same hassles when I take mine in...
So I called to do a 1st service on 1 of our Fits and told them about service bulletin 09-086, and asked if they could do it at the same time. I was immediately told that it didn't apply to my car. Huh? I said...wait...(deep breath...control anger...)...I explained that this was not a recall, it was a service bulletin and that I was reading it right now. The "service advisor" then asked if I had received a letter in the mail about this...I said no, that I have the service bulletin in my hands and that this is not a recall notice. She then said again, that this does not apply to my car. Now I got angry. I told her that, if it doesn't apply to my car, why does it say.."Applies to: 2009 Fit --ALL", she then put me on hold.
Tech got on the phone. I talked to him about the service bulletin. He had no clue and was trying to talk me out of it. He asked me how do I know that it applies to my car, and that service bulletins are for the techs so that they can do their jobs. I told him that I know that. (This is far too much talking that I have to do, but am remaining calm) He then says that he has to "read up on that bulletin" to figure it out.
This is ridiculous that I have to go to this extent to get them to do the work.
Anyway...took the car in. They said that they would check it out and call me back. No call back. I called them back at the end of the day...car is done. I had to go over the work done to make sure that they flashed the new firmware.
I am disappointed in this service from this dealer. They normally do great work, and are known for great service. I had my previous Honda accord serviced there for years.
Bottom line - the work was done.
Question - should I call the service manager and talk to them? Do you think it would help future Fit owners??
...I explained that this was not a recall, it was a service bulletin and that I was reading it right now. The "service advisor" then asked if I had received a letter in the mail about this...I said no, that I have the service bulletin in my hands and that this is not a recall notice. She then said again, that this does not apply to my car. Now I got angry. I told her that, if it doesn't apply to my car, why does it say.."Applies to: 2009 Fit --ALL", she then put me on hold.Tech got on the phone. I talked to him about the service bulletin. He had no clue and was trying to talk me out of it. He asked me how do I know that it applies to my car, and that service bulletins are for the techs so that they can do their jobs. I told him that I know that. (This is far too much talking that I have to do, but am remaining calm) He then says that he has to "read up on that bulletin" to figure it out.
This is ridiculous that I have to go to this extent to get them to do the work.
Anyway...took the car in. They said that they would check it out and call me back. No call back. I called them back at the end of the day...car is done. I had to go over the work done to make sure that they flashed the new firmware.
I am disappointed in this service from this dealer. They normally do great work, and are known for great service. I had my previous Honda accord serviced there for years.
Bottom line - the work was done.
Question - should I call the service manager and talk to them? Do you think it would help future Fit owners??
Last edited by aenokea; Apr 27, 2010 at 12:08 AM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 59
From: CA
The correct approach to having TSB work done is to state politely to the advisor that you are having a problem, and that TSB #XXXX may be used to correct the issue.
If you state to the advisor or tech that TSB #XXX applies to your car and you want the work done, that will get you nowhere. Because that isn't the point of TSBs-- and not all problems will be resolved by the procedure outlined in the TSB, which is why approaching a tech and asking them to apply a TSB to your vehicle will get you absolutely nowhere.
If you state to the advisor or tech that TSB #XXX applies to your car and you want the work done, that will get you nowhere. Because that isn't the point of TSBs-- and not all problems will be resolved by the procedure outlined in the TSB, which is why approaching a tech and asking them to apply a TSB to your vehicle will get you absolutely nowhere.
New Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 19
From: NY
The correct approach to having TSB work done is to state politely to the advisor that you are having a problem, and that TSB #XXXX may be used to correct the issue.
If you state to the advisor or tech that TSB #XXX applies to your car and you want the work done, that will get you nowhere. Because that isn't the point of TSBs-- and not all problems will be resolved by the procedure outlined in the TSB, which is why approaching a tech and asking them to apply a TSB to your vehicle will get you absolutely nowhere.
If you state to the advisor or tech that TSB #XXX applies to your car and you want the work done, that will get you nowhere. Because that isn't the point of TSBs-- and not all problems will be resolved by the procedure outlined in the TSB, which is why approaching a tech and asking them to apply a TSB to your vehicle will get you absolutely nowhere.
While having my first oil change done I mentioned(politely..because I know how polite my service department can be
) that I would like this TSB done. Advisor asked why. I told him the displays are known to be inaccurate. He said they're not supposed to be exact. I agreed and then mentioned the reason the TSB exists is because they are known to be far from accurate. He asked(not politely) "What specific problem are YOU having with the display?" I told him I have tracked every tank of gas since new and the reading is far from my calculations. Only after stating that I was experiencing a problem did he agree to do the TSB.Good news is the TSB seems to have worked for me...last tank showed 30.9 and a calculated 30.3...much better than before!
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 142
From: Kaneohe, HI
Yep, Honda Windward. Good luck.
Actually, it probably will be easier for you than for me, since it seemed like I was the first customer who requested it to be done. Let me know if they give you any grief over it, curious to see...
Last edited by handymus; Apr 27, 2010 at 03:20 PM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 142
From: Kaneohe, HI
The Critic is correct..you need to treat your service advisor like they are a medical doctor. You can't just walk into a doctors office with a knife sticking out of you and tell them you need sutures. You need to tell them you've been stabbed and what your symptoms are. Then the doctor decides if you need sutures.
While having my first oil change done I mentioned(politely..because I know how polite my service department can be) that I would like this TSB done. Advisor asked why. I told him the displays are known to be inaccurate. He said they're not supposed to be exact. I agreed and then mentioned the reason the TSB exists is because they are known to be far from accurate. He asked(not politely) "What specific problem are YOU having with the display?" I told him I have tracked every tank of gas since new and the reading is far from my calculations. Only after stating that I was experiencing a problem did he agree to do the TSB.
While having my first oil change done I mentioned(politely..because I know how polite my service department can be
) that I would like this TSB done. Advisor asked why. I told him the displays are known to be inaccurate. He said they're not supposed to be exact. I agreed and then mentioned the reason the TSB exists is because they are known to be far from accurate. He asked(not politely) "What specific problem are YOU having with the display?" I told him I have tracked every tank of gas since new and the reading is far from my calculations. Only after stating that I was experiencing a problem did he agree to do the TSB.Why should I have to be "nice" to a service dept. that I have to PAY for?(regular servicing)
I told them the service bulletin # to help them out and make them aware of the problem that would be corrected. It seems like a no-brainer to me. I did not demand that they do it, I requested that it be done. They were not aware of this bulletin.
When I went to pick up my car, they left a copy of the service bulletin in the car. For what reason, I do not know.
New Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 19
From: NY
Under normal conditions I would agree with you. To be told right off the bat that it didn't apply to my vehicle, WITHOUT knowing anything about the service bulletin, is not acceptable IMO.
Why should I have to be "nice" to a service dept. that I have to PAY for?(regular servicing)
I told them the service bulletin # to help them out and make them aware of the problem that would be corrected. It seems like a no-brainer to me. I did not demand that they do it, I requested that it be done. They were not aware of this bulletin.
When I went to pick up my car, they left a copy of the service bulletin in the car. For what reason, I do not know.
Why should I have to be "nice" to a service dept. that I have to PAY for?(regular servicing)
I told them the service bulletin # to help them out and make them aware of the problem that would be corrected. It seems like a no-brainer to me. I did not demand that they do it, I requested that it be done. They were not aware of this bulletin.
When I went to pick up my car, they left a copy of the service bulletin in the car. For what reason, I do not know.
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 181
From: Rochester Hills, MI
The Critic is correct..you need to treat your service advisor like they are a medical doctor. You can't just walk into a doctors office with a knife sticking out of you and tell them you need sutures. You need to tell them you've been stabbed and what your symptoms are. Then the doctor decides if you need sutures.
While having my first oil change done I mentioned(politely..because I know how polite my service department can be) that I would like this TSB done. Advisor asked why. I told him the displays are known to be inaccurate. He said they're not supposed to be exact. I agreed and then mentioned the reason the TSB exists is because they are known to be far from accurate. He asked(not politely) "What specific problem are YOU having with the display?" I told him I have tracked every tank of gas since new and the reading is far from my calculations. Only after stating that I was experiencing a problem did he agree to do the TSB.
Good news is the TSB seems to have worked for me...last tank showed 30.9 and a calculated 30.3...much better than before!
While having my first oil change done I mentioned(politely..because I know how polite my service department can be
) that I would like this TSB done. Advisor asked why. I told him the displays are known to be inaccurate. He said they're not supposed to be exact. I agreed and then mentioned the reason the TSB exists is because they are known to be far from accurate. He asked(not politely) "What specific problem are YOU having with the display?" I told him I have tracked every tank of gas since new and the reading is far from my calculations. Only after stating that I was experiencing a problem did he agree to do the TSB.Good news is the TSB seems to have worked for me...last tank showed 30.9 and a calculated 30.3...much better than before!
I tried as long as I could to be nice and reasonable with them by stating my problem and asking them to look into the fix, but that approach did no good.
Since then, the same dealership has been leaving me voicemails begging me to come in and get my car serviced for various "dealer specials" that aren't on the normal Honda service plan. They wanted to charge me over $300 for my second oil change and do an alignment check (which didn't include actual alignment) and change a whole bunch more stuff than just the normal service recommended by the code that pops up on the dash. I went to a different dealer 30 miles from here (where I actually bought the car) that didn't give me any crap, qouted me a completely reasonable price for the service, and did it quickly. I don't think I'll ever go back to the dealer here for their standoffish approach to problem solving and their constant nagging to do unnecessary "special" maintenance at a "discount" price.
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 142
From: Kaneohe, HI
huisj,
totally agree with you.
I just wrote the service manager an email telling him what transpired, and cc'd my salesman. (He is a fleet manager)
I would have included the General manager but I didn't have his email.
I want to see how they respond. It's not that they didn't do the service in the end, but I would like them to do a better customer service job.
totally agree with you.
I just wrote the service manager an email telling him what transpired, and cc'd my salesman. (He is a fleet manager)
I would have included the General manager but I didn't have his email.
I want to see how they respond. It's not that they didn't do the service in the end, but I would like them to do a better customer service job.
Last edited by handymus; Apr 27, 2010 at 06:08 PM. Reason: typo
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 837
From: Atlanta, GA
I don't get it either. I approached the nearest dealer (not where I bought the car), using The Critic's approach, and they couldn't have been nicer about it. Their attitude turned me into a customer, and I won't hesitate to go back when I have service needs more substantial than oil change, filterrs, tire rotation, and brake pads.
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 353
From: SF Bay Area, USA
I had this done last week as part of a regular service. Absolutley no issues with it at all, other than the dealer had "lost" my appointment.....
After 1 tank, I find it is now understating my mileage by about 2%, where before it was overstating by 11%. I can live with that.
After 1 tank, I find it is now understating my mileage by about 2%, where before it was overstating by 11%. I can live with that.
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 393
From: Akron/Canton, OH
"Unable to Update"
This thread has been inactive for a while, but I just had an issue getting the update yesterday (along with my first oil change at 12 months). The dealer service department was 100% accomodating as far as willingness to perform the service, and the service advisor even commented on how good my records were showing the MPG descrepancy for my '09 Fit (I track all fillups).
But after I had waited a while for the service, he came back and said the software updates that are already installed on my Fit match the program ID and Program P/N indicating that my car already has the update (per the table on the printed TSB). He said that trying to force an update anyway wasn't possible. Note that unlike others reported earlier in this thread, he didn't say I had the latest software according to their computers (which might mean their computers aren't properly updated) - he said my software version matched the "already updated" versions printed on the TSB.
This doesn't add up because I picked up my Fit on July 28, 2009 and the TSB is dated November 18. Plus, I know this Fit had been on the dealers lot since at least July 1 or earlier. So how can my car's software version be equal to or later than the one listed on the November TSB? The car has never been to a dealer since I picked it up. I plan to call the service manager today to discuss, but for ammunition it would help to know if others with '09 Fits that they know were built July '09 or later took the update successfully.
Oh, and my Fit does exhibit the expected 10-15% error in MPG readout, so this portion of it's software is definitely not working the way it should with updated software.
But after I had waited a while for the service, he came back and said the software updates that are already installed on my Fit match the program ID and Program P/N indicating that my car already has the update (per the table on the printed TSB). He said that trying to force an update anyway wasn't possible. Note that unlike others reported earlier in this thread, he didn't say I had the latest software according to their computers (which might mean their computers aren't properly updated) - he said my software version matched the "already updated" versions printed on the TSB.
This doesn't add up because I picked up my Fit on July 28, 2009 and the TSB is dated November 18. Plus, I know this Fit had been on the dealers lot since at least July 1 or earlier. So how can my car's software version be equal to or later than the one listed on the November TSB? The car has never been to a dealer since I picked it up. I plan to call the service manager today to discuss, but for ammunition it would help to know if others with '09 Fits that they know were built July '09 or later took the update successfully.
Oh, and my Fit does exhibit the expected 10-15% error in MPG readout, so this portion of it's software is definitely not working the way it should with updated software.
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 127
From: Elgin, IL
This thread has been inactive for a while, but I just had an issue getting the update yesterday (along with my first oil change at 12 months). The dealer service department was 100% accomodating as far as willingness to perform the service, and the service advisor even commented on how good my records were showing the MPG descrepancy for my '09 Fit (I track all fillups).
But after I had waited a while for the service, he came back and said the software updates that are already installed on my Fit match the program ID and Program P/N indicating that my car already has the update (per the table on the printed TSB). He said that trying to force an update anyway wasn't possible. Note that unlike others reported earlier in this thread, he didn't say I had the latest software according to their computers (which might mean their computers aren't properly updated) - he said my software version matched the "already updated" versions printed on the TSB.
This doesn't add up because I picked up my Fit on July 28, 2009 and the TSB is dated November 18. Plus, I know this Fit had been on the dealers lot since at least July 1 or earlier. So how can my car's software version be equal to or later than the one listed on the November TSB? The car has never been to a dealer since I picked it up. I plan to call the service manager today to discuss, but for ammunition it would help to know if others with '09 Fits that they know were built July '09 or later took the update successfully.
Oh, and my Fit does exhibit the expected 10-15% error in MPG readout, so this portion of it's software is definitely not working the way it should with updated software.
But after I had waited a while for the service, he came back and said the software updates that are already installed on my Fit match the program ID and Program P/N indicating that my car already has the update (per the table on the printed TSB). He said that trying to force an update anyway wasn't possible. Note that unlike others reported earlier in this thread, he didn't say I had the latest software according to their computers (which might mean their computers aren't properly updated) - he said my software version matched the "already updated" versions printed on the TSB.
This doesn't add up because I picked up my Fit on July 28, 2009 and the TSB is dated November 18. Plus, I know this Fit had been on the dealers lot since at least July 1 or earlier. So how can my car's software version be equal to or later than the one listed on the November TSB? The car has never been to a dealer since I picked it up. I plan to call the service manager today to discuss, but for ammunition it would help to know if others with '09 Fits that they know were built July '09 or later took the update successfully.
Oh, and my Fit does exhibit the expected 10-15% error in MPG readout, so this portion of it's software is definitely not working the way it should with updated software.
It can't and isn't. Try a different dealer if this one isn't giving you good service. After getting the update done on my car, my mileage is almost exactly what the mileage meter shows.
Warner
Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 561
From: Illinois
The dealer had never heard of the SB. Good thing I printed a copy from one of the earlier posts. "Where did you get that?", the dealer asked.
All they needed from me was the complaint that the readout was inaccurate.
I'm sure your car needs the update, too. Our car is right on the money now.
Cheers
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 393
From: Akron/Canton, OH
Just talked to the service manager, and this is a strange one.
He sounded 100% honest, straightforwared and like he knows what he's doing. He said that the service tech asked him to look at my car yesterday during the attempted update. He said he next connected to Honda's servers to make sure the dealer's software was up to date, which it was. So far, it sounds like he knows what he's doing and doing the right things. He also said that the bottom line is that Honda software updates are tied to the vehicle's VIN number and a unique identifier in the ECU and that the Honda software won't even allow an update to be done if the software doesn't think it's required based on the VIN.
He's going to contact Honda to see if he can get any more satisfaction.
So far, I have no reason to believe the dealer service dept isn't doing everything right, but if I have to I will try another dealer. I'll update once I have any new info.
He sounded 100% honest, straightforwared and like he knows what he's doing. He said that the service tech asked him to look at my car yesterday during the attempted update. He said he next connected to Honda's servers to make sure the dealer's software was up to date, which it was. So far, it sounds like he knows what he's doing and doing the right things. He also said that the bottom line is that Honda software updates are tied to the vehicle's VIN number and a unique identifier in the ECU and that the Honda software won't even allow an update to be done if the software doesn't think it's required based on the VIN.
He's going to contact Honda to see if he can get any more satisfaction.
So far, I have no reason to believe the dealer service dept isn't doing everything right, but if I have to I will try another dealer. I'll update once I have any new info.