Issues After Lost Motion Spring Recall
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,058
From: SoCal/Castaic
I havent even received the letter and one of the customer service reps at American Honda phone line refused to send me a letter stating that it had had to be mailed out long time ago and that it's not their problem that I have never received. They "could not mail a second one", per this service representative.
If the engine fails catastrophically and the dealer will attribute it to LMS recall not being done, I think they will try to put the blame on the owner for not bringing the vehicle in.
More problems down the road, basically.
If the engine fails catastrophically and the dealer will attribute it to LMS recall not being done, I think they will try to put the blame on the owner for not bringing the vehicle in.
More problems down the road, basically.
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 210
From: USA
I am going to have to retract the last statement that said that the dealer fixed my valve noise. My dad took it in and gave me the feedback. Apparently he doesn't know what the hell he is listening to. The car sounds exactly like it did before. I am going to have to take it in again.
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,058
From: SoCal/Castaic
Does anyone have the actual service bulletins that could be printed out?
EDIT: I found them.
By the way, an easy way to make sure the intake gaskets are replaced is to make small punctures with a needle on top of the gaskets which would allow you to quickly recognize them if they are not replaced after the reassembly.
If anyone wants the diagrams and the removal of rocker arm assembly or intake manifold, let me know and I will post it here.manifold.jpg?t=1301809806
EDIT: I found them.
By the way, an easy way to make sure the intake gaskets are replaced is to make small punctures with a needle on top of the gaskets which would allow you to quickly recognize them if they are not replaced after the reassembly.
If anyone wants the diagrams and the removal of rocker arm assembly or intake manifold, let me know and I will post it here.manifold.jpg?t=1301809806
Last edited by john21031; Apr 3, 2011 at 02:59 AM.
I havent even received the letter and one of the customer service reps at American Honda phone line refused to send me a letter stating that it had had to be mailed out long time ago and that it's not their problem that I have never received. They "could not mail a second one", per this service representative.
If the engine fails catastrophically and the dealer will attribute it to LMS recall not being done, I think they will try to put the blame on the owner for not bringing the vehicle in.
More problems down the road, basically.
If the engine fails catastrophically and the dealer will attribute it to LMS recall not being done, I think they will try to put the blame on the owner for not bringing the vehicle in.
More problems down the road, basically.
Just ask them to look up your VIN in their computer.
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 516
From: new jersey
Two links to look at:
TCC Tip: Know Your Recalls
How long after a recall is posted can I take my car to have the recall item replaced? - Ask.cars.com
Recall are not associated w/ warranty periods or original owners.
TCC Tip: Know Your Recalls
How long after a recall is posted can I take my car to have the recall item replaced? - Ask.cars.com
Recall are not associated w/ warranty periods or original owners.
good reality check.... because i had a vague memory of reading or seeing that after a certain period, if you dont get the recall done, then the manufacturer doesnt have to pay for damage if the (in this case) LMS should fail. that apparently isnt true.
i think i was confusing it with the obligation of the manufacturer to provide the fix within 60 days of announcing a recall.
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,058
From: SoCal/Castaic
Can anyone post a copy of the actual letter received int he mail?
Those four round gaskets have to be replaced with the new ones. If you mark your old ones with a slight needle hole, then you can see whether they actually got replaced. But you are right, the actual intake manifold does not have to be removed.
Last edited by john21031; Apr 3, 2011 at 01:28 PM.
They don't ask for the letter and my car falls within the ones needing the recall work done. I just want to see the letter to read it in its entirety and see what it says about not performing the recall. Is it mandatory? If you don't, does it say what the consequences to expect?
Can anyone post a copy of the actual letter received int he mail?
Can anyone post a copy of the actual letter received int he mail?
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,058
From: SoCal/Castaic
The TSB has an example of the letter sent to customers on the last page (page 4): http://racing.honda.com/hpd/images/p...ing_Update.pdf
This doesn't seem like it's addressed to the service manangers to me...
But it'd be interesting to see an actual letter to see if it matches.
February 2011
Safety Recall: Lost Motion Springs
Dear Fit Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the
requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle
Safety Act.
What is the reason for this notice?
Honda has decided that a defect, which relates to motor
vehicle safety, exists in certain 2009 and 2010 model year
Fit vehicles. There is a potential for one or more of the
four spring assemblies on the engine's variable valve
timing and lift electronic control (VTEC) system to fail
which may cause the engine to stall and prevent it from
being restarted. An engine stall will increase the risk of a
crash.
What should you do?
Call any authorized Honda dealer and make an
appointment to have your vehicle repaired. The dealer will
inspect and replace the spring assemblies in your engine
if necessary. This work will be done free of charge. Please
plan to leave your vehicle for a full day to allow the dealer
flexibility in scheduling.
Who to contact if you experience problems.
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from
your Honda dealer, you may write to:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
Mail Stop 500-2N-7A
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
If you believe that American Honda or the dealer has
failed or is unable to remedy the defect in your vehicle,
without charge, within a reasonable period of time (60
days from the date you first contact the dealer for a repair
appointment), you may submit a complaint to:
Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590
Or call the toll-free Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY
800-424-9153), or go to Home | Safercar -- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
What to do if you feel this notice is in error.
Our records show that you are the current owner or lessee
of a 2009 or a 2010 Fit involved in this campaign. If this is
not the case, or the name/address information is not
correct, please fill out and return the enclosed, postagepaid
Information Change Card. We will then update our
records.
Lessor information.
Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this
recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the
lessee within 10 days.
If you have questions.
If you have any questions about this notice, or need
assistance with locating a Honda dealer, please call
Honda Automobile Customer Service at 800-999-1009,
and select option 4.
We apologize for any inconvenience this campaign may
cause you.
Sincerely,
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Division
Safety Recall: Lost Motion Springs
Dear Fit Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the
requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle
Safety Act.
What is the reason for this notice?
Honda has decided that a defect, which relates to motor
vehicle safety, exists in certain 2009 and 2010 model year
Fit vehicles. There is a potential for one or more of the
four spring assemblies on the engine's variable valve
timing and lift electronic control (VTEC) system to fail
which may cause the engine to stall and prevent it from
being restarted. An engine stall will increase the risk of a
crash.
What should you do?
Call any authorized Honda dealer and make an
appointment to have your vehicle repaired. The dealer will
inspect and replace the spring assemblies in your engine
if necessary. This work will be done free of charge. Please
plan to leave your vehicle for a full day to allow the dealer
flexibility in scheduling.
Who to contact if you experience problems.
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from
your Honda dealer, you may write to:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
Mail Stop 500-2N-7A
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
If you believe that American Honda or the dealer has
failed or is unable to remedy the defect in your vehicle,
without charge, within a reasonable period of time (60
days from the date you first contact the dealer for a repair
appointment), you may submit a complaint to:
Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590
Or call the toll-free Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY
800-424-9153), or go to Home | Safercar -- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
What to do if you feel this notice is in error.
Our records show that you are the current owner or lessee
of a 2009 or a 2010 Fit involved in this campaign. If this is
not the case, or the name/address information is not
correct, please fill out and return the enclosed, postagepaid
Information Change Card. We will then update our
records.
Lessor information.
Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this
recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the
lessee within 10 days.
If you have questions.
If you have any questions about this notice, or need
assistance with locating a Honda dealer, please call
Honda Automobile Customer Service at 800-999-1009,
and select option 4.
We apologize for any inconvenience this campaign may
cause you.
Sincerely,
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Division
Last edited by clicq; Apr 3, 2011 at 02:02 PM. Reason: formatting
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 210
From: USA
Does anyone have the instructions on how to adjust the valves on one of these cars? I can't believe that the service technician would screw this up 2 times in a row. I would like to read up on how to do it before I go in, so I can be more educated on it. I know on the old V8's you just had to torque them down. I don't know see how that can be screwed up easily. Maybe this is more complicated? I can't imagine it being too bad.
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 57
From: Gilbert, AZ
Does anyone have the instructions on how to adjust the valves on one of these cars? I can't believe that the service technician would screw this up 2 times in a row. I would like to read up on how to do it before I go in, so I can be more educated on it. I know on the old V8's you just had to torque them down. I don't know see how that can be screwed up easily. Maybe this is more complicated? I can't imagine it being too bad.
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 81
From: College Station, TX
Just did a side-by-side comparison of the actual letter that I received - other than formatting, it's exact. If you'd like an actual image, let me know and I'll scan it in and post. Also included in the mailing was a return information card to submit if my information has changed.
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 115
From: Vienna, WV
valve clearance adjustment
Basically, the engine has to be at the right spot in its rotation first, so you're measuring clearances between the rocker roller and the cam lobe's base circle...ie the valve is fully closed, and each cylinder in order is at TDC. The procedure calls for rotating the engine by hand to #1 TDC, then #3, then #4, then #2. The camshaft sprocket has marks to make this easy to find TDC for each cylinder in order.
This is not hugely complicated but does need to be done carefully and in the right sequence. My concern is that many/most dealership techs have no experience doing this, and are learning on our cars.
geo
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 456
From: New England, USA
Since the recall work, I've put quite a few highway miles on the fit and it seems I've lost a couple or three mpgs. I used to get 40-41 on highway runs and now it's more like 38 or a hair less. I can't really say if the engine sound is different from before but there is a little bit of a "sewing machine" quality to it. I really can't hear the the tick-tick sound unless I pop the hood. I made a short cell phone video and would appreciate your opinions.
YouTube - Honda Fit engine sound check - clicking
YouTube - Honda Fit engine sound check - clicking
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 115
From: Vienna, WV
NO that does not sound right
Since the recall work, I've put quite a few highway miles on the fit and it seems I've lost a couple or three mpgs. I used to get 40-41 on highway runs and now it's more like 38 or a hair less. I can't really say if the engine sound is different from before but there is a little bit of a "sewing machine" quality to it. I really can't hear the the tick-tick sound unless I pop the hood. I made a short cell phone video and would appreciate your opinions.
YouTube - Honda Fit engine sound check - clicking
YouTube - Honda Fit engine sound check - clicking
geo