Electrics Honda's Do Break Down

chriswarwick · 4th April 2007, 10:31

Yesterday during a parking manoever in a busy street in Banbury, my Honda stalled and then refused to restart. The AA cometh [within 30 minutes - am impressed] and after an hour and murmerings like "Honda's don't break down", he found and reset the inertia switch and I drove off, face beaming. 15 miles later and in traffic I loose power and a different AA man attends. The inertia switch is pressed to no avail. Then fuses and wiring are wiggled and the vehicle restarts. The AA man can find no obvious loose connection so follows me to Avonvale at Stratford Upon Avon where, 20 hours later, is still sits. The mechanic unable to replicate the fault despite 2 hours yesterday.
Avonvale, bless 'em, found me a T reg Civic [the one that shares its body with the Rover 45] to get home. Yuck. Driving it made me realise just how cars have improved since then.
Thinking back, I seem to recall the car stalling before but because I thought it me not giving it enough revs thought no more of it as it restarted. Worrying though if they cant find the fault as power could fail in the fast lane -loosing power to the brakes and steering.

elfa7 · 4th April 2007, 10:54

Sorry about your problems. As you say, a very worrying situation, if you were "motoring".

I think basegreen had a similar problem many moons ago. Car replaced.

apemonkeyman · 4th April 2007, 12:13

On one occasion I managed to stall & have problems restarting. No joy until I floored the go faster pedal & suddenly she kicked in again straight away.

chriswarwick · 4th April 2007, 18:22

Just thought I'd update you all! Avonvale Honda did 40 miles in car but could not replicate the problem. Agreed that I would collect car and see-how-it-goes. Before collecting the car I found out cost of changing to EX in Milano with sunroof [what I was going to get next year] by using the Honda and Auto trader websites. Collected car and was happy to be talked into ordering a new EX. Comes next month. Reckon I got a good deal. Will post another response on this thread if it 'dies' again - which I hope doesn't happen on 3 May as I drive from Leamington Spa to Luton airport!

Brodick · 4th April 2007, 19:36

Bummer

Seems to be the electronics not the actual engine at fault
( the engines really are bullet proof)

Take it Avondale - chucked in some fuel after their 40 mile outing

spidey`s lunchbox · 4th April 2007, 20:17

That picture will be worth a fortune one day. The mechanic probably couldn`t find the problem as it`s the first time he`s ever been called out to a Honda.

scol78 · 4th April 2007, 21:42

My civic broke down the same week i bought.All the lights came on and had no power even though i could drive it.Its on a 55 plate and when the recovery arrived plugged in the laptop didnt show anything ,hadnt got the civic software at that time .He followed me back to my dealer because he was curious what was wrong with the car and they found out the throttle body hadnt been tightened down properly in the factory and the car had gone into sleep modebecause of this.Ive had a dozen Hondas over the years and this is the first to break down and such a minor problem.

chriswarwick · 4th April 2007, 21:51

It was the first time the AA mechanic [Tim from Banbury] had been to a Honda. I had to point to the starter button - he kept trying to turn the key. He asked a lot about the car having owned a CR - X some years ago.
After realising the problem was low fuel pressure, he rang Avonvale Honda at Stratford for advice, specifically where to find the inertia switch. If anyone doesn't know its on the right hand side of the dash [sitting in the drivers seat]. Open the driver's door and prise off the side panel.
Resetting the switch resolved the problem that time and I drove away happy but that happiness was shortlived!
I have nothing but praise for Tim. He did all the right diagnostic checks before diving under the bonnet. I shall remember him uttering "But Honda's don't go wrong!".

scol78 · 4th April 2007, 22:01

Thanx for the location of the inertia switch thats a new one on me

chriswarwick · 5th April 2007, 19:35

Car wouldn't start again. AA man just been. Jiggled the wiring above the fuse box and 'hey presto' life! Said that the relays above the fuse box were getting warm and there could be a dry joint thats causing the problem. It used to happen to Ford Escort XR3i's apparently [sorry for mentioning the F word in this site].
When I turn the key I should here two relays clicking in and a wizzing sound [that the fuel line pressuring up I've been told].
Off to Tesco's now. Fingers' crossed.

chriswarwick · 6th April 2007, 11:06

Been to Avonvale Honda at Stratford Upon Avon this morning, Good Friday. They have swapped the two relays with another car. Hopefully all will now be well, but am looking forward to my EX in Milano Red next month. Saw a Milano Red Type R on the front cover of the brochure. Noted that the wheel arch and side trims are body coloured [rather than black]. Looks good. Mmm. Might get some for my new 'un.

klaasbakker99 · 6th April 2007, 22:57

My inertia switch was also off today after installing Parrot bluetooth caskit
Guess the mechanic has touched it with pulling the wires in place, scary moment. Dealer did not know what was wrong, the switch is for safety with accidents, fuelpump is switched off.
The carkit mechanic called a partner and he did have it before, it was a relief to hear that engine running again.
Tip for you all, keep your fingers out of the sideopening of the dash when its not necessary.

chriswarwick · 7th April 2007, 16:19

At the risk of boring you all....
Avonvale Honda switched the two fuel relays Good Friday morning. Car broke down Bad Friday night. Giggled to no avail. AA called for the fourth time. Incredibly it started second time for him so he put it down to flooding!
Went to start it Saturday morning, again wouldn't start. Located the specific fuse [number 2] for the fuel pump and wiggled it. STARTED. Avonvale will replace the fuse box next week. Did offer a Diesel CR-V for me to use but as I wasn't going far over Easter said 'NO'.
I remain with mixed feelings about this fixing the problem, but it wasn't the relays. Again you know when it isn't going to start cos you don't hear the relays trip or the 'whizzing' sound of the fuel pipe pressurising.

CrazyHawk · 7th April 2007, 17:39

Chriswarwick, what plate is your car, as we have an ES petrol too. Hopefully you're having all the problems for cars sold by Avonvale Stratford to those living in/near Warwick

(sorry)

chriswarwick · 7th April 2007, 18:55

Black on a 55 plate. One of the first. Was offered an extra £400 off and 3 years free servicing if I had it before Christmas 2005...so I did.. I live in Bishops Tachbrook. Theres another 55 plate black one in the village too but I was the first! by a week or three.
Still absolutely adore the car. Wanted a red EX but with a sun roof - which wasn't offered until some months ago as an option.

CrazyHawk · 10th April 2007, 09:39

We're just down the road from you in Whitnash. Often pass through Bishop's when going for a drive.
We also had a black one in our road, but he seemed to move house just before we got ours. This town was obviously not big enough for the both of us!!
Looks like you might be blighted until you get the new one in May, but I think/hope that one should be better, if ours is anything to go by. This car obviously has a good effect on you, as your not effing and blinding about it.

chriswarwick · 11th April 2007, 11:15

Another update... Car fine Easter Sunday and Monday. Wouldn't start Tuesday no matter what I did. To add insult to injury the rear offside window can no longer be controlled by the drivers switch either!!
AA called first thing Wednesday [today] same bloke as before. Got it going and we went in convoy to Avonvale Stratford. It died again on the forecourt [good - I was convinced they didnt think I had a problem because it had never broken down whilst with them]. New fuse box being fitted tomorrow. Meanwhile I'm back with the T reg Civic 1.4 auto - which amazingly is still worth a couple of grand according to What Car. Have been promised a better car if they cant fix it tomorrow.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Its good therapy for me!

Jobo · 11th April 2007, 11:59

Hope it gets sorted out for you soon.

You still sound really positive despite everything... I would be seething.

Dr Dark · 11th April 2007, 19:26

Sounds like a faulty wiring loom to me.

They may not have sealed something, or forgot to put a grommet in a hole where the wires run through, so it could be chafing (ooer) and causing a short... or even, as with some citroens (sorry, I swore) the loom is too short!

4th April 2007, 19:36	#5 (permalink)
Brodick Perfect Guy! Rocketship door handle Join Date: 2nd December 2006 Location: Central Scotland Posts: 1,706 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	Bummer Seems to be the electronics not the actual engine at fault ( the engines really are bullet proof) Take it Avondale - chucked in some fuel after their 40 mile outing Last edited by Brodick; 4th April 2007 at 19:39.

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This thread is about: Honda's Do Break Down, it's in Bugs, faults and irritations at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; Yesterday during a parking manoever in a busy street in Banbury, my Honda stalled and then refused to restart. The AA cometh [within 30 minutes ...

4th April 2007, 10:54	#2 (permalink)
elfa7 Supporter Rocketship door handle Join Date: 8th May 2006 Location: Cheshire Posts: 1,703 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Sorry about your problems. As you say, a very worrying situation, if you were "motoring". I think basegreen had a similar problem many moons ago. Car replaced.

4th April 2007, 12:13	#3 (permalink)
apemonkeyman Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 2nd February 2007 Location: Gloucester Posts: 661 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	On one occasion I managed to stall & have problems restarting. No joy until I floored the go faster pedal & suddenly she kicked in again straight away.

4th April 2007, 18:22	#4 (permalink)
chriswarwick Wheelnut Join Date: 24th November 2006 Location: A village near Warwick Posts: 61 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Just thought I'd update you all! Avonvale Honda did 40 miles in car but could not replicate the problem. Agreed that I would collect car and see-how-it-goes. Before collecting the car I found out cost of changing to EX in Milano with sunroof [what I was going to get next year] by using the Honda and Auto trader websites. Collected car and was happy to be talked into ordering a new EX. Comes next month. Reckon I got a good deal. Will post another response on this thread if it 'dies' again - which I hope doesn't happen on 3 May as I drive from Leamington Spa to Luton airport!

4th April 2007, 20:17	#6 (permalink)
spidey`s lunchbox Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 7th February 2007 Location: London Posts: 121 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	That picture will be worth a fortune one day. The mechanic probably couldn`t find the problem as it`s the first time he`s ever been called out to a Honda.

4th April 2007, 21:42	#7 (permalink)
scol78 Supporter Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 22nd July 2006 Location: leicester Posts: 174 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	My civic broke down the same week i bought.All the lights came on and had no power even though i could drive it.Its on a 55 plate and when the recovery arrived plugged in the laptop didnt show anything ,hadnt got the civic software at that time .He followed me back to my dealer because he was curious what was wrong with the car and they found out the throttle body hadnt been tightened down properly in the factory and the car had gone into sleep modebecause of this.Ive had a dozen Hondas over the years and this is the first to break down and such a minor problem.

4th April 2007, 21:51	#8 (permalink)
chriswarwick Wheelnut Join Date: 24th November 2006 Location: A village near Warwick Posts: 61 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	It was the first time the AA mechanic [Tim from Banbury] had been to a Honda. I had to point to the starter button - he kept trying to turn the key. He asked a lot about the car having owned a CR - X some years ago. After realising the problem was low fuel pressure, he rang Avonvale Honda at Stratford for advice, specifically where to find the inertia switch. If anyone doesn't know its on the right hand side of the dash [sitting in the drivers seat]. Open the driver's door and prise off the side panel. Resetting the switch resolved the problem that time and I drove away happy but that happiness was shortlived! I have nothing but praise for Tim. He did all the right diagnostic checks before diving under the bonnet. I shall remember him uttering "But Honda's don't go wrong!".

4th April 2007, 22:01	#9 (permalink)
scol78 Supporter Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 22nd July 2006 Location: leicester Posts: 174 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanx for the location of the inertia switch thats a new one on me

5th April 2007, 19:35	#10 (permalink)
chriswarwick Wheelnut Join Date: 24th November 2006 Location: A village near Warwick Posts: 61 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Car wouldn't start again. AA man just been. Jiggled the wiring above the fuse box and 'hey presto' life! Said that the relays above the fuse box were getting warm and there could be a dry joint thats causing the problem. It used to happen to Ford Escort XR3i's apparently [sorry for mentioning the F word in this site]. When I turn the key I should here two relays clicking in and a wizzing sound [that the fuel line pressuring up I've been told]. Off to Tesco's now. Fingers' crossed.

6th April 2007, 11:06	#11 (permalink)
chriswarwick Wheelnut Join Date: 24th November 2006 Location: A village near Warwick Posts: 61 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Been to Avonvale Honda at Stratford Upon Avon this morning, Good Friday. They have swapped the two relays with another car. Hopefully all will now be well, but am looking forward to my EX in Milano Red next month. Saw a Milano Red Type R on the front cover of the brochure. Noted that the wheel arch and side trims are body coloured [rather than black]. Looks good. Mmm. Might get some for my new 'un.

6th April 2007, 22:57	#12 (permalink)
klaasbakker99 Valve Cap Join Date: 6th February 2007 Location: netherlands Posts: 43 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	My inertia switch was also off today after installing Parrot bluetooth caskit Guess the mechanic has touched it with pulling the wires in place, scary moment. Dealer did not know what was wrong, the switch is for safety with accidents, fuelpump is switched off. The carkit mechanic called a partner and he did have it before, it was a relief to hear that engine running again. Tip for you all, keep your fingers out of the sideopening of the dash when its not necessary.

7th April 2007, 16:19	#13 (permalink)
chriswarwick Wheelnut Join Date: 24th November 2006 Location: A village near Warwick Posts: 61 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	At the risk of boring you all.... Avonvale Honda switched the two fuel relays Good Friday morning. Car broke down Bad Friday night. Giggled to no avail. AA called for the fourth time. Incredibly it started second time for him so he put it down to flooding! Went to start it Saturday morning, again wouldn't start. Located the specific fuse [number 2] for the fuel pump and wiggled it. STARTED. Avonvale will replace the fuse box next week. Did offer a Diesel CR-V for me to use but as I wasn't going far over Easter said 'NO'. I remain with mixed feelings about this fixing the problem, but it wasn't the relays. Again you know when it isn't going to start cos you don't hear the relays trip or the 'whizzing' sound of the fuel pipe pressurising.

7th April 2007, 17:39	#14 (permalink)
CrazyHawk Supporter Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 13th February 2007 Location: Leamington Spa Posts: 192 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Chriswarwick, what plate is your car, as we have an ES petrol too. Hopefully you're having all the problems for cars sold by Avonvale Stratford to those living in/near Warwick (sorry)

7th April 2007, 18:55	#15 (permalink)
chriswarwick Wheelnut Join Date: 24th November 2006 Location: A village near Warwick Posts: 61 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Black on a 55 plate. One of the first. Was offered an extra £400 off and 3 years free servicing if I had it before Christmas 2005...so I did.. I live in Bishops Tachbrook. Theres another 55 plate black one in the village too but I was the first! by a week or three. Still absolutely adore the car. Wanted a red EX but with a sun roof - which wasn't offered until some months ago as an option.

10th April 2007, 09:39	#16 (permalink)
CrazyHawk Supporter Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 13th February 2007 Location: Leamington Spa Posts: 192 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	We're just down the road from you in Whitnash. Often pass through Bishop's when going for a drive. We also had a black one in our road, but he seemed to move house just before we got ours. This town was obviously not big enough for the both of us!! Looks like you might be blighted until you get the new one in May, but I think/hope that one should be better, if ours is anything to go by. This car obviously has a good effect on you, as your not effing and blinding about it.

11th April 2007, 11:15	#17 (permalink)
chriswarwick Wheelnut Join Date: 24th November 2006 Location: A village near Warwick Posts: 61 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Another update... Car fine Easter Sunday and Monday. Wouldn't start Tuesday no matter what I did. To add insult to injury the rear offside window can no longer be controlled by the drivers switch either!! AA called first thing Wednesday [today] same bloke as before. Got it going and we went in convoy to Avonvale Stratford. It died again on the forecourt [good - I was convinced they didnt think I had a problem because it had never broken down whilst with them]. New fuse box being fitted tomorrow. Meanwhile I'm back with the T reg Civic 1.4 auto - which amazingly is still worth a couple of grand according to What Car. Have been promised a better car if they cant fix it tomorrow. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Its good therapy for me!

11th April 2007, 11:59	#18 (permalink)
Jobo Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 6th August 2006 Location: North Yorkshire Posts: 683 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Hope it gets sorted out for you soon. You still sound really positive despite everything... I would be seething.

11th April 2007, 19:26	#19 (permalink)
Dr Dark Wheelnut Join Date: 29th January 2007 Location: Oop Nooerth Posts: 86 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Sounds like a faulty wiring loom to me. They may not have sealed something, or forgot to put a grommet in a hole where the wires run through, so it could be chafing (ooer) and causing a short... or even, as with some citroens (sorry, I swore) the loom is too short!