Handbrake handbrake self release (inc recall letter)

[chrisv]

Hi my new civic rolled down the drive a month after I bought it. I have been told by the dealer that it is an 08 model (VIN confirms this)and is not part of the recall. Honda uk are not having anything to do with it and are happy that the handbrake is in good working order-checked at dealers- and that I didn't put it on enough. I am not happy and was never told re not pressing the button on the handbrake and parking in gear etc having had two test drives and nothing mentioned in the handover of the car. I notice stayrich has mentioned a disclaimer-has anyone else had to sign one as I certainly wasn't asked to when i bought the car? what is my best plan of action now-try to redeem costs from the dealer? I have got the repairs to my car and fence/gate etc done via insurance.

[NH Dan]

Originally Posted by chrisv

Hi my new civic rolled down the drive a month after I bought it. I have been told by the dealer that it is an 08 model (VIN confirms this)and is not part of the recall. Honda uk are not having anything to do with it and are happy that the handbrake is in good working order-checked at dealers- and that I didn't put it on enough. I am not happy and was never told re not pressing the button on the handbrake and parking in gear etc having had two test drives and nothing mentioned in the handover of the car. I notice stayrich has mentioned a disclaimer-has anyone else had to sign one as I certainly wasn't asked to when i bought the car? what is my best plan of action now-try to redeem costs from the dealer? I have got the repairs to my car and fence/gate etc done via insurance.

Ok, my tuppence worth...

When found after rolling away, was the handbrake still in the 'up' position or had it reset itself?

[ante00]

well some good news...call my service today and fix will be at shop next week and my car is going then for repair/fix....

[Vet_2010]

Originally Posted by NH Dan

Ok, my tuppence worth...

When found after rolling away, was the handbrake still in the 'up' position or had it reset itself?

Do you mind me asking if your dealership is offering a loan car while cars are in for the recall work?

[alanwalne]

Originally Posted by Vet_2010

Do you mind me asking if your dealership is offering a loan car while cars are in for the recall work?

From my dealership (not Newton Honda), I was told no loan car as only takes 30 mins, however they would not do the work on a Sat am, so I had to finish work early - I was not impressed

[Elliebob]

Originally Posted by Vet_2010

Got my letter on Saturday and its going in to have the handbrake and the door lock fixed on Friday at 8.30. The guy said it should only take a couple of hours, can those of you that have had both fixes done confirm this?
They have refused to loan me a car for such a short period, which is quite disappointing considering it's Honda causing me the inconveinence because they didn't design it right in the first place! There was me thinking I might get to try out the petrol Civic

Yes It will only take a couple of hours or so. But I was lucky as they gave me a courtesy car (a Jazz!!). I got the door latch and petrol flap moifications done as well! I took it in at 0800 and they rang me to say it was ready at 1600.

[NH Dan]

Originally Posted by Vet_2010

Do you mind me asking if your dealership is offering a loan car while cars are in for the recall work?

As other posters have said, it depends on what is being done. some of the work only takes 30mins to an hour but, if a car is available (not booked out for weeks in advance) then one is available

[stayrich]

Originally Posted by chrisv

Hi my new civic rolled down the drive a month after I bought it. I have been told by the dealer that it is an 08 model (VIN confirms this)and is not part of the recall. Honda uk are not having anything to do with it and are happy that the handbrake is in good working order-checked at dealers- and that I didn't put it on enough. I am not happy and was never told re not pressing the button on the handbrake and parking in gear etc having had two test drives and nothing mentioned in the handover of the car. I notice stayrich has mentioned a disclaimer-has anyone else had to sign one as I certainly wasn't asked to when i bought the car? what is my best plan of action now-try to redeem costs from the dealer? I have got the repairs to my car and fence/gate etc done via insurance.

Our car was repaired by the dealer as a gesture of goodwill because at no time were we shown the correct operation of the handbrake which is a failure in there duty of care. What you need to do is speak to consumer direct or trading standards they are a great help. Is it a new car?. When we picked ours up after repair the dealers tryed to get us to sign the disclaimer which we refused to do. When you speak to the dealer make sure you argue the point that you were never told about the handbrake operation, we had to argue the point before they offered to do anything. Just be persistant with your dealer.

[Doubtingthomas]

chrisv

It looks like you are in the same position as 'stayrich', both almost new 08 Civics, which Honda declare as being free of any handbrake defect. Stayrich succeeded in having his dealer pay for the repair as a gesture of goodwill for the reasons mentioned in his posting above. I think 'stayrich' has done exceptionally well as advice on how to operate the handbrake is contained in the driver manual. I can only suggest that you tackle the issue as 'stayrich' did and hope for the same result. I note that you live in Bolton and there is only one Honda dealer in that town, G*****s, the same dealership I use for service/repairs and have done for quite some time. I have always, hitherto, found them to be OK, so if it is the same dealership involved, I have an added interest in following your progress. Good luck!

[NH Dan]

Originally Posted by Doubtingthomas

chrisv

It looks like you are in the same position as 'stayrich', both almost new 08 Civics, which Honda declare as being free of any handbrake defect. Stayrich succeeded in having his dealer pay for the repair as a gesture of goodwill for the reasons mentioned in his posting above. I think 'stayrich' has done exceptionally well as advice on how to operate the handbrake is contained in the driver manual. I can only suggest that you tackle the issue as 'stayrich' did and hope for the same result. I note that you live in Bolton and there is only one Honda dealer in that town, G*****s, the same dealership I use for service/repairs and have done for quite some time. I have always, hitherto, found them to be OK, so if it is the same dealership involved, I have an added interest in following your progress. Good luck!

As I understand it, there are two handbrake issues;

1) If the car rolls away and the handle is still in the active/up position, then it has been attributed to the brake not being applied hard enough, the discs cooling and shrinking and then the brakes losing grip, car rolling away scenario. As with any car, when you stop, apply the footbrake, then pull up the handbrake until it stops (without the use of the button of course). For added safety, use the old school method of also turning the wheel 'into' the hill and leaving the car in gear.

2) if the handbrake is in the off position then it was a) maybe not applied or b) the known 'issue' has occurred and the ratchet has slipped due to the handbrake not being applied correctly (by using the button) - Don't wait for a letter, call your dealership and give them the reg and chassis number, they will be able to tell you if the car requires the revised handbrake assembly.

[Doubtingthomas]

NH Dan,

Thank you. I think I am right in saying both 'chrisv' and 'stayrich' fall within category (1) of your post. The two separate issues you detail are well documented in this thread. As there is no apparent handbrake fault with 08 model Civics, any handbrake related problem therefore is down to the driver. That is why I think 'stayrich' did exceedingly well having the garage foot the bill, but good luck to the guy. Fantastic result.
As a matter of interest I was under the impression the remodelled /replacement handbrake is designed to cater, safely, the button being depressed whilst it is applied. I cannot recall any forum member being told specifically, after having the handbrake replaced, that the handbrake should be applied without touching the button. Leaving the car in gear and wheels inclined etc still apply of course. If I am wrong perhaps some kind soul will enlighten me.

[TruckerEm]

My car has returned from the dealership this evening, with its replaced handbrake. My head is all over the place at the moment and stupidly did'nt ask how I apply the handbrake now But I think I will be treating the handbrake as I have been since it went walkies. Just to be on the safe side!! Must admit the handbrake is alot firmer now though.

I did have a courtsey car (Jazz, boy do they drink petrol!!) but I had some other bits done under warranty so it had to be in all day. I asked about the door lock and was told after it had been looked at it that it has already been modified. But if I find I have a problem I will be talking to them again!! As yet still not had a letter from Honda UK inviting me to book my car in, so anyone still waiting for a letter. I would say just contact your dealer and get your car booked in.

[chrisv]

Thank you everyone for their advice-hindsight is a great thing and now park my car very carefully!! It is a brand new 08 model and my point is that at no time was the handbrake mentioned and not pressing button in on applying it!! (which in 22 years of driving have I ever been told before)This rule still applies with the new handbrake according to my dealer- and yes doubtingthomas it is the dealer you mention.

They have been helpful re repairs etc and courtesy car but then I went through my insurance -it is only since on discovery of a potential handbrake issue that I wish to pursue this further with them-I will keep you posted.

Being in shock on the fateful day I cannot honestly say what the position of the handbrake was when I got back in the car.

[Doubtingthomas]

Originally Posted by chrisv

This rule still applies with the new handbrake according to my dealer

Thank you chrisv. I simply do not understand it. I thought the modification to the handbrake allowed one to depress the button when applying the handbrake as the majority of Civic drivers and drivers of other marques do.

The "letter" which I and many others received last November/December says, 'rest assured that we do appreciate that this is an inconvenience; so with longevity of your ownership of the vehicle in mind we will be improving the handbrake to reduce this inconvenience in the future'

The letter equates "inconvenience" with 'pull the lever up fully without touching the release button. If these operating instructions are followed the handbrake's efficiency will be unaffected'

That is my interpretation. If one has still to avoid pressing the release button in on applying the modified handbrake what is the point of the recall/modification?

As Honda UK has not fulfilled it's promise to contact me to have the work done within their specified time limit I am minded to write them asking when I can look forward to the modified handbrake being fitted and once fitted, can one revert to the "usual" way of applying it - ie with release button depressed.

[alanwalne]

Please see attacked the VOSA recall note.

Recall Details for HONDA - Civic 3 & 5 door

IMO It implies to me that the amended handbrake should be able to be appliesd either with button pressed or not.

PS I have never pressed the button to apply the handbrake in this or any previous car.

[Doubtingthomas]

Thank you Alan. I am still minded to write to Honda UK as mentioned. I'll post their response, if I get one.....

[stayrich]

Hi Guys

Yes I do think we had a good result but our dealer has a good reputation for service. It all comes down to your negotiating skills and not just accepting what your told by the dealer.

Here's the wording of the disclaimer we were asked to sign.

1. Press the foot brake firmly
2. While pressing the brake pedal, pull the handbrake lever up smartly to its fullest extent.
3. Do not press the release button while pulling the lever up.
4. If your vehicle is parked on a hill and facing uphill, select 1st gear and turn the steering wheel away from the curb.
5. If your vehicle is parked on a hill facing downhill, select reverse gear and turn the steering wheel towards the kerb.
6. Vehicles with an automatic transmission should always be left with the selector lever position in park P.
7. ALWAYS REFER TO THE SECTION IN YOUR MANUFACTURER HANDBOOK WITH REGARD TO YOUR SPECIFIC VEHICLE.

Then there is the following statement:

My Sales Executive has made me fully aware of my vehicles correct handbrake operation during the handover,or whilst on test drive.

Signed .................................................. ....Our Customer
Signed .................................................. ....Sales Executive
Date............

I know this repeats alot of whats alreay in this thread but this is the exact wording of this particular dealers disclaimer. We refused to sign because as we are buying our car on HP our contract is with the finance company and not the dealer.

My advice to anyone in a similar situation would be negotiate with your dealer before you go to your insurance company and find out where you stand legally before anything else because it makes the negotiation process with your dealer easier, and if you buying on finance talk to your finance company as legally they own the car. Information is power.

[NH Dan]

Having just sdiscussed this with one of my techs, the re-mod of the handbrake means that you should be able to apply the handbrake with or without the button being pressed, the ratchet system has been re-modelled to cater for this.

[Doubtingthomas]

Originally Posted by stayrich

Here's the wording of the disclaimer we were asked to sign.

Interesting. Thank you.

[NH Dan]

Originally Posted by stayrich

Hi Guys

Yes I do think we had a good result but our dealer has a good reputation for service. It all comes down to your negotiating skills and not just accepting what your told by the dealer.

Here's the wording of the disclaimer we were asked to sign.

1. Press the foot brake firmly
2. While pressing the brake pedal, pull the handbrake lever up smartly to its fullest extent.
3. Do not press the release button while pulling the lever up.
4. If your vehicle is parked on a hill and facing uphill, select 1st gear and turn the steering wheel away from the curb.
5. If your vehicle is parked on a hill facing downhill, select reverse gear and turn the steering wheel towards the kerb.
6. Vehicles with an automatic transmission should always be left with the selector lever position in park P.
7. ALWAYS REFER TO THE SECTION IN YOUR MANUFACTURER HANDBOOK WITH REGARD TO YOUR SPECIFIC VEHICLE.

Then there is the following statement:

My Sales Executive has made me fully aware of my vehicles correct handbrake operation during the handover,or whilst on test drive.

Signed .................................................. ....Our Customer
Signed .................................................. ....Sales Executive
Date............

I know this repeats alot of whats alreay in this thread but this is the exact wording of this particular dealers disclaimer. We refused to sign because as we are buying our car on HP our contract is with the finance company and not the dealer.

My advice to anyone in a similar situation would be negotiate with your dealer before you go to your insurance company and find out where you stand legally before anything else because it makes the negotiation process with your dealer easier, and if you buying on finance talk to your finance company as legally they own the car. Information is power.

Whilst i totally understand your concern in this matter, I dont understand the bit i've highlighted. Its the dealer that is supplying the vehicle and not the finance company. As the 'keeper/driver' of the vehicle, you have been made aware of the correct operation of the handbrake and by signing that statement, you are just confirming it.

That must be something to do with the dealer by the way as Honda have not released instructions to have a disclaimer signed, you can tell that as it mentions keeping automatic cars in 'P' - the civic i-shift doesnt have a 'P' setting.