Handbrake handbrake self release (inc recall letter)

[teletxt]

I always use the handbreak because I parking on uphill many times.
My handbreak will be readjusted maybe tomorrow.
I made a quick quiz on the Hungrian 8 gen civic owners forum about the number of handbreak clicks.
The result is:

3 clicks on 2 cars
5 clicks on 2 cars
6 clicks on 2 cars
9 clicks on 2 cars
10 clicks on 3 cars

[simon1]

Wheelie, I'd either get it checked out......or make sure Amber is always in there pulling on it with his teeth while you're out!

[Wheelchair]

TBH I'm not worried about it. I always leave the car in gear anyway, its a habit I've had for years,

[Doubtingthomas]

Originally Posted by Wheelchair

TBH I'm not worried about it. I always leave the car in gear anyway, its a habit I've had for years,

Your handbrake needs adjusting before it disappears up your armpit. My Civic has just had it's first service today and the handbrake is full on at three clicks. I am not a mechanic but I am of the opinion there is too much slack in your handbrake system. As your car is very new I'm sure your supplying dealer will check it and do the necessary, and FOC!

[Wheelchair]

As soon as it gets worse I'll take it in, but for now I wont bother, it wont go anywhere in left in gear.

[Roobarb]

Originally Posted by Wheelchair

TBH I'm not worried about it. I always leave the car in gear anyway, its a habit I've had for years,

Okay.. There are lots of people who always put there car in gear when they park it. We know, We know, We know. The reason for this thread is that no car maufacturer should expect you to have to put your car in gear when parked on a slight slope. Despite having parked all my old and knackered cheap cars I have ever had I have never come back to one where the handbrake handle is fallen down. That is until my lovely 'new' Honda Civic. Maybe we should end this thread and just put a notice somewhere to warn people. They can ignore if they wish.

[Doubtingthomas]

Originally Posted by Roobarb

Okay.. There are lots of people who always put there car in gear when they park it. We know, We know, We know. The reason for this thread is that no car maufacturer should expect you to have to put your car in gear when parked on a slight slope. Despite having parked all my old and knackered cheap cars I have ever had I have never come back to one where the handbrake handle is fallen down. That is until my lovely 'new' Honda Civic. Maybe we should end this thread and just put a notice somewhere to warn people. They can ignore if they wish.

Good Morning Roobarb, long time no see Thank you. I think you will find the whole 'defective handbrake' issue is reproduced in the Wiki Section, but whether individuals will care to look there is another matter.

[TruckerEm]

Well thought I would come and have a nose through this thread as it will be a whole year on Saturday that my Civic tried to run away but hit my parents 4X4. Just 9 weeks after I bought it (suppose should be pleased it stayed in one piece that long!)
After almost 3 months of driving a crunched Civic, Honda uk admitted the fault and fixed my car!
Still not trusting the new handbrake and never never now leave my car running, when I get out not even for a second as thats all it took when it rolled. When i leave the car its ALWAYS left in gear and even when stopped at lights or junctions etc my foot is always hovering the footbrake.
Have noticed several complaining on how high they have to pull up the handbrake. Mine too seems to have to be cranked up higher on a daily basis. My car is off for a service next week so will get it looked at then.
Also sorry to hear that cars still seem to be rolling away be that by the handbrake or cooling brakes. Shame they can't sort this out once and for all as it really does take some of the pleasure out of owning a Civic. Its the constant worry when you leave your car that when you go back its still where you left it!!

[Doubtingthomas]

Originally Posted by TruckerEm

Well thought I would come and have a nose through this thread as it will be a whole year on Saturday that my Civic tried to run away but hit my parents 4X4. Just 9 weeks after I bought it (suppose should be pleased it stayed in one piece that long!)
After almost 3 months of driving a crunched Civic, Honda uk admitted the fault and fixed my car!
Still not trusting the new handbrake and never never now leave my car running, when I get out not even for a second as thats all it took when it rolled. When i leave the car its ALWAYS left in gear and even when stopped at lights or junctions etc my foot is always hovering the footbrake.
Have noticed several complaining on how high they have to pull up the handbrake. Mine too seems to have to be cranked up higher on a daily basis. My car is off for a service next week so will get it looked at then.
Also sorry to hear that cars still seem to be rolling away be that by the handbrake or cooling brakes. Shame they can't sort this out once and for all as it really does take some of the pleasure out of owning a Civic. Its the constant worry when you leave your car that when you go back its still where you left it!!

I am sure there are many that share your concerns, especially i-shift owners. However, I now feel that provided Civic drivers comply with the instructions/advice in the owner's manual, there should be no problem. One should not have to 'crank up the handbrake lever higher on a daily basis'. The service will remedy this aspect. The handbrake should be fully applied after three/four notches at the most. I have never had an issue on this matter, but when parking the car in the garage on level ground, I just leave the car in either 1st or reverse and hardly use the handbrake. The car will not go anywhere. Pleased HUK sorted your car out.

[Petedefeet]

Does anyone know the original cause of the handbrake problem? Has it been explained in the recall letter or by a dealer?

[NH Dan]

Originally Posted by Petedefeet

Does anyone know the original cause of the handbrake problem? Has it been explained in the recall letter or by a dealer?

I cant find the posting with the actual letter in it but yes, the 'fault' has been explained by HUK.

To use laymans terms, the ratchet system employs a tooth and catch system. When the handbrake is pulled up (without the button!!) the 'catch' flicks round until it catches in the cog teeth on the handbrake mechanism. Therefore, the plan is that when you click and release the button, it pulls the catch out of the ratchet/cog/teeth and releases the brake. It was found on some of these systems that the teeth were not fully engaging and that the machanism could slip and release without any encouragement.

The revision basically entails larger parts that for want of a better phrase, click into place a lot more solidly and should not slip or release.

The letter form Honda also re-affirmed to correct way in which to employ the handbrake as detailed in the owners manual.

1) if on an incline, park with the car in gear and with the front wheels tunred into the kerb.

2) when applying the handbrake, do not use the release button, pull up the handbrake, through the ratchet and let go when in place.

3) to release, pull up slightly on the handbrake, depress the release button and lower the handle.

[Petedefeet]

Thanks Dan - looks like Honda has been honourable and put their hands up to declare there has been a fault.

(Unlike Nissan - have you all heard their Navaros are mysteriously catching fire and/or the engines are blowing at about 60k miles?)