[Handbrake] handbrake self release (inc recall letter)

[TTDegs]

could be almost anything scorcher - although the most likely is going to involve opening the centre console I guess

But it could just be a big sticker on the inside of the windscreen with the "do" and "don't" pictures!

[pjr]

The owners manual for the Type S/Type R (and I assume for the 5 door models) says the following.

To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up fully. To release it, pull up slightly, push the button and lower the lever. The parking brake indicator on the instrument panel should go out when the parking brake is fully released.

So the letter from Honda is just re-iterating the same instruction, as there is no mention of pressing the button when applying the handbrake in the owners manual ?

[CivPilot]

how many letters did you recieve?

[pjr]

Originally Posted by CivPilot

how many letters did you recieve?

Was this question for me ?

If it was - one covering letter + the colour pictures of how to and how not to apply the handbrake.

I was trying to say that the new letter doesn't say much different from the owners manual i.e. don't press the button when applying the handbrake.

[TTDegs]

I believe that the letter is stressing the point about the button on the way up, rather than simply not mentioning it at all.

Just as well they didn't include everything else you shouldn't do at the same time too - would have been a long letter!

"Pull the lever upwards. Do not touch the button, fiddle with the electric windows or mirrors, or adjust the heating, stereo or sat-nav (where fitted) controls. Caution, contents may be hot or contain nuts. Objects in your mirror may appear closer than they are. Re-fitting is the reversal of the removal process.
To release, push the button"

[Hartside]

Honda have:

Sent letters recorded delivery (you've signed for them therefore it can be proved you got got it)

Set out in the letter how to apply the handbrake so that the problem is overcome (they have "trained" you)

If you have a handbrake problem now after getting the letter I don't fancy anyones chances getting compensation. Be sure to apply it in this manner until the fix comes along!

[cnicolini]

I had a quick look earlier, the center console is made up of different sections, so removing the top handle part should nt be too difficult. If the cable travels underneath the car then it might need work on both ends, top and bottom. Its going to be quite abit of work for the dealers! And all those cars!

As the part will be available in APR 2008, does this mean that they are still building cars with the dodgy parts?

[Essexboy]

I received a letter, registered post, yesterday.

I thought "I know what that is...."

[Jack The Lad.]

And if the stealers, due to the short time that Honda will give them to do the fix charlie, make even one scratch on the panels, I shall go bl--din mad.
May get them to put a couple of rocker switches in the blanks, with wires loose connected at the same time.
Come in handy.

[lee_g3]

Originally Posted by cnicolini

As the part will be available in APR 2008, does this mean that they are still building cars with the dodgy parts?

I was just thinking the same question. Only had my car for just under 2 weeks, should I be expecting a letter as well

[Jack The Lad.]

Good point. If the fix isn't ready, they can't shut down the Civic line can they ?

[gray52]

got my letter yesterday, talks of a new handbrake for march/april 2008. says not to push the button in when pulling the handbrake up.

[Doubtingthomas]

Originally Posted by lee_g3

I was just thinking the same question. Only had my car for just under 2 weeks, should I be expecting a letter as well

As a matter of interest, is your car an 07 or 08 model? Your chassis/vin number will confirm this - as you may know - the model year is in the middle of the number. If you have an 07 model, then I expect you will receive a letter. If you have an 08 model, then I, like many others, will eagerly await your response. If you do not receive a letter and you have an 08 model then it would appear you may have a modified handbrake. That is my understanding. Please keep us in the picture. Thanks.

[l3ss3rev1l]

Must confess to being just in process of buying 06 2.2CDTi Sport, need to go sign my life away on Saturday...

But... And its a rather BIG 'but'... I'm wondering whether I should be looking at something else after reading some of the common issues some other owners are having on the site...

The apparent, complete ambivolence of Honda UK is a real concern... Although I've had similar experiences with FIAT UK in th enot too distant past...

Of note; threads linked from Honest John... Leaking boot and damaged paintwork...

Additionally... This thread, should I really be buying a car with such an apparent safety/build flaw, I have a young daughter and a very young son, I also have to park on my major slope of a drive... I now feel as though I'll be waiting for a crashing sound outside...

Hmmm... Might have a look elsewhere and NOT sign into problems as arranged on Saturday... Shame... Really liked the car too...

Sorry to 1st post on a downer...

[ante00]

I got my letter today from dealer.....as understand the letter correctly then models 08 before march/april will get the letter....I guess because if part will be available next year in march then model 08 produced in january will have same failure as our 06 or 07 models...right?

[Jack The Lad.]

Dont go leaving us already 13ss.
If yours has the fix -- fine.
If it hasnt - will be done in march 08 and
meantime, do what I and many others have been doing since learning to driving - leave it in gear.
I and many others havn't had a problem with the handbrake at all. Honda have to cover their ass, as do all other car makers.

[Cad]

The Honest John site's list of problems on the Civic doesn't make for very good reading, but I was surprised to read that the recent handbrake fault is due to a spring being fitted the wrong way round!

Edit:
Mind you, it also says that there is no oil warning light on the diesel models; clearly wrong (unless I have a special one ).

[Jack The Lad.]

Well, - If that is true ---------- b-gger me.

[Harps]

I got my letter today, another fault to add on to the list!

[Pottsy]

Originally Posted by Cad

..., but I was surprised to read that the recent handbrake fault is due to a spring being fitted the wrong way round!
...

Pic of tiny little spring:

Parking brake fault

Surely the button would feel weak, and in theory it would make no difference because when the ratchet engages it is held in position by the shape of the ratchet and the tension in the handbrake cable.

My guess is that the shape of the ratchet would be more likely.