[Handbrake] handbrake self release (inc recall letter)

[Doubtingthomas]

Originally Posted by Earlybird

When I picked my Civic up last week (57plate) in with the handbook & service book wallet was a one page separate warning not to push the release button in when applying the handbrake but to just pull it up on the rachet . So Honda must be aware of this problem

It is probably inevitable that a few Civic owners slipped the net for whatever reason. I see this as a fail safe procedure and pleased to read it. Was the addendum printed by Honda UK or the Honda dealer, do you know?

[Earlybird]

it's printed by honda uk, also states to leave in gear reverse or 1st depending on up or down hill & to turn the wheels to the kerb

[Doubtingthomas]

Originally Posted by Earlybird

it's printed by honda uk, also states to leave in gear reverse or 1st depending on up or down hill & to turn the wheels to the kerb

Thank you. It appears that at least Honda UK (HUK) has taken all reasonable steps to ensure everyone affected is made aware of the problem. That is the good news. We now await the official HUK advice on how to apply the modified parking brake........

[deamer2k5]

hi all, im currently in a battle with honda, my handbrake failed after i left the car for an hour and half when i started work, it rolled down a slight incline a few feet into the back of a hgv. they said they sent me a letter but i havent had anything, then when they checked the car, they said it was a new model handbrake, they charging 1200 quid for the damage, is there anything that can be done?

many thanks
Marc

[pcr]

Deamer,
Is it the new-type handbrake, if so why should you have been sent a letter ?. Was it on or off after the accident and did you apply it firmly ?
My view is that your only chance of compensation is if it is the old-type handbrake and it was fully off after the accident.

[deamer2k5]

they have changed their story, only after they had spent about an hour on the car in the garage, they said it was the old one and were adamant i had a letter sent but then they said mine was the new one, the hand brake was still on when i went back to the car, and it was pulled firmly up, i have parked their for a few years in a few different cars and never had this problem.

[Jack The Lad.]

The letters were sent out by recorded delivery.
The Post Office should confirm that it was not signed for.

[druidh]

Got my handbrake replaced today (was in for a normal service). Definitely notchier when pulling the lever up without depressing the lever (not something I normally do).

[deamer2k5]

im gonna get in touch with the post office to check, HUK have suggested we use the aa legal cover. has anyone heard of problems with the new one?

[Doubtingthomas]

Deamer2k5
I think pcr is on the right track unfortunately. Your Vin/Chassis number will confirm whether your Civic is a '07' or '08' model. The '08' models have the modified parking brake. That is my understanding but I feel this may be irrelevant. Whether you have an '07' or '08' model, if the handbrake was still applied upon your return to the car, it appears that you may have suffered the 'cooling disc' syndrome. You are not alone.
"The letter" concerned parking brakes that self released which is not the case with your Civic.
If you care to go back some way on this thread you will find instances similar to yourself. In addition it appears you did not leave the car in gear.
I am sorry I cannot offer you the excuse you are perhaps seeking. I only wish I could be more helpful.

[Jack The Lad.]

I shall be leaving my fix for 3 - 6 months after I get a call to have it done.
Then, I shall leave the car in the required gear, as I have always done with every car that I have owned.
I do not trust the buggers.!!

[Earlybird]

Druidh
How can I tell if i have the old or new HB, MY SE was registered sept 07

[mrh339]

Originally Posted by deamer2k5

they have changed their story, only after they had spent about an hour on the car in the garage, they said it was the old one and were adamant i had a letter sent but then they said mine was the new one, the hand brake was still on when i went back to the car, and it was pulled firmly up, i have parked their for a few years in a few different cars and never had this problem.

The cars with the handbrake problem are found with the handbrake in the off position from where it self releases with a large crack according to those that have witnessed it. Sounds like a different fault from the known one.

[alanwalne]

Originally Posted by Earlybird

Druidh
How can I tell if i have the old or new HB, MY SE was registered sept 07

You need to check the VIN to see if it is a 08 model year.

[Earlybird]

Originally Posted by alanwalne

You need to check the VIN to see if it is a 08 model year.

Thanks for that I will check it

[Doubtingthomas]

Originally Posted by mrh339

Sounds like a different fault from the known one.

I don't think it is a different 'fault'. Please see my post above and posts re "parking brake-cooling disc". In the absence of any further information/explanation, it appears that 'deam2k5' applied the parking brake whilst the brake discs were hot and slightly expanded. On the discs cooling, the pads no longer grip the disc and with the car not being left in gear, on an incline, disaster takes over.

It is a known phenomenon, which we should all be aware of, but not a fault as such. That is my understanding, unfortunately for 'deam2k5'.
If there is another explanation which points to a definite 'fault' I and no doubt 'deam2k5' would like to hear of it.

It is so easily done and I feel for 'deam2k5'

[dave525]

I have an 07 model and still have not recieved any letter from Honda. thankfully through this forum I am aware of the problem and have reacted to the way I park my car. But I find it quite appaling that if my car does need the modification that I have not been notified. I will do nothing at this time, but when I take it for a service in 3 months time and if they tell me I need the handbrake mod then I will expect some answers. They send me the Honda Dreams mag so they do know I have one of there cars

[Ikes]

I just got a call from Honda South Africa telling me how I should apply the NEW handbrake. They said even after the recall all users should engage the handbrake without pressing the button. By the way, my new handbrake was fitted early this year already.

[Doubtingthomas]

Originally Posted by Ikes

I just got a call from Honda South Africa telling me how I should apply the NEW handbrake. They said even after the recall all users should engage the handbrake without pressing the button. By the way, my new handbrake was fitted early this year already.

Thank you. I despair............Have they no faith in their product? I am still awaiting a reply from Honda UK. If they say the same, I shall write back reminding them of "their letter". It's time for a G & T!

[pigsy10]

I received a recall letter from Honda this morning asking me to book the car in for replacement hand break.

I will ring the dealer on Monday, I wonder how long it takes to book the car in.