fighting Honda USA?

Hi everyone
When my 01 Accord was still under warranty, the service lady at the
dealer said "You will need a new ignition lock. Leave the car." There
was a faint detent turning the key, is how she noticed it. Well it was
14 miles home and I was there for oil and rotation! And if you get a
switch replaced you have to have 2 identical keys. I said "Why don't we
just see how long i can go as is." They were pretty happy with my
request because if it never went really bad, they'd never have to do it.

Some years later they gave me a new key rather than do the replacement,
and keys are $50. The lock replacement cost me $480.

Wouldn't you know it, I was way out of town when it totally went bad. It
took like 2 minutes of wiggling to start. Took it to nearest Honda
dealer for replacement. Called my dealer; they said, Should'a had it
done way back when. Called Honda USA: they said we'll start a case on
it! and assign you a caseworker! Told my story several times..
Caseworker merely said, No recalls, no service alerts.
So how do I proceed? Straight to Small Claims Court?

thanks
Dan in Memphis

 

Since you asked, here is my personal experience in Florida Courts.

The Judge rules that it is normal wear and tear, and I pay, as, when
there was a notice to me that a part needed replacement, it was my
choice to refuse their service, so it is my responsibility.

Honda, or any other maker, does not have a duty to provide consumers
free parts that have worn out.

Sure, you got a new key, and you probably signed a paper limiting their
liability in the "settlement" you were offered!

I believe that you are screwed, blued, and tattoed, by your own
admission, signature!

You know the facts, and they don't lie! Take personal responsibility
for your decisions, and move on. Integrity is something to be
cherished, whenever and wherever you may find it!

 

Happy,
You may well be correct, but a lot of your argument hinges on my signing
somewhere. Perhaps I did not sign anything. Then what?
dan

 

Do you have the receipt where they recommended replacement under warranty?

 

Shouldn't matter whether there is a receipt or not. He refused the
service under the warranty. Honda is only responsible for 36 months or
36000 miles, which ever comes first. And I'm quite certain the dealer
had him sign the service order when he had the oil and rotation, on
which he declined the repair under warranty.

What he should have done at the time is made an appointment to come back
for the lock at a later date. Then it would have been done at his
convenience, the new lock would have come with the keys, they would have
reprogrammed the car's computer to the new keys and all would be happy.
But because he refused the repair and allowed the warranty to run out
without having it fixed, it's now too bad.

 

OK, I'm hearing you..
Further complication; when I paid for the repair in NY, they could NOT
give me a receipt. Computers were down! Promised they'd mail it.
They have not sent it! I have notified that dealership. I'm contesting
that charge on my visa.
To let you know: they swear it is not possible to make new ignition lock
work with old key. No programmer can do it. Wondering if door and trunk
locks use the chip, or can they be converted by ordinary locksmith to
new ig key?
Dan S