Andrew77

Hi All!

I did a search and couldn't find a specific answer.
I took my car into Santa Monica Honda for a Major Service, as well as to check out the CEL that (literally) just went on.

When they called me back, they said that (I think) valves 1, 3, and 4 are misfiring, and they asked to do timing. I know Powertrain warranties cover engine and valves, so does this mean that it's covered?

Also, I brought it into them at 8:30 this morning, received the call from them at 3:20 for the request, but then never got information on when the car would be ready (I assumed it would be by the end of the day). Looks like they kept it overnight. Luckily, it doesn't burden me to have them hold onto it til tomorrow, but...

Anyway, let me know if you guys can help me out =]

Billman250

Define valve timng..that makes no sense.

Slows2k

Any extended warranty has limited coverage compared to the new car limted warranty. To make matters more complicated, many extended warranties do not cover diagnosis.

Andrew77

Valve timing:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valve_timing

Also, it's the original Powertrain warranty that came with the car as it was "Certified Used."

SpitfireS

If a dealership is trying to solve a misfire CEL by adjusting the valve timing.. I would run and not look back.

But I guess something is lost in translation here.
(more intensity! )

Slows2k

There are many things not covered by certified powertrain warranty, Some diagnosis procedures and components are not covered.

Valve clearance can be inspected/adjusted. Adjustment/inspection procedures are generally not covered by extended or powertrain warranties.

Billman250

"valve timing" is a stupid thing to say and is not your problem.

Valve timing is predetermined by the timing chain, and is not adjustable.

VALVES do not misfire.

Either you are translating the info wrong, or you have one very stupid dealer that is going to cost you a lot of money. TRUST me on this.

Ask what the codes are.

Andrew77

I called, and he clarified that the cylinder was mifiring due to the "rocker gap" timing at the top of the valve... or something. Either way, I called into Honda Care, and they notified me that while adjustment wasn't covered, any replacement would be.

After calling back again, the service rep said that the cylinder still showed a misfire after adjustment, so he'd have to call and get a parts list and get it approved -- so this seems to be OK? If anything seems fishy, I'll get the exact work done listed, call into Honda Customer Service, and post the information here too.

SpitfireS

Andrew77 Posted on Dec 10 2010, 05:28 PM
Anything?
Everything!



Oh well.. lets assume they mean valve clearance and they just have a very peculiar way of describing it.
IMO, the only way an out-of-spec valve clearance will cause a misfire is when there was no clearance, IOW the valve does not close.

Next time you call them ask for the DTC* (Diagnostic Trouble Code) that they should be able to find when the MIL* (Malfunction Indication Lamp) is on.
Overhere a MIL is called a CEL (Check Engine Light)
* = official name.

Billman250

Of course it didn't fix it. Valve adjustment is not your problem. Dont pay for PEOPLE'S GUESS WORK.

Like i said, the $ will keep adding up, because the dealer is incompetent.