Honda Civic Hybrid Owners: Problems & Solutions
I am really wondering why Honda did these 2 goofy things on the Civic Hybrid;
1) When pulling the CVT Transmission's shift lever from the Reverse position toward the rear of the car, it doesn't stop at "D" position (like every other automatic transmission on the planet) but instead stops at "S"! So, I have to push the lever forward to "D", being carfull not to pop into "N".
2) Anytime you select defrost for the windshield the air-conditioner comes on and can't be turned off until you sellect something other that defrost!
The dealer seems to have no opinion about these 2 items which I feel are very annoying and should be changed on future models. The dealer suggested I contact Honda Customer Service, "they listen to customers" said the dealer. I called them and they weren't interested in feedback from me at all. After all, I'm just a customer, what possible recomendations could I have?
Does anyone else find these 2 items annoying?
1) When pulling the CVT Transmission's shift lever from the Reverse position toward the rear of the car, it doesn't stop at "D" position (like every other automatic transmission on the planet) but instead stops at "S"! So, I have to push the lever forward to "D", being carfull not to pop into "N".
2) Anytime you select defrost for the windshield the air-conditioner comes on and can't be turned off until you sellect something other that defrost!
The dealer seems to have no opinion about these 2 items which I feel are very annoying and should be changed on future models. The dealer suggested I contact Honda Customer Service, "they listen to customers" said the dealer. I called them and they weren't interested in feedback from me at all. After all, I'm just a customer, what possible recomendations could I have?
Does anyone else find these 2 items annoying?
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Comments
I looked a a new civic hybrid on the lot (I had bought mine used) at it does the same goofy thing with the shifting? Go Figure.
The reason Honda did that is that when you want to defog the windows you need dry air. A/c removes water from the air, and is better at defogging in the summer months. In the winter, the A/c pump is not engaged when the outside temperature is bellow 45°F-50°F.
There is a work around this "feature" search the forums, I posted it a few years ago, and some other people did too. If my memory serves me correctly, "With the engine off turn all the knobs to the left (lowest setting), hold the A/c and "recirculation" buttons while turning the key to "on" position. The a/c light should blink, this will disable the "feature" on pre 2004 models. On 2004 and after, this will disable the a/c light, while the pump would still engage at 50°F and above when defog is selected.
This will allow you to turn off A/c when in defog, even though it would turn on by default, still.
2) Anytime you select defrost for the windshield the air-conditioner comes on ===========================================
My Dodge Shadow, Dodge Avenger, and Plymouth Caravelle all do *exactly* the same thing. What you describe is standard operation (in my experience).
Troy
There has to be an indicator on the dashboard, use that as a guide. If you are really inclined to change the shift lock out. You can definatley take out the shifter lock out, drill new holes and move it up. This way it would stop at D instead of S, before you have to press the button. Since it is a CVT, there really no gears, the S is probably a computer program. If you hook up OBDII controller to the OBDII port, you can re program the D to S and the vise versa. It is all a matter of how much effort you want to put into it. Best solution of all, get a manual transmission. This way no computer or lock out mechanisms is dictating what gear you are in. You choose your own gears. :-)
As far as the shift lever? I've never heard of this before nor have I noticed it. I'll have to look next time I'm in a hybrid.
How do you figure it is devalued? It is devalued the second you drive it off the lot, not because it has been fixed. It is only devalued if it was in a wreck.
Honda is still refusing to replace the car and may fly in a Technical Rep to work on it rather than replace it.
I think they are doing what they are supposed to do, fix the error. If they can't fix it, then you have a case against them. You should, however, insist that they pay for the rental or give you a loaner while they have the car. And if it takes them 30 days or more, cumulativley, to find the cure, then you have a lemon case.
You end up getting what you could trade it in for, because most states allow them to charge you a use fee
I don't see your logic, if you can rack up the miles, that means the car is working. If you don't drive it because it is not working, then you don't get nicked for the miles. I think, currently they can charge $0.36/miles as per IRS calculations. This way if you do have a lemon, you only pay for what you used.
Welcome to the Forum. You got into the Civic hybrid thread. You may get more response in the regular Honda Civic threads. See if you find what you are looking for in these links... Good Luck.
/WebX?ed_displayMakeModelRelatedD- iscussions@@.ee6b280!make=Honda&model=Ci- vic
to get the optimal efficencey try driving w/ no a/c and the windows up w/ gradual acceleration
They made the HCH the quietest riding Civic with extra padding, sound dampeners in the frame and all which makes a nice quiet ride.
Minimum road noise is nice but for the various rattles.
I've had it in the dealer 3x now for LOUD rattles on the top dash near the passenger airbag, 2x for rattles in the exact opposite side of the dash, and 2x for rattles in the passenger door.
The car bagan to rattle as I was driving it home new.
I seldom listen to any radio at all and sometimes it is just annoying.
I've even tape-recorded the rattles and played them for the Honda tech and it's either that they just don't care or their repairs for this just don't work.
Now something is rattling in the back. Hopefully it's just the spare jack.
unfortunately it sounds like your service advisor is slacking on you for some reason.
my advice try another honda store.
you can get warranty claims taken care of at any honda dealership in the USA.
Try using the next grade up of gas.
I was running 47 mpg on regular (86 octane here) and when I put 88 octane in, my mileage jumped 7 mpg to 54 mpg.
This could be the source of a number of reports of lower than expected mileage.
At $2.00 gas and with the difference between 86 and 88 octane being only $0.10 here, I end up saving $0.20/gallon by the increase in mileage. ($0.30 gross savings less the $0.10 price difference).
Please try a higher grade gas and let us know if that fixes it for you.
It seems that the hybrid people in general are now able to tell which gas stations are selling good gas and which aren't - just by monitoring mileage.
Pretty amazing technology IMO. I read where the Toyota Sienna gained several HP by using Premium even though they say to use regular unleaded. Something else to consider is gas does lose octane just sitting in the tank. I wonder if an octane booster would give the same effect as buying the next grade of gasoline.
Other sites which montior these Hybrids closely and have virtually every tip ever discovered have NOTHING about this being true.
Not to mention the hundreds of articles I have read reviewing and discussing Hybrids cars, none of which has mentioned this "trick."
I ran a Google search and could not find ONE POST on a forum ANYWHERE that confirms, with multiple users, that this would happen. I found a lot which said higher octane fuel has NO effect.
For the sake of discussion, I will test it myself though. I'm going to fillup my HCH tonite or tomorrow and I will "bite the bullet" and spend an extra dollar or two to try higher octane fuel and I will post my MPG for this last tank and my next tank. I *WILL* notice a 7 mpg increase if it occurs....
I think he only went up to mid-grade unleaded. It is probably worth a try. I have never noticed a difference in larger engines like my Suburban. That automatic sensing to prevent knocking is intriguing. What will they come up with next?
How about adjusting Valve lift, Timing and duration Electronically Controlled depending on the engine load? Oh, wait a minute, Honda has had it since 1991 in the infamous VTEC system!
How about we forward or retard timing depending on the throttle position and speed? Oh wait, Honda developed i-VTEC which does just that!
Maybe they should make the cars run on hydrogen extracted from Ethanol? Oh, Honda developed FCX a couple of years ago that does just that!
How about we create a humanoid robot to help with house hold chores? Wait a minute, Honda created AZIMO back in 2001 just for that, and has finally taught it English so it can be showcased in US!
Welcome to the world of Honda Engineering.
That seems to indicate a pretty solid car.
I just took my hybrid (2004) in for it's 10K service and since I've had it back for two days now it won't shut off when I come to a stop. The button is selected for the car to shut off, and it worked fine prior to going into the shop. When I called they said the temperature can have a lot to do with its shutting off. But the temperature is the same now as before I dropped it off. The only things done were the normal 10k service, and front end alignment. They said they did nothing that would have caused this, and to bring it in.
Any thoughts, suggestions?
troy
1. Is there any disadvantage to the manual transmission in the hybrid? The Accord hybrid doesn't offer MT but the Civic does.
2. Other than size/luxury/price tag, are there other advantages/disadvantages to the Accord vs the Civic?
3. With either vehicle is there any problem with the vehicle discharging if left standing for a month?
Thanks for the info.
Roxanne
Personally, I wouldn't buy the HCH, not becuase it's a hybrid, but because it's a Civic and thus not a very rewarding drive compared to, say, a Mazda 3. The HAH (Accord) at $30K is simply overpriced and apart from its decent power, also suffers from a less than sizzling driving experience. I'd go with a Mazda 6 V6 and forget hybrid technolgy for now.
If you are confusing more complicated with more advanced you are right. Prius uses many more parts to get about the same average MPG as Honda's simpler system.
"Personally, I wouldn't buy the HCH, not becuase it's a hybrid, but because it's a Civic and thus not a very rewarding drive"
There are plenty of Civic write-ups and reviews showing a nice, comfortable ride and stable driving. Civic's even have a superior double wishbone independent rear suspension.
In regards to roxannelsm's quest for HCH vs Accord info, I'm not sure why you are trashing the Civic and glorifying Prius other than trolling for conflict.
I know the Prius is known for blowing in a cross wind, a ride provided by it's cheap trailing arm rear suspension, and steering wander on the highway.
I'm not saying Prius is a bad car, it's really quite nice and mechanical marvel.
roxannelsm's question was in regards to Civic or Accord.
1. I am not aware of any disadvantage of a MT. The Accord has a traditional 5 speed auto transmission, while the Civic uses the CVT which doesn't shift and is smoother. I drive the CVT version but wish I had a MT for more control. It's personal preference.
2. I went over the hybrid Accord features at:
http://automobiles.honda.com/models/specifications_full_specs.asp- - - - - - - - ?ModelName=Accord+Hybrid&Category=ALL
I looked for features that are not on the HCH.
Accord will have a better ride, as it has double wishbone suspension on all 4 wheels (More advanced rear double wishbone).
It has Dual-Stage, Dual-Threshold Front Airbags,
Side Curtain Airbags, Traction Control System.
Dual-Zone Hybrid Automatic Climate Control System (Civic is single zone),
Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition,
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel,
Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls,
Telescopic Steering Column,
HomeLink® Remote System,
Premium Interior Accents,
Illuminated Vanity Mirrors,
Sunglasses Holder,
Electronic Remote Trunk Release,
Leather-Trimmed Seats and Door Panel Inserts,
Heated Front Seats,
8-Way Power Driver's Seat,
120-Watt AM/FM/6-Disc In-Dash CD Changer Audio System,
XM® Satellite Radio,
Remote Power Window Control,
Chrome Window Trim.
Over at green hybrid's MPG database 5 Accord hybrids are entered, and averaging 24MPG.
Not very many to go on, but that's their average.
HCH gets better MPG. There are 63 Civics entered and the average over all of them is 47MPG, almost twice that of the Accord.
3. No problems with parking it over a month's time.
Welcome to Edmund's forum,
If I was buying a hybrid the HCH with manual transmission would be my choice. I think it is the most bang for your buck in a hybrid, unless the Insight would fit your needs. The Accord is more luxury than the Civic. I don't think people are going to get the mileage they are hoping for in the HAH. As was pointed out the HCH does real well on mileage.
While the Accord has a lot of nice features, it doesn't sound like it really has the one that is the objective of a hybrid - improved mileage. So I think I'll stay away from it for now.
Roxanne
.
Ya know... I'm tired of this crap/Honda-bashing. Yes the Prius runs pure electric below ~15 mpg. So what? That doesn't make it better. For many drivers, it's completely worthless because they don't drive that slow. Most Americans drive on high-speed roads and greater than 20 miles.
Furthermore greenhybrid.com shows very little difference in real-world MPG:
46-Old Prius
48-New Prius
47-Civic Hybrid
The Prius & Civic Hybrids are BOTH "mild" hybrid, and even though they achieve their hybridization differently, there's very little real-world difference between the two.
A REAL hybrid would be able to drive 20 miles & up to 100 mph on pure electric, without any engine running until the battery empties. That's a real "strong" hybrid. And neither the Prius nor the Honda match that description.
troy
Of course, it would have to be programmed to only work at a certain battery power range, i.e. only if the battery was charged between 20% and 80% or something, but the non USA Prius II cars have that button integrated already.
Like Toyota didn't trust USA drivers to make proper use of the button. Kinda insulting.
I also think this would be cool, but I wouldn't hardly use it for battery drain.
More of use would be a trigger button or similar on the shift lever that would activate the regen under a certain speed..say about 45MPH.
So many times I'll barely press the brake to activate it, but can't be sure my pads aren't dragging too.
Of course, it would have to be programmed to only work at a certain battery power range, i.e. only if the battery was charged between 20% and 80% or something, but the non USA Prius II cars have that button integrated already.
Like Toyota didn't trust USA drivers to make proper use of the button. Kinda insulting.
Most US drivers are operators who do not read the manual. Toyota figured that if they left the button for US market someone would press it by mistake and then call Toyota and complain that the car won't move without realizing that they have discharged the batteries.
I see German cars on the road with the rear fog lights (bright red light on one side of the vehicle) on all the time. This is because owners didn't read the manual which states that those lights are to be used in Europe when parking at the end of street. The switch turns left or right ligt depending which side of the street you parked on.
How many people complan that their Honda turns on A/c when they switch to defrost function. All because they did not read the manual which clearly states that this is by design.
I imagine a frantic call to Toyota that their brand new hybrid just died in the middle of the street. Toyota would have to dispatch a tow, and have the dealer look at it only to find out that the owener did not switch the power source to hybrid from EV only.
So, being American by default means you do not read car manuals?
And being from another country by default means you DO read the manuals?
I don't buy that at all.
I'm sure Toyota had a reason for leaving the EV Mode switch off in USA model Prius cars, but I'd be willing to bet no one at Toyota said,
"Dumb USA drivers wont read the manual anyway."
Did you (or the dealer) have success eradicating the rattles? My HCH has had a moderate rattle on the dashboard on the far left side by the window since I bought it, and I'm wondering if there is hope of getting it fixed. I only hear it on really bad roads.
One reason I ask is because I have all of these frustrating memories of my Dad taking his car to the dealer in the '70s to fix a rattle time after time, and they never could fix it. I'm hoping my fate is not the same. :-/
These are not loud, shaking metalic rattles or anything like that. 99% of the time I drive with no radio or anything at all and I notice it.
maybe you can have someone else drive while you listen from both the passenger or the backseat (I assume an HCH has one). it might help you localize the source. when i road in the passenger seat, i then recognized it comming moreso from the footwell area.
good luck.
on a different note, i was very impressed / surprised the other day with a HCH accelerating from a stoplight...I was behind the person in an '02 Accord 4dr, light changes and they rocketed away...leaving me behind. is that the electric motor? wow.
Today I beat my all time MPG record and got 69.8MPG on my 46 mile commute.
Most folks won't see that though.
Certainly not the fellow who rocketed away.
Mon Jan 31, 2005 2:30 pm
Subject: Finally got the rattle fixed.
It's been COLD here recently (-30c, -20f overnight),
and even with the business card trick, the side pillars
rattled. It was time for a service, so
I mentioned it when I brought the car in, (and the
fact that there was TSB on it.) The dealer did the
fix, and now no rattle and no grubby cards.
Once you learn to drive the car efficiently, there's no question the manual transmission is the way to go. If I could get a hybrid accord coupe with a sunroof and a manual transmission, I might be tempted to go that route, but as it stands, I'll keep my '04 Hybrid civic.
My '04 CVT HCH over the last 13 months and 33K miles have averaged over 58MPG.
But I also know there are those doing better than me.
About the wreck or possible cause of the wreck...my guess is that your friend was thrown from the car?
There is nothing physically possible that would cause a car to "just start flipping." It would have required a failed tire, a road problem, turning the wheel quickly, a failure of something somewhere.
The car can be examined by and experienced Honda mechanic and the mechanic can determine if there was any unusual system failures. I would recommend a full "car autopsy" which can be performed by Honda or any indpendent Honda trained service center.
First of all, my condolences.
Secodly, it sounds like her car har air ride suspension that went haywire.