Honda Civic: Problems & Solutions

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  • timktimk Member Posts: 1
    I'm new to Honda ownership. I just bought a sweet 95 Civic EX. I love the car and the economy. It only has two problems. The wipers only work on high speed. When I turn them off they don't go back to the full resting spot.
    The temp gage doesn't go up as high as i think it should.It barely rises off the cold mark.
    Can you give me a hint what is involved here.
    Thanks for your help.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    Wipers: you have to see if the switch is functioning properly or if the motor is working at low speed. Most likely it is the motor since you mentioned that wipers don't return to resting place which is done at low speed.

    The temp gauge may not be working right, but most likely you have either a stuck open thermostat or don't have one at all. Honda engines are not very hot engines to begin with> None of the Honda's I had ever had the temp gauge climb over the quater way up from bottom, even in the 100°F with A/C on, climbing a steep hill. Honda engines have alluminum block and head, and have a very efficient cooling system.
  • swordfish555swordfish555 Member Posts: 28
    When changing the oil, I noticed that the drain plug did not have a washer. Now I don't remember if I just forgot to put it back on when I last changed the oil or it never had one. Does anyone know if this engine is supposed to have the drain plug washer?
  • bd21bd21 Member Posts: 437
    Yes it does and they recommend you change it when you change the oil. It is silver colored and it usually sticks to the plug, so you may have not noticed it. If it's missing you would most likely have a leak.
  • ncampbell2002ncampbell2002 Member Posts: 163
    Also buy the washers from the Honda Dealer. They are made out of metal and not cheap plastic like you will find at a lot of auto parts stores.
  • sdiorisdiori Member Posts: 20
    Hi All-

    I have a '95 Civic EX (1.6L VTEC) and last night while reaching some 'extra-legal' speeds, I noticed my car topped out at 95 mph. I have aftermarket low profile tires with 17 inch wheels--and I'm aware that going in excess of +3" can really affect the performance of a vehicle--but is this the result of a speed-limiter or the cosmetic enhancements that I have made?

    95 mph is pretty ridiculous in my opinion, and I am genuinely concerned. Any input that you guys can give is greatly appreciated.

    THX

    sdiori
  • snarkssnarks Member Posts: 207
    I believe the top speed of a new 95 EX is around 120 mph. The DX was governed to 110 mph due to tires. Why do you care about the top speed anyway, the Civic is an economy car not matter which way you dice it and our roads in the US don't support these speeds legally.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I agree with you...driving 95 MPH is pretty ridiculous!
  • ultra_one_2000ultra_one_2000 Member Posts: 5
    I have a 92 Lx that had a similar wiper problem. I replaced the wiper switch and problem has not returned. If you are handy you can do it yourself and save a dollars. It took me about 30 minute to do. I bought a used switch for $15. You just need to disable the air bag and remove the plastic covers around the steering collum. The switch is held in place by two screws and an electrical connector. Just make sure to position the steering wheel so the screw driver can get at the screws.
  • mcap56mcap56 Member Posts: 48
    I noticed that also but it has improved substantially (I am approaching 5k miles). The entire gearbox was very, very stiff when I first got the car. Much better now and far less grinding sensation. I suspect that it will continue to improve.

    I do think however, that is deliberately difficult to get it into first or reverse. This is to keep you from going into 1st when downshift to 3rd.

    The other thing is that the wheel well is a bit close to the clutch and may occaisionally keep you from pressing the clutch down all the way unless you leg is moved inward a bit.

    Enjoy the car!!!!!!
    -Marc
  • cam03cam03 Member Posts: 8
    As I left for work today I noticed the rubber seal around my windshield popping up.At the present time I haven't noticed any leaks in the car. Is it extremely important that I bring my 2003 ex civic to the dealer immediately? I need my car for work and I am thinking of bringing to the dealer next month. Is this too late? Also ,is this a big job to correct and is it part of the warranty? (car is less than 9 months old with 3000 miles)Any advise would be greatly appreciated
  • bd21bd21 Member Posts: 437
    Yes it's covered under warranty for 3 years/36,000 miles and no you don't need to rush back to the dealer, unless it actually starts leaking. Look at your windshield when it is hot in the midday. If it looks like the seal in puckering up, then recheck it again in the next morning when the car has not been heated by the sun. If it looks normal, there is nothing wrong. Honda has a double seal and sometimes the heat puckers it up about a quarter inch for several inches. Mine has been doing this for years and it's fine. I even had a glass shop verify it's not an issue, so have it checked, but don't worry about it that much.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    These are not just washers, they are called CRUSH washers, and are single use item. Once torqued they, like the name suggests, crush to form a tight seal. If you are getting your oil filters from Honda, they usually throw washers in as well. What has most likely happen, is that your washer was stuck to the drain bolt and did not separate easily. If there are no leaks, wait until the next change and replaced the washer.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    one word, MONTANA. there is no legal speed limit in Montana.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    It is a warrnaty issue, but i doubt that the rubber is the main sealing component. Windshields are usually glued in. The glue is what seals the water out.
  • theracoontheracoon Member Posts: 666
    one word, MONTANA. there is no legal speed limit in Montana.

    I happen to know you don't live in Montana, so you probably don't know that changed 5 years ago.

    http://www.mdt.state.mt.us/speed_limit/

    And I belive there was always a "safe speed" law that allowed officials to determine what the maximum safe speed was, based on weather and road conditions.

    :)
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    Crap!!!! That sucks!!!!
  • speedoswimmerspeedoswimmer Member Posts: 1
    Hello There !
    I recently took my 2001 Civic coupe to the local Honda dealership for a free 40 point inspection...

    My Civic has roughly 46,000 miles on it and I was told my the Honda repairman that my struts are leaking and need to be replaced... Total esitmated repair bill is to be around $750.00 !!! Yikes !!!
    Does anyone else have similar experiences with this type of problem? Any suggestions and/or comments are welcomed ! Sam
  • bd21bd21 Member Posts: 437
    Take it to Sears or almost any name brand tire center. They can verify the condition of your struts and they can replace them, if they are bad with name brand struts for under $400 easily.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    You can get perfomance struts for less, and replacement is relativeley easy, and can be done by DIYer.
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    Replace the "struts" with original equipment Honda products. Let the Honda dealer perform this service. (Keep the same handling and ride characteristics). Use Honda parts! After replacing the struts, you might want to consider doing a four wheel alignment? QUESTION: --- Does the Honda estimate include the 4-wheel alignment?
  • snarkssnarks Member Posts: 207
    Forget about replacing your struts with OEM, its too expensive typically. The Honda dealer advised my fiancee to use aftermarket, which they used on both her radiator and struts for a Civic. A Honda radiator was approaching $600-$700 for PART, they gave us an alternative of aftermarket for ~$250.
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    What kind of a Honda Dealer would advocate the use of "Aftermarket Parts"?----I would not have my vehicles serviced at that dealer!---- It is one thing for an "independent garage" to advocate the use of "Aftermarket Parts", but it is totally another issue for an "Authorized Honda Dealer" to use Aftermarket Parts! There has to be a big difference in the construction of the Honda Radiator for $600.00, and the aftermarket part for $250.00. What would happen if you had an extended warranty on the vehicle, and the engine failed due to an aftermarket radiator being installed by the Honda Dealer? Would "Honda Care" make good on the warranty? Would the dealer take the responsibilty for the engine failure? I DON'T THINK SO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Give us the name of this dealer.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    Aftermarket Parts on a Honda is never a good idea. You do not have to have a Dealer install the part if you want to try and save some money but OEM on a Honda is very important in keeping the car reliable for the long run.
  • jlim1jlim1 Member Posts: 50
    Any suggestions on other quieter tires that I can put on the 2001 Civic? I am looking for all-season tires for winter driving and am considering Michelin Energy or Symmetry.
    I feel that there is a lot of tire noise, and Civic does not have the best or quietest ride among the compact cars.
    Please advise. Thanks.
  • bd21bd21 Member Posts: 437
    Many aftermarket parts are better and cheaper than OEM. And of course there are some exceptions. I have personally replaced struts, radiators, starters, rotors, and brake pads with non-OEM. Yes I even found a brake pad better than Hondas and they are garantteed to never squeal and if they ever wear out you get them replaced for free. In my experience with OEM aftermarket replacements, I have found that many were better made and came with longer warranties. You have to know what you are looking at when comparing parts and I do. The bottom line is, don't automatically assume that OEM is best. Many times a better designed and less expensive alternative is out there. If you spent money on an extended Honda warranty then of course, you will have to install an OEM part. Also, I have had both US and Japanese dealership service managers recommend non-OEM options for some of their customers without warranty left on their cars. A good service manager will give their customers options, especially when some dealer parts are 2 to 4 times the cost of a similar parts available on the market.
  • snarkssnarks Member Posts: 207
    Are you going to report this dealer to the Honda Dealer police? The car was out of warranty at the time of repair. If the car was under warranty obviously they would cover the repair free with a Honda OEM part. And your hypothetical situation of an engine failure and no warranty makes no sense therefore.

    They stated they would warranty their labor and aftermarket part for the typical 1 yr/12,000 mile Honda warranty on repairs. The car had 120k on it when this repair occured. The old OEM raditator did not fail but was not flowing well according to them, the temp guage would stay at 7/8 at speeds at or over 75 mph in summer. I did change fluid at required intervals also with even OEM Honda stuff (dealer installed) and it failed.

    Anyway the car has 210k on it now and no problems no engine failures, no premium and no additives. Just oil changes every 4k miles and regular maintenace intially by dealer till 120k and now an independent. The car runs decently, not like new obviously, I plan on purchasing a new car likely Honda/Acura within the year. 10 years and over 200k miles is enough.
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    Give us the name of the Honda dealer that is pushing "aftermarket parts" on Honda customers as part of their service operation. I think consumers have the right to know about this practice!
  • bd21bd21 Member Posts: 437
    Gregory1 get over yourself! How about you repost your dealer's name again for everyone. I think everyone should know they push non-Honda recommended service intervals and that their Service Manager doesn't know which Honda's have timing belts chains or belts in them. And could you list your name and address too. I think people have a right to know that you waste money on premium gas and upper cylinder lubricate in every tank, which Honda does not recommend. After all, people have a right to know, right?
  • snarkssnarks Member Posts: 207
    They never pushed the parts on me. They gave me the option of Honda OEM radiator which was nearly $800 installed or an after market part around $450 installed. A good dealer will give options when the consumer pays for an out of warranty car that has over 100k miles. Do you realize that certain aftermarket suppliers make the parts that go into your Honda?
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    Alot of time you will find that aftermarket is the same exact manufacturer that makes the OEM part. If you want OEM at aftermarket price shop internet parts stores. Luckily for me the internet parts store is also my dealership. Dealer's parts counter has a 100% mark up on the parts. A $600 radiator can probably be bought for $300 at an internet parts dealer. It is the same radiator, but at lower mark up. A fresh example would be my CR-V SE. It came with a hard shell painted spare tire cover that had MSRP of close to $600. Someone stole it when I visited NYC. It cost me $275 at my dealership's internet parts department, if I wanted to have it shipped it would have cost me another $3 (three).

    Replacing a radiator on a Honda is not simple but doable for average DIY. On most Honda's you do have to remove the front cross member.
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    You brought up the subject of "aftermarket parts", so you answer the question. Give us the name of this dealer!----- I worked for a GM dealer, and we would NEVER install an aftermarket part in any vehicle that was in our service department. If we did not have a part in stock, we would either order it, or try to get it from another dealer or GM supplier. If a customer brought in an aftermarket part for their vehicle, we would NOT install it on the vehicle. If a customer wanted us to get an aftermarket part and perform the installation, we would refuse the repair job.----- People go to a dealer for service, because they want "original equipment parts" installed on their vehicle,-----(Remember the old slogan: ---"Keep your car all GM"). If you want aftermarket parts installed on your Honda, go to a service station. For a dealer to "push" aftermarket parts on a customer, this action is a VERY unprofessional business practice. Just having aftermarket parts on site demonstrates a "lack of professionalism"! QUESTION: ----How many aftermarket parts are they installing in Honda Vehicles without telling the owners, and in the process charging regular Honda prices? You see, it is a question of professional ethics! -----Don't drink the "cool-aide"!------ The dealer is NOT doing you a favor. He / She is justifying the existence of the aftermarket part inventory--(on site)-- by offering you a choice at the service desk. In reality, the dealer should not be stocking and / or selling any parts other than Honda original equipment parts! While there are SOME AFTERMARKET PARTS that are of a VERY high QUALITY, (because they come out of the "racing / performance community"), their are others that can damage other components, and also have a "safety issues"! This is especially true with electronic parts.
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    Yes, I use premium fuel and I also use a gasoline additive to control carbon. I also change the engine oil and filter every 3,000 miles. I take this action because I believe in "High Quality State - of - the art Preventive Maintenance". I also have all my service performed at my Honda Dealer. I like to keep my service records all in one place, should a "warranty issue" arise. My 2003 4 cylinder Accord now has 23,000 miles on the clock, and I do not have any problems with this vehicle. The engine oil in the crankcase is so clean that it is hard to read the oil level on the dip-stick. One more thing, I also "warm - up" the engine and the interior of the vehicle on a cold morning, (It gives me a chance to drink that second cup of flavored coffee). When the weather gets warm, I also "cool the interior of the vehicle down" with the AC System, before I drive away in the morning. I also have this vehicle covered by a 7 year / 100,000 mile zero deductable Honda Extended warranty. When the vehicle reaches 6.5 years and / or 90,000 miles we will trade in this vehicle for another Accord. At the rate we travel, we will probably reach 90,000 miles in five years or sooner. This is our 3rd Accord, and we have never had an issue with anyone of these vehicles. All three vehicles received the same type of maintenance, (frequent oil and filter changes, premium fuel and a fuel additive). Yes, I love the "creature comforts", and I love to spent money on the things that I want to protect. Now, as an intelligent / free thinking person you can make your own decisions about vehicle ownership and maintenance. You can change your oil at 5,000 or 10,000 miles. You can also use 87 octane fuel. You do not have to use a fuel additive. That is what is "GREAT" about living in the U.S., we all have options. We can share information in a open forum such as this, and in the process each one of us can come to our own conclusions on a given subject. What is "great" about extended oil and filter changes is that there will be more oil and filters for people like me who change their oil at 3,000 miles. I agree, extended oil and filter changes are the way to go!
  • snarkssnarks Member Posts: 207
    The dealer told me they had to acquire the part from elsewhere. They gave me the option and stated it was not an OEM Honda part. Given my radiator has not failed and I have nearly 90k again on it I think I made the right choice in parts. They did state if the vehicle was newer and less mileage they would have used a Honda part and probably pushed for Honda to pay part of repair since the radiator was serviced properly by them.

    This was approx 4 yrs ago. I cannot vouch how they service vehicles currently as all I have used them for every year is a state inspection that is free on my birthday an oil change.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Once again, you have gone over the top.

    Of course, it's desirable to use OEM parts. I think here, we had a dealer offer the customer an option on a very high mileage car of little value.

    They could spend 600.00 (or whatever)on a factory OEM radiator or maybe save a few hundred on a aftermarket one that would do the job too.

    I know we recently had a single mom with limited funds bring her 1988 Civic in because it was making a terrible noise. The CV joints were shot.

    The Civic had over 200,000 miles on it and she was broke.

    To help the poor lady, we installed a set of remanufactured half shafts instead of the much more expensive OEM joints.

    Something wrong with that?
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    Ok well as always it comes down to personal choices and experiances but as for me I have been a Honda tech for 20 years and have seen too many Hondas turn to crap with even the best of aftermarket components installed so I will continue to install OEM Honda parts..
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    Your are correct! A Honda dealer should only sell and install Honda parts. The total operation of the vehicle depends on the "quality" of the component parts. This is especially true with "computer command control parts and sensors". An electric aftermarket fuel pump that does not pump fuel at the correct pressure and volume can cause major operational problems.
  • bamacarbamacar Member Posts: 749
    What you did as a dealership was exactly right. To quote somebody on this board (guess who?) "Now, as an intelligent / free thinking person you can make your own decisions about vehicle ownership and maintenance." GregoryC1 that makes sense to me. You have a choice. The dealer presents the two choices both OEM and aftermarket, and we as the consumer have a choice. Don't limit the consumer's right to choose. Just say "OEM" everytime if you want to; others may want to say "aftermarket".
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    Yes!
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    You are wrong! Once a new car dealership stocks and sells aftermarket / remanufactured / rebuilt parts,(if they are dishonest), they can install "aftermarket and / or remanufactured / rebuilt parts as "new parts". Since many component parts cannot be seen after the installation process, the customer can be easily taken for a lot of money with very low quality in terms of part longevity in return. I would like to know if the Honda Corporation allows it's dealers to stock parts other than Original Equipment / Remanufactured Honda parts? I would be VERY surprised if Honda would allow such a practice as part of their dealership agreement! If Honda allows this practice, what is to stop the dealer from installing a rebuilt transmission or engine from a major rebuilding chain, as opposed to a Honda remanufactured trans or engine? YES, ----I think the customer needs to have options, but all the information must be available to the customer, and the customer needs to be protected in the process.
  • bamacarbamacar Member Posts: 749
    Give options; perform illegal acts; go to jail. It is that simple. Do not take options away because someone MAY do something illegal. A bad dealer could be installing non-Honda parts and telling you they only install OEM right now. What is the difference? Disclose info, install part disclosed, or go to jail if you violate the law. Simple. All this applies to vehicles out of warranty, of course.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I have learned it makes little sense to argue with you. But...

    No, Honda dealers should stock and install OEM parts. I for one am convinced they fit and work better than aftermarket parts. I doubt if any Honda dealer STOCKS parts other than Honda OEM.

    There are times, however, when exceptions should be made. Just common sense.

    Of course, the customer needs to be made aware of their choices and it must be explained to that customer that the aftermarket radiator probably won't fit quite as well and last as long as a OEM radiator.

    If you had a 15 year old Accord with 225,000 miles on it and you were struggling to make ends meet, what would YOU install given the choice?

    Not everyone can afford to replace their cars after a few years like you do!
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    ...yet another round of tension here and as usual it is leading to off topic discussion. Should a dealer offer OEM parts only sounds like a good topic for News & Views. I can create it and move these posts there.
  • snarkssnarks Member Posts: 207
    Kill this topic, people are irrational and making up some facts/ideas. A nice Honda dealer gave me an option of using an non-OEM radiator due to high mileage on my car and cost differential. They ordered it/installed and its served me well for the last 100k miles. End of story.
  • snarkssnarks Member Posts: 207
    Try going to http://www.tirerack.com for good information. They survey owners and it includes a section on noise. The only resource I have seen for actual tire information complied.
  • ems8ems8 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Honda Civic EX coupe that has been back to the dealer 5, soon to be 6 times over the past 2 years for a fluid leak on the driver's side front. The oil pan and gasket have been replaced twice in the last year. I am running out of patience with this vehicle and the Honda dealer. What else can I do? Does anyone have a suggestion?
  • ncampbell2002ncampbell2002 Member Posts: 163
    Try a different dealer or even an independent mechanic. Not all Honda dealers are reputable in their service department.
  • theracoontheracoon Member Posts: 666
    Have you contacted Honda directly about the problem? There should be contact information in your Owner's Manual. And have you checked what the "lemon laws" are in your state? Many laws give the manufacturer (and/or their representatives, the dealer) a certain number of attempts to fix a problem before they require the vehicle to be replaced.

    Good luck.
  • tomtom Member Posts: 8
    Hi Folks,

    I just bought a new Civic LX and happy to join the 'club'. I have some questions on my new car. When you check the gas and brake pads area inside the car, do you see there is a piece of hand size, round shape cloth using staple on that area? Do you know why use staple to build a car? Also, do you find the car a little noise during idle (start, but not move)? Thanks for your input and comments.
  • ncampbell2002ncampbell2002 Member Posts: 163
    They probably use the staple to tack down the carpet. Don't worry, your whole car isn't put together that way! You may find the car a little more noisy than others. It is an economy car and isn't going to have all the sound deadening materials as say an Accord or an Acura. Be more specific with the noise you are hearing though and maybe we can help you a little more to determine if its normal or not.
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