Quality Update: Insight MT's & DTC's P0420,P1420,P2000

[Insightful Trekker]

Honda Service bulletin 07-036, June, 15, 2007
(also applies to 03-05 Civic Hybrids)

A Honda Service Bulletin is not an admission of "guilt" or an acceptance of fault that defines it as warrantable. It is an informational publication written for service personel to disseminate the information and facilitate quality repairs. Need to see one Build a business relationship with your local trusted Honda mechanic.

DOES NOT APPLY TO ANY CVT (automatic) Insight model.

02-06 Model years

A check engine light with codes P0420, 1420 or 2000 _may_ be caused by overly sensitive programming in the ECM (engine computer) and is correctable for the above models by an ECM "reflash". Your Honda dealer will have to _verify_ eligibility _before_ this repair can be considered for goodwill warranty coverage (coverage beyond the standard warranty)

Honda S.B. 07-038

On 00-01 Model years the ECM is not flashable and will have to be replaced to accomplish the programming update.



So if your failing to pass an emissions test or having any of the above codes you may be able to buy some more time with different programming. But ultimately a CAT (exhaust CATalytic converter) _will_ fail to the point of needed replacement.

Without seperate tailpipe emission testing and the _advanced_ know-how of an expereinced technician it will not be possible to guesstimate how much more CAT life is available or tell if its already past the point of no return. The bulletin does not address these "issues".

HTH!

[WhyHonda]

Thanks for the information!

I will go to the dealer asap and see what they are willing to do on my '01.

In the meantime, I still think the ultimate goal of a converter is to limit emission within the legal limit. As long as a converter can still meet this goal, it's a working converter. No matter what the computer says. Agree?

[Insightful Trekker]

Thats why a software update can be a "fix".

AFAIK & IIRC Honda had to go to many 10's of thousands of dollars expense in getting this emissions "update recertified too

Thank you Honda

HTH!

[WhyHonda]

I'd rather thank people here who keep complaining about this problem...

Originally Posted by Insightful Trekker

Thats why a software update can be a "fix".
Thank you Honda

HTH!

[Insightful Trekker]

Since the Insight is only a _fraction_ of total Honda sales, and since here at IC we don't have any official affiliation with Honda "complaints" will only fall on deaf ears.

Honda has a "corporate culture" known for quality and customer satisfaction. Perfect Nope. Fix all shortcomings Nope.

Stop complaining and show some gratitude.

[WhyHonda]

"don't have any official affiliation" is supposed to give you more freedom to think.

Suppose you are the owner of Honda and there are so many so called ULEV cars you make can't even pass the emission tests. What would you feel? Ashamed? What would this do to your company image? What people would think about those non-ULEV cars you make?

It's a complete PR disaster! I am sure if you were the owner, you probably would want to do even more to protect your image.

I did show my "gratitude" when they replaced my main battery after more than 190K miles for free.

[joecvt]

You have over 190,000 miles on your car........Do you see my point...

You may have some parts that will need replacing eventually no matter who the manufacture is...If this fix that John made known to the forum gets you to pass another inspection, then why not go for it (if it delays you from having to replace parts at your expense)?

JoeCVT - Just your average CVT owner to whom the fix does not apply

[WhyHonda]

I will drive to the dealer after work today and show them John's posting. I will let your guys know the result. Thanks!

[WhyHonda]

I drove to the dealer and asked them to check this fix. After punching in my VIN, they told me I don't have any recall/required fix on my car anymore. They say they can check to see what is the problem with my car and go from there.

I will let them do that some time and will bring this up again when they ask me for $1500.

[Insightful Trekker]

Read the first post in this thread again. Its NOT a recall. When you need the CAT it will _still_ be your nickle.

They are under _no_ obligation to "arm chair" diagnose your car. And you've already got all that's "worth" here.

<shaking head>

Just Failed Annual Inspection: Too many "NOT READY"
http://www.insightcentral.net/forum/vie ... php?t=6610