Honda of America called, and we discussed a compromise for “out of warranty” work on replacing the air conditioner. Without stating a dollar amount, I told him in what way I’m willing to be flexible. He’s contacting the dealership, and I might have a decision before the end of the day.
Jo Stafford 1917-2008
With sadness, we note the passing of singer Jo Stafford, whose 90th birthday was noted here last November. D.F. Rogers would like to point out Jo’s obituary in the Boston Globe (sourced from the L.A. Times), and a more comprehensive biography in The Telegraph. I’ll post another Stafford song or two tonight.
Firefox Fixed
A few days ago I suggested waiting to update to Firefox 3 because it was crashing. There’s already been an update to 3.0.1, and the problem is gone, so update away!
2002 Honda CR-V A/C: $4000 est.
Take a look at this estimate from Bernardi Honda of Natick, MA, for a completely new air conditioning system for a 2002 Honda CRV: $4000
“Compressor Damaged Internally” doesn’t sound like normal wear to me. I’m looking for some honesty and flexibility from Honda of America, and I’d better get it. For starters, I’m already out $108 for the estimate.
I also had the dealer check the driver’s seat. It locks into position, but it feels like a rocking chair when stopping and starting. A couple of loose bolts? Nah. Try a whole new base for over $500. I wonder if the seat as is would be safe in a crash?
What happened, Honda?? These sorts of problems didn’t used to happen.
2002 Honda CRV A/C Black Death
Honda of America — 800-999-1009 — had no record of the dealer calling about the diagnosis of the 2002 CRV air conditioner failure, which has been termed “Black Death.” Honda of America now says they want only the customer contacting them. Very strange. Bernardi Honda of Natick, Massachusetts is a Honda dealer, and you’d think they would have a better communication path than me calling the 800 number. Obviously, this is all done to discourage consumers from trying to get satisfaction. Anyway, the case supposedly has been forwarded to a regional manager, who will contact me in the next day or two, to discuss the situation.
I sure hope Honda comes up with a reasonable response, because A/C Black Death is a common complaint with second generation CRV’s. As the good guys say in Star Wars when dealing with the Empire, “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” But I should point out that there are FOUR of these CRV’s on our street alone, and I would hope Honda of America is savvy enough to have a database, and check it, before they leave me high and dry.
2002 Honda CR-V A/C Death
I mentioned recently that the air conditioner died in Carol’s 2002 Honda CR-V. The local Honda dealer says it’s not just dead, it’s really dead. The compressor has been “disintegrating over time” and putting metal shavings into the coolant lines. The entire system has to be replaced. Obviously, this not the result of normal wear and tear. The compressor was junk.
We have a case number open with Honda of America, and we’re waiting to hear from the dealer what they’re willing to do about this. My plan is to give Eric my ’98 Accord next year (after he gets his license, of course!), then I would take the CR-V, and Carol would get a new car. Depending on the resolution of the A/C problem, we may, or may not, continue to be a “Honda Loyal” family. I’ll let you know.