03 HCH and the bad ERC
Created May 21, 2007, at 1:35 pm by aceart
First off I really do like my HCH, I do, but I'm becoming increasingly frustrated by some of the problems I've had as I go beyond 70K miles.
In the past I've had to replace the catylitic converter as well as the IMA motor. Now with that darned little orange "Req'd Maint" light on I find out that it has a bad ECR. Darned thing is a tad pricey (I know, what isn't). What could have made it go bad? I need to look at some records but I'd swear that this is ECR #2 as well!?
Unfortunately I'm also having the 90K stuff done a little early today and with that cost and the ECR my checkbook is letting out another considerable groan.
Guy
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4 years ago
What did they say was wrong with the IMA motor? Without careful "planned obsolescence" design or bad design, their really is no excuse for an electric motor going out. The only moving parts should be the 2 bearings and the temperatures should be low enough to allow for a very long operating life.
4 years ago
I got the "I know it's not supposed to 'go bad' but what you have is a bad motor" That's all just that it went "bad" It also was not a part covered under the warrenty if I remember right but Honda cut the final cost in half. I was a little confused by the whole exercise, one minute I was swearing hey were just trying to squeeze me for as much money as possible the next minute the dealer is going to bat and the cost gets cut.
4 years ago
Do you mind telling us what the price for the motor was? There's something a bit fishy here.
4 years ago
2 grand comes to mind but I'll need to pull the paperwork.
btw the new ERC and the 90k mile package came to just over 750
4 years ago
Hi Guy;
Sorry for your bad experiences.
Sadly, the issues with the catalytic converter are a little too common with many 2003 and 2004 HCH. At one point Honda provided a software update that supposedly contained the accelerated damage to the cat converter.
I would suggest you apply pressure with Honda - Not only the dealership, but the regional or national office.
The other problem that the first generation HCH was vulnerable to was the EGR valve. I am not too familiar with the term ECR. Perhaps you meant EGR ?
Anyhow in case I am correct, the EGR valve is often not covered in the hybrid specific warranty which means that owners are typically asked to pay for that. Honda is aware of the incidence of these problems and it may be possible to get them to step up to the plate and cover the cost of the part. Be kind and persistent.
On the other hand some folks have managed to "clean" the EGR valve with great results as well. I have not gotten any feedback as to how long lived that approach is.
Cheers;
MSantos
4 years ago
aceart, did your Req'd Maintenance light come on before you needed maintenance? Mine has been on for the last 4000 miles (but I don't need maintenance for quite a while still). I tried to turn it off following the instructions in the manual but it stays on. I've learned to ignore it since nothing else is on.
Also, I just got a notice in the mail today about the first gen HCH - they will reimburse for the cost of a catalytic converter you bought in the past.
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