Honda "Service A"
Created May 10, 2008, at 1:31 pm by Mendel Leisk
I've just had our 2006 Civic Hybrid in for "Service A". From the owner's manual, it's described as:
"Replace engine oil"
As opposed to "Service B" which includes the line:
"Replace engine oil and oil filter"
I was very clear (I thought) to the service rep. that I *only* wanted "Service A", and was careful to stipulate that they leave the oil filter alone. They give you a long look and put special comments in the work order, regarding leaving the filter. And then on the final bill they couldn't resist saying:
"OIL STILL LOOKS A LITTLE DIRTY BECAUSE FILTER WAS NOT CHANGED"
This is Honda's stipulation for "Service A", and they treat me like an eccentric for asking for it.
Anyway, my concerns:
1. They *still* charge me for 4 liters of the 0W20. From the *Shop* Manual:
Capacity at Oil Change: 3.0 liters
At Oil Change including filter: 3.2 liters
I've checked the oil level post-change, it is not overfilled.
2. I was also charged $10.52 for "MMA. As far as I can tell it amounted to filling the neck of our winshield washer reservoir to the very top. This is after I stipulated I only wanted Service A", per the manual.
I'm a little ticked. In the past I've just kept quiet and let them do their thing, but decided this time to ask them to go by the book.
I do want to keep the paper trail intact, at least for the warranty period, and appreciate there could be service bulletins and software updates that going in regularly will keep me abreast off, but I feel I'm being nickeled-and-dimed. I've emailed the service manager, and will post regarding his response.
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3 years ago
Hi Mendel:
Well done !!! And please do keep us informed of their response and handling of the situation.
I am very supportive of dealership service departments as we definitely need them to ramp up on their abilities and expertise regarding hybrid technology.
But I am also very critical and intolerant of dealerships that operate below management and ethical minimums. Clearly, your dealership tried to take advantage of you and it is our obligation to set them straight.
Well done.
Cheers;
MSantos
3 years ago
Well I've got a credit for one liter of 0w20, that's about it. I guess what I'd really like is for dealerships to have some obligation to offer Honda service guideline, without hassle and quible. Service A, according to Honda is change the engine oil. Period. No filter change. And with the Civic hybrid the spec'd qty. is 3.0 liters without the filter change.
I believe my dealership is the norm. They are basically dinging you an extra liter of 0W20 (4 vs 3: they charge 4 liters for the 3.2 liter with filter change), an extra oil filter, an extra crush washer (and those things are about a buck each), and extra labor, at each Service A.
3 years ago
That's good news Mendel.
However, as I always do, I would suggest you write a little letter to Corporate Honda and CC it the Service manager and dealership's manager as well. I would stick to the facts with grace and request that they review their practices to ensure that what similar scenarios and practices are significantly reduced or eliminated.
It is amazing what dealerships will do to avoid tarnishing their allocations and privileges at the regional level. Once in a while, we just have to remind them what's at stake in order to keep them honest.
Cheers;
MSantos
3 years ago
I was thinking to write Honda Canada. It's not a big deal, the dealership for the *most* part sticks to the schedule. The one exception is following "Service A" to the letter. And as you say, coherent and tactful gets a better response ;)
3 years ago
MSantos, can you recommend an email contact for Honda Canada?
3 years ago
Yes, but I cannot post them here.
Instead, I will PM them to you. ;)
Cheers;
MSantos
3 years ago
Always a good idea to back up the email with a regular mail letter. Seems most corporations still pay more attention to paper mail than they do to email.
3 years ago
That is so true HemiSync.
However, I also provided Mendel a good set of contacts for him to CC his email to as well. And, I know for a fact that his email will be read and handled promptly. ;)
Cheers;
MSantos
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