"jim beam" <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in message
news:AoCdnRQnk7QVp7PVnZ2dnUVZ_oHinZ2d@speakeasy.ne t...
> Michael Muderick wrote:
>> I have a 2000 Accord. When I start the car the Maint. Required light
>> flashes for a while. I think I recall that means routine maintenance.
>> The car has 51,000 miles. One of the service techs at Honda told me once
>> that timing chains should automatically be changed at 50,000 before they
>> go. Is this hype, or should I do that. Is this connected with the
>> light? It's abouit a $1000 job, so I don't want to do it if it's not
>> highly recommended. thanks,
>> mm
>
> it's belt, not chain.
>
> in one respect, they're correct - the belt has two service criteria -
> mileage or time. time is usually 7 years, mileage is usually 105k miles.
> change at whichever comes sooner.

My issue with the tech in question (or at least the telling of the story) is
that according to the OP, the tech says 50k is the basis of changing it.

> if this were my car however, and i lived in a moderate climate, not too
> hot or too cold, i'd shoot closer to miles than years. honda are pretty
> conservative with their service schedules. and shop around until you get
> a better price quote - $1000 is very high.