Flatlander <flatlander47@cox.net> wrote in
news:7crcd51o1f8n27k5u3mika24g1crc34s66@4ax.com:

> On Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:15:48 +0000 (UTC), Tegger <invalid@invalid.inv>
> wrote:
>
>>Flatlander <flatlander47@cox.net> wrote in
>>news:n9gad5hfk9sgmguk4b8q96243harhmv8fe@4ax.co m:
>>
>>> My daughter's 2001 Civic LX had the Check Engine light come on. The
>>> error code was P0740, which is apparently a torque converter clutch
>>> malfunction. I assume that has something to do with the lockup
>>> function. Honda service in Tampa said it would be a transmission
>>> replacement but recommended she keep driving it until it quit -
>>> which may be soon or forever.
>>
>>
>>
>>According to TSB 01-049, it's the torque converter thats gone bad.
>>Apparently there's paper material on the torque converter piston, and
>>it deteriorates.
>
> I've been reading this apparently happens a lot in this model year.



Well, yes. That's why there's a TSB. Honda does not issue TSB's for one-
off problems. TSB's are reserved for issues that are widespread and
common.




>>
>>You may wish to go back to the dealer and try this: Mention TSB
>>01-049. Ask them if there's any way they can ask Honda to work a deal
>>where, for instance, Honda picks up the parts and you pick up the
>>labor. It might work.
>
> Thanks for the great information and good tips. I'm not sure whether
> the daugher is up to pushing at the dealer. May take it there myself
> when we're down there at Thanksgiving. Doing something like picking
> up the labor would certainly be a reasonable cost repair!



Remember: Be polite and be reasonable. This is /critical/.

You will be trying to use your diplomatic prowess to convince the dealer
to negotiate with Honda on your behalf to repair a vehicle that is very
much out of warranty.

And remember that the dealer is NOT "Honda". Honda and the dealer are
totally separate companies, owned and run by different people, and
possessed of physically and legally separate stores of money.

If the dealer outright refuses to play ball, there may or may not be
issues between that dealer and Honda. Not all dealers have the same
reputation or relationship with Honda. At that point you may ask
(politely) to be put in contact directly with Honda's zone rep for your
region. You then explain the situation (and your willingness to
negotiate) to the zone rep.

What certainly helps in any case is if you've maintained a steady and
good relationship with your dealer. This makes them /much/ more likely
to go to bat for you with Honda.

--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/