Honda Car Forum

I drive a 2001 4cyl Honda Accord sedan. I just hit 96,000km, and went to
the dealership to find out what needs to be done. I was told my car needs a
type 4 maintenance (~400$) + trans fluid change (more $$$ on top of it).

I was shocked to find out that type 4 is nothing more than a 3 hour
inspection! All they change is the oil, oil filter, air filter, and if
applicable, air purifier filter. For 400$ they don't even replace the spark
plugs!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!

So what am I to do? I had my brakes serviced ~20K ago, and I just put on a
set of new tires. Do you folks think that if I just get the trans fluid
changed and oil changed, + buy the air filter and replace it myself would be
good enough for a 96K service ??

What would you do if you were in my shoes ?

Thanks.

"Leon Kiriliuk" <leonki@gmail.dot.com> wrote in message
news-2dnU0vaOs5btbfRVn-og@rogers.com...
> I drive a 2001 4cyl Honda Accord sedan. I just hit 96,000km, and went to
> the dealership to find out what needs to be done. I was told my car needs
> a type 4 maintenance (~400$) + trans fluid change (more $$$ on top of it).
>
> I was shocked to find out that type 4 is nothing more than a 3 hour
> inspection! All they change is the oil, oil filter, air filter, and if
> applicable, air purifier filter. For 400$ they don't even replace the
> spark plugs!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!
>
> So what am I to do? I had my brakes serviced ~20K ago, and I just put on a
> set of new tires. Do you folks think that if I just get the trans fluid
> changed and oil changed, + buy the air filter and replace it myself would
> be good enough for a 96K service ??
>
> What would you do if you were in my shoes ?

I'd do exactly what you suggested, in fact I do the exact same thing when it
is time for any of the Honda service (if I've already done the other
pertinent parts). Air filtres are not expensive and the transmission fluid
change is around $50.00 (if my memory serves me correctly).

Brian

"Brian Smith" <Halifax@NovaScotia.Canada> wrote in message
news:nxS2e.143489$fc4.55070@edtnps89...
>
> "Leon Kiriliuk" <leonki@gmail.dot.com> wrote in message
> news-2dnU0vaOs5btbfRVn-og@rogers.com...
>> I drive a 2001 4cyl Honda Accord sedan. I just hit 96,000km, and went to
>> the dealership to find out what needs to be done. I was told my car needs
>> a type 4 maintenance (~400$) + trans fluid change (more $$$ on top of
>> it).
>>
>> I was shocked to find out that type 4 is nothing more than a 3 hour
>> inspection! All they change is the oil, oil filter, air filter, and if
>> applicable, air purifier filter. For 400$ they don't even replace the
>> spark plugs!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!
>>
>> So what am I to do? I had my brakes serviced ~20K ago, and I just put on
>> a set of new tires. Do you folks think that if I just get the trans fluid
>> changed and oil changed, + buy the air filter and replace it myself would
>> be good enough for a 96K service ??
>>
>> What would you do if you were in my shoes ?
>
> I'd do exactly what you suggested, in fact I do the exact same thing when
> it is time for any of the Honda service (if I've already done the other
> pertinent parts). Air filtres are not expensive and the transmission fluid
> change is around $50.00 (if my memory serves me correctly).
>
> Brian
>
Of course, be sure to use genuine Honda fluids (except engine oil) - as the
experts have pointed out many times here. Tranny and power steering fluids
especially should not be substituted; brake and antifreeze are less critical
IIRC. I also use genuine OEM filters.

Mike

I would read the owner's manual and see what the maker of your car
recommends.


"Leon Kiriliuk" <leonki@gmail.dot.com> wrote in message
news-2dnU0vaOs5btbfRVn-og@rogers.com...
> I drive a 2001 4cyl Honda Accord sedan. I just hit 96,000km, and went to
> the dealership to find out what needs to be done. I was told my car needs
> a type 4 maintenance (~400$) + trans fluid change (more $$$ on top of it).
>
> I was shocked to find out that type 4 is nothing more than a 3 hour
> inspection! All they change is the oil, oil filter, air filter, and if
> applicable, air purifier filter. For 400$ they don't even replace the
> spark plugs!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!
>
> So what am I to do? I had my brakes serviced ~20K ago, and I just put on a
> set of new tires. Do you folks think that if I just get the trans fluid
> changed and oil changed, + buy the air filter and replace it myself would
> be good enough for a 96K service ??
>
> What would you do if you were in my shoes ?
>
> Thanks.
>
>

I don't take it to the dealer unless it's Warranty work. Sorry, just too
much markup. I have a trusted mechanic at AAMCO who was a Honda mechanic
for years. Most of the maintenance I do myself, but Timing Belt and Water
Pump I leave up to them.

If you have Pollen Filters, they are a pain, but I can send you the
instructions if you need it.

G-Man


"Leon Kiriliuk" <leonki@gmail.dot.com> wrote in message
news-2dnU0vaOs5btbfRVn-og@rogers.com...
> I drive a 2001 4cyl Honda Accord sedan. I just hit 96,000km, and went to
> the dealership to find out what needs to be done. I was told my car needs
> a type 4 maintenance (~400$) + trans fluid change (more $$$ on top of it).
>
> I was shocked to find out that type 4 is nothing more than a 3 hour
> inspection! All they change is the oil, oil filter, air filter, and if
> applicable, air purifier filter. For 400$ they don't even replace the
> spark plugs!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!
>
> So what am I to do? I had my brakes serviced ~20K ago, and I just put on a
> set of new tires. Do you folks think that if I just get the trans fluid
> changed and oil changed, + buy the air filter and replace it myself would
> be good enough for a 96K service ??
>
> What would you do if you were in my shoes ?
>
> Thanks.
>
>

Leon Kiriliuk wrote:
>
> What would you do if you were in my shoes ?

me? id do the work myself, according to the book. oil, filter, cabin
filter, etc.

you can probably find a good trusted honda/acura mechanic in the book
who will do just what needs to be done.

Just wondering, if you do all the maintenance work yourself, how do you
prove to Honda that the vehicle was maintained if you have a warranty issue?
"G-Man" <g_foreman@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:114o9jk13av8m8d@news.supernews.com...
>I don't take it to the dealer unless it's Warranty work. Sorry, just too
>much markup. I have a trusted mechanic at AAMCO who was a Honda mechanic
>for years. Most of the maintenance I do myself, but Timing Belt and Water
>Pump I leave up to them.
>
> If you have Pollen Filters, they are a pain, but I can send you the
> instructions if you need it.
>
> G-Man
>
>
> "Leon Kiriliuk" <leonki@gmail.dot.com> wrote in message
> news-2dnU0vaOs5btbfRVn-og@rogers.com...
>> I drive a 2001 4cyl Honda Accord sedan. I just hit 96,000km, and went to
>> the dealership to find out what needs to be done. I was told my car needs
>> a type 4 maintenance (~400$) + trans fluid change (more $$$ on top of
>> it).
>>
>> I was shocked to find out that type 4 is nothing more than a 3 hour
>> inspection! All they change is the oil, oil filter, air filter, and if
>> applicable, air purifier filter. For 400$ they don't even replace the
>> spark plugs!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!
>>
>> So what am I to do? I had my brakes serviced ~20K ago, and I just put on
>> a set of new tires. Do you folks think that if I just get the trans fluid
>> changed and oil changed, + buy the air filter and replace it myself would
>> be good enough for a 96K service ??
>>
>> What would you do if you were in my shoes ?
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>>
>
>

If you do it yourself and want to ensure you've done the proper maintenance,
or if you want to know what the dealer gets paid for, check the following
maintenance schedule of recommended service directly from Honda. This
schedule is for "normal service". There is a more intensive schedule for
"severe service". If you want to know what that is just email me or request
it here in the NG.
I'm not advocating you bring it to the dealer, or that they are a bargain,
but most people don't know the extent of what really is recommended and what
your dealer does or should do. Also, most people don't realize the value of
preventive maintenance which can catch problems before they become failures
and leave you stranded on the side of the road. Most independents aren't as
complete either. If you bring it anywhere to get done, make sure this is
what they do.
I hope this helps.
Howard
o Replace engine oil. -Capacity with filter change: 4.3 l (4.5 US qt, 3.8
Imp qt)

o Rotate tires. Follow the pattern shown in the Owner's Manual -Check tire
inflation and condition.

o Replace engine oil filter.

o Inspect front and rear brakes.

a.. Check pads and discs for wear (thickness), damage, and cracks.

b.. Check calipers for damage, leaks, and tightness of mount bolts.

c.. Check brake lining for cracking, glazing, wear, and contamination.

d.. Check wheel cylinders for leaks.

o Check parking brake adjustment. Should be fully applied within 6 to 9
clicks (disc brake) or within 4 to 7 clicks (drum brake).

o Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and rack boots for damage and
leaking grease and fluid.

a.. Check steering linkage for looseness.

b.. Check boots for damage and leaking grease.

o Inspect suspension components.

a.. Check bolts for tightness.

b.. Check condition of ball joint boots for deterioration and damage.

o Inspect driveshaft boots. Check boots for cracks and boot bands for
tightness.

o Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS). -Check the master cylinder,
proportioning control valve, and ABS modulator for damage and leakage.

o Check all fluid levels and condition of fluids; check for leaks. If
necessary, add Honda ATF-Z1 or MTF, engine coolant, brake fluid, and
windshield washer fluid.

o Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.

a.. Check for damage, leaks, and deterioration.

b.. Check for proper fan operation.

o Inspect exhaust system* . Check catalytic converter heat shield, exhaust
pipe, and muffler for damage, leaks, and tightness.

o Inspect fuel lines and connections*. Check for loose connections, cracks
and deterioration; retighten loose connections and replace damaged parts.

o Replace air cleaner element.

o Inspect and adjust drive belts.

a.. Look for cracks and damage, then check belt deflection by pushing on
it (about 22 lbs) midway between the pulleys.

- Alternator belt: 10.5-12.5 mm (0.41-0.49 in.)

- P/S pump belt: 13.0-16.0 mm (0.51-0.63 in.)

- A/C compressor belt: 7.0-9.0 mm (0.28-0.35 in)

o Replace the dust and pollen filter.

a.. Replace it twice as often (at 15,000 mile interval) if the vehicle is
driven mostly in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the
air from industry and diesel-powered vehicles.

b.. Replace it whenever airflow from the climate control system is less
than normal.

"Leon Kiriliuk" <leonki@gmail.dot.com> wrote in message
news-2dnU0vaOs5btbfRVn-og@rogers.com...
> I drive a 2001 4cyl Honda Accord sedan. I just hit 96,000km, and went to
> the dealership to find out what needs to be done. I was told my car needs
a
> type 4 maintenance (~400$) + trans fluid change (more $$$ on top of it).
>
> I was shocked to find out that type 4 is nothing more than a 3 hour
> inspection! All they change is the oil, oil filter, air filter, and if
> applicable, air purifier filter. For 400$ they don't even replace the
spark
> plugs!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!
>
> So what am I to do? I had my brakes serviced ~20K ago, and I just put on a
> set of new tires. Do you folks think that if I just get the trans fluid
> changed and oil changed, + buy the air filter and replace it myself would
be
> good enough for a 96K service ??
>
> What would you do if you were in my shoes ?
>
> Thanks.
>
>

"Pepper" <jdoe@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:g62dnQO61cPdGNHfRVn-tA@rogers.com...
> Just wondering, if you do all the maintenance work yourself, how do you
> prove to Honda that the vehicle was maintained if you have a warranty
> issue?

That's an important question. A friend of mine had a Toyota pickup that he
took to the dealer just before the warranty was up because the engine smoked
at start-up. The dealer's mechanic said the engine was varnished because of
inadequate attention to oil changes. Marty showed them the receipts for the
oil but they said it didn't prove the oil went into the truck, or if so,
when.

Logging the service in the vehicle record probably will get you farther, but
the same thing can happen. For my part, I do the maintenance and don't buy
extended warranties. Others may feel differently.

Mike

In article <yfKdnf8S6Jr7N9HfRVn-sg@sedona.net> "Michael Pardee"
<michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> writes:

>"Pepper" <jdoe@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:g62dnQO61cPdGNHfRVn-tA@rogers.com...
>> Just wondering, if you do all the maintenance work yourself, how do you
>> prove to Honda that the vehicle was maintained if you have a warranty
>> issue?

>That's an important question. A friend of mine had a Toyota pickup that he
>took to the dealer just before the warranty was up because the engine smoked
>at start-up. The dealer's mechanic said the engine was varnished because of
>inadequate attention to oil changes. Marty showed them the receipts for the
>oil but they said it didn't prove the oil went into the truck, or if so,
>when.

>Logging the service in the vehicle record probably will get you farther, but
>the same thing can happen. For my part, I do the maintenance and don't buy
>extended warranties. Others may feel differently.

By and large all extended warranties are a poor investment. First of all
they are not a "warranty" rather they are merely a mechanical breakdown
insurance policy. Most have a per-occurrence deductible and all of them
have "weasel clauses" to disqualify your claim and get out of paying. At a
car dealership the "extended warranty" contract is the single most
profitable item (percentage wise) in their inventory. Typically 100%
markup from cost. Statistically you are unlikely to ever have enough
qualifying claims to just break even with the policy's high up-front cost.
Also contrary to dealer claims, having a valid/transferable extended
warranty does -NOT- increase the wholesale trade-in value of your car.