Honda Car Forum

This is my second post. My I reported the same problem here and took my car to the dealer and had the alternator replaced. It, of course, didn't make a difference. I took it back the second time this am and the service manager told me that I must have gotten one of the "old alternators" that were causing the problem but that they have been removed from the market so they would check the car out and maybe have to put in another (second) alternator. Just got a call- - suddenly they are telling me that its not a problem at all but in fact a "feature" that honda has engineered into the car to save gas. Not sure what my next move is but this is absolutely a safety issue. I have contacted our local news dept "on your side" kind of program and will file my complaint. Good luck everyone-I think we are screwed. satine

It definitely is a problem. Honda can call it a characteristic if they want, but I contend you could not have discovered the "feature" during a test drive. The problem is in the ELD system. Honda's first response to me was "all Hondas with ELD's do this". They may all do it at low RPM's like at a stop light, but not a 70 mph on the freeway. My 2007 I4 Accord did not do it, my neighbors 07 V6 coupe does not either. The problem exists in the 08 I4 Accords.

Here is what I suggest - take the car to two other dealers and have them attempt to repair the car (they won't be able to). Then file under your state's Lemon Law for replacement or repurchase. I am headed to arbitration next month in Georgia.

If enough of us file under the Lemon Laws of our respective States, then Honda will eventually deal with the defect in a meaningful way.

I now have verification from the State of Georgia that the headlight dimming/flickering is considered a defect. I filed for arbitration under the Georgia Warranty Rights Act (Lemon Law) and received a ruling in my favor.

Honda will now be required to buy back my car and it will be permanently labeled a Lemon.

Those of you who believe that a bigger battery will cure this problem, please keep this in mind - don't you think Honda would have done this if it was truly a cure? Even if it does work for you, I believe the fix will be temporary until the new battery weakens and you will be back where you started.

Anyone who needs some advice and/or help in taking advantage of the Lemon Law is welcome to contact me through this forum.

katana pilot,

I also have the same problem as everyone else. I have not taken the car to the dealer yet however I can't imagine anything different will come from my visit.

So can you please tell me what you had to do in order to get them under the lemon law?
I am in Utah so my case might be different but any info will help.

thank you

2008 Honda Accord 4-Cyl. with same problem in HSV, AL (only 6K miles)

Has anyone worked with Jerry Damson Honda in HSV, AL to get this problem solved?

I just booked an appointment with them to get this fixed. If not, I plan to go the BB and State Attorney General route. Had to do that with a Saab to get some action out of Bentley Cadillac and Saab to get the AC fixed over the course of 3 yrs.

Was hoping to have better luck with Honda, but I am so far not impressed since they have not solved an easy problem like this. How long have they been making cars. Yes - this is a real problem - (1) distracting to the driver, (2) distracting to other drivers coming toward you, (3) could cause an accident in either cases (1) + (2), and (4) is giving me a head ache while driving.

It is especially noticeable during these winter months with less sun shine. Happens to me while driving, and while stationary. For me the A/C can be on low (lowest levels) and it still occurs. Ugh.


Also - Katana Pilot - can you please post any helpful information you provided during arbitration in order to get this handled in court and be determined to be a Lemon? Thank you for your help.

I expect the dealer will tell you it's "normal" and hand you a copy of the December 2000 Honda Tech News. I would ask to see the Service Manager and let him or her know that it is not normal and you know of at least one case (mine) where the State declared this a defect (non-conformity) and ordered Honda to buy back the vehicle.

The Lemon Law is a bit of a pain, but it is the only way you will get a resolution. Honda Corporate's position is to deny that it is anything other than a normal characteristic. You will have to get all of the information for Alabama's Lemon Law and follow the directions spelled out there.

Good Luck.

Today, my 2008 Accord EX-L Navi I4 was bought back by American Honda as a result of the vehicle being declared a "Lemon" by the State of Georgia. The defect or "non-conformity" was the headlight dimming/flickering problem.

If you have this problem, you have a good chance of being successful in Lemon Law arbitration. The process is time consuming, but it is worthwhile if this "characteristic" bothers you.

Good Luck!

I purchased a Honda Accord 4 cylinder in July 2008 and from the beginning I have experienced the same dimming headlight issue as many others on this forum. I have written to Honda and had lengthy discussions with the dealership. All to no avail. On one visit to the dealer ship I was attended to by a Japanese technician and he as having trouble explaining the nuances of the lousy electronics so he produced a Honda internal publication that was to be used by him to explain to the customers why this dimming headlight phenomenon was normal. Yes I actually have a copy of the internal communication. The dealership is quite upset that I have this document.
They have told me that there is nothing they can do about the dimminig lights. They also told me that I am not the only one having this problem. I am very concerned, as are others, that this dimming may indicate to drivers in front of me or approaching me that I am flashing my lights at them. In Ontario it is illegal to flash your lights at approaching vehicles to warn of Police Speed traps. I am very concerned about this and I have told the dealership that I will not give up until Honda does something about this issue. Like I want it fixed. This is not a normal situation. I have been operating vehicles for almost 50 years and I have never experienced this phenomenon. By the way I have also told the dealership owner (Dealer Principal) that I am telling everyone I know about this problem.

My plan now is to write a letter to the President of Honda with copies to the major newspapers and to the Automobile Protection Association.

Anyone want to get on board? With many voices we may get heard!!

Have a great day!

Doug

Please post a copy of this internal document. It will be very helpful to many who have this problem and might provide the incentive necessary for Honda to fix this "characteristic".

I will gladly post PDF file.

I will scan it and post it.

Cheers!

Doug