Honda Civic Hybid HELP ME

Big Dave · #1 01/06/10, 04:56 AM

I bought one new in 2008. Started to go south from the git go. Long story short six months or so back my DW was coming up the drive. 45 degree incline and she told me the car would not pull itself up the drive. I experienced that simular deal when I drove it about the first couple of months we had it.I got home drove it and it did just fine. I told the dealer when I took it in to have the oil changed and it was just blown off as it was running well on flat ground. About two weeks ago it pulled the same stunt with me at night and 80 miles from home. Engine running but the car would not go forward. It did go in reverse. I was towed home on a roll back wrecker. Dealer told me it may be a sensor. I think it is the transmission. How can I find out the truth?

It is not a normal transmission. Not even the dealer had the fluid in stock for it. It is a front wheel drive.

Please any one have knowledge of these cars or do I need to call the Tappet Bros?O by the way I bought it for the navi system and it quit Both electric widows have been replaced and I have gone thru three sets of tires. Dealer told me they left off a part at the factory but they will not help with my tire loss. I bought it as a tool to drive and save gas. Gas mileage is good. I have put 80,000 miles or so on it also.

tyusclan · #2 01/06/10, 05:30 AM

I have no knowledge or experience with hybrids, thankfully, but it sounds like you may a lemon law case on your hands. Mention that to him, and you'll probably get it taken care of.

Old Swampgirl · #3 01/06/10, 07:42 AM

I have had a Honda Civic Hybrid since 2003. Bought it new & bought the extra warranty plan. Have 74,000 miles & love it. At about 55,000 miles the big battery died--that's the one behind the back seat. Was covered under warranty, replaced with a 100 month warranty, & works fine. I love my car & especially the gas mileage. You need to call the Honda Co. direct & speak to someone then bring it in to the dealer. Maybe a dealer in a large city that has more experience with them. My car is wonderful. Sorry you got a lemon.

Big Dave · #4 01/07/10, 04:50 AM

Glad you are getting good service. Did I mention the navigational system joy stick went out and rendered the navigational system inoperable. I am sorry I got a lemon as well. Honda is a joke. I called the corporate office and got a nice fella that worked with me to get the navigational system fixed. The dealer would fix the (smaller than the end of your little finger joint) for $4,500. He got them down to six, but the car is not a year old at that point. Honda told me the service mgr would call and I am still waiting. I have seen this guy face to face and he will not speak to me. Just ranting here. I just do not know what to do about all this trouble.

cfabe · #5 01/07/10, 10:03 AM

Unfortunately I don't think anyone is going to know much about that transmission except the honda dealer, and even then only certian dealers may be certified to work on the hybrid parts. And I'll bet there weren't many of the Civic hybrids sold in arkansas, they seem to be more popular on the east and west coast areas. I'd call around to other honda dealers to see if anyone has someone specially trained on the hybrids.

plowjockey · #6 01/07/10, 12:41 PM

Trade it in?

Not really kidding. We have a Toyota Highlander Hybrid. It's (knock on wood) has ran perfect so far, but if it's hybrid system is anything like Honda's, the complexity of it is MIND BOGGLING! The space shuttle is probably simpler.

It my view, hybrids will either run perfect or become a complete nightmare and a money black hole if they are not under warranty. The technology is too new and way too complex even for the lifelong experienced mechanic. There are probably hundreds of sensors everywhere, on these systems. The drivetrains are something out of science fiction. If it is not being repaired by a trained hybrid "superstar", it probably will not be done correctly and permantly.

I'm cringing just thinking about a repair job.

Good luck.

mightybooboo · #7 01/07/10, 05:35 PM

Yikes,been my car experiences too that the warranty tends to become a joke soon after car is bought,I think they all are that way when it comes to honoring their warranties unfortunately.

Big Dave · #8 01/08/10, 02:14 AM

Sister Rose I may have to have you for back up. Already started the calls.

Old Vet · #9 01/08/10, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Sister Rose I may have to have you for back up. Already started the calls.

Since your warranty is with Honda and not the dealer you may have to take it to another dealer to get it fixed and wright a letter to the company and let them know that that dealer will not work with you. Go ahead and call them but tell them what the dealer is doing and request that they send your parts to another dealer that is qualifies to work on that model.

foxtrapper · #10 01/08/10, 10:50 AM

Ouch, sounds like a proverbial lemon. That's a shame, as I also have experience with them, and they've been quite good.

You need to contact Honda of North America if you're not getting satisfactory results from your dealer. Their phone number is right in your owners manual.

Might I suggest you not exaggerate like you did here? That will get you blown off by the dealership and Honda of North America. Your drive way is not a 45 degree slope, and your wife did not try to drive up a 45 degree slope. Stick with the truth and the facts, and you will go further with a claim.

fordy · #11 01/08/10, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Dave

I bought one new in 2008. Started to go south from the git go. Long story short six months or so back my DW was coming up the drive. 45 degree incline and she told me the car would not pull itself up the drive. I experienced that simular deal when I drove it about the first couple of months we had it.I got home drove it and it did just fine. I told the dealer when I took it in to have the oil changed and it was just blown off as it was running well on flat ground. About two weeks ago it pulled the same stunt with me at night and 80 miles from home. Engine running but the car would not go forward. It did go in reverse. I was towed home on a roll back wrecker. Dealer told me it may be a sensor. I think it is the transmission. How can I find out the truth?

It is not a normal transmission. Not even the dealer had the fluid in stock for it. It is a front wheel drive.

Please any one have knowledge of these cars or do I need to call the Tappet Bros?O by the way I bought it for the navi system and it quit Both electric widows have been replaced and I have gone thru three sets of tires. Dealer told me they left off a part at the factory but they will not help with my tire loss. I bought it as a tool to drive and save gas. Gas mileage is good. I have put 80,000 miles or so on it also.

.............Just guessing , but , When going very slow , as in going UP your driveway , I'd bet the computer controlling the power sharing between engine and electric motor might switch over too the electric motor and Shut the engine ....OFF ! Now , If this be true , and it won't move as it should , either the batteries aren't properly charged and thus can't supply Adequate current too power the electric motor ...OR...the Electronic switching circuitary is NOT working correctly ! fordy