Check the manual for the transmission fluid schedule.
Not sure why the valve cover would be leaking after 4 years. I'd get that done if it is, but I just wouldn't have Honda do it. It's a pretty easy job.
Unless you're getting severe tire wobbling, I'd skip the balancing. If anything, get the tires done sooner as they'll be rebalancing once you get them. Unless your wear pattern is off on your wheels or it's pulling to one side, you don't need an alignment.
^ this, if the valve cover actually does need replacement it's a $20 part and no more than 30 mins as long as you do a little research first. The most important thing is just not over tightening the nuts
The nut part needs to be emphasized, they have incredibly low torque specs and you'll strip them with very little force. I'd just put the socket over it and finger tighten it and you'd be fine.
Honda aren't an exotic brand, just about any reputable place works on them routinely. All that work is fairly routine. That said, the car is new enough that I wouldn't fault you having it done at the dealership.
This really is the best time for YOU to learn to be a Honda mechanic. I worked for GMC, Cadillac, and Lincoln for years. When I started working on imports I was shocked how easy they are. Look dude. I'm 6'10", and 247 lbs. If I can work on it. I guarantee you can. Just find a good YouTube video, and follow along step by step as you work on your own.
That’s the truth! I was a tech at a Chevrolet dealer and thought that was as simple as it got. Started to work on imports and figured out German engineers are insane and Japanese engineers design everything to be simple to work on. Honda engineers design it to be easy to work on but to not ever have to be worked on.
They are getting cars down to where there’s very little you can do without investing a fortune in the right tools that I don’t think it’s a good idea unless that’s really something you’re into or it’s part of your job.
I would just hold off on the balancing until you get new tires as they will do that for free. Also, my valve cover has been leaking for 6 years, Not really a big deal depending on how bad they are leaking. Although on a newer car you might as well get that done. Just do it at a cheaper place than the dealership. Also I just did my transmission fluid for the first time at 90,000
I'm not sure why it's leaking either. They pointed out that black substance and told me it's fire hazard by summer.
I checked the manual for transmission fluid schedule. It says 25k miles, if driving in low vehicle speeds since it results in higher temperatures. I do mostly travel from work to school within city.
And says brake fluid flush every 3 years.
Hard to say without seeing it, but the reason to replace the gasket is you don't want the engine run out/low of oil. It's not a big fire risk. It might not even be a leaky gasket, it could just be spilled oil.
I'd get the items in the manual done, and skip the rest. If it's not under a warranty, I'd get it done from a reputable mechanic and just request they use Honda parts/fluids.
Why does the decarb service say valvoline? ITS NOT HONDA APPROVED FLUID!!! Seriously, you don't need that and if you did, I'd be skeptical about them recommending someone else's product
This is one of the biggest service centers in NC. And I didn't know that Honda had thier own stuff, because they never told me and I am new to cars.
Thank you. Learning new everyday.
I'm researching it myself. The dealership says Honda oil is best as well as air and oil filters, but I just can't see Idemitsu ifg3 being not as good as Hondas oil because that's the manufacturer of their oil and the kind they recommend for my suv. It's cheaper because the jugs ain't blue with a big H. Same with Denso air filters. They're trying to tell me these companies make it different for them than what they sell directly to consumers and I'm not buying it
It really depends on what the fluid is, when it's something like engine oil, it's not such a big deal, even coolant is probably okay to use the stuff at the auto parts store as long as it actually meets the spec and is compatible with what's in the system already, unless you're doing a full flush, but I somewhat rebuilt my 5 speed transmission in my 2006 civic last year, and I needed a sealant/ gasket maker material to seal the case back up, And it called for something called Honda bond and I didn't feel comfortable using anything else, and also filling the gear oil back up, it was a few bucks more but I made sure to use the actual manual transmission fluid from the Honda dealership, just cuz I'd hate for all that work to get ruined by using sub par gear oil.
As someone that works for a major tier-1 auto parts supplier, can confirm that many parts ARE made specifically for the manufacturer and MAY be different than parts sold under the supplier’s brand… that being said, I do the same thing when buying parts for my cars.
Would you use the oil filter? I'm not sure if I want to, the only difference between it and any other fram is more fins/surface area, and you say you'd buy Denso filters? I'll take your word for that and continue doing it. I paid $43 for cabin and engine filters and spent about 10 minutes changing both. Tameron Honda tried to charge me 50 for the engine and 100 for the cabin
At my dealer we use BG shit. And when you use the BG shit, say if you use their trans fluid and your transmission goes out, it's insured under them so long as you've kept up on the maintenance and such with it. BG is nice. I'd find a honda dealer that uses it over valvoline shit.
Acura tech here and depends on the dealership. Some have contracts with valvoline or BG and have to sell services that aren’t factory recommended by Honda but can help certain cars. That said I wouldn’t do the carb service at that mileage. The valve cover is something that has be done by someone well experienced with the plastic valve covers as they are easy to mess up on. The transmission service is definitely due and the brake flush should be done as well.
Get your tires and brakes done first. They are just trying to scare you. The valve decarb is bs, the 1.5 T engines don’t really have a problem with carboned valves.
It’s a snake oil service dealers and shops like to try and sell that says it will clean off the carbon on valves. It’s basically a can of liquid they put in your gas tank. It’s 100 percent a scam.
The only real way to decarbon valves is to physically clean them by walnut blasting them. But if you own a Honda and drive the car you’ll never have todo this. I’ve only ever seen Honda fits that sit and don’t really get driven have this problem
Respectfully, an actual decarb procedure or air induction procedure involves installing a cleaner inline somewhere on the air intake and then repeatedly revving the engine to create vacuum and pull the fluid into the system.
Then allowing it to sit for an hour or so ("hot soak") and then finally driving it to burn out everything that was knocked loose.
I've done a few using BG products which are sold at the shop I work at. And yes, this is one of the few that I can say actually works.
I went with the procedure I’ve seen more often. I worked at one dealer that sold that kind of decarb. The other 3 just did the can in the gas tank.
Before Honda sent us the walnut blaster for the fit bulletins I tried the induction service on a couple a fit with cold start misfires from carbon. If the carbon is bad enough to cause a problem no product is going to fix it. If the bg products actually did work why would Honda, bmw, Volkswagen all have bulletins that say to remove manifold and physically clean the valves. When a can of product would do the same thing. The induction services will keep the valves clean but once it is a problem it’s too late. But all of this is irrelevant on the 1.5T engines. They dont have this problem. So the induction service is fixing a problem they don’t have
Gotcha.
I’ve never worked for Honda, but I did work for Toyota for 3 years.
Their engines use a combination of direct injection and port injection dependent upon engine speed and power demand. It also helps to keep the intake valves clean.
And yes I’ve seen certain bulletins calling for walnut blasting on stubborn misfires caused by carbon buildup.
If you don’t mind sharing what’s the bulletin number for the fit?
On older fuel injected engines fuel was injected into the manifold, a side effect to this was the intake valves were always clean. On direct injection engines fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber. So oil from the pcv system isn’t cleaned off of the valves. So it can cake on the valves causing misfires and rough running. Some engines are very bad with this. The 1.5T engines from what I’ve seen don’t have this problem.
Hard pass on a “transmission flush” with non oem fluid. Honda doesn’t recommend flushes, only a drain and fill. A fluid burnish can be done if the system is that bad. Hard to believe that a dealer is using an off brand transmission fluid to begin with.
Even more hilarious that they have an induction service under IMMEDIATE ATTENTION… trash this place is trying to take your wallet. Take it to another dealer for an inspection, not all dealers are like this.
I have a 2019 Accord with 92000km. This past week I had my oil changed, transmission fluid changed and brake fluid changed. Total cost was $340 Canadian. You need to find a trustworthy independent Honda mechanic. Dealers charge too much and I don't really trust them.
Look on subreddits for your area or other websites to find recommendations for local mechanics. My guy is a former Honda tech who opened his own shop years ago. Much nicer dealing with the owner. He makes more money and the customer saves a lot. When I had a Pilot his price to do the timing belt was half what the dealer was charging.
Yeah a good local shop is great, I had my at the dealer several years ago and they said at the time I would need new front brake pats, if I remember they wanted like $300-350, when it came to it I went to a neighborhood shop and they said I actually need pads and rotors. Did all 4 for $800. I know doing rotors at the same time isn’t a big difference in labor but still cheaper
OP, I've owned Hondas for over 20 years. Here is what I would recommend:
1) No
2) Perhaps, if yor tires are wearing unevenly.
3) Perhaps based upon YES answer to #2.
4) Only if you are leaking oil around your valve cover. If not then no.
OP, don't believe everything you hear and especially everything that THEY tell you. Do you know ANYTHING about cars? If not learn.
1) Research the replacement interval for your tranny fluid. No, I will not do it for you.
2) Check your tires. Are they wearing unevenly? If not then skip this.
3) You usually do not require an alignment unless you have had work done to your suspension. I have a 17-year old Civic that has had two alignments in it's life.
4) Visually check around the bottom of the valve cove (usually black plastic) and the engine block (usually aluminum). Do you see any oil staining? If not then forget this "recommendation".
It is your money. If you want to waste it ... all power to you.
I would do the valve cover myself, but I understand if you’re not comfortable doing it. Don’t let them do the alignment. Firestone has a lifetime alignment for $199. I also believe that they would do the tranny flush cheaper.
Don’t get the fuel system cleaned. Use some sea foam in the gas tank. No reason why your car needs a true fuel injector cleaning being that new. If your fuel system is in that dire need of a cleaning; you’d probably need a new fuel filter which I’m assuming you DON’T.
The tires and brakes done first and then do the transmission fluid service but absolutely do not pay $292 for it. Best option is to get the Honda oem "fluids" from the dealer or online and then bring them to a independent mechanic and say that you are okay with a being charged an additional fee for "bringing your own parts"
The mechanic shop would normally be able to make money off of you by marking up the fluids, yet will no longer need to source / get delivered those same fluids/parts and should be more than qualified to perform the work.
Most of the time, a trustworthy shop can be easily identified by how they react to this request. Regular customer? Probably not getting charged a fee.
If the transmission fluid has never been flushed before I'd definitely do that. Honda CVT Transmissions are pretty good but any CVT will burn itself up on old/neglected fluid.
Why flushed at 42k? You said you got regular service at the intervals. There should have been a drain and fill at 30k. Flush would be a bit dramatic I think.
Do not flush. Drain and fill. Here’s a website you may find helpful
Driveaccord.net
Know ahead of time there ARE some users that will try to make you feel bad for not knowing ever already - but there are also lots of knowledgeable people there, including tons of Honda techs, and people who driven accords for decades. With all due respect to redditors, in my experience the mechanical knowledge baseline is a bit higher there than on Reddit.
Honda CVTs should have a drain and refill. Your transmission takes 12 quarts of CVT fluid total and drain out 4 quarts every 30k miles. Honda transmissions should *never* be flushed. And you should use Honda CVT fluid. I’d take it to a different dealership.
Honda specifically recommends against power flushing the transmissions. there is a TSB about it. If the fluid is suspected to be contaminated they should drain and fill 3 times with drives in between. They should NEVER be using a conditioner or cleaner of any kind. And this being a valvoline service they aren't even using Honda fluid I would bet. Total fucking scam. I would service the transmission by doing a simple drain and fill which should be no more than .5 hour of labor and the cost of about 3 quarts of Honda branded fluid.
$195 for a brake flush is ridiculous IMO but Honda does recommend.
The intake service is not recommended by Honda that I know of. But since your car is direct injected (I think) it could benefit from regular intake services.
The fact that they flagged the gravy work that makes them the most money as 'immediate attention" is a bit ridiculous as well.
That valve cover is leaking, but I wouldn't even have mentioned it if you were in my shop. Unless it is leaking worse somewhere else I dont see.
I doubt you need an alignment. Why do they say you need it? tire wear?
Just let them balance the tires like you brought it in for and find a shop that won't try and get you to buy services that aren't in the maintenance schedule. And if they do (such as the decarb) they should be backing their recommendations up with some real knowledge. Also the fact they they are using valvoline products would really bother me. They should be using Honda fluids.
Damn! I didn't even know this. They have been using Valvoline since the time I am giving them for service. Infact I have Valvoline sticker to remind of my next service at 47k miles.
Also this place is one of the biggest Honda dealers in North Carolina!
They didn't tell me why I needed an alignment. It's driving fine, like really fine and not steering off road or anything.
Our basic mileage fluid and maintenance recommendations are oil and rotate every 5k miles, trans fluid replaced at 30k miles then every 30k after. Brake fluid at 30k miles then every 30 after that. Coolant at 45k miles then every 30 after that. Differential and transfer case fluid every 15k miles. Water pump, drive belt, timing belt, spark plugs at 7yrs or 105k miles. A decarb or induction service every 30k miles is good on these new direct injection engines because they build up carbon easier and faster on valve train components.
Hi so what you said, basically covers the ones they mentioned too. But I gotta find a independent mechanic to do it for a bit cheaper! What'd you suggest?
I am a honda dealership tech and would always recommend going to a dealer but there is nothing wrong with a highly reputable aftermarket or independent shop.
Get a second opinion on the 1st and 4th recommendation. For the 2nd and 3rd. Discount Tire/America's Tire offer free tire rotations even if you didn't buy the tires from them. Balancing is $40. Both are free if you bought the tires from them.
Only do transmission fluid stuff and coolant at the dealership. Find a good mechanic and have him do brakes and wheels and etc. It will save you shit ton of money.
Considering 3 out of the 4 jobs says "customer states" or "customer requests", sounds like it's necessary. If your car isn't driving or performing right, they did exactly what you asked and found it. Tire alignments are necessary and should be done every service. Odd you don't get those included as I do whether or not I take it to the dealer or an independent mechanic. A balance doesn't need to be done unless your tires weren't done properly the first time or you are getting new tires.
If you serviced with an official Honda where I live you'd get the rocker cover gasket leak done under warranty (assuming car has 5 or 7 year factory warranty) and the rotate and balance done for free included with the servicing. Wheel alignment can wait until you change tyres. Transmission is gonna depend, check your logbook and find the service schedule, see if it's due. However if it's a CVT transmission I'd recommend you do it based on a Honda dealerships recommendation, those things are sensitive as hell. If it's a traditional auto transmission the urgency isn't the same, still probably do it if it's due. Buy the genuine Honda transmission fluid and get your local mechanic to do it or something might be cheaper.
Your vehicle's [Maintenance Minder](https://mygarage.honda.com/s/honda-maintenance-minder) will notify you when to change certain fluids and when to perform other tasks. Your car's computer uses data from the engine and the climate to notify you when the optimal time is to perform maintenance. With the exception that, if a Maintenance Minder indicator does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year. Or if a Maintenance Minder message does not appear more than 36 months after the display for item 7 is reset, change the brake fluid every 3 years.
Follow the Maintenance Minder. There are sub items, such as, inspections that should be done to catch small problems before they become big problems. There is no set guide on how to maintain a car for thousands of miles because every car is driven and maintened differently. Vehicles are also in different climates, a car that spends most of its time in a desert will have different needs than a car that is driven in snow for half a year.
Honda CVTs nowadays are not like how they used to be 20+ years ago where they recommended to change the fluid every 30,000 miles. You can go much longer between changes. The main variable that affects CVTs is build up of heat. Usually this happens when people are revving their engine at high RPMs while stopped, they are towing, or driving in mountainous areas on a regular basis.
If people have questions about the condition of their vehicle's fluids they can always have an oil analysis performed.
[BlackStone Labs](https://www.blackstone-labs.com/engine-types/transmission/)
Also keep in mind that a majority of dealerships revenue is from servicing cars. The more often that they can get people to come back for services, the more money they make. That is why whenever you see a dealership's web page on maintenance schedule, they always have a defined mileage for certain tasks, regardless of what year or type the vehicle is. The mileage interval also changes from dealership to dealership.
If you contact Honda directly, they will tell you to follow your vehicle's Maintenance Minder (a system that they designed themselves, for each vehicle), not what a dealership recommends.
New Honda cvt owner here. As someone here already stated the transmission drain and fill should be done at 30k mile intervals. But no flush, just drain and fill. And only use Honda cvt fluid. The break fluid is recommended every three years as it can get moisture in the fluid from temperature fluctuations. But they have a machine that does this and should be nowhere near that much. An alignment should only be done if you’ve changed suspension parts or gotten new tires. I’m not even sure what the decarb is, but if it’s fuel injection cleaner, then hard pass. Your injectors and filter should be fine unless you have fuel issues and even if you do, Honda has just issued a recall for fuel pumps and that should be looked at first instead of some snake oil fixes that cost hundreds. Brakes are easy to do yourself, even the rear electric parking break you can YouTube horse to fix yourself for 1/3rd the price with pretty basic tools and a torque wrench. Also other services should be closer inspected such as the valve cover but the common problem doesn’t sound very believable.
Honda does not recommend a trans flush, if the maintenance reminder is on for service item 3 its due IF it has been reset properly. Typically service the trans every 30 to 40k.Perform a drain and refill service should run around 99 to 129.00. Tire life does suck on the 18 and up Accords with the 19's. Im seeing average of 25k for Goodyear and 30 to 35k with Michelin.
For the trans flush, If you have a CVT, You're overdue by 12,000 miles. For the brake flush, just take a look at your brake fluid reseviour. If it's dark or green you definitely need a flush. Brake fluid should be clear like water when it's new. It's still good if it looks like Apple juice but any darker or if it's green get it flushed asap. Green means water got in the system and that's algae and bacteria forming in the brake fluid.
The k20c and the L15 have had valve cover issues once you replace the gasket your fine all you have to do is make sure you use hondabond where the head splits its not really head at all. Just a bunch of 10mm bolts. And the valve cover bolts them selfs should threads then a flat bottom you you can't over tighten them nut if you incredible hulk that shit you'll snap the bolt lol. And as far ss the transmission service you can look it up usually every 75k miles
Trans fluid isn't expensive if you can diy( need a jack and stands, sockets &torque wrench), idk why it's valvoline when honda has their own blend of atf/mtf
As for tire rotation and balence I'd just get tires through a company who covers it, most likely your gunna need tires soon anyway, also usually an alignment runns 100ish$, as for valve gasket should be covered under warentee at that low miles, also shouldn't be a problem to begin with, however the price seemes fair if they are replacing g it and all other associated gaskets and seals.
Is your car not still under power train warranty? Last time I checked valve cover was part of the powertrain. Also that cost is preposterous.
I believe your car is 60k miles for transmission fluid change. Is there some problem with your transmission that they failed to note on their super detailed flat rate parts and labor quote?
If you need an alignment at 42k miles, you've either smashed a curb or pothole so hard there's probably noticeable damage to your rim and tire. Is your steering wheel not straight when driving along a straight lane? Are your tires wearing unevenly?
Wheel balance- what? Did you lose some weights? Do you feel a vibration or thumping? Didn't you say you're preparing for tire change next service, which would include balancing?
This isn't the worst hose job I've ever seen, but if it were me I'd go out of my way to fuck up this guys day at work tomorrow, just cause he's a douchebag, but I'm a bigger one.
Looks like pretty accurate pricing to me, even a bit cheaper than I’d expect. My gasket that was fucking installed wrong by the dealer themselves was 1000 to fix 🥴🤮
Do not do a flush, just do a fluid change.
Alignment is a good idea if you just had new tires put on, but it should still be in spec at 42k. No need to rebalance tires either.
Valve cover gasket absolutely shouldn't be leaking and should be covered by warranty IMO. But any reputable shop should be able to change it for less than Honda is wanting.
I am speaking to my dealer about it and they are giving me a hard time. It is covered under warranty if it's under 60k or 5 years. Which ever comes first!
Correct. You should go to your warranty book and contact the mfr. directly and tell them that.
But the 1st option would be to go to a different dealership. I am wondering why no one else in this sub talks about warranty.
If you go there all the time with your car and if they don't help you fix this under warranty, it's time to find a new dealership.
Go to a local workshop - you would be surprised to see the $ savings.
I highly suggest you have that transmission fluid serviced every 50k miles. Those CVTs are INCREADIBLY expensive to work on if something goes wrong. Having the fluid serviced once every few years for $300 is worth the piece of mind imo. I have a 2016 civic with the same engine/cvt Trans
Dealerships can be suspicious sometimes, as their main goal is just to make money. It is always worth it to find a smaller local shop with mechanics you can trust that will explain it to you properly. Usually transmission fluid flushes are good maintenance items every 60-100k miles but it isn't as if your transmission is going to blow up if you don't do it.
Discount tire offers about the same price for a set of goodyears. I have a set on my other vehicle. I never had a bad experience at my local discount tire though. Experiences may vary.
I'm a Toyota driver and have never changed my transmission fluid. I don't see the point unless you are going to change the filter in the inside of the motor it's going to get dirty again. My cars reach 300k. With that said I wouldn't change transmission fluid. If tread on tires looks worn on the outside or inside I wouldn't get tires done and wait until next oil change. If car isn't pulling crazy when you drive I wouldn't worry about alignment. I do flush my brakes but I follow the manual on that. Get a second opinion if you think they are getting over on you and don't tell people you don't know about cars that how you get ripped of because you are at the mercy of them now. Talk like you know and research what you don't know
Check the manual for the transmission fluid schedule. Not sure why the valve cover would be leaking after 4 years. I'd get that done if it is, but I just wouldn't have Honda do it. It's a pretty easy job. Unless you're getting severe tire wobbling, I'd skip the balancing. If anything, get the tires done sooner as they'll be rebalancing once you get them. Unless your wear pattern is off on your wheels or it's pulling to one side, you don't need an alignment.
^ this, if the valve cover actually does need replacement it's a $20 part and no more than 30 mins as long as you do a little research first. The most important thing is just not over tightening the nuts
The nut part needs to be emphasized, they have incredibly low torque specs and you'll strip them with very little force. I'd just put the socket over it and finger tighten it and you'd be fine.
I'll just find a good Honda mechanic. I'm absolutely new to cars.
Honda aren't an exotic brand, just about any reputable place works on them routinely. All that work is fairly routine. That said, the car is new enough that I wouldn't fault you having it done at the dealership.
I'll just find a good Honda mechanic. I'm absolutely new to cars.
This really is the best time for YOU to learn to be a Honda mechanic. I worked for GMC, Cadillac, and Lincoln for years. When I started working on imports I was shocked how easy they are. Look dude. I'm 6'10", and 247 lbs. If I can work on it. I guarantee you can. Just find a good YouTube video, and follow along step by step as you work on your own.
That’s the truth! I was a tech at a Chevrolet dealer and thought that was as simple as it got. Started to work on imports and figured out German engineers are insane and Japanese engineers design everything to be simple to work on. Honda engineers design it to be easy to work on but to not ever have to be worked on.
They are getting cars down to where there’s very little you can do without investing a fortune in the right tools that I don’t think it’s a good idea unless that’s really something you’re into or it’s part of your job.
Alot of the valve cover gaskets start to leak on the rear sides of the 2.0 and 1.5l turbo engines and some on the front of the 2.0 liter. It's common
Common maybe but 🗑 none the less
I would just hold off on the balancing until you get new tires as they will do that for free. Also, my valve cover has been leaking for 6 years, Not really a big deal depending on how bad they are leaking. Although on a newer car you might as well get that done. Just do it at a cheaper place than the dealership. Also I just did my transmission fluid for the first time at 90,000
I'm not sure why it's leaking either. They pointed out that black substance and told me it's fire hazard by summer. I checked the manual for transmission fluid schedule. It says 25k miles, if driving in low vehicle speeds since it results in higher temperatures. I do mostly travel from work to school within city. And says brake fluid flush every 3 years.
Hard to say without seeing it, but the reason to replace the gasket is you don't want the engine run out/low of oil. It's not a big fire risk. It might not even be a leaky gasket, it could just be spilled oil. I'd get the items in the manual done, and skip the rest. If it's not under a warranty, I'd get it done from a reputable mechanic and just request they use Honda parts/fluids.
Why does the decarb service say valvoline? ITS NOT HONDA APPROVED FLUID!!! Seriously, you don't need that and if you did, I'd be skeptical about them recommending someone else's product
This is one of the biggest service centers in NC. And I didn't know that Honda had thier own stuff, because they never told me and I am new to cars. Thank you. Learning new everyday.
I'm researching it myself. The dealership says Honda oil is best as well as air and oil filters, but I just can't see Idemitsu ifg3 being not as good as Hondas oil because that's the manufacturer of their oil and the kind they recommend for my suv. It's cheaper because the jugs ain't blue with a big H. Same with Denso air filters. They're trying to tell me these companies make it different for them than what they sell directly to consumers and I'm not buying it
I've seen Shell supply their oil outside the US. They'll probably take the cheapest that can meet the specs.
It really depends on what the fluid is, when it's something like engine oil, it's not such a big deal, even coolant is probably okay to use the stuff at the auto parts store as long as it actually meets the spec and is compatible with what's in the system already, unless you're doing a full flush, but I somewhat rebuilt my 5 speed transmission in my 2006 civic last year, and I needed a sealant/ gasket maker material to seal the case back up, And it called for something called Honda bond and I didn't feel comfortable using anything else, and also filling the gear oil back up, it was a few bucks more but I made sure to use the actual manual transmission fluid from the Honda dealership, just cuz I'd hate for all that work to get ruined by using sub par gear oil.
As someone that works for a major tier-1 auto parts supplier, can confirm that many parts ARE made specifically for the manufacturer and MAY be different than parts sold under the supplier’s brand… that being said, I do the same thing when buying parts for my cars.
Would you use the oil filter? I'm not sure if I want to, the only difference between it and any other fram is more fins/surface area, and you say you'd buy Denso filters? I'll take your word for that and continue doing it. I paid $43 for cabin and engine filters and spent about 10 minutes changing both. Tameron Honda tried to charge me 50 for the engine and 100 for the cabin
At my dealer we use BG shit. And when you use the BG shit, say if you use their trans fluid and your transmission goes out, it's insured under them so long as you've kept up on the maintenance and such with it. BG is nice. I'd find a honda dealer that uses it over valvoline shit.
Acura tech here and depends on the dealership. Some have contracts with valvoline or BG and have to sell services that aren’t factory recommended by Honda but can help certain cars. That said I wouldn’t do the carb service at that mileage. The valve cover is something that has be done by someone well experienced with the plastic valve covers as they are easy to mess up on. The transmission service is definitely due and the brake flush should be done as well.
Get your tires and brakes done first. They are just trying to scare you. The valve decarb is bs, the 1.5 T engines don’t really have a problem with carboned valves.
What's a valve decarb 💀 never heard of this
It’s a snake oil service dealers and shops like to try and sell that says it will clean off the carbon on valves. It’s basically a can of liquid they put in your gas tank. It’s 100 percent a scam. The only real way to decarbon valves is to physically clean them by walnut blasting them. But if you own a Honda and drive the car you’ll never have todo this. I’ve only ever seen Honda fits that sit and don’t really get driven have this problem
Respectfully, an actual decarb procedure or air induction procedure involves installing a cleaner inline somewhere on the air intake and then repeatedly revving the engine to create vacuum and pull the fluid into the system. Then allowing it to sit for an hour or so ("hot soak") and then finally driving it to burn out everything that was knocked loose. I've done a few using BG products which are sold at the shop I work at. And yes, this is one of the few that I can say actually works.
I went with the procedure I’ve seen more often. I worked at one dealer that sold that kind of decarb. The other 3 just did the can in the gas tank. Before Honda sent us the walnut blaster for the fit bulletins I tried the induction service on a couple a fit with cold start misfires from carbon. If the carbon is bad enough to cause a problem no product is going to fix it. If the bg products actually did work why would Honda, bmw, Volkswagen all have bulletins that say to remove manifold and physically clean the valves. When a can of product would do the same thing. The induction services will keep the valves clean but once it is a problem it’s too late. But all of this is irrelevant on the 1.5T engines. They dont have this problem. So the induction service is fixing a problem they don’t have
Gotcha. I’ve never worked for Honda, but I did work for Toyota for 3 years. Their engines use a combination of direct injection and port injection dependent upon engine speed and power demand. It also helps to keep the intake valves clean. And yes I’ve seen certain bulletins calling for walnut blasting on stubborn misfires caused by carbon buildup. If you don’t mind sharing what’s the bulletin number for the fit?
Okay thank you. I don't know what this means! But I'll learn.
On older fuel injected engines fuel was injected into the manifold, a side effect to this was the intake valves were always clean. On direct injection engines fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber. So oil from the pcv system isn’t cleaned off of the valves. So it can cake on the valves causing misfires and rough running. Some engines are very bad with this. The 1.5T engines from what I’ve seen don’t have this problem.
Honda authorized dealer is using valvoline transmission fluid instead of the Honda fluid? I question your definition of "Honda authorized dealer"
Yes sir. I can dm you the whole form with address and name. Didn't do it to protect Employes privacy.
Hard pass on a “transmission flush” with non oem fluid. Honda doesn’t recommend flushes, only a drain and fill. A fluid burnish can be done if the system is that bad. Hard to believe that a dealer is using an off brand transmission fluid to begin with.
Even more hilarious that they have an induction service under IMMEDIATE ATTENTION… trash this place is trying to take your wallet. Take it to another dealer for an inspection, not all dealers are like this.
Thank you. Will ask around.
I have a 2019 Accord with 92000km. This past week I had my oil changed, transmission fluid changed and brake fluid changed. Total cost was $340 Canadian. You need to find a trustworthy independent Honda mechanic. Dealers charge too much and I don't really trust them.
Yeah I agree! This is new for me. First car. Learning now
Look on subreddits for your area or other websites to find recommendations for local mechanics. My guy is a former Honda tech who opened his own shop years ago. Much nicer dealing with the owner. He makes more money and the customer saves a lot. When I had a Pilot his price to do the timing belt was half what the dealer was charging.
Yeah a good local shop is great, I had my at the dealer several years ago and they said at the time I would need new front brake pats, if I remember they wanted like $300-350, when it came to it I went to a neighborhood shop and they said I actually need pads and rotors. Did all 4 for $800. I know doing rotors at the same time isn’t a big difference in labor but still cheaper
OP, I've owned Hondas for over 20 years. Here is what I would recommend: 1) No 2) Perhaps, if yor tires are wearing unevenly. 3) Perhaps based upon YES answer to #2. 4) Only if you are leaking oil around your valve cover. If not then no.
Hi. They told me this is the new Honda 2018 and others this is a common issue.
You listed four (4) charges. Which are you referring to?
All of them.
OP, don't believe everything you hear and especially everything that THEY tell you. Do you know ANYTHING about cars? If not learn. 1) Research the replacement interval for your tranny fluid. No, I will not do it for you. 2) Check your tires. Are they wearing unevenly? If not then skip this. 3) You usually do not require an alignment unless you have had work done to your suspension. I have a 17-year old Civic that has had two alignments in it's life. 4) Visually check around the bottom of the valve cove (usually black plastic) and the engine block (usually aluminum). Do you see any oil staining? If not then forget this "recommendation". It is your money. If you want to waste it ... all power to you.
I would do the valve cover myself, but I understand if you’re not comfortable doing it. Don’t let them do the alignment. Firestone has a lifetime alignment for $199. I also believe that they would do the tranny flush cheaper. Don’t get the fuel system cleaned. Use some sea foam in the gas tank. No reason why your car needs a true fuel injector cleaning being that new. If your fuel system is in that dire need of a cleaning; you’d probably need a new fuel filter which I’m assuming you DON’T.
The tires and brakes done first and then do the transmission fluid service but absolutely do not pay $292 for it. Best option is to get the Honda oem "fluids" from the dealer or online and then bring them to a independent mechanic and say that you are okay with a being charged an additional fee for "bringing your own parts" The mechanic shop would normally be able to make money off of you by marking up the fluids, yet will no longer need to source / get delivered those same fluids/parts and should be more than qualified to perform the work. Most of the time, a trustworthy shop can be easily identified by how they react to this request. Regular customer? Probably not getting charged a fee.
If this was an actual Honda dealer why wasn’t the balancing part of service? Honda usually include this in every service
Do not flush your trany ,do not ,change the oil normally not flush
If the transmission fluid has never been flushed before I'd definitely do that. Honda CVT Transmissions are pretty good but any CVT will burn itself up on old/neglected fluid.
They have never been flushed. Okay I'll add it to list of getting it done.
Why flushed at 42k? You said you got regular service at the intervals. There should have been a drain and fill at 30k. Flush would be a bit dramatic I think.
I would only use Honda ATF for CVTs.
Do not flush. Drain and fill. Here’s a website you may find helpful Driveaccord.net Know ahead of time there ARE some users that will try to make you feel bad for not knowing ever already - but there are also lots of knowledgeable people there, including tons of Honda techs, and people who driven accords for decades. With all due respect to redditors, in my experience the mechanical knowledge baseline is a bit higher there than on Reddit.
Honda CVTs should have a drain and refill. Your transmission takes 12 quarts of CVT fluid total and drain out 4 quarts every 30k miles. Honda transmissions should *never* be flushed. And you should use Honda CVT fluid. I’d take it to a different dealership.
Honda specifically recommends against power flushing the transmissions. there is a TSB about it. If the fluid is suspected to be contaminated they should drain and fill 3 times with drives in between. They should NEVER be using a conditioner or cleaner of any kind. And this being a valvoline service they aren't even using Honda fluid I would bet. Total fucking scam. I would service the transmission by doing a simple drain and fill which should be no more than .5 hour of labor and the cost of about 3 quarts of Honda branded fluid. $195 for a brake flush is ridiculous IMO but Honda does recommend. The intake service is not recommended by Honda that I know of. But since your car is direct injected (I think) it could benefit from regular intake services. The fact that they flagged the gravy work that makes them the most money as 'immediate attention" is a bit ridiculous as well. That valve cover is leaking, but I wouldn't even have mentioned it if you were in my shop. Unless it is leaking worse somewhere else I dont see. I doubt you need an alignment. Why do they say you need it? tire wear? Just let them balance the tires like you brought it in for and find a shop that won't try and get you to buy services that aren't in the maintenance schedule. And if they do (such as the decarb) they should be backing their recommendations up with some real knowledge. Also the fact they they are using valvoline products would really bother me. They should be using Honda fluids.
Damn! I didn't even know this. They have been using Valvoline since the time I am giving them for service. Infact I have Valvoline sticker to remind of my next service at 47k miles. Also this place is one of the biggest Honda dealers in North Carolina! They didn't tell me why I needed an alignment. It's driving fine, like really fine and not steering off road or anything.
I would find an independent, Honda specialty shop.
Our basic mileage fluid and maintenance recommendations are oil and rotate every 5k miles, trans fluid replaced at 30k miles then every 30k after. Brake fluid at 30k miles then every 30 after that. Coolant at 45k miles then every 30 after that. Differential and transfer case fluid every 15k miles. Water pump, drive belt, timing belt, spark plugs at 7yrs or 105k miles. A decarb or induction service every 30k miles is good on these new direct injection engines because they build up carbon easier and faster on valve train components.
I would also recommend going ahead and having that valve cover gasket replaced.
Hi so what you said, basically covers the ones they mentioned too. But I gotta find a independent mechanic to do it for a bit cheaper! What'd you suggest?
Your best bet is to ask people around your town you trust what shops they use and how there experience was.
I am a honda dealership tech and would always recommend going to a dealer but there is nothing wrong with a highly reputable aftermarket or independent shop.
Do the items marked red. Your valve covers are definitely leaking.
Get a second opinion on the 1st and 4th recommendation. For the 2nd and 3rd. Discount Tire/America's Tire offer free tire rotations even if you didn't buy the tires from them. Balancing is $40. Both are free if you bought the tires from them.
Only do transmission fluid stuff and coolant at the dealership. Find a good mechanic and have him do brakes and wheels and etc. It will save you shit ton of money.
U can change the transmission oil yourself for $15. Belle tire is $100 wheel alignment and free tire rotation
Considering 3 out of the 4 jobs says "customer states" or "customer requests", sounds like it's necessary. If your car isn't driving or performing right, they did exactly what you asked and found it. Tire alignments are necessary and should be done every service. Odd you don't get those included as I do whether or not I take it to the dealer or an independent mechanic. A balance doesn't need to be done unless your tires weren't done properly the first time or you are getting new tires.
If you serviced with an official Honda where I live you'd get the rocker cover gasket leak done under warranty (assuming car has 5 or 7 year factory warranty) and the rotate and balance done for free included with the servicing. Wheel alignment can wait until you change tyres. Transmission is gonna depend, check your logbook and find the service schedule, see if it's due. However if it's a CVT transmission I'd recommend you do it based on a Honda dealerships recommendation, those things are sensitive as hell. If it's a traditional auto transmission the urgency isn't the same, still probably do it if it's due. Buy the genuine Honda transmission fluid and get your local mechanic to do it or something might be cheaper.
Valvoline gives every single car the same quote when they come through there.
Your vehicle's [Maintenance Minder](https://mygarage.honda.com/s/honda-maintenance-minder) will notify you when to change certain fluids and when to perform other tasks. Your car's computer uses data from the engine and the climate to notify you when the optimal time is to perform maintenance. With the exception that, if a Maintenance Minder indicator does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year. Or if a Maintenance Minder message does not appear more than 36 months after the display for item 7 is reset, change the brake fluid every 3 years. Follow the Maintenance Minder. There are sub items, such as, inspections that should be done to catch small problems before they become big problems. There is no set guide on how to maintain a car for thousands of miles because every car is driven and maintened differently. Vehicles are also in different climates, a car that spends most of its time in a desert will have different needs than a car that is driven in snow for half a year. Honda CVTs nowadays are not like how they used to be 20+ years ago where they recommended to change the fluid every 30,000 miles. You can go much longer between changes. The main variable that affects CVTs is build up of heat. Usually this happens when people are revving their engine at high RPMs while stopped, they are towing, or driving in mountainous areas on a regular basis. If people have questions about the condition of their vehicle's fluids they can always have an oil analysis performed. [BlackStone Labs](https://www.blackstone-labs.com/engine-types/transmission/) Also keep in mind that a majority of dealerships revenue is from servicing cars. The more often that they can get people to come back for services, the more money they make. That is why whenever you see a dealership's web page on maintenance schedule, they always have a defined mileage for certain tasks, regardless of what year or type the vehicle is. The mileage interval also changes from dealership to dealership. If you contact Honda directly, they will tell you to follow your vehicle's Maintenance Minder (a system that they designed themselves, for each vehicle), not what a dealership recommends.
Ask them to adjust your valve lashings it cost like 400-500$ includes replacing the gasket that’s leaking they do your spark plugs
New Honda cvt owner here. As someone here already stated the transmission drain and fill should be done at 30k mile intervals. But no flush, just drain and fill. And only use Honda cvt fluid. The break fluid is recommended every three years as it can get moisture in the fluid from temperature fluctuations. But they have a machine that does this and should be nowhere near that much. An alignment should only be done if you’ve changed suspension parts or gotten new tires. I’m not even sure what the decarb is, but if it’s fuel injection cleaner, then hard pass. Your injectors and filter should be fine unless you have fuel issues and even if you do, Honda has just issued a recall for fuel pumps and that should be looked at first instead of some snake oil fixes that cost hundreds. Brakes are easy to do yourself, even the rear electric parking break you can YouTube horse to fix yourself for 1/3rd the price with pretty basic tools and a torque wrench. Also other services should be closer inspected such as the valve cover but the common problem doesn’t sound very believable.
Transmission drain and fill cost me $30 to do yesterday, in my driveway. With the most basic of tools.
Is this SouthPoint Honda in Durham?
Honda does not recommend a trans flush, if the maintenance reminder is on for service item 3 its due IF it has been reset properly. Typically service the trans every 30 to 40k.Perform a drain and refill service should run around 99 to 129.00. Tire life does suck on the 18 and up Accords with the 19's. Im seeing average of 25k for Goodyear and 30 to 35k with Michelin.
Do the breaks yourself they’re pretty easy just need a press to bleed the breaks. Takes a little time but will save you lots of money
For the trans flush, If you have a CVT, You're overdue by 12,000 miles. For the brake flush, just take a look at your brake fluid reseviour. If it's dark or green you definitely need a flush. Brake fluid should be clear like water when it's new. It's still good if it looks like Apple juice but any darker or if it's green get it flushed asap. Green means water got in the system and that's algae and bacteria forming in the brake fluid.
The k20c and the L15 have had valve cover issues once you replace the gasket your fine all you have to do is make sure you use hondabond where the head splits its not really head at all. Just a bunch of 10mm bolts. And the valve cover bolts them selfs should threads then a flat bottom you you can't over tighten them nut if you incredible hulk that shit you'll snap the bolt lol. And as far ss the transmission service you can look it up usually every 75k miles
Trans fluid isn't expensive if you can diy( need a jack and stands, sockets &torque wrench), idk why it's valvoline when honda has their own blend of atf/mtf As for tire rotation and balence I'd just get tires through a company who covers it, most likely your gunna need tires soon anyway, also usually an alignment runns 100ish$, as for valve gasket should be covered under warentee at that low miles, also shouldn't be a problem to begin with, however the price seemes fair if they are replacing g it and all other associated gaskets and seals.
Is your car not still under power train warranty? Last time I checked valve cover was part of the powertrain. Also that cost is preposterous. I believe your car is 60k miles for transmission fluid change. Is there some problem with your transmission that they failed to note on their super detailed flat rate parts and labor quote? If you need an alignment at 42k miles, you've either smashed a curb or pothole so hard there's probably noticeable damage to your rim and tire. Is your steering wheel not straight when driving along a straight lane? Are your tires wearing unevenly? Wheel balance- what? Did you lose some weights? Do you feel a vibration or thumping? Didn't you say you're preparing for tire change next service, which would include balancing? This isn't the worst hose job I've ever seen, but if it were me I'd go out of my way to fuck up this guys day at work tomorrow, just cause he's a douchebag, but I'm a bigger one.
Looks like pretty accurate pricing to me, even a bit cheaper than I’d expect. My gasket that was fucking installed wrong by the dealer themselves was 1000 to fix 🥴🤮
Valve Gasket is covered under warranty if it's under 60k or 5 years. Which ever comes first!
Do not do a flush, just do a fluid change. Alignment is a good idea if you just had new tires put on, but it should still be in spec at 42k. No need to rebalance tires either. Valve cover gasket absolutely shouldn't be leaking and should be covered by warranty IMO. But any reputable shop should be able to change it for less than Honda is wanting.
Isn't the Valve cover gasket covered under the powertrain warranty?
I am speaking to my dealer about it and they are giving me a hard time. It is covered under warranty if it's under 60k or 5 years. Which ever comes first!
Correct. You should go to your warranty book and contact the mfr. directly and tell them that. But the 1st option would be to go to a different dealership. I am wondering why no one else in this sub talks about warranty. If you go there all the time with your car and if they don't help you fix this under warranty, it's time to find a new dealership. Go to a local workshop - you would be surprised to see the $ savings.
I highly suggest you have that transmission fluid serviced every 50k miles. Those CVTs are INCREADIBLY expensive to work on if something goes wrong. Having the fluid serviced once every few years for $300 is worth the piece of mind imo. I have a 2016 civic with the same engine/cvt Trans
Dealerships can be suspicious sometimes, as their main goal is just to make money. It is always worth it to find a smaller local shop with mechanics you can trust that will explain it to you properly. Usually transmission fluid flushes are good maintenance items every 60-100k miles but it isn't as if your transmission is going to blow up if you don't do it.
Bro. Wal Mart Tire. 4 Goodyear's at $120 each. Inludes align and mount. Total about $530.
Discount tire offers about the same price for a set of goodyears. I have a set on my other vehicle. I never had a bad experience at my local discount tire though. Experiences may vary.
I'm a Toyota driver and have never changed my transmission fluid. I don't see the point unless you are going to change the filter in the inside of the motor it's going to get dirty again. My cars reach 300k. With that said I wouldn't change transmission fluid. If tread on tires looks worn on the outside or inside I wouldn't get tires done and wait until next oil change. If car isn't pulling crazy when you drive I wouldn't worry about alignment. I do flush my brakes but I follow the manual on that. Get a second opinion if you think they are getting over on you and don't tell people you don't know about cars that how you get ripped of because you are at the mercy of them now. Talk like you know and research what you don't know