[arup.misra]

Hey dre@ms, how are you buddy. Did I miss reading your ownership review? I'm sure you're having fun with it.

[dre@ms]

Originally Posted by arup.misra

Hey dre@ms, how are you buddy. Did I miss reading your ownership review? I'm sure you're having fun with it.

Hey pal, ownership post is ready but lying in the Assembly section for many weeks now. The mods aren't willing to publish them, since there is no usefulness in it :(

Anyways, loving my ride inch by inch. Never thought I would buy a Honda City and never ever thought it would be this butter smooth and a pleasure to drive.

Thanks Honda

[RavenAvi]

Have an interesting incident to report.

About a week back, when I was backing out of my office's parking space (using the reverse camera), the Pioneer HU suddenly resetted itself and the reverse camera stopped working. I clicked on the Reverse Camera icon in the HU's menu 2-3 times but every time I did so the HU resetted itself and the camera didn't work. Thinking that the camera must have gotten faulty, or water might have seeped into it's electricals, I drove out, intending to get it checked.

On my way, the resetting happened twice again, and this time I noticed that the entire speedo of Pegasus had shut off and restarted by itself! It was not only the speedo, but Pegasus's entire electrical system was shutting off and restarting!

You can imagine the scare I got, the steering wheel locking itself with the car going dead, rain pouring in buckets outside. I stopped at a shop to get some stuff, and when I came back, got in and turned the key to start the car, and nothing happened! Absolutely nothing. No lighting up of the speedo, no fan starting up, no HU, nothing.

But, I didn't panic. There is no Honda dealer in my city, and nor are there any specialised garages/mechanics who deal with Honda Citys. It would have been tough to call up Honda Assistance from another city 300 kms away from where I lived, so I had to tackle this problem on my own first.

Deducing it to be an electrical problem, I opened Pegasus up and checked the battery terminals. The plastic cover covering the left terminal of the battery had a bluish smear across underneath it, which reminded me of something - I had heard a loud spark (like a pebble hit) from somewhere inside the car on my way to my office earlier in the morning.



All wires looked intact and the nuts were screwed tight. Went back in and cranked Pegasus up, and he started up immediately. I reminded myself to check the terminals again when I reached home and tighten up everything myself, which I did upon my returning home.

Next day, the same thing happened 3 times - once while Pegasus was still rolling at about 40 kph on the 4th gear! While backing up inside home with all the lights on (including the fog lamps), Pegasus went dead again when I was halfway in. I pulled the lever to open the bonnet, and merely by that sound and the slight vibration that it caused throughout the car, the electricals came back online, and all lights (headlamps, tail lights, fog lamps) all came back.

There was definitely some problem with the wiring, I concluded, because this problem didn't start before I got the central locking/reverse camera fittings done. And those were done at the Honda dealer's! So much for dealer guarantees.

Next day, it again happened once on my way to office. After I finished my work, I came down to the office parking space and opened the bonnet again. I carefully studied the battery terminals and the connections, tapping into the maximum experience of my limited knowledge about cars and their systems (I am a pretty basic information guy, I can distinguish a battery from a radiator! ). I noticed two things :-

1 - The wire (of the central locking or reverse camera) had been directly connected to the left terminal's end, which was causing a small gap between the terminal's point and the nut which was used to tighten it. (can be better explained with the pictures to follow)

2 - The Central Locking horn was directly fitted on to the other end of the earthing wire (?) of the battery. That caused a small gap between that wire and the nut, which connected it to the body of the car.




Everything else looked normal to me.

Immediately, I removed the Central Locking horn and fitted it inside into a spare space behind the left headlamp. I tested the earthing (?) wire against the car's body and it sparked 3-4 times. It was fitted back tightly into it's nut.



Then I took out the wire fitted directly into the left terminal's gap (it came out with a spark too), and I looked at the left terminal's assembly of the battery. In addition to the main connector, 4 separate connections are provided on it's assembly and the last one even has a small gap (specially for outside accessory connections?). I fitted the wire into that last one and tightened it up (it went in with a small spark there as well). Then finally, I tightened up the nut which held the battery's left terminal.



Then, I started Pegasus up. A small group of office staff had gathered around me, gleefully looking on at the "sahab" mending his new "Honda City"! (masala for the next time they sit down to gossip)

Anyway, I kept Pegasus on for almost 10 minutes, hovering in front of the battery and engine bay, keeping a close eye on the rotating fan belt and the battery terminals. Nothing happened - Pegasus idled quietly without any hiccups. I fitted back the plastic cap of the left battery terminal, closed the bonnet and put some unwanted rumors from the staff to rest before easing out of the office parking.

Went for a 30-minute drive outside the city. Pegasus drove beautifully as usual, with loud blaring music, seatbelt indicator beeping exasperatedly (and uselessly) at me, "ECO" turning on and off, AC chilling the cabin in no time. In short, no hiccups, nothing. Drove back home.

That was on Saturday. No problems since.

A reminder to anyone who goes for aftermarket fittings/accessories - even if you get them done at the dealer's from someone whom they recommend ("Arre Honda ka certified aadmi hai, sahab" - He is certified by Honda itself, sir), always get the electrical/battery points checked and re-checked thoroughly before you drive out of the dealership/shop. Like the saying goes, a person with limited knowledge is far more dangerous than a person with no knowledge at all. And if that person happens to be an accessory guy, god help us.

And yes, crossed 3500 kms over the weekend. Extensive in-city driving. Mileage is currently at 13.7 kmpl.

[libranof1987]

Good diagnosis there!

When's your next visit to a Honda-generous city? I'd recommend a check up by them. Although your DIY has solved the problem we aren't experts so could miss finer details. Just my suggestion.

And hey, wear the damn seatbelt!

[bluevolt]

I too will suggest you to get the issue diagnosed thoroughly by Honda A.S.S whenever you find time.

Or I think you should call the Honda on road assistance and they will come to your place to check the problem.

[RavenAvi]

Originally Posted by libranof1987

Good diagnosis there!

When's your next visit to a Honda-generous city? I'd recommend a check up by them. Although your DIY has solved the problem we aren't experts so could miss finer details. Just my suggestion.

And hey, wear the damn seatbelt!

In December, Nishad. But if I pop in there for a visit sometime soon, I will get them to check the connections thoroughly. Things are fine for now.

Hey, I wear it all the time on highways! Inside the city I generally don't, considering the modest speeds and short distances.

Originally Posted by bluevolt

I too will suggest you to get the issue diagnosed thoroughly by Honda A.S.S whenever you find time.

Or I think you should call the Honda on road assistance and they will come to your place to check the problem.

Definitely, Anmol.

I have been promised Roadside Assistance at/around my city which is 310 kms away from the nearest Honda center (the reason why I bought the package), so they are a call away. If the problem arises again, I will be calling them for sure.

[arup.misra]

Avi, good job at diagnosing the problem. But I'm surprised at

a) Central Locking Horn. With the immobilizer was this needed?

b) As far as I know and seen most installers would use the spare terminals on the battery and not mess around with the mains. Surprised at this especially from a honda dealer certified guy.

You must get your Pegasus re-checked at the SC whenever you go there.

Any please wear your seat belts always. Chances of injury are far higher in city traffic with sudden braking / acceleration than on highways. Besides its mandated by law too.

[RavenAvi]

Originally Posted by arup.misra

Avi, good job at diagnosing the problem. But I'm surprised at

a) Central Locking Horn. With the immobilizer was this needed?

b) As far as I know and seen most installers would use the spare terminals on the battery and not mess around with the mains. Surprised at this especially from a honda dealer certified guy.

You must get your Pegasus re-checked at the SC whenever you go there.

Any please wear your seat belts always. Chances of injury are far higher in city traffic with sudden braking / acceleration than on highways. Besides its mandated by law too.

Initially I wasn't keen on getting the Central Locking fitting (the Immobiliser was good enough, locks all 4 doors and the fuel lid). But everyone at home insisted we should have one so I got it done.

Obviously, this accessory guy knows little about electricals. Pretty basic fitting really, but still they bungle it up. Goes to show the state of affairs in my state, dealer-wise and "dealer-certified" people-wise. No wonder most people stick to only Marutis and Indicas in Chhattisgarh.

A thorough check is definitely in order upon my next visit.

And that's a pretty valid point. Okay, I will wear it from now on.

[dre@ms]

Thats quite freaking pal. You have guts. If I were you in the same place, I would have stood dumb.

This gives me atleast an idea to first check if any problem can be first solved ourselves, then calling the experts.

I am wondering how an Honda guy can do such a shoddy job. Need to be behind them when they do anything on the Car.

Anyways, my thread is still stuck in the Garage. Hmm.

Recently I was awestruck seeing my mileage, it was showing a staggering 18.8kmpl. WOW!!! I am loving driving this sweet beast, code named Optimus!!

[W.A.G.7]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

Have an interesting incident to report.

That was some incident and a great D-I-Y of shifting electrical wire terminals here and there!! If you had called the helpline, they would have done the same but would have charged you a hell lot more for rectifying the problem. But nice to read that there wasn't any major problem with the electrical system, just some basic setup problems; though as dre@ms has said, you had the guts to do the same!!

Also, great mileage too, 13.7kmpl is v-good imho.

[KL01BE]

Hello RavenAvi, Boss, its always necessary to wear the seat belt. Please do that. Whether in the city or in the NH, its always necessary to wear the seat belt. We cannot foresee all the events. Have a look at the accidents in India thread and you will get a fair idea.

[dre@ms]

Post deleted by the Team-BHP Support : Please do NOT post messages that add little or no informational value to the thread. We need your co-operation to maintain the overall quality of this forum.

Please read our rules before proceeding any further.

[RavenAvi]

3rd Free Service Report: (4333 kms)


Availed - 01st October, 2012.

Work done -

Complete suspension check (including bushes & rubbers),
Wheels Alignment,
Central Locking not working,
Engine Oil NOT to be replaced,
All jobs for the 3rd free service,
Touch-up jobs for minor scratches,
Exterior washing and interior cleaning/polish.

Time Spent - roughly 5 and ½ hours.

Charges - Only for the Wheels Alignment, everything else free.


Tanked up and did all the checks on Sunday evening. A small thunderstorm and drizzle on Sunday night made things a bit apprehensive but I had pretty much decided to leave on Monday morning so that was that.
Left home at 4:45 AM on the morning of the 01st October (Monday), and drove without any stops to reach Raipur at 9:15 AM. Traffic was light again (there isn't much traffic till one reaches Dhamtari, anyway), but the road had really worsened (definitely due to the rainy season) from the last time I had gone to Raipur.
Decided to do a bit of experimentation - I did not touch the 5th gear at all, and drove through the distance in the 4th gear mostly, except for where I had to slow down. Maintained speeds of over 80 kph for most of the trip, touching 90-95 occasionally and even 100 once, all in the 4th gear. I wanted to see how the "ECO" indicator behaved for these speeds and RPMs (the RPM meter pretty much stayed over 3000 for the entire trip).
Interesting to note - the "ECO" mode was quite infrequent and came on only when I eased off on the accelerator, which indicated that RPMs over 3K in the 4th gear is pretty much the worst phase for "ECO" driving. For the 310-odd kms I travelled onward, I got an overall FE of 16.9 kpl, which I can safely say is one of the worser FEs achieved for this stupendous i-VTEC engine on the highway.

As I was pretty early and reached the workshop by 9:35 AM (roads entering Raipur are the worst, except for that wonderful Raipur-Nagpur expressway) I was the earliest in booking a slot rightaway. I had called up the Workshop Manager earlier on Sunday, I was already expected.
I asked for a thorough suspension check because of the condition of the roads I drive in, and also suggested that they do an alignment check as well. My regular SA hadn't arrived yet, so another Service Advisor came over and noted down his stuff, and the jobs I listed.

As usual, I took all my my stuff out (the USB drive, CDs and RC/Insurance from glove compartment, water bottles and my bag) and handed over Pegasus to the SA. I was really tired and had got only a couple of hours' sleep in the night, so promptly headed to the customer lounge, cranked up the AC, and stretched out on the couch, to catch a short nap for as long as possible.

I was blessed with a nice little deep nap for about 45 minutes, before others started entering and started the TV and turned the volume high. Got up and heard their conversation to realise they were drivers, sent by their seths to get their cars serviced. No wonder.

I peered into the workshop from the glass separating the lounge from the workshop hangar, and was pleasantly surprised to see Pegasus up on the ramp, getting his wheels aligned and two mechanics really busy with a close inspection of his entire under body.

Then I headed out to check out the Brio Automatic. (Details here - http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...ml#post2920713)

When I returned, my SA told me that all jobs had been completed, and Pegasus had been sent to hit the showers and get his interiors cleaned, and only the Central Locking job remained to be completed. My apprehensions about the suspension were laid to rest - the SA said that all bushes/rubbers were fine, and the front driver's side wheel was slightly mis-aligned.

They had called the official Autocop guy from the city, and he was due to come in soon. I would have Pegasus back by 3 PM. Good, because I wanted to cross the ghats while there was still daylight available, and since there has been so much rain this year I wasn't going to take chances during the night, specially because of the state of the road and the bad weather.

The Autocop guy arrived just as washing was over, and he tinkered around with the driver door for at least 1 hour before getting the thing fixed (according to him a second lock, a really short one which controls all doors, had got jammed and he had to replace it with a new one). As I was under warranty, nothing was charged, not even labour charges. He greeted me and left, after reporting to the workshop manager.

I then went in to tell them to prepare the gate pass, while the boys came over to give Pegasus a nice little interior polish job. Boy, was it impressive or what! Black suddenly turned into glossy black, seat covers dazzled as if newly fitted, mats were superbly clean, and Pegasus looked as good as new from the inside. Absolutely nice interior detailing work I must admit.

One of the boys had left some smudge prints on the rear seat which I promptly noticed and called them back. They got busy with it quickly and polished it off, and I was satisfied now. Got the bills and Gate Pass issued, paid Rs.550/- for the Alignment job, and left the workshop.

Drove to the nearest HP outlet and filled up again. Left Raipur at exactly 5 PM. Traffic had become heavier (more so due to the jhaankis of Lord Ganesha which were headed out of the city), so drove moderately till I got out of city limits, before pushing Pegasus up to 80 kph in the 4th gear again.

Severe bolts of lightning lit up the skies in the distance as I arrived at the mid-point of my journey back (a town called Kanker, just before the Keskal ghats). Strong gusts of wind followed, which brought a sudden wave of heavy rain pouring down. The rains stayed for about 30 minutes and by the time I entered the ghats, the rains subsided.
I noticed another thing which I had overlooked - the wipers had gone bad and were misting the glass upon their sweeps! I had reminded myself to get them replaced during the service, and had completely forgot about them. Oh well, I promised myself to get them done first thing tomorrow in my city itself.

After crossing the ghats, rest of the way passed by uneventfully, except for the stupid bus drivers who absolutely refused to dim their high beams, despite my frantic signals. Thank god for truck drivers in this regard - much more mature than bus drivers.
Here I must admit that the stock bulbs in the headlamps of the City are absolutely pathetic, woefully inadequate during dusk time (when the day has passed on and the night hasn't completely kicked in), and even more so during the night. The low beam is average, not great by any standards. Big thanks to the fog lamps for keeping the road immediately in front of me illuminated, which helped me negotiate over the sudden small speed-breakers lined up before the small villages throughout my journey.
For the return journey, I again stuck to the 4th gear ONLY and drove at almost a constant speed of about 90-ish. RPM meter stuck to around 3200-3300, and the overall FE for this entire journey was 16.3 kpl, confirming my observations from above.

Overall, a good experience this time around. Work was done quickly and efficiently, all jobs were completed on time and even the outside job of Central Locking was completed quickly. Add to it that fantastic interior job and I was left impressed this time by the Honda A.S.S. team.

Before leaving, I informed the Workshop Manager that I would be availing the 1st Paid Service only after 6 months (in March) since my running wasn't much (I am averaging about 600 kms/month). He readily agreed and said it wouldn't affect my warranties as well. Thank God for small favors. (or big, in this case)

The i-VTEC is a fantastic engine. No other engine offers the best of both worlds right now - sheer performance and superb FE. Till now, there hasn't been even a single niggle with Pegasus yet (touchwood!), except for the after-market stuffs, which does not count. It's just been driving, driving, more driving and driving bliss!

Planning to gift Pegasus a couple of things come March 2013 (on his 1st birthday) - better rubber (Michelins) and better eyes (NightBreaker Plus, hopefully).

I didn't take any pics in the workshop this time either (was busy snapping pics of the Brio AT's interiors and exteriors), but I leave you with a few random shots.


Current ODO reading -



The trip -



FE achieved -



Jobs listed -



Billing -



Battery readout & Receipt -

[msnarain]

Excellent account of ownership. Honestly as I read the initial post, I just didn't want the post to end! Great choice there, both the car and the name. Wishing you many happy miles with Pegasus!

I'm intrigued by the fact that you refer to your car as a 'he'. I have always wondered why most people refer to a car as 'she'.

[libranof1987]

Couple of things :

1) That battery test is a first for me! Could you elaborate on that please? Pearl Honda, Gurgaon has never done it in 2 years. Is it Honda-specific or dealer-specific?

2) Why didn't you get the engine oil replaced? Plan to do it DIY or not at all - considering the low running.

Hope Pegagus keeps the going smooth!