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Category: Honda

Find every single piece of information about Honda cars. Read Honda cars review, history, and users driving experience.

Honda Civic Engine Vibrates in Parking Reverse Transmission

This page is contribute to all Honda Civic FD owners who have engine vibration, roughness, rattle, rumbling sound or other similar situation when the transmission is set to Parking (P) or Reverse (R). Model years affected are 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Read the symptoms properly and see if it is similar to what you have experienced. If so, continue to read on to find out the right solutions and share your thoughts here.

Symptom 1: One great early morning, you get into your Honda Civic as usual and start the car. The engine vibrates seriously and it sounds like it is going to break into pieces. The vibration happens when you put the transmission in Parking or Reverse. Instead, the vibration goes off when you put the gear in Drive (D), D3, 2, or 1. However, the car does not produce the same vibrations in Reverse or Parking after you have been driving it for a while. In the evening, the car engine doesn’t give you any vibration, rattling sound or rumbling sound.

Symptom 2: The car engine vibrates when the engine was cold. It sounds like the engine is touching the car body. The engine vibration is gone when the engine is hot or when you speed up. Take a look at the mileage it is exactly 117,000 km (72,700 miles) and the car is 9 years old. This symptom is reported to us by Ashley who invited us to check out her Honda Civic while the mileage has just hit 100,000 km (62,137 miles).

Honda Civic Engine Vibration Solution

Well, the engine vibration may sound very scary to the owner of the car not knowing what happen. Do not panic because this is a common problem for most 8^th generation Honda Civic owners. It happens when the engine idling or the transmission is in reverse. Here’s a little homework that you can do to your Honda Civic.

Step 1: First, open your car hood and locate the right side motor mount as shown in the image here.

Step 2: Once you have located the right side motor mount. Squat down a little bit and check on the spacing between the bump stops. The spacing between the bump stops should be approximately 1 cm for a good motor mount. Check and see if the bump stops hit on each other. If that is the case, it is time to replace the motor mount with a new one because the old motor mount transfers the engine vibration to the body.

Step 3: The motor mount (some called it engine mount) part no is 50820-SNL-T01. For beginners, it will take you about an hour to replace the part. Instead, an advance mechanic will only need 30 minutes to replace the right motor mount.

Step 4: This is a photo to compare the old worn motor mount and the new one. The motor is hydraulic and it obviously has a lifetime. Take a look at the photo below, the old one is obviously worn out and look old. The new one is showing an approximate 1 cm between the bump stops.

Step 5: Once a new motor mount or engine mount is replaced, it should look like this. A new motor mount is cost THB3,419 from Honda Thailand and it should cost in between $100 and $150 in United States.

Some other useful information for Honda Civic FD owner: Honda Civic Fuse Diagram and Basic car maintenance schedule (car maintenance schedule).

At most of the time, this issue does not relate to bad spark plugs. Does the information shared here solve your problems? Please contact us and let us know if your problem could not be solved after the motor mount is replaced with a new one.

February 9, 2015
Sepang International Circuit TimeToAttack!
December 21, 2014 was the final round of TimeToAttack race organized by ZeroToHundred. The weather was good and it was windy. It is the perfect weather for all kinds of sports cars to roar in the circuit. Outside of the track, there are many super cars appeared to show off including the Lamborghini Huracan, Lamborghini Gallardo, Lamborghini Aventador, Lamborghini Murcielago, Ferrari F430 Scuderia, McLaren MP4-12C, Audi R8, and more to be mentioned. Walk around the pit, you will see a few dozens of Nissan GT-R R35 flood the circuit with 545-hp twin-turbo V6 engine under their hood. At the car park, there are also a few familiar car parts brands promoting top racing car accessories as well as giving some merchandise to spectators. They are Volkswagen, HKS, Yokohama, Advan, Renault Sport, and Sparco.

Other than the Nissan GT-R group, the second biggest car club that deluges the Sepang International Circuit is the Toyota Vellfire Owners Club in Malaysia. More than 50 Vellfires appeared at the car park and they are definitely adding colors to the race.

It is really no fun to drive in the Sepang International Circuit if you don’t have a car that produces at least 200 hp. Except the GTRsss, the Honda Civic Type R is another interesting group to check out. There are at least 15 Honda Civic FD2 Type R appear at the race and any of them is producing at least 222 horsepower.

How can a racing event without hot car girls and pretty Asian car show girls?

Nissan 180SX, Nissan Silvia S15 (driven by Malaysian Girl Drifter Leona Chin), Honda Civic EK, Renault Megane RS250, Nissan Skyline GTR 33, Renault Clio RS, Mitsubishi Evo 8, Mitsubishi EVO X, BMW E46 M3, Mitsubishi Evo 9 RS, Volkswagen Golf R, Audi TT-S, Honda CR-Z, Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4TSI, Mini Cooper, Honda Integra DC5-R, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Porsche 911 Turbo, Mazda RX7 FD3S, Toyota 86, Porsche 997 911 Turbo, Honda S2000, BMW E90 320D, Subaru Impreza GRB STi, Lotus Exige S, BMW E46 M3, and Mazda MX5 are a few more cars that we can see on the track on Sunday.

TimeToAttack Sepang Internationl Circuit race is basically divided into 6 groups and they are:
- Group 1 (EUROS & GT CARS)
- Group 2 (GTR & SUPERCARS)
- Group 3 (NA & TURBO SUPER STREET)
- Group 4 (STREET TURBO)
- Group 5 (STREET NA)
- Group 6 (TIME ATTACK MACHINES)
If you would like to join the next race in 2015, make sure you have read all the rules and regulations and prepare yourself for the next race! The fastest driver for 2014 is Desmond Soh who drives a Mitsubishi Evo 9 TAM clocked a blisteringly fast lap time of 2:14.903, setting a new lap record!

Sepang International Circuit TimeToAttack! Gallery

For those who missed this event, you can enjoy more photos after the jump. (Click on the thumbnail to enlarge the photo)
December 22, 2014
Honda Accord Maintenance Schedule
The Honda Accord Maintenance Schedule tells every Accord owner when they should send their car to Honda Service Center and what are the parts need to be replaced. The Maintenance Schedule is part of the Honda Accord Owners Manual. In fact, it is very important in order for every Honda Accord owner to keep the car performs at its best. Just in case you have lost your Honda Accord Maintenance Schedule or Owners Manual, you can download it here for free. The Maintenance Schedule available here is suitable for 2015 Honda Accord, 2014 Honda Accord, 2013 Honda Accord, 2012 Honda Accord, 2011 Honda Accord, 2010 Honda Accord as well as earlier model year such as 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 2000.

When it comes to car maintenance, it is always about changing engine oil, replacing oil filter, air filter, element filter, washer drain, auto transmission fluid, spark plug, strainer fuel, tires, brake pads, and other parts that related to daily driving. Engine oil replacement is the most important things need to be done according to the schedule. The new Honda Accord model comes with an electronic “Maintenance Minder” where the system in the dash tells the driver when the engine oil needs to be replaced. It is always recommended to change the engine oil before the given mileage is achieved.

Honda Accord Maintenance Schedule

This is a standard maintenance schedule for all the Honda Accord models from 2014. The new Honda Accord comes with Maintenance Minder. Maintenance Minder is a system that reminds the owners when to replace the engine oil, oil filter, as well as brake pad. However, it doesn’t remind the owner if there is a need to replace spark plug, spark plug wires, brake fluid, service the cooling system, and some other wear and tear items. Therefore, this basic car maintenance schedule will still be useful for any 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, or newer Accord models such as the Honda Accord Hybrid or the Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid.

Every 5,000 Miles
- Change the engine oil and oil filter.
- Roate/adjust the wheels and air pressure for tires.
- Font and rear brakes inspections.
- Check the automatic transmission fluid (for automatic car), clutch fluid (for manual transmission car), brake fluid, cooling fluid in radiator, and power steering fluid to make sure it is at the adequate level.
- Inspect the exhaust system and see if there is any weird smoke coming out from the exhaust.
- Check if the wiper needs to be replaced.
- Inspect car battery, battery cables, and test the condition.
- Some other items to be checked include brake lines, hoses, fuel hoses, and cooling system hoses.
Nowadays, most of the Honda Accord owners rely on the Maintenance Minder system for car maintenance schedule. The on-board computer that monitors the vehicle from time to time tells the owner what to do with the car. When the computer determines the car has reached 15% remaining oil life, it means you have to plan to take your vehicle to the local Honda Dealer for service. On the other hand, it means it is a must to service the car now if it shows 5%. The service is overdue if the Maintenance Minder system shows 0%.

Generally, there is nothing much to be replaced if you do not use your car heavily. However, you still have to follow the following mileage marks to check on the mentioned items. Honda mechanics will tell you if any of these items need to be replaced or changed. Most of the Honda dealers provide free checking service so you should do it when the mileage shows up on your odometer.

25,000 Miles
- Body lubrication includes door hinges, power door locks, hood, and trunk.
- Check steering rack grease and steering linkage.
- Inspect valve clearance.
- Inspect drive belts. Replace it if there is a need.
- Check brake pads and brake disc for wear, cracks, and damage.
- Replace Genuine Honda Air Filter.
45,000 Miles
- Replace Cabin Filter.
- Check catalytic converter, heat shield, muffler, and exhaust pipe for leaks, tightness, and damage.
- Standard vehicle maintenance inspection.
- Lubricate Chasis.
- Inspect parking brake adjustment.
- Inspect ABS modulator.
65,000 Miles
- Clean the power antenna mast if there is a need.
- Roate/adjust the wheels and air pressure for tires. See also: Simple ways to take care of your tire.
- Inspect tires for wear. Replace it if there is a need.
- Replace the automatic transmission fluid or CVT fluid. Drain it and fill it with Honda Genuine transmission fluid.
- Replace the manual transmission fluid and inspect clutch operation.
- Check steering rack grease and steering linkage.
- Inspect valve clearance.
85,000 Miles
- Inspect the fluid level and top off all fluid levels if there is a need.
- Rotate tires and torque wheel nuts.
- Change the brake fluid if it is dirty or if the color is changed.
- Replace spark plugs for better performance.
- Inspect the idle speed.
100,000 Miles
- Clean the power antenna mast if there is a need.
- Replace Cabin Filter or Pollen Filter.
- Inspect valve clearance.
- Inspect drive belts. Replace it if there is a need.
- Inspect all the lamps include interior lamps and exterior lamps such as headlamps, indicators, and brake lamp for proper operations.
- Check brake pads and brake disc for wear, cracks, and damage.
- Replace Genuine Honda Air Filter.
- Replace timing belt.
- Inspect tires for wear. Replace it if there is a need.
- Vehicle Maintenance Inspection.
- Check ball joint boots for deterioration, bolts for tightness, and driveshaft boots.
Car maintenance related articles: What kind of oil does my car need, How do I change the oil in my car, How much oil does my car hold, and How to jump start a car.

The above Honda Accord Maintenance Schedule is a general recommendation for most of the Honda Accord models. In order not to waste any money for car maintenance, it is highly recommended to consult your mechanic from Honda mechanic before replacing any items. Sometimes, a car part work longer than it is expected but sometimes it becomes faulty earlier than it should be. Therefore, it is suggested to check your car with the nearest Honda Dealer from time to time to avoid any unwanted accident. According to some car experts in Asia, a Honda Accord is able to run up to 500,000 km (approximately 300,000 miles) and still in good running condition if it is well maintain. Well, that is a Honda Accord!
October 4, 2014
Honda Thailand scrapped 1055 cars to convince its customers

Severe flooding happened in Thailand last year October has causes 1055 Honda cars to completely become scrap metal. These are brand new cars and sitting in Honda Thailand factory waiting for its new customers. Unfortunately, the flood water comes before the new customers. These cars cannot be sold because all of them had been sunken in flood waters and covered by mud. Honda tried to take action to save these remaining cars before the flood water comes but time is inadequate, resulting 1055 cars have to be the victim of the flood. Individual is able to save their car from flood but not Honda that has over one thousand cars sitting in the factory in Nikom Rojna industrial estate.

During end of December 2011, the flood situation eases after rain stops. Honda Thailand has to clean up the factory just like many other companies do. They have to clear these cars after they suffered a massive financial loss due to the factory being non-operational for several months. More than 60,000 units of vehicle could not be produced and now 1055 completed cars have to be cleared. We would have to say Honda did a great job in the scrapping process to prevent the cars from ever being sold. Every car is scrapped completely and become a piece of metal for recycle purpose.

There are six stations for the scrapping process. At first station and second station, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, engine oil, and coolant were completely drained. Air condition refrigerant is discharge too in order to protect the environment during the scrapping process.Battery, wheels, exhaust pipe, fuel tank, car hood, bumper, side mirrors, and engine were removed before the car send to scrapping zone. Plastic parts, dampers, radiator, condenser, wiring, spare tire, and transmission were removed at third and fourth station.

Basically, the body and all other parts are killed in the process to prevent it from being resold again including suspension, sub-frame, brake pump, fuel system, and engine. At fifth station, wheels were drilled with holes or damaged by Honda engineers with fire gun to avoid someone have them cleaned up and resold. Other components get destroyed in this station. All the recycle materials including battery, rubber, plastic, aluminium, steel, and metal go to the right place for recycle in the last station.

The most painful part of the process is the total value of these cars which has not revealed by Honda. There are 217 units of Honda Brio, 213 units of Honda Jazz, 353 units of Honda City, 150 units of Honda Civic, 91 units of Honda Accord, 30 units of Honda CR-V, and 1 unit of Honda Freed out of 1055 cars. Base onThailand market value for the cheapest model for all cars, it is approximately 417 million Thai baht (approximately 13 million USD as of January 2012).

Honda’s mission is to convince their customers to believe their quality in new vehicles. Cars and parts affected by flood will never be sold. The process is being done inRojanaIndustrial Parkunder the witness of media companies, Honda dealers, Ministry of Transport and Communications, and some other government agencies. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of every car is published atThailand’s Honda website. Source from Honda Thailand.

January 16, 2012
Honda Civic: It still smells new after runs for one hundred thousand km in five years
Thanks to Ashley who invited us to check on her car, here we got a chance to write a detail used car reviews on her 2007 Honda Civic. Ashley bought the Honda Civic back in February 2007. It is just about a year after the eighth generation of the Civic has been introduced. The model year is 2007 and it is an Asian model which also known as Civic FD.

The reason why Ashley invited us to review on her car is because the mileage is going to hit 99999 km today. And yes, we are the lucky one who rides in the car with her from 99999 km to 100000 km. We drive the car up hill, down hill and also try some corners with higher speed. We also test the car at speedway up to 170 km/h and the result is really impressive. The car feels stable at 165 km/h and started to feel a little “windy” when the speed hit 170 km/h. Boy, don’t try this at normal way.

How the car was taken care? The car we are reviewing is owned by a single lady at 30 years old. She bought the car when she was 26 years old. 100,000 km for 5 years is quite an average based on our study. Each year runs 20,000 km is somehow average for a car that travel roughly 50 km a day. The owner maintains the car follow the basic car maintenance schedule as suggested in the owner’s manual. Engine oil get changed every 5,000 to 10,000 depending on the oil grade. Brake fluid, auto transmission fluid, and oil filter was changed on time too. According to the owner, spark plug only changed twice since new and the brake pad was replaced when the car hit 70,000 km. Four tires were replaced when 80,000 km when the thread almost finish. We noticed that the only thing didn’t change on time is the air filter. It is dirty and not really in good condition. The car also went to car wash every two weeks and interior gets polished every three months with cheap polish kits purchased from Tesco.

Total maintenance cost over ~5 years

For the first few times, Ashley brought the car back to Honda for maintenance and services because it is free and under warranty. After that she feels it is unnecessary to have a nice café to sit while waiting for the car so she brought to a trusted mechanic for cheaper labor cost. This is the rough estimation of what she has spent for the car over ~5 years.
- Engine oil, oil filter, and services: RM220 x 10 times = RM2,200. Each time for 10,000 km.
- Car Tires: RM1,200 for four
- Spark plug: RM60
- Transmission fluid: RM80
- Brake Fluid: RM50
- Air-cond fan and AC gas: RM380
- Total: RM3,970. The amount is really amazing.
Update: At the ninth years, the owner, Ashley contacted us saying the car has reached 117,000 km (72,700 miles) and she has replaced the engine motor mount.

What is good about this car? It tastes like a new car. The 1.8-liter 16 valve chain-driven SOHC i-VTEC engine gives the maximum 140 hp @ 6,300 rpm and maximum torque 174 Nm @ 4,300 rpm. As we mentioned above, the car is still stable at 160 km/h after putting 100,000 km on it. Cornering, up hill, and braking is pretty good too. The 1.8-liter has enough power for us although there are rumors said that it is under power. May be the rumors were compared to the 2.0S model.

What isn’t so good about this car? The color of the rubber surrounding the car window at four doors is faded and need replacement. It has never been changed before. According to the owner, the air-condition start giving problems when the car runs 80,000 km. The air-condition fan was spoilt and it was replaced. At the moment we test drive the car, the AC pulley is seems not in good condition too. It causes the AC not cold enough when the car stuck in traffic jam.

What about the look? As for the exterior, the car still looks brand new. The headlights didn’t become yellow like some of the cheap cars do. The rear lights, exterior logo, grill, bumper, and windscreen are still in good condition. For the interior, dashboard did not have any crack although it often park under hot sun. The only thing spoilt is the Honda logo at the steering wheel which is a little odd.

What about the safety features? The car has a good braking system with ABS assisted. Front is using ventilated disc and rear is using solid disc. It also comes with dual SRS airbags, security alarm system.

Any extra point for it? Yes the car boot is big enough for few large luggages and the fuel consumption is low.

Price: There are three models available from Honda, the Civic 1.8S, Civic 1.8S-L, and the hotter model Civic 2.0S. 1.8S is basic model without leather seat from the price of RM114,980, 1.8S-L is RM119,980 and the hotter 2.0S is from RM130,980.

Honda Civic’s competitor or similar car: Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sylphy, Mazda3, Peugeot 308, Kia Forte, Chevrolet Cruze, Volkswagen Polo, Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, and Proton Inspira.

In conclusion, the Honda Civic is definitely still smells as good as new car after almost 5 years of driving with 100,000 km run.
December 28, 2011