Honda revisited

Remember way back when? Back when our two year old Odyssey was recalled nearly two months ago due to a programming glitch, which in turn led to a jaw-rattling judder, which then led to the transmission fluid being flushed, and finally led to the replacement of our torque converter. Don't know much about this subject? Neither did I, but you can find out more about it here.

Anywho, Honda called me on Monday to say that our back-ordered product had finally arrived from Japan. "Of course," the kindly service guy said, "this will be an all-day job."

Say WHHHHAAAA---UUUUUUUTTTTT???

"Exactly what does 'all-day' mean?" I asked

"Oh, we'll just need the car at 8:00 a.m. and we should be done by around 5:00 p.m." the nice man replied.

You know that sound that brakes make when they squeal? That sound that's almost comparable to fingernails on a chalkboard? THAT's the sound that I heard when he said that to me.

"Ummm..... you can give me a replacement van right?" A fairly logical question I thought.

"Oh no, that' would be against our company insurance policy."

"Uh huuuuuuuuhhhhhhh. So how am I supposed to drive 4 kids around in our other vehicle - which happens to be a Nissan Altima?"

"Oh, I don't really know ma'am, but we can't provide a replacement vehicle."

Yeah - that whole "ma'am" thing, I know it's supposed to be a sign of respect and everything, but it just doesn't do it for me.

Whatever. The long and short of it is - NO BLOODY VAN.... for..... a .....day.

We manage to muddle through the day with one car (that can barely fit three car seats across the back-seat) thanks in most part to our neighbour with a heart of gold who dropped off and picked up Aidan, and then watched the boys so I could go get Shannon from daycare.

And yes, our two year old van now has a new torque converter.

You thought that was all right? End of story, close the book, move on.

Did I mention that for the last month the automatic sliding passenger door hasn't worked properly? I took it in to the kindly Honda service department (who are fast becoming my new BFFs) who said that the lubricating fluid was low and they topped it up.

Guess what....... in a shocking development, the door STILL doesn't work, and in fact has gotten worse.

Chris had the brilliant idea of video taping it so that we could show Honda exactly what was wrong. It took ONE try to get the malfunction recorded. Yep, not hours and hours, or repeated takes, but a single try.

When Chris took the van in this morning he showed the guys the video, and they said they'd look at the door - again. When Chris picked it up this evening (new torque converter and all) they told him that the motor on the door was done and they would have to order another one.

Not to worry, this time the van will only have to be in the shop for HALF a day.

GAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!

Let's look on the bright side though - at least it's all covered by warranty.