Unlike most cars, the 1.2- and 1.4-litre i-DSi engines fitted to the Jazz require the tappets to be adjusted manually by a garage. Honda state this is to ensure best fuel consumption and emissions. Before 2005, this was done on every other service (2nd, 4th, etc.) for 2002 and 2003 model cars, and on mileage-only (every 25,000 miles) for 2004 and 2005 models. Since 2005, Honda insist the tappets are adjusted on mileage for all model years due to changes in service procedures and informed owners by post of this change. For 2006 to 2008 models the scheduled adjustment is at 62,500 miles.
Adjustment Schedules:
- 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005* cars (51-55/06* reg): every 25,000 miles irrespective of age.
- 2006*, 2007 and 2008 cars (06*-58 reg): every 62,500 miles irrespective of age
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*This refers to the model year and not always the year the car was registered. A 2005 model could still be registered in 2006. Please confirm when the car is due for a tappet adjustment with your Honda dealer. If anyone knows from which VIN numbers the 62,500 mile adjustment started from, please let us know.
Getting the tappets adjusted by your dealerSome owners have experienced difficulty in getting some Honda dealers to adjust the tappets on cars with slightly lower or higher then average mileage when bought in for a scheduled year-on service, as the dealer insists this must be done 'on mileage', even if the car is only a few thousand miles short of the scheduled tappet adjustment. It might be cheaper to have the tappets adjusted at the nearest service as no doubt having the work down separately would probably be more expensive in the long run. if in doubt, ask your dealer.
What will happen if I don't have the tappets adjusted?As of 2009, all cars which require attention every 25,000 miles have no Honda warranty to invalidate as they are over three years old. Unless you drive a 2006-on Jazz and are likely to exceed 62,500 miles in less than three years, you should not run in to any warranty problems by not having the work done. Indeed, some owners have ran past scheduled tappet adjustments without any problems or failure of MoT's due to high emissions, so we advise you to make an informed decision of your own based on your preferences.
Adjusting the tappets yourselfIt is possible for the DIY mechanic to adjust the tappets themselves. Full information is available in the Honda Jazz Haynes Manual.
