Honda Warranty Query

[davejazz]

£117 squids!

I feel an old Fairy Liquid bottle, with diluted soapy water, being “wired in series” as we await.

At least (apparently), it was not something that they check for an MOT test.

I will be amazed if it is not covered by the guarantee, as is the near side door mirror, whose motor fails, and gets replaced under warranty.

[equaliser]

It might not be the nozzle that's gunged up it could be the inlet filter is blocked in the washer tank (there is a separate inlet for front and rear). Empty it out then put water and a Milton tablet in and leave it overnight before emptying then filling back up with screen wash. I've done this many times over the years and it's always fixed the issue. Good luck!

[chicksee]

Thanks for the reply’s, will see what Honda have to say when they call back.
Seems wrong though they put it down to wear and tear after only 10k miles.
Have had Honda Jazz’s for 16 years now and never had a problem, first one and it’s being disputed.

[ColinB]

Just a thought, but I can see a logic which might explain the garage's stance. If the motor/pump had failed, then that must be a warranty item, no question. However, if the motor runs then it must be something else, probably a blockage somewhere. The garage might suspect that an incorrect or dirty fluid has been used (eg washing-up liquid) which has gummed up the filters or NR valves or the nozzle. That would be user error, and wouldn't be covered by warranty. If the filter or NR valves are integral with the pump, that would explain why they want to replace it. If that's the case though they really ought to explain it to you.

[chicksee]

Only ever used tap water, nothing else.

[Jazzik]

Just a thought, but I can see a logic which might explain the garage's stance. If the motor/pump had failed, then that must be a warranty item, no question.

So why do they want £117 for a new one? 

Had my 3rd service today plus MOT, car has done 10k only, I asked them to look at the rear screen washer as no water comes down. They did that and said it needs a new motor at a cost of £117.

[Nicksey]

Yes, can hear the motor going.

It won't be the motor then. It will be a blockage somewhere in the pipe/nozzle system.

[davejazz]

Yes, can hear the motor going.

It won't be the motor then. It will be a blockage somewhere in the pipe/nozzle system.

Perhaps the £117, will be the labour rate, to clear the blockage!

[chicksee]

Going back there tomorrow and see the manager, he wasn’t in the other day.

[Lord Voltermore]

I think the motor trade in general would rather charge you silly money for new parts than fiddle about trying to clear blockages. 

I once bought a one year old corsa.  Soon after the rear washers stopped working.   I found the washer bottle clogged with what looked like chicken soup.   It even had green tendrils growing in it.   I can only assume  the previous owner had filled the washer bottle from a natural spring or water butt and algae had multiplied in the warm weather/engine heat.      I cleared it myself.     But it didnt occur to me that this should be covered by manufacturers warranty.  I knew someone had made a mistake       I would probably feel differently if I knew for certain that proper screen wash had always been used.      I think Honda will be thinking along the same lines and may refuse  under warranty, even if you 'escalate' your case. 

If you have to pay  I would think there are cheaper ways of sorting it than paying a main dealer to change a pump.     

[Kremmen]

If you do pay, they fit a new motor then it's still blocked, then what ?

[Nicksey]

If you do pay, they fit a new motor then it's still blocked, then what ?

Ah, but how would you know? I am sure they would keep it in the service area and find/fix the blockage... and I bet they wouldn't admit to it once handed back to the customer.

[Jazzik]

...and then you can still wonder whether they really installed that new motor, which is on the bill, or just unblocked it...

[Berisford]

If you are paying for the repair then all the old parts are yours for the asking - just make very sure any request is on the job sheet..........

[dfconnolly]

We had this issue on a 6 month old 21 plate demo sold to us with the fault present. Fixed by our own local dealer, the non-return valve was stuck at the tailgate opening.
The following winter we had the same problem, the motor was OK but freezing conditions had caused the NRV to stick again.
Fixed and been OK since.
I spoke to the tech who said this was a common occurrence and they simply have to access the pipes in the tailgate and shift it with an airline.
They should be doing that first instead of replacing the motor!