The Honda Owner’s Manual states: “The LKAS may not work properly or may work improperly under the certain conditions”.
Think about that – Honda has a safety system, and I assume it wants us to use and rely on it, yet it then states in the huge handbook with 772 pages in total (incidentally, the salesman did not tell my customer about this) that it “may not work properly.” Isn’t that unbelievable?
Ever think about buying a new vehicle so that you can have the comfort and reliability of it not breaking down when you need to be somewhere on time? Many have done just that, and the woman (my customer) who did just that, whom this article is based on, was deceived like many others were when she purchased a new 2022 Honda Civic Sport. This woman has allowed me to drive her new 2022 Honda Civic Sport many times with her to verify the unsafe driving condition when using the Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) on the freeway.
The LKAS safety system sometimes does not work properly (as confirmed in Honda’s own handbook), which could cause an accident, property damage, and or injuries.
Honda knows about this Safety Defect with the LKAS, but when the customer complained about this problem, Honda service states it is normal operation. In fact, the system makes the vehicle unsafe, and Honda knows about this safety issue even though its salesman did not disclose this important fact and known defect to this one new customer. It is buried in the huge Honda handbook – but the Question is: How many Honda customers are able to read the entire handbook, and do it before driving their new Honda? Perhaps it is less than one percent?
When customers complain about the LKAS problem, Honda Dealerships may admit there is a problem. But they refused to write anything on a repair order for my customer when this matter was complained about at a Honda dealership.
I am here to disclose that the Safety Defect Honda states it is normal operation, but unless asked to inform and acknowledge anything about it, they refuse to tell you it can cause you to lose control at high speeds. Imagine losing control of your new Honda at a high speed!
The LKAS is supposed to let you know if you drift out of the lane with a vibration in the steering wheel and give the vehicle a slight nudge back into the lane; a light will also show up on the instrument cluster.
The problem is with some 2022 Honda Civic Sport vehicles, the vehicle will improperly and unsafely change lanes by self when following ghost lines or road color change. The one Honda Civic I have tested has done that very thing and will actually at times try to pull you into the side of an 18-Wheeler Truck when passing one on the freeway (this occurred on I-5 N, a good freeway). It will actually try to drive the vehicle for you – and do it unsafely!
In the Honda Owner’s Manual 2022 Civic Sedan (at pages 584 to 587):
LKAS Conditions and Limitations
The system may not detect lane markings and therefore may not keep the vehicle in the middle of the lane under certain conditions, including the following:
Environmental conditions
• There is little contrast between lane lines and the roadway surface.
• Driving in bad weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.).
• Driving on a snowy or wet roadway.
• Driving into low sunlight (e.g. at dawn or dusk).
• Shadows of adjacent objects (trees, buildings, guard rails, vehicles, etc.) are parallel to white (or yellow) lines.
• Sudden changes between light and dark, such as the entrance or exit of a tunnel or the shadows of trees, buildings, etc.
• Driving at night or in a dark place such as a tunnel (due to low-light conditions, lane lines or the road surface may not be illuminated).
• The distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you is too short, and lane lines and the road surface are not visible.
• Strong light is reflected onto the roadway.
Roadway conditions
• Driving on a road with temporary lane markings.
• Faint, multiple, or varied lane markings are visible on the roadway due to road repairs or old lane markings.
• The roadway has merging, split, or crossing lines, such as at an intersection or crosswalk.
• The lane markings are extremely narrow, wide, or changing.
• Part of the lane markings are hidden by an object, such as a vehicle.
• The road is hilly or the vehicle is approaching the crest of a hill.
• Your vehicle is strongly shaken on uneven road surfaces.
• When objects on the road (curb, guard rail, pylons, etc.) are recognized as white (or yellow) lines.
• Driving on rough or unpaved roads, or over bumpy surfaces.
• Driving on roads with double lane lines.
• Driving on snowy or slippery roads.
• The pavement is only partially visible due to snow or puddles on the road.
• There is a film of water or puddles on the road surface.
• White (or yellow) lines are not recognized correctly due to road conditions such as curves, twists, or hills.
• Driving on unpaved or nutted roads.
• Passing through an exit or an interchange.
Vehicle conditions
• When lighting is weak due to dirt covering the headlight lenses, or there is poor visibility in a dark place due to the headlights being improperly adjusted.
• The front of the camera is covered by dirt, fog, rain, mud, wet snow, seals, accessories, stickers, or film on the windshield.
• Driving at night or in a dark place (e.g., a tunnel) with the headlights off.
• There is residue on the windshield from the windshield wipers.
• An abnormal tire or wheel condition (incorrect sizes, varied sizes or construction, improperly inflated, compact spare tire*, etc.).
• The vehicle is tilted due to a heavy load in the trunk or rear seats.
• The suspension has been modified
• Tire chains* are installed.
*Not available on all models
That is quite a long list! With all these limitations stated in the Honda handbook but not discussed at time of purchase, is this a safe system? Of course not!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
By the way, there is another problem that occurs on this 2022 Honda Civic Sport I have tested, and that is the high-speed torque at 75 mph when driving with traffic; the vehicle has high speed torque. The vehicle steering torque makes it pull left and right inside the lane like it is fighting itself. I reported this to the Honda Dealerships, and they said all is normal.
From the Honda Owner’s Manual, page 579 states: “If the vehicle drifts toward either left or right lane line due to the system applying torque, turn off the LKAS and have your vehicle checked by a dealer,” The owner did report that concern but was told there is no problem found and that it is working as designed. Working as designed? Incredible!
There is some good news: If the road conditions are good, you can use the system according to Honda Owner’s Manual:
“When the System can be Used” – as long as the road is in perfect condition, sunny and mild, flat and straight roads.
The system can be used when the following conditions are met. (on page 579)
• The lane in which you are driving has detectable lane markers on both sides, and your vehicle is in the center of the lane.
• The vehicle is traveling between about 45 and 90 mph.
• You are driving on a straight or slightly curved road.
• The turn signals are off.
• The brake pedal is not depressed.
Advice given by two (2) Honda Dealership Service Advisors at two (2) separate and different Honda Dealerships is to turn the LKAS off. Both service advisers said they witnessed the problem with their own family vehicles. One of the service writers said, she drives with hers turned off, and I responded, yes, we can do that, but we are paying $3,000 (estimated) for the use of it on our new vehicle. The second service writer at another Honda Dealership told us he does not allow his wife to drive her new 2022 Honda with the LKAS on but makes her drive with it off.
If you have or know of a similar problem and want some help, you can get help at a law firm I contacted, who may be doing a Civil Lawsuit to help us. Remember, this LKAS costs us a lot of money, and much worse can cause injury and or damage, and not being able to use it and not advised of that fact before or at time of purchase is unfair business practice at our expense.
The problem you have just read about is the same problem that my customer has complained about. Currently, there is no known fix for this Lane-Keep-Assist-System problem according to Honda service advisors.
What can you do to get help with your defective LKAS in your 2022 Honda Civic Sport?
Call Carey at Bisnar & Chase Law firm or send me an email. They would like to speak to you about that defect, a potentially serious defect that could cause you to have loss of control of your vehicle and possibly get you into an accident.
Bisnar & Chase Law
800.956.0123 | 949.752.2999
Ask for Carey Lynn regarding the 2022 Honda Civic Sports Civil Case
If you own a 2022 Honda Civic Sport or Sedan, be careful; drive safely with both hands tightly gripped on the steering wheel. Also, spread the word now, and if you have any questions or prefer to contact me, please send me an email at lemonprotection@yahoo.com.
Thank you all,
Jackie Winters
Lemon Protection
Category Archives: Uncategorized
When is a New or Used Vehicle a Lemon?
Featured
A Lemon is the last thing a person wants to get when buying a new vehicle of any kind. Ever wonder what a Lemon vehicle is and what it takes to prove it and how to prove it in a court of law
Buying a new vehicle, be it a car, truck, motorcycle or boat and many others things listed but not mentioned here is what no person want’s.
1) First what makes my vehicle a lemon according to the law?
A) Any repair that can’t be fixed in a reasonable number of attempts and is still causing the same problem such as A/C Foul Odors, transmission whining noise or jerking, engine noise, emission leaks and the list goes on and on.
2) How many repair attempts is considered reasonable attempts for a repair? Three repair attempts is considered reasonable
3) How many days in a repair shop is considered a lemon?
30 Days or more in the shop is considered a lemon.
4) How can this A/C foul odor be considered a lemon?
The dealership has attempted to fix the foul odor under the Factory Warranty that covers defect.
5) What should I do if the dealership says the problem I have is normal?
Get a non-biased opinion, most concerns are not normal.
6) Why is a repair done under the factory warranty?
The part was defective and the factory Warranty only covered defects.
7) Can the foul odors be fixed once and for all without covering the smell with fresheners that can be harmful to your health?
Yes it is a repairable problems, it takes several hours to do to proper repair. Most people believe the foul odor is normal and don’t ask for help anymore.
8) How can I prove my vehicle has a defect and it is still not repaired?
First have three repair attempts under the factory warranty. If they say they cannot duplicate the problem make an appointment and be sure you can prove the problem and be sure to write down any comments the Technician spoke when road testing and witnessing the complaint.
See the repair report before signing and taking car. If the Technician told you he witnessed the concerns but the repair order report states no problem found, call the manager and get the Technician there and make him say to the manager what he told you and make sure it is in writing before you sign it.
If they refuse to write it down call the Bureau of Automotive Repair in your area and they will help you. Everyone is entitled to a full written report of what is said and done about their vehicle.
9) How do I prove it in a court of law?
First you have your repair orders proving the A/C Foul Odor was attempted to be repair and has failed.
A) The repair attempts were done under the factory warranty and have failed.
B) The foul odor was witnessed by a Technician.
C) The complaint was witnessed by several repair technicians and temporary cleaned not repaired and the odor returns.
10) Can the foul odors be a heath concern?
I have heard many people and myself have had health problem caused by foul odor A/C everything from headaches to burning eyes and burning dry throat, other people have told me the same things such as.
The Foul Odors cause their eyes to burn (some people)
The Foul odor causes their throat to get raw (some people)
The foul odor cause them to have headaches (some people)
The found odors cause some people with asthma to have related asthma attacks. (some people)
11) Can the cause of the foul odors be fixed?
Yes, the cause of the foul odor can be fixed if the Technician will get the authorization to do the proper repairs.
12) What do I do now that I know I have a possible lemon?
- Call a lemon law attorney
- Get a clear copy of all of your document including the Contract or Lease, all repair orders, all notes, all phone conversation, and all things said to you by the dealership employees about your vehicle.
- Be ready to fax or e-mail all your information
- Do not send SS Numbers to anyone.
- Be sure when you settle the attorney’s fees will be paid by the other side and not out of your settlement.
- Let him do his job and you will come out ahead with possible a new replacement car, all you money back including the down payment and or part money back and you keep the vehicle.
- Remember when working with an attorney, he or she will not call you unless they have something they need to discus with you so be patient with them.
Good luck and tell a friend.
Jackie
How to get paid on Diminished Value
HAS YOUR VEHICLE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND REPAIRED?
Did you know you are entitled to be paid for that loss of value?
Did you know that diminished value can be in the thousands of dollars?
Did you know the other driver’s insurance company owes you that loss of value?
Did you know Lemon Protection Guaranteed their Diminished Value Reports?
FULL MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
When you present the Lemon Protection Diminished Value Report to the Insurance Company you will be told it is not valid. You will be told this in hope you will go away but the LAW and Lemon Protection is on your side.
A Lemon Protection adviser will give you instruction on the steps to take in order to get to the negotiation table and then settle your case. If you cannot settle and we have to continue on to small claim court then Lemon Protection will have an Expert Witness with you. You must follow the direction given by Lemon Protection to get this money and we will be with you all the way to the end.
If you are not awarded at least 25% of the diminished value calculated by Lemon Protection you will not pay for any of the services provided by Lemon Protection and that includes;
- Diminished Value Report
- Expert Witness
- Court appearances
- No other billing for anything related to the case
YOU CAN WIN IF YOU ARE WILLING TO FIGHT FOR IT, WE GUARANTEED IT
You can find a story of a recent win by a man in Nevada on my web site under “WHAT IS A DAMAGED VEHICLE WORTH POST REPAIR?”, he was offered $1,000 to settle his Diminished Value claim but he said no. He told the insurance company I want a non-biased opinion. He called Lemon Protection and it was done, I wrote the report and he settled for $4,563.00 and I can prove it. He said the Insurance adjuster did not want the Lemon Protection report in court. Tell a friend about us and book mark our site, Thank you for your time and kindness to read.
Jackie
Lemon Protection
Z-28 Ignition Problems A No Money Easy Fix
5.7 L Z-28 Cleaning the Distributor and Not replacing it?
As most anyone driving the GM Z-28 Camaro with the 5.7 L engine knows the GM Distributor is located in front of the engine and when it gets wet it causes a lot of problems and finally a no start condition. I just had 1994 Camaro Z-28 leak water from a pin hole and then the distributor got wet and that was it, it started to run bad, jerking, spitting, barking and then stopped running just as I hit the end of the driveway.
I pressure tested the water system and found a pin hold in a coolant return line on the top right side of the engine, I fixed the leak. I attempted to start it but failed. I knew the ignition got wet and had to do what most don’t like to do and that is, just get into it and get it over with. It took me 5 hours, I’m old and slow and getting slower at something’s, not to mention I ache a lot.
My first thought was darn it the location of the engine distributor was not thought out well when it was designed into the engine and will place a lot of people in a bad spot if it get wet as a lot of them do just like I did.
The Ignition Distributor is on the front of the engine on a 5.7 L engine. It sits behind the front crankshaft harmonic balancer and water pump. These two parts have to be removed to get the distributor off along with a few other parts like the fans, hoses, electrical connectors and coil as well as the AIR Pump and belt. It is not a hard job to do but it is time consuming.
FYI, the Distributor runs off the water pump drive gear and that runs off the cam gear connected by chain to the crank gear. If you do this repair be sure to check the water pump for leaks or noise, a cheap part to replace and can save you from an unnecessary repair.
If the ignition gets wet it will make the car start to run bad, then worst, then not at all. So if you remove the distributor don’t spend hundreds of dollars and buy a new part, this one can be fixed unless up break it taking it apart, here is how.
After you remove all the parts and get the Distributor off the engine and on the bench your ready to fix it all in just a few minutes without buying any parts.
First wipe the outside of the part clean with a rag, if the nipple of the distributor cap is damaged you will need to replace it if not here is how you fix it to run again as if it never got wet. A used distributor can be used off another module if you have one but I think I read a new one is around $30.00 check your local auto part stores.
Now that you have removed the distributor from the engine and it’s on the bench and cleaned.
There are four inverted thorx head screws that has to be removed, I could not find a tool to fit the screw head bolts so I used a 3inch thorx head screw from the hardware store stick that screw you get from the hardware store upside down and with a pair of vice grips hold it then unloosen the four screws from the distributor cap and place them on the side.
Next be gentle and lift the distributor cap off the Control Module and turn it over. Most likely it will be wet with water so I used an air hose to blow dry mine, if you don’t have air use a rag to dry it out, and be sure it is very dry. If it is not wet your control module may be shorted, if that is the case you will need to have it tested before you replace it. Be sure if it is dry to check all the wire connectors for continuity and looseness as well as breaks before buying a new control module. The junk yard I am sorry to say, is full of Z-28s and the parts will likely work if you match the car you’re working on for the parts thus saving you money. If it is wet continue to clean the cap.
Also while the cap is off scrap the tips of each contact, a small flake will drop off, that’s burned carbon build-up on those points. Cleaning those contact point and rotor tip will make better contact when you restart it. If you observed you will see a seal that is around the housing, if it breaks and mine did. I used some RTV Red, a very fine coat on the gasket both sides to hold it to the part and to stop any water intrusion if leaks water on it, this RTV will not hurt anything and will seal the cap to the distributor control module.
I can’t say this will work on all engines but it work perfect on mine, it cost me a few hours of my time over a few days, I can only work a little at a time. On average I think anyone willing to try and do this repair will be able to do it in a less than 5 hours and save as much as $800.00 or more in parts and labor, you will need one special tool you can get from an auto parts store for around $25.00 it’s called a Harmonic Balance Puller. Good luck and GOD bless all.
Abdominal Crunch Isolation with Ab Radical
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This is about a product named Ab Radical; it is used for abdominal crunch isolation.
The abdominal is the heart of your standing straight and firm.
Exercising for better health is something that will keep you off the bed and on the track, good abdominal will make you feel better and you will stand straighter when you walk. Good abdominal only takes a few minutes a day and it can be done on the bed, on the floor or just about anywhere you can lie down for a few minutes, even on an air plane when flying.
I am a Marine, during the Marine Corp training I went from a 112 lb thin boy to a 136 strong buffed man. The exercise program is unbeatable if you can do it for the first 30 days, your on your way to a great body filled with energy. One of the best things for me was the exercising program. Everyone by the end of the first month was showing extra muscle. I did a lot of push ups and sit ups just like everyone else, we were a team. I have held on to that training and as often as I could, I would do push ups and crunches.
One of the hardest things I had to do is abdominal crunches, they are boring and hard if done wrong, but if done right you will get stronger better abs and for me less back pain. Strong abs helps me stand straight and walk more firm. In order to get that 6 pack most men want, it takes time and a little effort and getting that abdominal crunch done correctly is not hard to do if you have some help.
I have been using the “Ab Radical” because it works and this is one very good product for abdominal isolation. I do my crunches in the morning while my wife cooks and I normally do 50 crunches at one time. I can feel the abs start to burn and then I stop usually around 50 and sometimes a little more. The product has a wide belt made of stretch fabric and wraps around my back and gives me back support as well as the tummy, it will fit a person from size I think as small as 22 inches up to around 48 maybe 50 inches. It’s got two handles that come across my shoulders with a belt across the lower neck at the shoulders area; this helps me stay straight and gives my neck a little support. I do six inch crunches with my knees bent, I breath in my nose and out my mouth as I come up to crunch off the floor about 3 to 4 inches, just enough to feel my abdominal get hard. You can really feel the burn if you do it right and at 57 I feel pretty good. It folds up to a four inch box; I carry one with me when I travel by car or on a plane.
The product was designed to help a person with weak abdominal do abdominal crunches. It works by helping them lift the shoulders as they crunch. The abdominal crunch should not be from the floor all way to the knees; but only a few inch lift off the floor is needed to make that abdominal crunch. The product is not expensive and sold by Edison Nation on line and it is called Ab Radical I think around $14.95 I give it a 10 for the abdominal crunch.
The good part is you can carry it with you where ever you go and the storage space is very little, a woman purse, a glove box or on your side in a small carrying case.
If you really want those abdominal to start showing I suggest you get the Ab Radical. This will help anyone who wants to strengthen the abdominal without all the straining.
I am not an exercise expert but I can testify this little abdominal exerciser really work and it is easy to use.
Pass it on and get one if you like it.
lemonprotection.com
Wind Noise or Boom Box noise when we drive, can anything be done?
First I will speak about cars you drive. Wind noise is that noise you hear and may describe as a whistle noise or if you’re at high speed and a cross wind come by you may hear a loud groan or a loud boom box noise, on some vehicle (it is said to be a characteristic, not true).
I have found these problems with several new cars and on some new trucks but they can’t seem to get that problem fixed on some of them.
The cause of wind noise around the windows or windshield is the seals are not as tight as they should be but only tight enough to stop noise at low speed. Most of the time the wind noise seem to be coming from the front doors at the top corner at the windshield and on some cars at the sun roof, a wind noise may be heard as well.
If any of you have ever owned or driven a 1964 Plymouth Fury made by Chrysler you will hear nothing even if a big truck goes by without a muffler, this car was the quietest car ever made in my opinion, funny the new cars and trucks are suppose to be better than the old cars and trucks, makes you wonder what happened?
I have seen service writer place a dollar bill in the door and try to pull it out and if it does not pull out they tell the customer there is nothing wrong with the seal. That may be right as far as the looks of it when you see it but when the door is closed and the seal is suppose to be pressed tight against both sides of the door so it does not leak air at high speeds. The excessive wind noise and loud booming noise is not normal for any vehicle.
At the front windshield when a cross wind is heard and you hear that loud growling sound, a sound that you cannot ignore because of the loudness and the sound it makes. That wind noise seeming to come at the windshield is caused by a defective seal or the under hood opening at the hinges, this is where the wind travels up the A-Pillar and causes the noise with a cross wind.
I have proven this theory several times by plugging those holes with rags and running the same speed at the same area with cross wind (speeds above 65mph).
The problem is you are told by service they cannot drive over 65mph so we cannot hear anything wrong and your car or truck and it is released without a repair, there are some who has had the service writer or service manager go for a ride with them. When you can prove a problem and they could hear for themselves, then they do seem to get fixed. Wind noise is not normal and when you purchased the new vehicle you were not told you will get wind noise at high speed because if you were told that you would have likely walked away from the deal. After several repair attempts are made you may hear from the service writer that the door seals and windshield seals may have been replaced already and that is it, no more repairs because they cannot verify a problem. The sun roof will also cause a loud whirling sound at high speeds as well and is likely cause by defective seals or improperly installation, I have seen both and water leaked in as well when it rains. That noise, can’t be fixed unless a Technician is willing to get serious and find the spot causing the problem and then properly fix it.
Now let me speak on the trucks with 4 doors or rear windows in them. The noise I am speaking about is called a Boom Box Noise. This loud noise only happens when driving your truck at high speed with the two rear windows is ¼ way down. This is another problem I have witnessed when testing vehicles and the owners had no idea what caused it. I had an older gentleman with me on a road test and he told me his A/C went out when he and his wife were crossing the Ca desert and it was around 95 degrees. He told his wife he was going to roll down the windows and did so but the air was so hot is wife complained about it and he rolled up the two front windows and rolled down the two rear windows about ¼ of the way. The sound heard was ear piercing and he had to roll all the windows back up. The noise created by the two rear windows rolled down ¼ way is caused by the top of the truck flexing like someone flopping a piece of flat metal on the ground. This can be fixed but the repair needed is unlikely going to happen. The reason given to most of my customers is you are suppose to run with the windows up and the A/C on when it is hot, no advice if the A/C goes out if you got to drive.
Weak seals and gaskets make the wind easy for it to come inside and cause the noise you hear. A bad seal will also let water leak inside as well when it rains hard, water can cause electrical shorts and stop parts from working as well as unseen rusted seams that will rot out.
So what should you do if you got loud wind noise, complain about it to your dealership and demand a fix. If your dealership says they won’t do anything or cannot do anything about it. They may tell you it is a characteristic of the vehicle and you are left hanging as if it’s your problem and not theirs, and then you need to call an attorney for help. This wind noise is not normal for any car or truck excluding some convertibles. I have inspected over 3,500 cars and trucks and have witnessed this problem on several over the years that have had to get attorney help in order to get it solved. Help is available if you need it and the advice is free.
Written by Jackie Winters of lemonprotection.com, I also have several attorneys listed on my web site that my customers have used with great success. Good luck and God bless you.
Used Vehicle that have been an accident, beware
In the past I have inspected several like new cars and they all looked like they were well-maintained and never have been in an accident, the inspection proved otherwise. One must be aware that some used-car dealers will buy cars from auto auction, and some of those vehicles have been wrecked and repaired. These cars may never get reported to the police department and therefore do not show up in the Car Fax or Car Check reports.
With the purchase the customer also purchased an extended warranty. He started to have some electrical issue as well as suspension noises soon after. The dealership told the customer the $2,800.00 warranty he/she purchased did not cover the repairs because the repair was related to an accident that occurred before the vehicle was purchased. The customer was told the vehicle has never been in an accident.
I was asked to do an inspection on it and found several area showing damages that had been repaired indicating the vehicle has been in a major accident.
The vehicle which was purchased for $26,000, the person who purchased the car was given a Car Check report and showed to not have been in any accidents and based on that the car was purchased.
The customer wanted to trade the vehicle in and when the dealership inspected the vehicle the y found past accident damage, the dealership turn down the trade in. According to a new Car Fax report given to the customer during a trade in it appeared the vehicle had been in an accident. I later realized the original Car Check report had been cut and pasted together without the section showing the accident part. Someone sold a vehicle under fraud conditions when they made the true Car Check appear to be something it was not.
Used-car dealers’ salesmen know how to talk to car buyers. An inspection from a Trained Technician should always be done on newer used vehicle when the sale seems to be too good to be true.
A salesman may tell the potential buyer, “Look, I like you and want to help you. Although I am not supposed to do this, but I will drop the price a few more hundred dollars to help you.” This is a hook most people fall into. This $26,000 car should have been sold for $13,000, but like I said he was given a discount because the salesman said he likes him. Remember sales person does not know you any better than you know him or her. Sales persons are trained to make you feel like a true friend when in fact all they want is to sell you the vehicle and get that commission; then it’s good-bye and don’t bother me with any car repairs or complaints you have. The truth was the salesman may not have known about the accident damage but it seemed he robbed the customer. The customer had to file a lawsuit that may drag on for months or possible more before he recovers any money at all.
Upon inspection I removed some trim panels and took photos of the places where the rocker panels were and could see it had been hit and improperly repaired. This vehicle’s actual cash value was around $13,000, about half of what the customer paid for it and far less than the value of a good vehicle that was not wrecked. Not to count the loss of the $2,800.00 warranty that would not be honored by any dealership, the customer loses all the way around. The Lemon Law firms I work with may file what is called a “Fraud” case to help you recover the loss if this happens to you. You need to have all your paper work in order when you file.
I have inspected over 3,500 vehicles and have only had to go to trial on 53 cases. The attorney law firms I work with are the best in the business. A wrecked vehicle is also an unsafe vehicle if it was not properly repaired.
If this vehicle that had another side impact at the same side which was improperly repaired, the people on that side of the vehicle will likely die or get severely hurt. When a side center post or rocker panel is replaced, there are specific places that need to be worked on in order to make the vehicle worthy to be on the road again. When a dealership sells a vehicle that has been in an accident, a statement of fact (disclosure) has to be given to the customer so he or she will know about accident.
My recommendation is: have a professional vehicle inspector inspect the vehicle, to see if the damaged areas have been properly repaired or not. If he or she decides to buy the vehicle the chance of getting it insured is unlikely anyway. A vehicle with frame damage has a value drop of at least 50% no matter who repaired the vehicle and the resale of that same vehicle is unlikely, unless it is to a junk yard. My advice is: don’t buy any vehicle that has had a major accident. Get a report from Car Fax and Car Check as well, because one may not show the vehicle was in an accident and it is likely the other will.
If you need a good Lemon Law attorney or a good Personal Injury attorney go to my web site and you will find several attorneys over 3500 of my customers have used all with great success.
Thank you for visiting and tell a friend, GOD bless you.
What causes an engine to burn oil?
Is it normal for an engine to burn oil every 750 to 1000 miles?
Some manufactures seen to think it’s OK for their engine to burn a quart of oil every 750 to 1,000 miles. I can assure you that oil burning is not normal for any engine and is a smog concern according to the California resources board.
The oil burning you experience may not be seen when driving or sitting steal with the engine running. The amount of oil burned is very small but never the less it is using oil. Over time the oil usage will get worst as the miles increase.
The cost to repair an engine from burning oil is as much as a new vehicle, depending on which vehicle you have purchased.
I have inspected several vehicles with the V-6 and V-8 engine and they were using oil every 750 to 1,000 miles. The owners have complained to the dealership for the oil burning issue’s, and was told it is normal. This normally happens after they run an oil consumption test and can’t repair the engine unless it’s completely replaced.
The engine cost can be from several hundred or as much as $10,000.00, this is just for the parts and this does not included the labor to remove and then reinstall the new engine at labor cost starting at $85.00 an hour for as much as $150.00 an hour at most dealers, exotic cars may be much more.
I have also seen this oil burning concern with the 3.8 engine, this person was told it is normal for their engine to burn oil every 750 to 1,000 miles of driving; in fact it was in writing the engine will burn a quart of oil every 750 miles but was not true. The engine should not burn oil any time between oil changes on any engine.
I have also seen very high end vehicle costing over $80,000 dollars to buy and they are having problems using oil every 1,000 miles and the owner is told; the engine burning oil is normal for this engine because it has a Turbo. The replacement engine for the vehicle is over $30,000 dollars (yes over 30K) not to include the over 25 hours of labor at $135.00 to $150 per hour average cost to install it. You might want to think twice before investing in a vehicle that has this oil burning concerns.
What causes an engine to lose or burn or lose oil?
There are several things that will cause abnormal oil usage or burning,
1) Damaged or worn valve guides
2) Damaged or worn valve seals
3) Collapsed, broken or stuck piston rings
4) Damage pistons
5) Damage piston walls
6) Clogged breather valve
7) Oil leaking from seals and gaskets
Signs of oil burning are usually accompanied by Blue Smoke from the exhaust when it is started or running depending on what part is defective or damaged and how bad the damage is. Oil leaking can also contribute to excessive oil usage and this is something that will be seen after you park and let the vehicle sit awhile. Most oil leak repairs are fixed by replacing a seal or gasket.
If valve guides are worn blue smoke will be seen when the engine is started, usually after it has run and then sits awhile.
If valve seals are worn or broken blue smoke will be seen when the engine is started, usually after it has run and then sits awhile.
If the piston ring seize, break or collapse in their groove, oil will pass causing the excessive oil burning. Damaged pistons and rings will cause oil burning and excessive blow-by. This will also cause the exhaust smoke to be blue when driving or at idle depending on how bad the oil is leaking past the piston rings or valve guides or seals.
When an engine is using oil it is caused by defective piston, rings or valve parts and the engine will need to be removed and over hauled. It’s a time consuming job and very costly depending on the vehicle.
If you are told the oil burning is normal don’t accept that just because the dealership is telling you. In fact if you call an engine repair shop that rebuilds engine they will tell you when an engine is burning oil it will possible need to be overhauled, that means all intern parts will need to be cleaned and replaced as needed.
The good news is the lemon law applies to all new and used vehicles with a warranty. If you are given the run the engine oil burning is normal, don’t accept that as a final word when help is available at no cost to you in most cases.
I suggest you go to my web site and see some of the attorneys listed that over 3,500 of my customers have used to help them get a full refund or a replacement vehicle and in some cases get some money compensation. You have nothing to lose by asking for some free advice by some of California best Lemon Law and Personal Injury attorneys.
Keep in mind the Lemon Law applies to all new or used vehicles purchased from a dealership with a warranty and includes Pre-Owned Certified cars and trucks. The warranties can be negotiated; you must be sure the extended warranty covers free loan car and zero deduction or you will pay for any and all complaints, be careful and be sure to read what is covered before you sign.
Good luck God bless you from Lemon Protection.
How to Use the Ca Lemon Law to Your Advantage
Getting a Replacement Vehicle, All Money paid to the dealership back or Compensation Money back for a Lemon Vehicles. Don’t keep paying for a vehicle that has problems.
Have you ever purchased a New or Used vehicle form a dealership large or small and it turned out to have problems from the start or soon after? Do you feel like you got a Lemon? It’s time to use the lemon law to get help and it is at no cost to you at all.
You may be entitled to a full refund, replacement vehicle or money compensation for you problems. The dealership will always tell you the lemon law does not apply to your vehicle, why?
The reason is the lemon law does apply and you have rights, you can get help and to get back what you have paid in or a free replacement vehicle and or money for compensation.
After you have purchase the vehicle and left the dealership the salesman does not want you to call him or her if your vehicle has problems no matter big or small, they will tell you, you have a warranty and go to the service department.
When you purchase a new or used vehicle remember, the Lemon Law applies to all new or used vehicles purchase from a dealership large or small in several states mainly California, Nevada and Arizona with a warranty.
Step 1) If you had to have a repair or repairs in the first 18mo or 18K miles, three times you may be or are entitled to a full refund or a replacement vehicle if the problem has not been properly diagnosed or repaired or money compensation. This applies to all problems unless it is a safety issue such as the ABS or SRS warning system and that is only two times but the problem has not been fixed and continues.
Step 2) Keep all records and be sure to get a record of your visit no matter how small or what the records writes states each time you go in. If you service department tells you, we will fix it on the drive way and you can be on your way but you get no paper work for proof, do not accept that, you must get paper work for you proof of service attempt, that includes if they only add 1 qt of oil, do not leave without an invoice.
Step 3) Make sure if the complaint is the same as the last visit that the record show the exact same wording. (Example: My A/C has a foul odor or my engine is using oil and this is written two times, now a third repair record with the same issue if it read “Driveability issue” you now have a problem, the wording is not the same as the two times prior and therefore may be excused, yes all because of the wording. The record must state the same as the first two visits ” My A/C has a foul odor or my engine is using oil” this applies to all problems, including an oil consumption issue.
Step 4) Now if you are told the lemon law does not apply but your told, lets us put you into another vehicle and just use the one you have as a trade in, you will lose money. Now you will be paying for the one you just traded in and the new one you now own on as well as more interest payments. Not a good deal for you but a great deal for the dealership.
Step 5) When you are told after a repair it is a good will repair, don’t believe it, there is no such thing because after you leave, the dealership is paid by the factory and that makes it a paying repair.
Step 6) You will need an attorney to enforce the lemon law or you will lose the case and lose money.
Step 7) What are you entitled to when you file a lemon law claim, you may be entitled to a free replacement vehicle, a full refund or money compensation for your problems and all attorney fees.
Step 8) What is covered under the lemon law, anything that happens three or more times unless it is a safety issue as the SRS or ABS warning lights coming on and that is only two times, the engine light coming on is also another problem that may be two or three repairs if it effects smog rules such as Oil Consumption. Rattle, clunks, squeak are also covered under the lemon law and can become a big problem if not properly diagnosed and fixed.
The truth is, it was told to me by an attorney representing the manufactures, they are given $15,000 to settle your case with, that would include your money back and all attorney fees on your side, that number may be higher now.
Here is an example and I have proof of this transaction;
I purchased a 2009 Toyota Tacoma and started to have problems from 4,000 miles. The transmission makes a hard clunk after you stop, the rear end is howling at 52mph and the radio turns off and on when it wants to.
I made complainants to Toyota and they took my truck but after a few days I was called and told to pick another vehicle out of the show room. They gave me another truck a year newer, I now drive a 2010 Toyota Tacoma.
I admit the gas mileage is great but the transmission is clunking after a complete stop and the radio turn on and off when it wants to and the rear end is howling at 52mph, clearly a factory defect.
I was refused any help although I made recording and showed the dealership manager the metal parts that fell out of the rear axle on service but was told Toyota said it is normal. As for the transmission clunk after a stop I was told its normal and the drive shaft is turning but no problem were found, this was an insult to me because I know that was a lie. The radio turning off and on by itself another problem I was told I would have to pay for that inspection although I have a video recording of that event. The problem is Toyota refuses to do anything about it. I have Technician Service Bulletins on the problems I spoke of but I was refused help anyway.
As a lemon law expert it is recommended that I do not file a lemon law claim so I have not. When my truck breaks down on the road side I was told by the dealership, Toyota said they will help me but not until then. My next step will be small claims court with my records for proof.
If you are having problems there is help out there and it is FREE, all you got to do is have clear record of three attempts for the same issue or two times for a safety issue such as the SRSs or ABS warning light is coming on. But remember just because you have call an attorney and got an inspection with a good report, do not stop complaining and keep getting invoices, it will help show you are steel having problems.
Ask yourself why should I keep paying for a vehicle that is in the shop when it suppose to be new, pre-owned and per-certified. Free help is available in getting a full refund or a free replacement vehicle or some money compensation back. I was an expert witness for on Honda case and the person got a free replacement vehicle two years newer at no extra cost. I have seen people get full refunds and have seen people get back money compensation, in fact on women got $3,000 for a seat belt light coming on when all that needed to done was a connector had to be pressed in tighter, because it was loose under her passenger seat. I witnessed that problem and told the dealership how to fix it and they said we are the specialist and don’t take advice from outside mechanics. That was OK because my customer got $3,000 back and she was happy, I plugged the connector in as it should be, and the problem is gone.
I am ASE Certified, GM Certified Craftsmen, Detroit Diesel Certified, Hybrid Trained, Automotive Appraiser and Expert Witness with over 52 trials and 400 depositions and have 35 years of hands on experience in the automotive field. Good luck and any question please leave a comment and I will answer you.
I am not an attorney and do not giving legal advice, this is what I have learned over the last 10 years working with lemon law clients. I am only attempting to inform you of how to help yourself if you purchased a lemon. For more vehicle stories please go to my web site or blog.
Thank you and tell a friend.
Engine Oil Burning
Engine problems, adding oil every 700 to 800 miles?
As a mechanic I will explain why an engine will burn oil and why it should not burn oil as well as what to do if it is burning oil. Do you have to add oil; before it time to change it, if the answer is yes then your engine is burning oil and it is not normal. The reason an engine is burning oil is it has an internal leak at the Piston Rings, the Valve Guides or the Valve Seals.
I have had a lot of customers tell me the engine is using oil and they are told by their dealership it is normal for an engine to burn a quart of oil every 700 to 800 miles and not to worry about it, just add oil or come in and we will add the oil for you.
Please know if an engine is using oil even a quart every 700 to 800 miles then you are creating smog and our laws do not take kindly to that. We have strict smog laws because of oil burning vehicle on the road and it is hurting our environment.
If your engine has to have oil added between oil changes then you will need one of three things done and it will require a complete engine teardown. If the Valves Guides or Valve Seals are leaking oil past then into the Piston Cylinder then the cylinder heads will have to be removed and that is at least a 14 hour job on most engines today. This repair requires the cylinder head to be removed and reworked and new guides and seals installed.
If the Piston Rings are leaking oil then you will have to have the engine torn down all way and the Pistons will have to be removed so new Piston and Rings can be replaced and that cost almost as much as a remanufactured engine (USED BUT REBUILT).
I guarantee you if your vehicle is under warranty and the warranty expire you will be told the engine oil burning will have to be fixed. You may say to the service writer I told you I was burning oil every 700 to 800 miles and you told me not to worry about it. Now I am burning two quarts of oil every 1,000 mile and now you are telling me I need a ring job or possible a new engine, so what’s up with that?
What should you do if your engine is burning oil and you can’t seem to get the help you want, call a lemon law attorney and get a professional lemon law expert? I work with the best in the business and I have seen results for my customers. Some have gotten all their money back or a complete replacement vehicle because of this oil burning and other things that can’t seem to be fixed. Don’t let a service writer tell you well the first quart of oil to get burned is normal, do you remember when you first purchased the vehicle if anyone told you the engine will need oil added every 700 to 800 miles. I don’t think anyone can say they were ever told that until after they paid for the vehicle and then had to go to the shop for an oil light or oil pressure warning coming on.
If you need help let me know or go to my web site lemonprotection.com, help is there for you and keep in mind most attorneys don’t charge you to take your case and you will come out ahead. My motto is “We Only Inspect – Not Repair” help is her for you, God bless you.