PC3+(Local Honda Shop*2)=Owner Need to Kill Someone

[Cyborg]

During the VFR's 32k check I got the local shop to install a PC3, during which they were supposed to do a custom mapping. When I got her back the o2 eliminators were not installed. I plugged them in and started riding only to have the response rough, especially when hitting VTEC. I took the bike back, told them about the o2s, the roughness and I 2wanted them to redo the custom mapping. Today, I got the VFR back only to find the o2 eliminatos in a bag again. The FUCKING IDIOTS didn't redo the map, their solution was to plug the o2s back into the system! I have noticed VTEC is smoother now but wanna know, should I

A) leave things as is
B) reinstall the eliminators and map myself
C) burn the damned shop to the ground

[steven113]

I would take it back and make sure it is done right! between the cost of the pc3 and mapping it is no cheap affair. After all you did all of this to have your bike run better!

[Cyborg]

That's exactly why I took the bike back and their solution was to remove the eliminators!

[squirrelman]

OK, why were you not capable of doing the work yourownself??

[Cyborg]

I am fully able to do it myself, but the shop had a deal going where if the PC3 was bought there, they'd do a dyno-custom map...

[Action]

Take the bike back and explain that you are tired of crap service and you want to watch them reinstall the 02 elims and preform the custom map. I hope by custom map you mean they are putting it on a dyno. If they can't even manage to plug in the 02 elims, what kind of mechs are doing the tuning? That's why I would I would want to watch and make sure my air/fuel mixtures were good.

Action

[VFRShorty]

Make the shop do what they were supposed to do, and if that fails OPTION C!

[Cyborg]

Ok, timeline format for those unable to read my first post (all times approximate to within 15 minutes):

May 29th, 1645hrs: Got VFR 32k service and PC3 installed, received o2 eliminators in bag.
May 29th, 1930hrs: installed o2 eliminators then rode bike, noting rougher ride
May 30th, 1200hrs: reported the incorrect PC3 install (along with the clusterfuck they made of my battery accessories routing) and made arrangements to remap the PC3.
July 1st, 1700hrs: Turned in bike for remap, had to explain problem and arrangement 3 times to shop tech.
July 2nd, 1715hrs: recieved bike with o2 eliminators in bag, advised by service rep (tech who did work was already gone) that since the roughness started when the o2 eliminators were installed, they removed them and plugged the o2 sensors back in instead of remapping a damned thing! 20 minute argument got nowhere.

To remove any possible doubt: The shop is not competent to handle anydamnthing that doesn't have a Honda stamp and beyond filing a complaint with the general manager and Corporate, I will not waste anymore of my time trying to get them to do their damned job. Now, should I leave the o2 eliminators out and stay with whatever mapping that's there or put them back and install the M111-001 map?

[Yosh70]

Before everyone has a hissy-fit, maybe see what Dynojet really has to say on the matter.

Dynojet Research Inc. Power Commander V

[Cyborg]

Too late, I've already ordered from Amazon.com the Lord of Nightmare's book Things to do to Beings who Tick Me Off...

[stoshmonster]

Cyborg,I have a question for you. How do your O2 Eliminators work? Do you unplug the pigtails for the O2 sensors and plug your O2 Eliminators directly into the wire harness plugs? This would leave the pigtails from the O2 sensors hanging unplugged and completely eliminating the O2 sensors from the circuit. Or do your O2 Eliminators plug in-line with the O2 sensors,which leave the O2 sensors still in the circuit? I run something a bit different on my bike that I'd like to show you,but I need to know how your O2 Eliminators work first.

[Cyborg]

They plug in place of the sensors and leaves the sensor connectors dangling...

[Action]

For the immediate future, why don't you install the 02 elim's and run Cozey's map or something similar. That way you should be able to ride comfortably while you decide what's next.

Action

[Y2Kviffer]

Ummmm...not to take the shops side here but.........
They cannot legally remove or bypass any part that is emmisons related.

[stoshmonster]

Alright,thanks Cyborg. I'll PM you with some pics and info.

[Meatloaf]

Originally Posted by Y2Kviffer

Ummmm...not to take the shops side here but.........
They cannot legally remove or bypass any part that is emmisons related.

In Cyborg's defense, on his July 1st trip when he returned to the shop with the O2 elims in place and was there to get a map, they should have thrown it on the dyno and properly mapped it. At that point and time they were not removing or bypassing anything emmisions related, they were simply tuning it properly.


I would install the O2 elims and find a map that works best. If you aren't running a crappy map for too long, the worst you can do is load a crappy map and have a poor running bike...in which you can load a different map and see if that works better.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by Y2Kviffer

Ummmm...not to take the shops side here but.........
They cannot legally remove or bypass any part that is emmisons related.

That may excuse the initial one but not the second and I don't think either was because of any legal concerns either. Here's why:

Dec 05: Shop did the VFR's 8k check using the maintenance schedule for an 02 Magna because it and the VFR "both have V4 engines", replacing plugs 4k miles before they were even due for inspection. The manager told me I didn't need to be questioning the work of his trained techs and the nerve to point out that at $149 I got a bargain, given the parts were $120 and the remaining $29 had to cover 3 hours of labor.

May 09: Tech left the o2 eliminators uninstalled without explanation and did not properly route accessories to battery. Turn signals, working before, were inop when I picked up the bike, something the tech knew about yet did nothing because "it wasn't on the work order", he also did not document it, tell the service manager or warn me (I found out about the signals in rush hour traffic!). While correcting the battery clusterfuck, I found the security module's positive and negative leads connected to the battery negative, which shorted out the signals. I reported all to the Service manager who and he told me to bring the bike in for remapping with the o2 eliminators in place.

July 09: See above

So, you can see why my patience and faith in the shop is, shall we say, somewhat limited...

[Meatloaf]

Find ya a different dealership, these guys are jokes for anything more than an oil change... and I wouldn't even use them for that. I have the same problem with my local Honda shop and they are one of the largest in the midwest. Closest shop to me worth a crap is almost an hour away but I don't it. I get a fun relaxing ride to and from there and the people there are extremely awesome. If it wasn't so far, I would be ordering small and large parts from them as well, but the parts guys at my local Honda are pretty good, just not the wrenches.

[Cyborg]

Agreed but the nearest Honda shop is a full hour away and right now my riding endurance is limited due to recent knee surgery...

[mrich12000]

Small claim court,with a statment of claims for poor service.

[Cyborg]

Given the money I'd likely get, it's just not worth it...

[Meatloaf]

You could always try for a refund. At this time, thats about the best way to hurt them. Take the PCIII and O2 elims back, get your money back, and they are out all the labor they lost on the bike too. That way you are back to square one and you can go find the place of your choosing to get your parts from and a tune.

Get the PCIII and O2 elims elsewhere, install them yourself, and set up an appointment somewhere specifically for a dyno tune. Tell them you want before and after printouts of the dyno including mixture levels to confirm the proper tune and explain your bad experience with your local Honda shop. Someone else will take care of you, you just have to find that place.

[matt1986vf500f]

man i am with you a shop in toccoa had my bike for 2 months just to readjust the valves and rejet it! and it was on ebig cluster fuck after another i feel your pain man friggin dealer ships i will do all my own work from now on

[hondajt]

I know it sucks, but I would get a refund. Let them eat the labor, and tell them they have to return the parts or you will file a claim with the EPA about the emissions changes they are making.

[NorcalBoy]

Don't go back....not worth the effort..time is money. Install the 02 sensors yourself and download a canned map from the DJ website. It will be adequate. When you come across someone more capable of doing the tuning correctly...get it mapped.

[Sebspeed]

I would have forgotten that they even existed after the December experience. It's your own fault for even going back.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by Sebspeed

I would have forgotten that they even existed after the December experience. It's your own fault for even going back.

Thanks, Pal. Must be nice to have an option where you live that doesn't require an hour plus ride at hwy speeds...