We purchased a Honda Element in December 06. Recently, on a trip to Boston I couldn't remove the key (read computer chip) when I parked. That meant that I also couldn't lock the car with my wife's key. I tried checking the load on the steering to see if that was preventing the removal of the key. It wasn't.
I backed up and re-parked to no avail.
We left and went to our next destination, where the key came out without incident.
My dealer said they had never heard of this problem before and it was in no bulletins, but if it happened again, bring it back!
About a week ago upon driving into my garage Saturday evening, I couldn't remove the key. I then called them Monday morning where the receptionist wanted to give me an appointment for Thursday. With help they then updated the appointment and asked me to bring it in in the morning.
Of course when I got there the key easily disengaged from the ignition! They then told me to bring it back if it happened again.
I went back to convince them that they needed to see the car where it was when it wouldn't work. They agreed, but made an appointment for Wednesday of the following week.
That was today. They kept the car all day and found nothing. "Call when it happens again!"
Now, however they realize that I believe the car to be worthless as is! Why? Because I can't drive it out of town if I have to leave it locked somewhere.
Of course Honda America frowns upon replacing the ignition switch because they would then have to change the door locks as well! Apparently it is better to inconvenience me!
We purchased a Honda Element in December 06. Recently, on a trip to Boston I couldn't remove the key (read computer chip) when I parked. That meant that I also couldn't lock the car with my wife's key. I tried checking the load on the steering to see if that was preventing the removal of the key. It wasn't. I backed up and re-parked to no avail. We left and went to our next destination, where the key came out without incident.
My dealer said they had never heard of this problem before and it was in no bulletins, but if it happened again, bring it back!
About a week ago upon driving into my garage Saturday evening, I couldn't remove the key. I then called them Monday morning where the receptionist wanted to give me an appointment for Thursday. With help they then updated the appointment and asked me to bring it in in the morning.
Of course when I got there the key easily disengaged from the ignition! They then told me to bring it back if it happened again.
I went back to convince them that they needed to see the car where it was when it wouldn't work. They agreed, but made an appointment for Wednesday of the following week.
That was today. They kept the car all day and found nothing. "Call when it happens again!"
Now, however they realize that I believe the car to be worthless as is! Why? Because I can't drive it out of town if I have to leave it locked somewhere.
Of course Honda America frowns upon replacing the ignition switch because they would then have to change the door locks as well! Apparently it is better to inconvenience me!
Suggestions?
- W B., Gfld, MA, US