Sorry to hear about your problem. I would take it to another dealer or repair place and see if it is something else that is causing the problem. The headlight/turn signal multifunction might be faulty. If so then it would need to be replaced. If you can wiggle the handle slightly with the key off then that might be an indication that it is bad.
Good luck.
Clare

Double check the lemon law. If that doesn't help, call corporate and tell them you consider the car unsafe to drive at night and you want them to buy the car back. It might be enough for them to finall fix it right. If that doesn't work, maybe try the governor of your state? There has to be something that can be done. At six weeks old, you shouldn't have a problem. I wish you luck.

Tami

I just did some reading up on it.
You're not alone....seems like the V4's have undersized batteries, and the solution is to get the same size battery as the V6. Supposedly, the tray the battery sits on is sized for the larger battery used on the V6.

Others have reported this problem when they do anything that draws more wattage from the battery...like turning on the A/C, radio, etc. And that it also affects tail lights.

If I were you, I would call the dealer's service dept. and tell them what I just told you, and ask them to give you the larger battery.

Where did I read this?....a honda forum.

I hope it helps.

Here is a link that might be useful: Honda 2008 V4 headlight flicker

Thanks for all the responses so far. I know that Honda will do nothing about this since they won't even admit there is an issue. I have read multiple forums for people with the same problems (seems to be only the v4) and everyone is getting the same story from their dealers-just the way the car was designed. Hard to believe that just getting a larger battery will take care of the problem but when I pick my car up tonight I'll ask that they at least install and monitor a larger battery in the car. See where that gets me. I guess my question was originally asked because I don't know how to proceed-I think the car is dangerous at night and don't want to drive it. I only have one car and feel that I might have to trade it in and start over. Wonder if they will consider it a problem at that point-giving me less than its worth because it has an issue. GRRRR-Im sooooo angry. Thanks for letting me vent.

I'd send a certified letter to the president/chairman of Honda of America. Make it polite and ask what he/she is going to do to remedy the situation. I've done this with other companies before and, in all cases, I've gotten results and followup.

Have you contacted your state's office of consumer affairs? And possibly your DMV to see if this could be considered a safety issue that would make the car fail inspection. I think, if you can get a failed inspection sticker on a vehicle that new, you'd have a leg to stand on for fighting Honda.

You might try calling the local TV stations, radio news stations and newspapers to get some publicity for this--that often makes the seller sit up and fix a problem.

If it is a battery problem, you definitely want to get it figured out and fixed before winter, when you could find yourself having even larger problems than you're already experiencing. Good luck.

Do not take it to anyone else to work on outside the dealership. That would give them another opportunity to void any warranty. If you have another dealership in the area take it to them.

Second time in determined that this isn't actually a problem at all but a "feature" built in by Honda to save gas. Bull. Whoever said that should be fired.

I think it's time to contact a consumer advocacy group in your area. Like someone else said make them buy the car back if they can't/won't fix it.

I bet it's the battery too. My car (different brand and model) had a similar problem and the headlights would flicker. I eventually got it fixed after they went completely out on a dark stretch of I-5 one night between Portland and Seattle. Talk about scary!

My husband said he'd drive it straight to the police dept. and show them that it is a hazard to drive. Get them involved. I'd take it back...Might even have to tell them where to put it...(Well...don't know if I say that but I'd sure think it) but they would know I was angry.

patti

Satine, here's a suggestion. Most digital cameras come with video clip capability. If you have one, put it in your purse and take it with you when you drive.

When it flickers, pull over to a parking lot, where it's safe. Don't turn off the engine and put on the emergency break for safety. Get out of the car and video clip the malfunction. Don't forget to set the correct date and time on your camera. It would even help to speak out the date and time when you video clip it.

That would be your proof for the malfunction of your Honda. Show it to the dealer and they cannot deny it. Once you have proof, the dealer is forced to correct the problem such as changing the battery to a stronger one.

We're still with you, so don't let this problem brings you down again. It will pass and things will be better.

(((HUG)))

Natalie

Can you give me an email address for Honda headquarters in the U.S.? In Canada?

I'd be happy to write them, telling them that I've been considering what car to get, as my Mazda is 20 years old, and I'm happy with it ...

... but that a friend tells me that their Honda ... and new one, at that ... has a problem with flickering headlights on the highway at night.

But that the dealer denies that there's a problem, as does Honda headquarters.

And that one night that friend's Honda's headlights went out entirely, on a freeway, far from home.

Still ... dealer says, "No problem".

Which leads me to think that I'm not going to consider buying a Honda.

We have a fair-sized Honda dealership in the nearby city ... maybe I should walk in to the service desk, then sales desk, tell 'em that I'm driving a 20-year old Mazda, and am thinking that I'll need to be looking for a replacement vehicle soon ... but have heard a story from my friend that her new Honda's headlights have been flickering, but that the dealer won't do anything about it ... and corporate headquaretrs won't, either ... and ask whether they'd heard anything about such a problem.

I may be dumb ... but I ain't stupid (I like to claim!).

Seems to me that, were I to buy a car about which I'd heard such a story ...

... my friends should write "S T U P I D" across my forehead ... in large letters!

I'll bet that were the headquarters to get 100 emails from KT people along similar line ... they'll start paying attention!

Hit 'em in the pocket book - thAt's the place to be effective!

Not only that ... I'd be willing to copy your story, as written here, photocopy it about 100 times, and stick it under the windshields of (new) Hondas that I see on parking lots, giving my phone number and asking whether they'd heard of such a problem.

I'll bet that'd start the bees buzzing!

ole joyful

Contact your attorney general and talk to them not an assistant. Have all your info in front of you in chronilogical order. You may be asked to do a follow up letter stating all the facts. Our state also has a website where you can post a complaint.
One thing, you need names and dates. If not a name, the job position, service mgr etc. From now on document date, name, jest of convo. anytime the problem is discussed.
If you don't have names and dates of those you've already talked to, notate as approximate date and dept you spoke to, phone or personally.
As stated, you can talk to consumer affairs but if the AG gets involved, they listen much better.
Good luck
Lynn

"The lemon law requires that the car be out of commmission (at the service provider) for 30 straight days-"

Are you certain that this is what the Lemon Law in your state says? (I don't know what state you're in, otherwise I would have looked it up.)

In California, the Lemon Law is that you have to give the dealer a "reasonable number of attempts to correct the problem," and it goes on to define "reasonable number" as FOUR. The number of days in the shop doesn't factor in -- it's completely dependent on the number of times the dealer attempts to fix it; other than I think (if I recall correctly) that even if you have had the car serviced fewer than four times but the number of days in the shop equals or exceeds a specific number (could be 30), then you can proceed. So, you could have it in only once and qualify if the dealer had it for a month; and you qualify if you have it in four different times, even if they only have the car a few minutes each time.

I pursued a remedy under the California Lemon Law because the air conditioner on my new car kept leaking the coolant so that it only put out cold air for a week or so, then it couldn't cool the air any longer. I'd take it in, the dealer would say it was fixed, but the same thing would happen. So, after four times in the shop, I filed a claim. In California, you have to file for arbitration. The arbitration (at least in CA) is binding on the dealer, but not on the consumer. If the finding is in the consumer's favor, the dealer can be ordered to buy back the vehicle.

So, we ended up having a meeting with an arbitrator and the Service Manager (who was there as the dealer's representative) made some statement about how there'd been a Service Bulletin about the air conditioning problem and it had been determined that the O rings were defective, and if I would bring my car back in, they'd be happy to replace the O ring for me. I just sat there and smiled sweetly at the guy and said, "during this entire process, waiting to get to the point of having this hearing, I've had my car in your shop at least three times for oil changes and other routine maintenance. I've seen you there each time. You acknowleged my presence each time. But never once did you or any of your staff say anything to me about this alleged Service Bulletin; never once did your staff take the initiative and replace the O ring; and never once did you call me or write to me or in any way notify me about the alleged Service Bulletin. I gave you the required four attempts to fix my air conditioner, and now you've just sat here and said that you have had a fix but that you never offered it to me. Why on Earth would I give you another chance now, when, under the law, I don't have to?"

The arbitration was decided in my favor, and the dealer had to buy back my car. There's a formula that they use to determine what amount gets deducted from the full amount -- it has to do with how many miles you put on the vehicle before the first time you reported the problem. I think I'd put somewhere around 400 miles on the car before I took it back because the air conditioner wasn't putting out cold air. They even have to reimburse you for the registration fees you've paid. By the time the dealer handed me a check and I handed over the keys, I'd had the car for about 18 months and I'd put about 25,000 miles on it. And it cost me something like $186 -- that's the amount that was deducted from what I'd paid.

I won under the Lemon Law for a problem that wasn't even a safety issue. So you shouldn't give up. Find out EXACTLY what the Lemon Law in your state says.

Thanks everyone for your input. I have called Honda headquarters, filed a complaint with our local "one your side" news team and plan on filing a complaint with the correct government agency. Lindsey ca Im in Maryland and our law states the car must spend 30 consecutive days with the service provider-that is not going to happen. In order to use the lemon law there must be some acknowledgment that there is a defect which Honda is not admitting. So, who will declare this (other than me and others supporting me) a defect or safety issue? Ole Joyful-thanks for your input and support and all others also. Azzalea, we don't have state inspections here so unless Im stopped on the road for a safety violation don't think I can go in that direction. Im about ready to trade the car back to them and go witha v6 which doesn't have this problem. I've had a headache and been sick to my stomach for weeks now. I just don't think I have it in me to fight them. These are the times I wish I had the support of my rock-my deceased husband. Thanks for all your input. Satine

I used to recommend Honda's to my friends, but not anymore, especially after reading about your problem.

I was all set to buy a 2007 Civic, but read everything I could find on line about it. There were a number of complaints about it, some of which gave me pause. Sure enough when I test drove one, the complaints from other owners was right on the money. Cheap visors, leg room was inadequate for driver, etc. When I asked the saleman about these defects he told me that "those have all been addressed". The kicker came when the salesman tried to convince me that my 98 Accord was only worth $1,000 trade in. Uh, according the NADA guide it was worth 3200.00 as it was in excellent condition.

I wound up walking out of the dealer and got a Chevy Malibu at a much better price. Since then I've read nothing but bad things about Honda. Shame as they used to be so reliable.

The first time in they replaced the alternator telling me that Honda had done the trouble shooting and determined this to be the problem.
Well, that seems like that was done for nothing. I'm assuming that you were only out your time and trouble of getting it in and changed.

It certainly sounds like a defect to me. Why would they plan to have the lights blink like that? If the battery and electrical system cannot handle the load, what else will it maybe not handle on down the road, or what other problems might it cause? Possibly your battery will go bad sooner than it should? Who knows?

Did they put a beefed up battery in it for you last night at no cost? If so, I hope that will take care of the (non) problem.

I too would be concerned with driving it at night, or for that matter much at all. Seems there is an electrical problem, IMHO.

Please see the link below to file a complaint with autosafety.org.

I see you posted at the Cars Forum, and said, "I have returned to the dealer and the car is scheduled to have a new alternator put in on Tuesday. They have assured me that they have been trouble shooting the problem and that this is the answer."

I think I would try and sit down with whoever told you that, and the service manager, a friend, and a tape recorder, and tell them you would like to discuss the issue, and record what they say. They may change their tune. Go prepared to confront them with what all has been said (and who said it) and what has been done so far, and a list of questions. Having a tablet and pen handy with you also shows them that you mean business in tracking the runaround you are being given. Let them know that you do intend to get the issue resolved and it will not be solved by ever buying another vehicle that they will not stand behind. Let them know that you have done research on the issue and will be filing a complaint with The Center For Auto Safety (link below). If you stand up to them I feel confident you can get the issue resolved to your liking. Don't let them push you around...Push right back. You too can be a rock!

I wish I was there to go with you. I enjoy a challenge. I think all to often women are maybe taken advantage of, just because they will 'take it' moreso than most men would. I've told more than one business that I would 'see them in court'!

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: The center for auto safety.

If it were my car, I would send an email to Clark Howard. He loves double-talk and customer no-service stories and will tell you exactly which steps to take and whom to write, etc. Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Clark Howard's web page

call or e-mail the Car Talk guys!
http://www.cartalk.com/

Any other Honda owners have some experiences or opinions to contribute?

My 20-year old Mazda is rather reluctant to start, sometimes, after I've left it for a while with the lights turned on (no flickering, that I can think of ... except the one dimout on each occasion ... but the driver's far away, and the vehicle isn't moving).

Recently I slept in, picked some veggies, was late to church, after coffee hour, with some of the veggies going home with others ...

... when I turned the key, there was only a slight grunt: had left lights on!

Front wheels going downhill, by a drain, back wheels going uphill ... I pushed it back a few feet ... hopped in ... put gear in second, released clutch ... hit starter at the same time ...

... it started!

Can't really complain about the car's service on such an occasion.

I think, though, that it used to tolerate my delinquency for a longer period than recently ... does that mean that my battery may be getting a bit old? Maybe check it out before winter ... walking in miserable winter weather leaves somewhat to be desired!

ole joyful