It’s become more clear to me that it’s a kindness to have the opportunity to be kind and I was glad to help R.

The original $4000 estimate R got for the timing chain repair was absurdly high.

While it seems likely that running dirty oil in this tiny engine can increase the risk for this problem I’m also disturbed at how neatly this also fits into an effective emotional manipulation.

7/7

#AutoRepair #HondaFit

They had a nice heated garage and quickly replaced the part for $120 and the problematic OBDC code was gone!

I cleared all recorded problem codes and then need to drive the car for awhile so the internal computer would generate valid data for the emissions test. Needed several cold starts including one overnight and at least 15m on the highway.

It passed inspection today and we swapped cars.

6/7

#autorepair #hondafit

The part cost $110 at the local auto parts store, $40 at rockauto, and there was a nonsense brand on Amazon for just $16. I got another family member with Prime to order the $16 part.

I looked inquisitively at the tiny engine and with the help of some YouTube videos found the sensor I wanted to replace. But our driveway is very icy and muddy and since we don’t have a garage I decided to take the part with me to my local garage.

5/7

#autorepair #hondafit

Researching it seemed the tiny Honda Fit engines needed frequent oil changes and that timing chain problems were common for engines that regularly ran with dirty oil and threw the P0341 code.

But … if the timing chain was that loose often the engine will run roughly especially shedding acceleration.

Replacing just the camshaft position sensor looked easy and I thought this made sense to try first.

4/7

#autorepair #hondafit

That seemed like way too much to me and we decided I would take her car to another shop that I used for a second opinion. They estimated the cost for replacing the timing chain at $1200-1400 so I swapped cars with R and we made an appointment for next week.

So far there had been no independent measurement that indicated the timing chain was stretched/loose and needed replacement.

The engine ran fine and accelerated smoothly and normally.

3/7

#autorepair #hondafit

R took it to a local repair and muffler shop and they told her that her oil was very dirty and needed to be changed and that if she hadn’t regularly been changing her oil that P0341 meant her timing chain had stretched and needed to be replaced. Said it would cost $4000 but it made more sense to be a low mileage used engine in for $5000. She had them change her oil and contacted me.

2/7

#autorepair #hondafit

Here is a photo of the car in question looking spry in Mānoa Valley. #HondaFit 🤍 If you look closely, my friend is sitting in the car, waiting for me as I take photos of random things. This also is a candid shot. 😜

I really wish the U. S. still sold them, or that they somehow make a comeback. They exist as the Jazz in other countries.