|
I'll try to keep this short. I have a 99 Honda Accord which was
recalled to replace the ignition switch. Prior to that recall, I
installed a CrimeStoppers keyless entry and remote start accessory
and it was working great. When the recall repair was done, the
dealer cut the wires to the control box very near the box. It will
be impossible for me to reconnect the accessory without buying a new
wiring harness or splicing new wires to the tails of the old one. I
don't know, but I suspect that they also threw out the wire coil
around the ignition switch which spoofs the Honda computer into
thinking that a key is in the ignition so that the remote start will
work. My wife is after me to get this working again (it's her car),
but I'm doing a slow burn at the amout of work needed to fix the
system.
Here is my reason for posting this: I offered to pay the dealer to
restore the keyless entry/remote start system while they had the
steering column open. I was told that they will not work on non-
Honda accessories. I realize that Honda has a legal obligation to
correct safety defects in their cars. However, shouldn't that
obligation extend to any accessories which are affected by the
recall repair? Here is my reasoning: The car is not leased, I own
it. Therefore, I have a right to install any aftermarket
accessories I wish. Now a safety recall notice is issued. When the
repair is done, the accessory no longer works and repairing it is
major work. Suppose I had this accessory installed by a retailer.
It could cost me as much as $300 to have it repaired. Shouldn't
Honda be liable for that? I'm tempted to take them to court, but it
could quickly cost me more than the repair would cost. What I'm
hoping to learn from people on this forum is whether or not anyone
has had a similar experience and what they did about it? Have any
legal precedents been set?
Thanks for any help or suggestions offered.
Dave
|