In Dash Wire Harness Problem

[eshep3]

Two months ago, I bought a new 2008 Ridgeline RTL from my local dealer. Up until this morning everything has been great. This morning, I get in and there is no AC. A/C panel lights and changes, but nothing blows. I bring it in to the dealer thinking I have a blown fuse. Instead, they tell me that I have a melted wire in the wire harness in the dash. They gave me a loaner, priority shipped the part and will make the repair under warranty. But the problem scares me for the future. Anyone experience this problem? Once they fix the harness, should I expect the problem to reoccur in the future?

[SilverRidge08]

Originally Posted by eshep3

Two months ago, I bought a new 2008 Ridgeline RTL from my local dealer. Up until this morning everything has been great. This morning, I get in and there is no AC. A/C panel lights and changes, but nothing blows. I bring it in to the dealer thinking I have a blown fuse. Instead, they tell me that I have a melted wire in the wire harness in the dash. They gave me a loaner, priority shipped the part and will make the repair under warranty. But the problem scares me for the future. Anyone experience this problem? Once they fix the harness, should I expect the problem to reoccur in the future?

I have heard of couple instances where there has been a fire behind the dash. Not sure if it was related to the A/C system though. It was definitely wiring related. Again, this has only happened a couple times from what i've heard.

[eshep3]

Should I accept it back with the new wire harness but no explanation of what happened to cause the problem. I have 2 little girls and don't need a repeat that results in a fire. Anyone have an idea whether this fix will completely resolve the problem or just treat the symptom?

[chiph]

Please file a report with NHTSA:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

There have been other cases of the blower motor connector melting and a few where it caused a fire. Only when NHTSA has enough data can they require Honda to issue a recall.

Glad that your dealer was able to get you squared away under warranty.

Chip H.

[SilverRidge08]

Originally Posted by eshep3

Should I accept it back with the new wire harness but no explanation of what happened to cause the problem. I have 2 little girls and don't need a repeat that results in a fire. Anyone have an idea whether this fix will completely resolve the problem or just treat the symptom?

I would bring it to the attention of the dealership that there has been previous problems reported to the NHTSA!

Originally Posted by chiph

Please file a report with NHTSA:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

Great idea Chip! This was my thought exactly.

[Jack]

Why not report it to the NHTSA and the dealer? If the NHTSA needs reports to base a recall on, then we all need to submit to the NHTSA and to the dealer and let the dealer know that we are going to do it. Once they get enough reports from consumers they may take notice.