Door Unlock Issue

[trs1vet]

I realize there have been many discussions on the door unlock issue, however, I am confused as to whether Honda will or won't retrofit door unlock feature in earlier builds. I can't say enough about my Ridgeline, but, I would like to be able to unlock all the doors when putting the tranny in Park.
Is there an "official" stance by Honda on this issue, i.e. TSB or other vehicle?
Purchased my Ridgeline May '05 so, obviously, have a low VIN. Have not talked to dealer, yet, as I would like some ammo to take to battle, if necessary.
This forum is the greatest thing for Ridgeline owners. Can't tell you the info I've gotten from it. Thanks

[swampler]

Last I heard was no official stance. Some dealers will replace for free, some won't. Good luck.

[trs1vet]

Originally Posted by swampler

Last I heard was no official stance. Some dealers will replace for free, some won't. Good luck.

That was the impression I got from the numerous info. Just wanted a confirmation, more or less. Thank You!

[msmith1965]

TRS,

Thought you might want to hear from someone that had it done. I've got an April 05 build and have experienced just about every problem listed on this forum.

I told the dealer that the RL should unlock like 99% of all the other cars on the road (e.g. shift to park and all doors unlock). However, I did tie this item to another problem I was having (the water through the A-pillar problem). So, in some respects they fixed it as a customer concession for all of the problems that I was having (and continue to have).

[lineridgejohn]

My dealer did the install of the $60 part for free but I had to buy it. Totally worth it as far as I am concerned.

[mugen1]

Honda does not have to provide the part or install it for free. It is not a defect or a warranty issue. It is not life threatening. The part was added to the newer production models. Improvements made in the evolution of the RL.

The dealership will not get re-imbursed for the work or for the part by Honda. That is why some people got it and others did not. Those who got it probably got it because...

1. the dealer was ignorant

2. they like you and think you're sexy.

3. you're a good customer and they appreciate your patronage.

4. they're desperate for your business.

5. you're obnoxious and they don't want to see your ugly face get uglier.

6. other...

I don't need the update. I have an aftermarket alarm that has the feature. I have it turned off anyway. I don't even want to know if my charm or good looks will get me the part for free.

[Webwader]

The dealership will not get re-imbursed for the work or for the part by Honda.

They will if you get the repair authorized by Honda as "Goodwill". It then is warranted by Honda the same as your normal warranty. I got both the fuse box and reverse pin in the 7-pin trailer harness fixed that way.

[Ultra-HOG]

I have an exceptional dealer, Dix Honda in State College, PA, and they went to bat for me with Honda to resolve the same issues that Webwader had. Between the dealer and Honda, both the door unlock/fuse block issue and the 7th pin for the trailer wiring harness were taken care of at no charge to me. I do not entirely disagree with mugen1's comment that these issues are not a warranty issue. However, having 6 out of 7 wires in a 7-pin wiring harness is clearly at odds with Honda's marketing of the towing readiness of the Ridgeline. I do think that the trailer wiring harness issue is at best a design flaw. The all door unlock issue was, I suspect, an oversight or a bug in the coding for the locking module. If that makes it a design flaw or a defect, it's only semantics. I did start the process armed with printed copies of information posted on the ROC and gave my service writer plenty of time to communicate with Honda. The old saying that one should speak softly, but carry a big stick, was effective.

My dealer went to bat for me and Honda stepped up and did the right thing by taking care of both issues. I wrote a very well deserved thank you letter to my dealer and sent a copy to Honda. Among other things I said that Dix Honda has earned my respect, my confidence and my business. In the grand scheme of things, this was a win-win situation for everyone involved. There is an S2000, a Civic Si, or a new CR-V in the not to distant furure for my wife when it is time to upgrade her Accord. Simple, isn't it? The beauty of it all is that I have a dealer understands how that works!

Oh, and by the way, I watch and listen to how they treat other customers. I don't get any special treatment. Everyone is treated the same way. I like that.

[arteegee]

Mine was approved as good will by Honda 5 months after I requested it nicely at the dealership.