Dealer left off oil filler cap - Honda Pilot

Bill Balmer · 07-13-2003, 10:51 AM

I was washing my Pilot yesterday and I opened the hood to clean things up under there. I'm ashamed to say that this is the first time I've opened the hood since the dealer changed the oil at the 15k service, which was about 1500 miles ago. While I was cleaning, I got a surprise - the oil fill cap was gone! I can only assume that the dealer never replaced it since they were the last ones to touch the engine.

I called the dealer (well, I had my wife call since I was wet and dirty) and they said that they would have to order one.

I can't believe they wouldn't have one in stock!

This dealer has been very good up to this point, and I expect them to give me the cap for free even if I don't blame it on them, but I'm wondering how paranoid I should be about possible damage done while the cap was off.

I'm thinking that I'll demand that they change the oil and filter, since just about anything could have gotten in there in the past 1500 miles. We've been camping (driving on dusty dirt roads) and it has rained A LOT over the last few weeks. It's hard to tell how much dirt and water might have gotten in there.

Beyond that, is there anything else I should demand of them? What other potential problems could this cause? I don't want a catastrophic engine failure a year from now that can't be traced back to this.

Opinions?

csimo · 07-13-2003, 01:14 PM

I don't know about this engine, but some overhead cam engines will throw oil everywhere without an oil cap in place. I guess this one won't or you would have mentioned it.

I'd request a new cap and oil change, and that their error be documented. The good thing is that crankcase pressure should be positive and push things "out" rather than suck anything in to the crankcase. You are violating some EPA regulations with an open crankcase, but that's not your fault.

I would also ask the Service Manager how this could happen. Even Wal-Mart, Jiffy-Lube and other places have your filler cap and drain plugs double checked. An Acura dealer should offer a higher level of service than a quick lube joint. Maybe that's the question I would ask the Service Manager: "Should I start taking my car to Jiffy-Lube from now on for my oil changes so these things are double checked?" (Yes, I know that every place has these kinds of problems but I think they need a kick in the pants over this one).

nighthawk · 07-13-2003, 05:21 PM

Hi Bill,

This is the type of stuff that you should cause a RUCKUS about and get as much groveling and free stuff from the dealership.

Bill Balmer · 07-18-2003, 01:32 PM

Thought I'd post the resolution.

I got a card in the mail saying that the oil cap was in so I called yesterday to schedule (what I hoped would be) my free oil change. The service advisor seemed really put out. When I told him that I was concerned about possible damage to my engine, he gruffly said, "Nothin' got hurt" - how would he know?! When I questioned him on it, he said that the oil fill was in a location where nothing could really get in there. B.S. I have been camping, driving on dirt roads, and through several severe midwestern thunderstorms during the time that the oil cap was AWOL. Anything could've gotten in there, including small rodents.

I asked him for a free oil change to reassure me and he agreed to it without arguing, but his whole attitude kinda hacked me off.

So I took it in today for the oil change and I was sitting in the waiting room for nearly an hour with my 4 year old. I could see my Pilot sitting outside waiting to get into the service bay, so I got fed up and asked to talk to the service manager, thinking that the service advisor was making me wait to spite me.

Well, I may be a bit paranoid, because the Pilot I saw outside was a different SS Pilot waiting for service - woops. Still, other oil change customers had arrived 20 minutes after me and left before me.

So while I was complaining to the Service Manager I told him about the attitude of his Service Advisor. He assured me that my car was just about finished being washed and apologized for the treatment I had received. He is giving me my 22,500 mile service for free (when the time comes), and I made sure that this whole episode has been documented.

ramirami · 07-18-2003, 01:35 PM

bill...

what dealer is this...just a caution for us chicago folks...

Bill Balmer · 07-18-2003, 01:40 PM

This is Pauly Honda in Libertyville.

I have to say that they've normally been very good. I'd recommend them. I think this is a case of "one bad apple". The Service Manager was very nice and apologetic for my trouble. A different Service Advisor checked me out, and he was also very apologetic.

The one who was maybe just having a bad day was named Jim. I'll steer clear of him from now on, but I'm not ready to give up on the entire dealership.

Bill Balmer · 07-18-2003, 01:43 PM

Oh, and Ramirami - I've been wanting to tell you for a long time how much I like your avatar. I've been a Bears fan my whole life. The number of traders (you know who I'm talking about) in the far north 'burbs drives me nuts!

ramirami · 07-18-2003, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill Balmer
Oh, and Ramirami - I've been wanting to tell you for a long time how much I like your avatar. I've been a Bears fan my whole life. The number of traders (you know who I'm talking about) in the far north 'burbs drives me nuts!

have you driven past the new soldier field...I love the look of it...(despite all the critics in the media)...

Only thing is I cannot go to the games this year...might be too cold for a new born...

p.s. check out www.packers-suck.com

raleighpilot · 07-18-2003, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ramirami

p.s. check out www.packers-suck.com

ramirami - - I think you may have made an error in your link...

I believe that the link you're looking for is:http://www.packers.com/

(Packer Fan since the Ice Bowl)

JJ

Bill Balmer · 07-18-2003, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ramirami

Only thing is I cannot go to the games this year...might be too cold for a new born...

Do you have season tickets? You know, if you need to get rid of a few here and there...

ramirami · 07-18-2003, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill Balmer

Do you have season tickets? You know, if you need to get rid of a few here and there...

no i dont have season tickets...but each year I go for 2 to 3 games...

florida_guy · 07-18-2003, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ramirami

no i dont have season tickets...but each year I go for 2 to 3 games...

My friend and I have to go a Sports Bar to watch the games down here except when the Packers are on a featured game. I'm definitely not looking forward to Favre retiring. He has provided me with a ton of entertainment over the years.

Bill Balmer · 07-19-2003, 09:39 AM

Geez, it's not bad enough that the P*ckers (we don't use that word in our house except as an insult) would have ceased to exist if not for the generosity of Papa Bear Halas, who gave Lambeau the money to keep the team afloat, and it's not bad enough that they resort to dirty play when their team sucks (remember the slam of McMahon and the "hit list towel"?), and it's not bad enough that they steal games with illegal plays (remember the last minute touchdown when Majkowski was over the line of scrimmage when he threw the ball?)....

NOW THEY HAVE TO TRY TO HIJACK OUR THREAD!!

hondalover · 07-23-2003, 12:46 AM

Honda service sucks. Service Manager and his crews have no manners. I was told by my friends to buy toyota because of poor service from Honda. I too had some arguments last friday here in Houston, TX. Well, I have documented and placed a complaint to American Honda. They are looking into the matter seriously. I have not heard from them.

I would not tolerate Honda Service Personnel rude behaviour.

gopilot · 07-23-2003, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill Balmer
I was washing my Pilot yesterday and I opened the hood to clean things up under there. I'm ashamed to say that this is the first time I've opened the hood since the dealer changed the oil at the 15k service, which was about 1500 miles ago. While I was cleaning, I got a surprise - the oil fill cap was gone! I can only assume that the dealer never replaced it since they were the last ones to touch the engine.

I called the dealer (well, I had my wife call since I was wet and dirty) and they said that they would have to order one. I can't believe they wouldn't have one in stock!

This dealer has been very good up to this point, and I expect them to give me the cap for free even if I don't blame it on them, but I'm wondering how paranoid I should be about possible damage done while the cap was off.

I'm thinking that I'll demand that they change the oil and filter, since just about anything could have gotten in there in the past 1500 miles. We've been camping (driving on dusty dirt roads) and it has rained A LOT over the last few weeks. It's hard to tell how much dirt and water might have gotten in there.

Beyond that, is there anything else I should demand of them? What other potential problems could this cause? I don't want a catastrophic engine failure a year from now that can't be traced back to this.

Opinions?

In my younger days I used to work at a gas station, have seen many dealers leave oil caps off and man IT's A MESS! How does your engine look? If there is oil everywhere I would make them shampoo it for sure..

Had one customer buy a new Mazda and the dealer left the bolt in the oil pan off.. That was a expensive mistake.

I told him he had no oil in the car? He said I just came back from an oil change. BAD!

07-13-2003, 10:51 AM	#1 (permalink)
Bill Balmer Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: On the Edge Posts: 767 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Dealer left off oil filler cap I was washing my Pilot yesterday and I opened the hood to clean things up under there. I'm ashamed to say that this is the first time I've opened the hood since the dealer changed the oil at the 15k service, which was about 1500 miles ago. While I was cleaning, I got a surprise - the oil fill cap was gone! I can only assume that the dealer never replaced it since they were the last ones to touch the engine. I called the dealer (well, I had my wife call since I was wet and dirty) and they said that they would have to order one. I can't believe they wouldn't have one in stock! This dealer has been very good up to this point, and I expect them to give me the cap for free even if I don't blame it on them, but I'm wondering how paranoid I should be about possible damage done while the cap was off. I'm thinking that I'll demand that they change the oil and filter, since just about anything could have gotten in there in the past 1500 miles. We've been camping (driving on dusty dirt roads) and it has rained A LOT over the last few weeks. It's hard to tell how much dirt and water might have gotten in there. Beyond that, is there anything else I should demand of them? What other potential problems could this cause? I don't want a catastrophic engine failure a year from now that can't be traced back to this. Opinions? __________________ '03 Silver Pilot EX '93 Mercedes Benz 500E

07-13-2003, 05:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
nighthawk Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: $F, Bay Area Posts: 316 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Unacceptable Hi Bill, This is the type of stuff that you should cause a RUCKUS about and get as much groveling and free stuff from the dealership. __________________ 06 Pilot EX-L w/NAV 05 CRV SE 00 Integra GS 74 Mercedes 450 SLC TRADED - 03 Pilot EX-L Nighthawk Black Pearl #8031.Form Fit Air Deflector, Rear Splash Guards, Running Boards, Crossbars, Cargo Tray & Cover, Honda Chrome Exhaust Tips, All Weather Mats

07-18-2003, 01:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
Bill Balmer Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: On the Edge Posts: 767 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thought I'd post the resolution. I got a card in the mail saying that the oil cap was in so I called yesterday to schedule (what I hoped would be) my free oil change. The service advisor seemed really put out. When I told him that I was concerned about possible damage to my engine, he gruffly said, "Nothin' got hurt" - how would he know?! When I questioned him on it, he said that the oil fill was in a location where nothing could really get in there. B.S. I have been camping, driving on dirt roads, and through several severe midwestern thunderstorms during the time that the oil cap was AWOL. Anything could've gotten in there, including small rodents. I asked him for a free oil change to reassure me and he agreed to it without arguing, but his whole attitude kinda hacked me off. So I took it in today for the oil change and I was sitting in the waiting room for nearly an hour with my 4 year old. I could see my Pilot sitting outside waiting to get into the service bay, so I got fed up and asked to talk to the service manager, thinking that the service advisor was making me wait to spite me. Well, I may be a bit paranoid, because the Pilot I saw outside was a different SS Pilot waiting for service - woops. Still, other oil change customers had arrived 20 minutes after me and left before me. So while I was complaining to the Service Manager I told him about the attitude of his Service Advisor. He assured me that my car was just about finished being washed and apologized for the treatment I had received. He is giving me my 22,500 mile service for free (when the time comes), and I made sure that this whole episode has been documented. __________________ '03 Silver Pilot EX '93 Mercedes Benz 500E

07-18-2003, 01:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
ramirami 'da Moderator Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Arlington Hts., IL Posts: 7,969 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	bill... what dealer is this...just a caution for us chicago folks... __________________ ~~2003 Starlight Silver EXL_RES~~ 2005 Blue Audi A4 Cabriolet 3.0 2011 Black Audi Q5 2.0T

07-18-2003, 01:40 PM	#6 (permalink)
Bill Balmer Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: On the Edge Posts: 767 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	This is Pauly Honda in Libertyville. I have to say that they've normally been very good. I'd recommend them. I think this is a case of "one bad apple". The Service Manager was very nice and apologetic for my trouble. A different Service Advisor checked me out, and he was also very apologetic. The one who was maybe just having a bad day was named Jim. I'll steer clear of him from now on, but I'm not ready to give up on the entire dealership. __________________ '03 Silver Pilot EX '93 Mercedes Benz 500E

07-13-2003, 01:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
csimo Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 46 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I don't know about this engine, but some overhead cam engines will throw oil everywhere without an oil cap in place. I guess this one won't or you would have mentioned it. I'd request a new cap and oil change, and that their error be documented. The good thing is that crankcase pressure should be positive and push things "out" rather than suck anything in to the crankcase. You are violating some EPA regulations with an open crankcase, but that's not your fault. I would also ask the Service Manager how this could happen. Even Wal-Mart, Jiffy-Lube and other places have your filler cap and drain plugs double checked. An Acura dealer should offer a higher level of service than a quick lube joint. Maybe that's the question I would ask the Service Manager: "Should I start taking my car to Jiffy-Lube from now on for my oil changes so these things are double checked?" (Yes, I know that every place has these kinds of problems but I think they need a kick in the pants over this one).

07-18-2003, 01:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
Bill Balmer Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: On the Edge Posts: 767 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Oh, and Ramirami - I've been wanting to tell you for a long time how much I like your avatar. I've been a Bears fan my whole life. The number of traders (you know who I'm talking about) in the far north 'burbs drives me nuts! __________________ '03 Silver Pilot EX '93 Mercedes Benz 500E

07-19-2003, 09:39 AM	#13 (permalink)
Bill Balmer Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: On the Edge Posts: 767 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Geez, it's not bad enough that the P*ckers (we don't use that word in our house except as an insult) would have ceased to exist if not for the generosity of Papa Bear Halas, who gave Lambeau the money to keep the team afloat, and it's not bad enough that they resort to dirty play when their team sucks (remember the slam of McMahon and the "hit list towel"?), and it's not bad enough that they steal games with illegal plays (remember the last minute touchdown when Majkowski was over the line of scrimmage when he threw the ball?).... NOW THEY HAVE TO TRY TO HIJACK OUR THREAD!! __________________ '03 Silver Pilot EX '93 Mercedes Benz 500E

07-23-2003, 12:46 AM	#14 (permalink)
hondalover Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: TX Posts: 163 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Honda service sucks. Service Manager and his crews have no manners. I was told by my friends to buy toyota because of poor service from Honda. I too had some arguments last friday here in Houston, TX. Well, I have documented and placed a complaint to American Honda. They are looking into the matter seriously. I have not heard from them. I would not tolerate Honda Service Personnel rude behaviour.

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