Campaign - Testing/Correction Antifreeze Concentration

Model Applicable To File Under Bulletin No.
'84 Prelude
'84 Wagon V.I.N. ranges 84-002
'84 Accord listed below ENGINE Issue Date
FEB 13, '84

Product Update: Testing/Correction of Antifreeze Concentration(Supersedes Bulletin 84-002 dated JAN 31, 1984)


PROBLEM

Antifreeze protection may not be adequate for temperatures below 0~ F.

CARS AFFECTED V.I.N. Range

'84 Prelude AB . . . 000044 - 011098

'84 Wagon AN . . ... 000083 - 004313

'84 Accord
Hatchback AD . . . 032537 - 042865


CORRECTIVE ACTION

1. Remove the radiator cap, and test the coolant with an antifreeze tester.

Use only an antifreeze hydrometer with built-in thermometer and temperature correction scale. Do not use a floating-ball type tester.

CAUTION: If the engine is hot, remove the cap in 2 steps. Be extremely careful; you could be scalded by hot coolant.

*Release system pressure by slowly turning the cap as far as it will go; do not push down on it.

*After releasing the pressure, push down and turn the cap to remove it, 2. If the tester shows protection to about -35~F (50% antifreeze), go on to step 3. If it shows protection to only about 0~F., drain 2 quarts of coolant out of the system. Then add 2 quarts of straight antifreeze to the radiator. Add Honda Antifreeze/Antiboil or Prestone II only; do not use any other brand of antifreeze, and do not add any water.

Update Completion Mark:

3. Center punch an Update Completion Mark on the firewall above the second letter of the V.I.N.

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

All owners of affected cars will be notified of this update by mail (see back for customer letter). Owners will be asked to contact their nearest Honda dealer for coolant testing and, if necessary, correction of antifreeze concentration.


WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

For coolant testing only, use operation number 114500, defect code 478, and a total time of 0.2 hour.

For coolant testing and correction of antifreeze concentration, use operation 114190, defect code 478, and a total time 0.4 hour.
Text of the Customer Letter

Product Update: Testing/Correction of Antifreeze Concentration


January 23, 1984


Dear Honda Owner, Certain 1984 Honda Civic Wagons, Preludes and Accord Hatchbacks may not have the correct amount of antifreeze in their cooling systems. If not, slush ice could form in the coolant in temperatures below 0~ F. with the engine off. When the car is started, the slush could then block the circulation of coolant, causing overheating which could damage the engine.

Our records show you may own one of these cars. If so, please call your Honda dealer and make an appointment with the Service Department to have the coolant tested and, if necessary, corrected to the proper concentration of antifreeze, free of charge.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause you.


Sincerely, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.