Monday, June 13, 2016

How to Certify a Honda

Certifying a Honda is always performed by specially-trained ASE or Honda-certified automotive technicians. Used Hondas that have been certified go through a vigorous 150-point inspection which consists of checking various mechanical and appearance aspects of the Honda and ensuring each point meets or exceeds Honda used car standards. Only well-maintained Honda vehicles with fewer than 80,000 miles and are less than six years old are eligible for certification. All major systems are highly scrutinized and components that do not meet Honda's standards are reconditioned or replaced. Certified Honda's also must contain detailed maintenance records.

Instructions

    1

    Verify all vehicle identification number, or VINs, including the door jambs, engine compartment and dash for accuracy. The VIN is checked for any recalls and the current status including whether the car has been salvaged.

    2
    Oil filter
    Oil filter

    Equip the Honda with an original Honda oil filter and use only Honda motor oil. A new Honda air filter is installed if the current air filter is dirty or an oil change is due. Change the brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, differential and rear differential fluid if the fluids are dirty, discolored or the vehicle has reached its regularly scheduled maintenance.

    3
    Tire tread
    Tire tread

    Check for tire vibrations and replace tires if the minimum tread depth is not 5/32 across and replace the disc brake pads or the brake shoes if they are worn more than 50 percent. Check the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) size, speed and load rating of each tire, match brand and type of tire checking for sidewall cracking or uneven wearing and look for road hazard damage and correct tire pressure. Check rims and wheels for damage, wheel lug nuts for proper torque and correct amount, as well as the spare tire for its condition and correct tire pressure.

    4

    Perform the closest regularly-scheduled maintenance. Check for normal starting and idle vibrations under cold and hot conditions, engine noises at high and low speeds as well as under cold and hot conditions and acceleration power. Check the engine operating temperatures and smoothness of driveability, for automatic transmission shift points and shift quality. Check manual transmission shift operation, smoothness, effort and slippage of the clutch, transaxle noises and CV joint full-right and left-lock turns.

    5

    Check the engine drain plug threads for metal shavings or cross threading and leaks around the engine, transmission, coolant area and hydraulic hose or line. Check the CV joints and boots, drive-shaft and universal joints for any leaks or cracks. Check the spring for proper ride height in the suspension, leaks in the McPherson struts or shock absorbers. Review the condition of bushings, tightness of the ball joints and tie-rod ends, power steering leakage and the entire exhaust system for its condition, any leaks, damage or noises.

    6
    Steering wheel
    Steering wheel

    Review braking vibrations and noises as well as for the operation of the parking brake. Explore the steering effort in left and right directions, any free play or vibrations in the steering wheel and if the steering wheel is centered. Check the cruise control operation including resume as well as the operation of the horn.

    7
    Speedometer
    Speedometer

    Replace the mats unless they are in good condition, wiper blades unless they wipe the windshield clean and antenna mast if it is sticking or bent. Check for wind noises, rattles and squeaks, operation of the speedometer and odometer, heater and defroster air conditioning cooling performance and the outlet temperatures of the vents. Review any body suspension noises, perform a rough road test and check for overall body suspension performance.

    8
    Battery tester
    Battery tester

    Check the battery fluid level, charging and testing of the battery, and perform a load test. Review the operation of the starter, shaft looseness in the distributor and cap and rotor condition as well as the appearance of the alternator belt.

    9
    Automobile hose
    Automobile hose

    Review the ignition and fuel system operation including fuel connections and leaks. Replace the fuel filter according to the scheduled maintenance, check the radiator and air conditioning condenser for leaks and any road hazard damage, operation of the cooling system and if there is sufficient protection for the coolant. Check the condition of the coolant hoses, level of the power steering fluid, condition and tension of the power steering belt and air conditioning compressor as well as the proper cycling of the air conditioner.

    10

    Look at the heater valve adjustment, check for engine valve noises and the condition of the engine and transmission mounts. Remove the valve cover and verify for adequate maintenance and check the condition of the timing belt. Check the operation of the headlights, brake lights, turn signal lights and see if there are any cracks or chips in any of the lights. Check the operation of the parking lamps, fog lights, running lights, back up lights, emergency flashers, license plate lights and see if there are any internal water leaks.

    11
    Navigation system
    Navigation system

    Review the operation of the fuel gauge, temperature gauge, dash lights, and see if all lights illuminate with ignition on. Check the operation of the windshield wipers and washer, the audio and navigation system, clock functions, steering wheel tilt and lock, sunroof, cigarette and lighter power outlets, the alarm and theft system as well as the headliner. Check the exterior condition of the SRS (safety restraint system) airbags and the warning lamp operation.

    12
    Car seat belt
    Car seat belt

    Check the operation of the outside mirrors, rear view mirrors, windows and door locks. Review the condition and proper latching of the set belts as well as the condition of the seat belt leather in the front and rear of the vehicle. Check the operation of the power seats, seat heaters, headrest movement, rear defrost, inside mirror, vanity light, inside lights, switches and doors.

    13

    Review the operations of the glove compartment and glove compartment light, trunk-lid release, trunk-lid light, luggage compartment and ensure the jack and tool exist. Check the fuel door release, hood release and that the engine compartment under the hood is clean. Explore the grille consisting of the headlights, trim, emblems any other lights, and the hood including any emblems and finish.

    14
    Interior of a vehicle
    Interior of a vehicle

    Check the trim and finish on the left and right front and rear fenders, the trim, quarter trim and finish on the left and right front and rear doors as well as the controls and condition of the trim and operation of the controls in the front doors. Check the trunk lid, front and rear bumpers including the fascia, finish and guards as well as the roof. Review the windshield for cracks, scratches, chips and pitting. Check the condition of the carpet and mats, dash, instrument panels, console center, armrests and beverage holders. View the condition of the seat upholstery or leather in the front and rear of the vehicle as well as the luggage compartment mats, carpet and trim.

    15

    Document all findings and repairs or replacements and file the report with Honda.

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