I need help CEL on after head gasket repair on 2005 honda civic ex

15

Asked by Jessjr Mar 26, 2014 at 02:26 AM about the Honda Civic

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

So I have a 2005 honda civic ex with
148k.... I had overheating issues and
went to many different mechanics, in
the past year I've replaced my
thermostat, radiator, water pump,
timing belt, starter, battery and just
yesterday the head gasket. I got my
car back today from head gasket
repair, radiator flush and fill, and oil
change this cost me 1100$ today! I
went to turn my car on and CEL
flashed (it was not on before and is
first time I've seen CEL in my 2.5 yrs
owning the car) after flashing several
times it became solid, it also has
some shaking or rumbling coming
from somewhere underneath the
hood. I'm very stressed out and it's
kinda like what now? I don't know
much about cars but I know that my
check engine light was not on before
they did the work.  I'm praying it's
something stupid like a bolt needing
tightened. I've put my entire income
tax check into fixing this car. Any
advice or thoughts is extremely
appreciated. Thank you

3 Answers

45,195

I am so sorry- you have stumbled into the ultimate Japanese nightmare- pouring money into a broken car with Bozos for mechanics- learn from this, and do not forget this lesson as long as you live- number one: never give your money to anyone but a good, honest mechanic- number two- never put more money into a car than what it's worth- number three- learn to quit while you can- you may be at that point now- if the car is running, sell it- start over and learn to play the game the right way- start with a low mileage used car from the original owner who has receipts for maintenance and repairs and was fastidious in caring for the car- then you be the same-

2 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful
15

Thank you, I went back to shop and they had me drive 50 miles and turned the check engine light off. I've driven over 100 miles since and the light is still off. Hopefully the car is fixed and has no more issues for a while or I will have to sell it. I probably should have a while back but the car has sentimental value. The car came from my deceased mother so I hoped I could get it fixed. I'm hoping and praying that it's good now and I'll remember your advice. Thx

1 people found this helpful.
465

All good and true advice from JB but tell me this...did you take it to a HONDA dealer OR to a gas station or a Pep Boys place???? #4 Point to add to above is: Never, Never, Never take car to Mom & Pop places, corner stations 'cause you fill car there or Sears, Sam's', Costco, Jiffy Lube and the like franchises always go to the Car Brand dealer! If you drive a Honda go to Honda.... drive a Ferrari? then go to a Ferrari dealer no if's and buts because a dealership will not be willing to rip you off and ruin their brand in exchange for a few hundred dollars but corner stations can, besides most important a dealership tech will be able to service your car with his eyes closed.

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