Fuel Gauge goes in and out

38081 Views 99 Replies 40 Participants Last post by Passerby, 5 d ago

mcymse3

Discussion Starter · Oct 8, 2019

Anyone else have a fuel gauge / odometer that goes in and out? When it's been cooler outside mine has been showing jibberish in the past, now it just plain doesn't show up until my car is warmed up. It has been suggested to me that it's a communication problem. Any ideas on how to fix? I'd rather not pay the dealership to troubleshoot and I'm not under warranty any longer.

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Alpha

· #61 · Aug 9, 2021

Hi fellow Canadians, do you guys get a pixelated or blank fuel gauge in your HRV? If so, what are your stealerships saying? Any solutions?

It's a great car overall, just a few quality issues, but good design and style, and I do most of my own maintenance with Honda parts and have taken apart a lot of the interior, most recently to replace my cup holder which was as fragile as a Dollarama shopping bag.

Woundedpants

· #62 · Aug 9, 2021

Alpha said:
I've had this issue within the past year too in my 2016 with 118,000 kms in Canada. Only happens when it's cold out. If I press on the trip meter toggle stalk button a few times it comes back. It's pretty annoying. It's a safety issue in my mind if you don't know how much fuel you have, in line with faulty seatbelts, so I feel like Honda should not be charging customers if it's a defect. Sometimes, some OEMs will install the same defective parts to "buy time" to find a better solution, like what Ford was doing when their Ford Focus transmissions were bad.

I would agree with this but in my situation I asked for the instrument cluster to take with me so I would know that they replaced it.

Rob B

· #63 · Sep 4, 2021

mcymse3 said:
Anyone else have a fuel gauge / odometer that goes in and out? When it's been cooler outside mine has been showing jibberish in the past, now it just plain doesn't show up until my car is warmed up. It has been suggested to me that it's a communication problem. Any ideas on how to fix? I'd rather not pay the dealership to troubleshoot and I'm not under warranty any longer.

I have the same problem, it started when the HR-V was right at 3 yrs old, so just past the warranty. It used to go out intermittently, sometimes it was fine, sometimes it was scrambled, and at first only in the winter. Now it seems to be out full time. My Honda dealer diagnosed the problem and recommended replacing the whole cluster, a new one is $1250. I found one for the same vehicle as mine in a salvage yard in CA for $100. Even tho the vehicle was badly sideswiped, I'm hoping the instrument cluster is fine, and it looks good, and they say it has 'no issues'. The bad news is my mechanic est is $350 to install the used one, then re-program it, not sure why that's expensive and after watching a youtube video I am tempted to do it myself, tho resetting the odometer would be an issue and having a mechanic provide paperwork for this process would be worth paying that bill so when I go to sell it, no one could question the mileage, which is only 42k.

Reactions: 1

page448

· #64 · Dec 1, 2021

I rook the leap of faith and removed the cluster myself. I had to buy a set of tools ($8-$20) to get the bezel off, but no problem. Had to lower and extend the steering wheel to get just enough room to reach main cable connector. But the unit is sealed up pretty tight with about 8-10 clips that all have to be released at same time to try to remove back plate. But felt like it was going to break or pull something just getting it up about an 1/8", so I stopped and snapped it all together ans reinstalled.
Now I have a permanent check engine light, a steady brake pedal light, and a flashing red Park icon. The vehicle seems to be running just fine, but I can't live with it like that. The fuel gauge seems to be working, though!
I will take it apart one more time and try a little harder, but think it will turn into one of those "tried and failed" efforts. I see where there are companies that will send you a used replacement with an added fee to reset the odometer. Wish this had made it to the level of a recall.

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Reactions: 1

Chichi

· #65 · Jan 4, 2022

Same issue here I had my hrv since 2016 after the 2nd years 10000 mile it started to flickering in the winter when is cold? The push start button was a recall I fixed it before the recall my self, it took America honda 1 year to reimburse me for the oem part 150$ let me know if the instrument cluster become a recall

Vanesa84

· #66 · Jan 15, 2022

Hello, I have a 2018 HRV EX-L with 22k miles. I bought it about a month ago and I’m already having this problem. I do suspect it happens more often with the cold. Unfortunately I bought it at a Mazda dealer so it’s been a bit of a nightmare to have them check the issue. After finally having it checked at Mazda I was advised that the cluster would have to be replaced. I am currently waiting on whether or not it will be covered and what is the total cost and date it will be changed. It’s unfair that Honda doesn’t acknowledge this issue outright.

Bunchipp

· #67 · Jan 22, 2022

Hello, I have a 2016 Honda HRV. I only need one more payment to go and wouldn't you know it; I'm having the same issue that started about one month ago. I'm in California and the mornings have been colder than usual. I was wondering if it had anything to do with the cold, and as I read the previous posts, it seems everyone else notices that. I just called the dealer but my warranty has expired. The service team representative sounded like he's never heard of this. How could there be so many posts about this same issue and they've never heard of it? He said it would cost $165.00 just to do a diagnostics check, but if it doesn't happen at that time (it's random), then they won't be able to help me. It's so frustrating; I went for a Honda because they're usually good cars and now this. I'm so upset. So if anyone else has determined the exact issue, please do tell. It will be greatly appreciated. I don't want it to get worse. Thank you in advance.

Vanesa84

· #68 · Jan 22, 2022

Bunchipp said:
Hello, I have a 2016 Honda HRV. I only need one more payment to go and wouldn't you know it; I'm having the same issue that started about one month ago. I'm in California and the mornings have been colder than usual. I was wondering if it had anything to do with the cold, and as I read the previous posts, it seems everyone else notices that. I just called the dealer but my warranty has expired. The service team representative sounded like he's never heard of this. How could there be so many posts about this same issue and they've never heard of it? He said it would cost $165.00 just to do a diagnostics check, but if it doesn't happen at that time (it's random), then they won't be able to help me. It's so frustrating; I went for a Honda because they're usually good cars and now this. I'm so upset. So if anyone else has determined the exact issue, please do tell. It will be greatly appreciated. I don't want it to get worse. Thank you in advance.

Hi,

So unfortunately the dealership advised that the whole instrument panel would have to be replaced. Luckily I purchased extended warranty, so I won’t have to pay $1,400.00. I’m still waiting for the dealership to call me to do the replacement. In all honesty, I don’t think I’d ever do a Honda again. This is my first experience with the brand and within 30 days on 22k miles there’s an issue Honda won’t even acknowledge at their own cost.

Briburd

· #69 · Feb 28, 2022

mcymse3 said:
Anyone else have a fuel gauge / odometer that goes in and out? When it's been cooler outside mine has been showing jibberish in the past, now it just plain doesn't show up until my car is warmed up. It has been suggested to me that it's a communication problem. Any ideas on how to fix? I'd rather not pay the dealership to troubleshoot and I'm not under warranty any longer.

I am also having the same issue and actually am going to get an oil change at Honda today. I just know they are going to want to run a diagnostic test that’s $100 ugh, it only has happened to me twice but is concerning if it were to not come back on. Really hoping it turns into a recall since so many others are having the same issue and since for now it is just an annoyance and doesn’t happen often might just hold out and hope a recall does happen.

Fearturtle44

· #70 · Feb 28, 2022

Sadly, the chance for a recall on this is slim. Hopefully they will have a relatively cheap fix for you. Definitely post back.

Reactions: 1

MikeTB

· #71 · Mar 21, 2022

kirkreyes said:
View attachment 31051
My 2016 HR-V LX started doing the same thing. Vehicle just hit 55k miles.. It happens when its 40° and below out here in Colorado Springs. Like OP says, after car warms up and drives a couple miles.. it will go back to normal. It's annoying af!..

exact same issue.. has anyone figured out the actual fix???

Hadleys Taxi

· #72 · Mar 21, 2022

I have a Mexican built 2016 MY HR-V and when first joining this forum took an interest in this thread as the majority of the vehicles experiencing this were built in that year. In the two years of owning my vehicle, I have not had any issues with any segment of the MID (Multi Information Display) even though we've recently had some of the coldest and wettest winters on record. We've also had some of the hottest and muggiest summers as well, to the point I purchased an A/C unit for the house!

I've had a look on the UK owners forum and cannot see any threads at all on this issue, which is a little strange considering for four years the NA and European HR-V's were built in the same factory. It would appear this issue only affects NA market vehicles.

pscheller5

· #73 · May 28, 2022

Misteryester said:
Alright so I took my odometer cluster all the way out of my car and disassembled it as far as I could. I saw a couple spit that were dirty and cleaned those. I ended up loosening all the screws and retightening them clean some other connection points with alcohol and cotton swabs and put it all back together and I have not had any issues as of right now. It has been really hot and it has also rained and has been humid. It was happening pretty regularly of me getting in the car and it was about 2 or 3 times a day it would get all digitized. As for now it is working great. View attachment 32167 View attachment 32168 View attachment 32169 View attachment 32170 View attachment 32172

Misteryester, is this fix still working for you? I have a 2016 with only 35,000 miles that we just acquired with lots of little "Honda quality issues". looking to repeat your process if this worked. Are there instructions for popping out the bezel/frame to access this? what tools were needed? I don't want to break stuff getting to the cluster.
Any other new solutions found on this thread?

Ciccosanti

· #74 · 12 mo ago

having the same issue in my 2020 hrv at 17000 miles, so they are probably using the same instrument cluster as those earlier years.

Battlemoses

· #75 · 11 mo ago

Had this happen to my 2018 EX. Dealer said that there was some weak solder spots and they tend to crack when it gets cold outside, and as the car warms up they make a better connection will work after you cycle the car. Had to replace the instrument cluster.

Vanesa84

· #76 · 9 mo ago

Just to update. I had mine replaced with the extended warranty and then the mileage reset back to zero. Honda won’t even fix the mileage, so now I’m driving a car that appears brand new and isn’t. Anyone else have the mileage issue after replacement?

Hadleys Taxi

· #77 · 9 mo ago

When you say Honda, do you mean your dealer or Honda America? If it's your dealership that won't play ball, raise a complaint with Honda America.

If it's Honda America that won't change it, raise the issue with your insurer and get their legal department to act on your behalf. Not having the correct mileage is a major no-no, and will cause you no end of grief, especially when it comes to selling it.

It's not hard to reprogramme the mileage, even mom & pop garages can do it when they do engine swaps due to the original engine failing.

Vanesa84

· #78 · 9 mo ago

Hadleys Taxi said:
When you say Honda, do you mean your dealer or Honda America? If it's your dealership that won't play ball, raise a complaint with Honda America.

If it's Honda America that won't change it, raise the issue with your insurer and get their legal department to act on your behalf. Not having the correct mileage is a major no-no, and will cause you no end of grief, especially when it comes to selling it.

It's not hard to reprogramme the mileage, even mom & pop garages can do it when they do engine swaps due to the original engine failing.

I purchased the car from Mazda and they replaced the part. When they couldn’t fix the mileage, they suggested I go to Honda. I went to the nearest local Honda dealer and they said it’s not fixable. You suggest calling the Honda USA customer service line?

CalgaryHRV

· #79 · 9 mo ago (Edited)

A Honda dealer can definitely correct the digital odometer on the replacement cluster assembly.
This is a routine procedure for all vehicles. Cluster replacement is not uncommon on other Honda's and other vehicles also.
Call around to several other Honda dealers.

I wonder if your Honda dealer doesn't want to do it since they never replaced the cluster and can't confirm the original mileage on the HRV.

Do you have documents and pics when the Mazda dealer replaced the cluster?
Proof of the original mileage before cluster replacement?
A Honda dealer should ask for some kind of proof/confirmation before changing the odometer reading on a vehicle.

No independent shop will be able to do it. Your insurance company will not be able to help either.

Reactions: 1

Hadleys Taxi

· #80 · 9 mo ago (Edited)

CalgaryHRV said:
No independent shop will be able to do it. Your insurance company will not be able to help either.

That must be a US limitation, as I know of an Audi specialist that does this. VAG engines are not as robust as they lead you to believe.
I have legal cover with my car insurer which I can use when in dispute over matters such as this.

Back on thread.

I would suggest that as the Mazda dealer cannot fix the issue, you put it to them they pay a Honda dealer to replaced the gauge and set the odometer to the correct mileage. Either that or they reimburse you the cost of their work as I would think this would invalidate your insurance as your mileage is incorrect.

Edit.

Another option is if you paid for the work via a credit card, inform them and get them to fight it on your behalf. Assuming the credit protection offered in the UK is the same as the US?

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