[petroman]

I operate my 2003 Honda CRV EX in Canada.

I am presently at 65,000km (5,000km over warrenty coverage) and have had a similar problem with the "check engine" light coming one.

After taking the vehicle to my dealer I was informed that the throttle body assembly had failed. CDN$900 for the part, CDN$40 for the diagnostic and CDN$150 for the installation of the replacement.

I asked what caused the premature malfunction asn the service rep told me it was gas I was buying that caused the breakdown and that it was an issue known to Honda.

I asked to speak with the service rep. Pointed out that the vehicle had always been serviced by the dealer and that it failed so soon out of the warrenty coverage period (3yrs or 60,000km). He called Honda and then called back to "offer" to buy the part (Honda takes 50% and the dealer take 50%) if I would pay the labour.

He also told me that this issue was the subject of a "technical bulletin" issued to dealers. In other words, it is not a recall issue (yet) but the problem lies with a faulty part.

My advice, call, complain and point out that only a short time ago this part would have been covered by warrenty.