We recently purchased a 2009 Accord with a 2.4L engine and 88k miles from my in-laws. Since we just got it, I’m unsure if it has any oil consumption issues.
Here are my questions:
What should I know about potential oil consumption issues with this model?
What are the service bulletin procedures from Honda regarding oil consumption?
Does Honda warranty ring and piston replacement only if the car uses oil?
Do I need to document oil usage before making a case to Honda?
Is there a time or mileage limit for Honda’s warranty on this issue?
If the car isn’t using excessive oil, how can I prevent the problem from developing?
What software does the service bulletin 11-049 mention as new?
What are the high particle counts in fuel referred to in the service bulletin? 12-087?
Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated.
A quart every 3500 isn’t that bad—many of those 2.4s burn far more than that. You won’t notice a notable difference in your case if you switch to a thicker oil. Did you look around for any leaks? The screen gasket for the VVT, a very common leaker that can be difficult to detect and notice, is located on a plate behind the belt tensioner. It drips and collects on the block before taking some time to drop on the ground. Additionally, look at the Vtec spool valve assembly and oil pressure sensor on the back of the block. These may be slow drippers that accumulate over time.
When I bought my used car, I had similar concerns about oil consumption. For a 2009 Accord with a 2.4L engine, it’s good to be aware of potential issues with oil consumption, as Honda has issued service bulletins related to this. The service bulletin procedures generally involve documenting oil usage and following specific diagnostic steps. Honda’s warranty might cover ring and piston replacement if excessive oil consumption is confirmed, but you’ll need to document oil usage thoroughly before making a claim. Typically, there’s a mileage limit on the warranty, so check for specifics. To prevent issues, regularly monitor oil levels and address any leaks or irregularities promptly. The service bulletin 11-049 refers to specific diagnostic software updates, while service bulletin 12-087 discusses high particle counts in fuel, which can affect engine performance.