My New Honda City in White - The Albus

Dr MUDHAN · Dec 19, 2014

@ SUNREX

1. Regarding blinking braking light from china post with an additional customs charges of Rs.860/-
Sometimes, the custom authorities unnecessarily penalize a genuine citizen. I think a new officer has come at foreign post office, Chennai and he makes us to pay CD as he likes. Recently I had to pay Rs.450/- against a value of Rs.690/-. I have decided to return hereafter if it is not worth.
2. Kobe clear acrylic lacquer spray is available at all major hardware shops.

@ Essarr

Sir, I am honored by your post and truly overwhelmed by your appreciation. I am blessed to know that my life on earth is little meaningful to others. You, please start your thread or otherwise you may kindly use this thread and strengthen it more.
We are eager to see your car photo with those modifications. Thanks for everything.

@ Figoian

It hides the screws & look neat, that’s all. Thanks and nice to meet you after a gap of time.

@ TSIVipul

Thanks for being with me.

@ CRACING

CRACING said:

Yes, I did make a mention here - http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...new-honda-city-white-albus-54.html#post415476

I got the Ignition Key Ring, but not really very good. I expected an aluminum reflective type and found made of ordinary plastic and gummed paper label. I will write about it later.

Regards to dear all !
Dr MUDHAN

Dr MUDHAN · Dec 19, 2014

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PART: LXV

MY ALBUS GETS A BRIGHTER BOOT

Whenever I opened the boot at times in night , I felt and wished that it should have a better illumination.

Actually I removed the original halogen bulb and added a flat LED light. The bulb which originally bought for number plate and as I could not use it due to little longer in length , fitted perfectly in the boot lamp housing. But I am not really satisfied again with the illumination.

I wanted something simple, neat, easy to fit and with an effective power that illuminates to my satisfaction.

It got me to a different idea and wonderfully worked when I tried. It is neither over bright nor under bright. Now I am satisfied and no more search and no need for further modification.

The Unique and beautifully designed COB LED Daytime Running Lights took care of my interest, which a pair is less than 5 dollars and looked elegant.

2pcs/Lot 100% Waterproof COB LED Lights DRL Daytime Running Light Auto Lamp For Universal Car Wholesales Free Shipping-in Daytime Running Lights from Automobiles & Motorcycles on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

The white light Size is 17.4cm x 1.7cm x 0.5m (L x W x H) and I shortened the length of wire, connected to a T5 adopted which I got free with the LEDs I bought earlier. Removed the original plastic glass housing by pressing its knob in the right side to little inside, replaced the bulb with T5 adopter. Neatly organized the wire through the dickey lid holes, pasted with the double side tape in the rear side of the bulb. The quality of the bulb is very good, protected by a glass layer & water proofed.

Even I feel the one- blue colored COB LED Daytime Running Lights will go well inside the car & can even be neatly used as footwell light.

FOOT NOTE:
You may read here CRACING'S WORK

CRACING · Dec 19, 2014

Dr MUDHAN said:

Cannot remember what went wrong that time. May be in the urgency of ordering items on 11/11, I didn't looked correctly.

Anyways, pre-flicker leds are quite expensive and my car has no bumper lights like 2012-13 model to use controller. I will live with flashing brake lights for some time. [:)]

I have made a video here, Check it out.
18x5630 T20 Strobe SMD Mod

p.s sorry for spell mistake in my previous post regarding word brake which I typed break.

Dr MUDHAN said:

Oh thats bad. I think mine will be same too, as we have ordered from same seller.

Does it reflect as shown in product pictures?

gandhi · Dec 19, 2014

Dr MUDHAN said:

Wow. Surprisingly I also thought to do the same in my City's boot. I did my research enough and settled in using the DRL. But the connection of bare wire to the adapter was holding me from not doing it. Now I got a nice idea from you.

Essarr · Dec 20, 2014

Dear Dr. Mudhan,

Thank you for your kind words.

I don't want to sound patronizing, but I think "The Albus" story must remain 'the' starting point for any first time owner of a Honda City (like me) anywhere, even outside the shores of India, who has interests deeper than normal. As such, I would rather contribute, whatever I can, than start out on my own (which is also a reason I did not go into any depth with my German car story). My passion lies more with performance enhancements (with no compromise to anything), and I will see if I can do something there. Right now, I am looking at the rusting front strut mounts in the engine bay, and a probable solution that could come from a pair of 'microwave oven proof' plastic jars/cups to cover those water-harvesting wells. After that, I will probably look at the somewhat frail rear suspension set up (the front seems to be holding up fine).

And for those who are so much into car detailing, here's a short video that lets you imagination run amok or go a little 'overboard'. Would you spend around $10,000 for a jar of car wax! (yes, I have a very small amount of similar carnouba wax, that I use sparingly on acoustic guitar finishes sometimes).

Enjoy: http://youtu.be/PkmZveqyU5E

CRACING · Dec 20, 2014

@Dr MUDHAN

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT CAN-BUS LEDs

Sir, I have researched about Can-Bus LEDs function. It is mostly used in German cars, those that have bulb failure detection system in OBD for safety.

Of course, most of us know this but these can-bus LEDs won't bypass this detection by any IC's instead draw same amount of current as normal incandescent bulbs, using load resistor(s), so that bulb failure detection system can be 'cheated' to detect 'working incandescent bulb'.

However, we lose the benefits of low wattage consumption of LEDs and too much heat produced by load resistors can damage LED chips or cause fire.

Unfortunately, one of can-bus SMD LED I had installed yesterday night has stopped working after few mins of usage. Upon testing the circuit, a SMD capacitor is not working. The other can-bus SMD LED is working fine but heats too much (More then 100° C) and may also blow if used longer.

I have asked the seller to provide replacement for the blown LED bulb though.

For more info about CAN-Bus LEDs, Please check here.

Dr MUDHAN · Dec 21, 2014

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PART: LXVI

MY ALBUS: HOW DID I GET OUT THE "STUCK" IGNITION KEY!

Today morning, it’s happened.

I was casually turning the ignition key to understand the positions to affix the Ignition Ring Sticker which I recently bought.

Suddenly I realized that I could not get my car key out of ignition and though the car can start and go but when I stop, I could not remove the key. I checked up whether the steering lock occurred and that too not getting locked.

My mind started worrying … painful thoughts flew over immobilizer.. Opening the ignition cylinder and so on!

I left the car to check internet for help and it was still more confusing…

There were more help on “How to get into a car locked key inside” and more talks about hammering the key, airbag mishap, spraying WD40, some are specific to automatic gear cars etc.,

At last, decided to call Honda service and I was not ready for any costly mistake.

Suddenly my mind thought of my Automobile Engineer friend and I called and told him the issue. He was cool and gave me confident that it is not difficult to remove such key and it happens in modern steering design. He just told me to put the car neutral @ hand break on and to turn the steering wheel clock and anticlockwise and to give little pressure over the key to turn both side and assured me in one position the key will get released.

Ok I decided to try by praying the Almighty and did it – OMG it worked and relieved me from my mental stress.

Later, some good information I collected over this issue:

HOW TO GET A STUCK KEY OUT OF A HONDA IGNITION

From Here: How to Get a Stuck Key Out of a Honda Ignition | eHow

Honda makes many models of sedans, coups and trucks for both private and commercial use. Honda steering wheels are designed to lock when the vehicle is turned off to prevent movement of the vehicle by anyone other than the owner. Occasionally, the steering wheel lock will cause the key to stick in the ignition, making it very difficult, if not impossible to remove. This is very common with many types of vehicles, and a simple method exists to remove the key quickly and easily.
Instructions

1 Ensure that the vehicle is off and in "Park" or "Neutral." If the vehicle is in gear or running, the key cannot be removed.
2 Place your left hand on the top of the steering wheel and place your right hand on the key.
3 Wiggle the steering wheel left and right, and attempt to turn the key into a different position, such as the "Accessory" or "On" position. Continue until the key moves freely.
4 Turn the key back to the "Off" position, then pull the key out of the ignition.

From Here: How to Fix an Ignition Key That Doesn't Turn: 7 Steps

Apply pressure to the key and turn the steering wheel back and forth to attempt to find a free spot where the key turns. A very common reason for the key not turning in modern cars is that the steering column lock can be in a bind. When this happens, you'll need to exert pressure against the ignition mechanism and persist until it unlocks. For those with a sense of humor, this is often called "the steering wheel jiggle."
[:D]

TSIVipul · Dec 21, 2014

Dr MUDHAN said:

Thanks a lot for sharing Dr. Sahab.
Your thread is slowly turning into an encyclopedia for not only beginners, but for everyone This one sounds like a serious issue if it happens on a deserted road, no help nothing and one is on his own. Noted down and wishing I never face the same!

Dr MUDHAN · Dec 21, 2014

PART: LXVII

MY ALBUS: IGNITION SWITCH DECORATIVE RING

Every time when you go through my posting / article you used to get some suggestion & recommendation.

But this time is to make you to avoid it and go for the alternative!!!

Yes, I thought of giving a decorative ring over MY ALBUS ignition key circle for two reasons – to look distinct and to be luminous at night. I was attracted to an advertisement @ AE as it was the cheapest and the product information said that it is of aluminum quality and the picture displayed some luminous shinning, what we call radium glitter.

But on receipt I found it is of plastic affixed with gummed color paper in the back. I won’t say the quality is bad but still not to my expectation to enhance the look. I lodged a dispute got it refunded $ 1 as against my payment of $ 2.77

I would advise you the following if you are interested.

Avoid plain plastic sticker as the one I bought as it neither glitter nor enhance the look.
Go for the aluminum type – check with the seller before order and go for luminous type. But note, it won't reflect automatically & it has to be exposed to light to glow like 'radium' clock!
There are two types of glitter, in one the letter shines in the dark background and in the other one the background shines but the letter is black. The shinning is either green radium type or reflective white type. These are different base ring colors, it varies as red, blue, black, silver etc,

The choice is yours! [;)]

OTHER DESIGNS

Some links here for your analysis:

Nightlight Fluorescense Black Aluminium Ignition Key Ring Keyring JDM For Japan Vehicle TOYOTA SUBARU MAZDA FIT FOR HONDA-in Ignition from Automobiles & Motorcycles on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

2014 New Luminous Night Glow Auto Ignition Key Ring Protector Decoration Sticker for Honda-in Stickers from Automobiles & Motorcycles on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

Shop ignition ring honda online Gallery - Buy ignition ring honda for unbeatable low prices on AliExpress.com

Ignition Key Ring Ignition Key Decorative Ring Car Ignition Switch key cover for HONDA FIT for CITY CIVIC ACCORD (DH8)-in Stickers from Automobiles & Motorcycles on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

Essarr · Dec 22, 2014

Does anyone know about this dandy Honda City rear under-seat storage bin for umbrellas and such? Is this available as an extra option in India?
These photos are from 2008 Malaysia launch of ANHC:

This a seat cutaway to show the bin:

ravib · Dec 23, 2014

So my Honda City finally turned 2 years old on 14th Dec 2014.
Unexpectedly the car gave me a problem. Not expected because it visited the service center in the last week of November.
In November I used to drive for 60km a day on daily basis.
All was fine until I noticed that there was no proper output from the air conditioner. What I noticed was after the car ran some distance the cool airflow would stop and I could feel only the fan.
So when I visited the service center I pointed out this problem to the service agent. So he promised me to perform an ac check up and I was also charged for it.
After this I was away on a trip to Hyderabad for a week. So the car lied idle for the time period.As per my mom, my dad took it for a short spin.
As soon as I returned the first thing I did was taking the car for a drive. Felt terrible in its absence.
I get a rude shock!! The ac is emitting extremely foul smell that literally gave me a headache.
I opened the hood and tried to look for a dead animal but there were no traces of it.I tried for a while to check the source of the smell but failed to find it.I even opened the air filter and smelled it but all was OK. So decide it has to be taken to the garage.
I was not present at the garage a friends driver took it. So the reason given by the technician is the condenser outlet pipe got clogged because of the gel based perfume that I was using!!(godrej aer). It seems he drained the clogged pipe. But a mild smell still remains. So how can I completely get rid of the odour? Do I completely stop using perfume in my car?
Secondly I ordered T20 smd bulbs from AE the protection period got over so the seller extended it by 10 more days but still there is no delivery of the product.
To add to my woes I lost my wallet while travelling in Mumbai Local. My driving licence was in it too :( Need to get a duplicate asap!

Essarr · Dec 23, 2014

ravib said:

I know that in Chennai, 3M Car Care does an excellent job of forced foam cleaning of A/C ducts. May be worth giving them a try if they are in Mumbai.

SUNREX · Dec 23, 2014

Hi Dr. as i'm new to driving i fish to figure the gear shift knob in total darkness. is it good to have a mildly illuminated [like a radium dial in watches ] head which shows the gear knob in darkness? In one US ecomm website i saw a knob with gear no displayed in LED but the price was quite prohibitive ! in Verna i commute daily the gear suggested is displayed in the dash itself. no such alternative in Honda. The noodles floor mat frequently slides under the pedals and give some anxious moments. any alternative mat like the ones you mentioned. where can i get it and what might be the expected price? btw, are mini lights in the pedal areas useful or nuisance ? The Honda pillows in your car look cute. are they custom made or where can i get like those. thanks.

raag73 · Dec 26, 2014

Hello Dr. Mudhan, your posts are truly awsome. I have never seen so much information on car care and maintenance. Thanks.

I have been following your car detailing guide. To exhaustive but so much important information.

I think I will also ask you for a suggestion: how to maintain the pearly white look on my new car. Can you suggest a nice wax for rich pearl white shine and not the wet look.

kuwaronline · Dec 28, 2014

ravib said:

So my Honda City finally turned 2 years old on 14th Dec 2014.
Unexpectedly the car gave me a problem. Not expected because it visited the service center in the last week of November.
In November I used to drive for 60km a day on daily basis.
All was fine until I noticed that there was no proper output from the air conditioner. What I noticed was after the car ran some distance the cool airflow would stop and I could feel only the fan.
So when I visited the service center I pointed out this problem to the service agent. So he promised me to perform an ac check up and I was also charged for it.
After this I was away on a trip to Hyderabad for a week. So the car lied idle for the time period.As per my mom, my dad took it for a short spin.
As soon as I returned the first thing I did was taking the car for a drive. Felt terrible in its absence.
I get a rude shock!! The ac is emitting extremely foul smell that literally gave me a headache.
I opened the hood and tried to look for a dead animal but there were no traces of it.I tried for a while to check the source of the smell but failed to find it.I even opened the air filter and smelled it but all was OK. So decide it has to be taken to the garage.
I was not present at the garage a friends driver took it. So the reason given by the technician is the condenser outlet pipe got clogged because of the gel based perfume that I was using!!(godrej aer). It seems he drained the clogged pipe. But a mild smell still remains. So how can I completely get rid of the odour? Do I completely stop using perfume in my car?
Secondly I ordered T20 smd bulbs from AE the protection period got over so the seller extended it by 10 more days but still there is no delivery of the product.
To add to my woes I lost my wallet while travelling in Mumbai Local. My driving licence was in it too :( Need to get a duplicate asap!

My baby turned 2 years old on 12th Dec 2014.(bought it on 12-12-12 12:15 noon) No problem except door noise come from hinges need to lubricate them....in every service. Apart from that this baby runs silky smooth [:)]

About purchases from AE I am facing problem too. Not getting product delivered even after 3 months [frustration]

My New Honda City in White - The Albus

Dr MUDHAN

Honoured Member

Dr MUDHAN

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CRACING

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gandhi

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Essarr

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CRACING

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Dr MUDHAN

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TSIVipul

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Dr MUDHAN

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Essarr

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ravib

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Essarr

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SUNREX

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raag73

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kuwaronline

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