Older Honda Accords

richards38

Accord's 5 speed A/T has a grade logic feature that prevents annoying hunting between gears when ascending winding hills. That feature also automatically gives engine braking when descending hills--when the brakes are gently applied, the transmission downshifts automatically.

Some cars (like the Mazda 6i) need manual control because their automatic transmissions are crude compared to the Accord's A/T.

So, while a manual shift gate might be fun, it's not needed on the Accord.....Richard

canddmeyer

File an NHTSA complaint. I also agree this should be escalated to Honda. Had someone been sitting there and your lawyer served them a lawsuit, they'd really be listening.

tampaman

Chucko3 & Canddmeyer,,,I sincerely appreciate both of your comments,,,I called Honda Customer service,,they were about as uninterested in my fiasco as was my dealer in Tampa,,,both suggested I call my insurance company,,which I did just to hear what they would say. They stated it was not really covered by comprehensive or collision as it was a product defect,,,I agree. The written word always seem to work better,,writing Honda and including pic as well as dealer statements that they could find no visible damage on the car. Also will research how to file a NHTSA complaint. Wish me luck.

rvadik

Found this feature by accident for '05 EX w/Nav

If you want your Accord to maintain a set temperature, but do not want to run AC at the same time (winter).

Press "Auto" button
Press A/C button
On the screen Press "Off"
Select 'Air direction'
Do not select fan speed.

What it does:
In the cold weather, the fan will not blow until engine warms up, then fan would turn automaticly to High, until the desired temp is reached, then fan will slow down significantly to maintain the temp.

tye1

This is my first new car with leather seats (have the 2005 EX V6) and I was wondering how to take care of the leather.

Is there a good product to use for cleaning them and also keeping them soft?

Thanks

santo1

Had brake pads replaced in Porsche Boxster 2002...ever since then a high-pitched whistling or metal to metal sound, can't decipher, coming from front right wheel area...took back to mechanic, who relubed and checked clips, sound continued, took back to mechanic, who replaced brake pads, sound continued, took back to mechanic, who replaced rotor, sound continues...I describe it as a screaming as I'm going down the road, it begins at about 35-40 mph, and winds down as a decelerate to a stop...
any advice would be hugely appreciated...

badgerfan

And so why are you posting in a Honda Accord Sedan discussion?

pat

Try posting in Stop Here! Let's talk about brakes - someone there can probably give you some thoughts.

satchel

Anyone know if there is a way to assign them all to XM instead of the FM/AM ones?

84tigers

When will the 2006 Accord arrive? Any previews?

richards38

All the excitement now is focused on the all-new Civic. Any changes in the Accord will be nominal. Expect to see the '06 Accord in the 3rd week of August--there will be little or nothing new, I suspect......Richard

midnightcowboy

Leather seats do not require that much maintnenance. One of the best leather care products is Lexol. Zaino also makes good leather car products. Get both a leather cleaner and a leather conditoner. You apply about every 6 months.

Good Luck,

MidCow

midnightcowboy

Get Geniune Honda parts from Handa.com Their kits will fit Hondas, becuase the are geniune OEM Honda parts.

I ordered a second bike rack from them and it was exactly the same part. Except it cost me about 2/3rds the price.

YCMV,

MidCow

steelhead1

Is the NAV option the same one that is used in the Acura RL for 2005? The dealers don't seem to have a great deal of information on this option and I'm wondering if it's a good option to get.

nowakj66

I note that in the latest Consumer Reports annual car issue, the hybrid Accord gets a better "Accident Avoidance" rating than the non-hybrid V6. There is no VSA on either model so I am wondering why this would be? Does the weight of the batteries help the handling of the hybrid? Other ideas?

midnightcowboy

Bascially the same as the one used in the TL, TSX without Bluetooth enabled. The TL and TSX have a 8" screen instead of a 7" screen. Bluetooth allows wireless devices , such as cell phones, to dial and store numbers on the GPS and use the GPS for volume control.

The RL takes it even a step further. In a couple of large cities, more to be implemented later, it also has real-time traffic rerouting, to avoid conjested areas. In theory, this sounds very good, but I am not yet convince of the practicallity.

One interesting item, on the EX Accord is with XM radio, you get up-to-the-minute traffic reports and conjestion information on major cities.

I just recently purchased a Honda Accord Coupe 6-speed with NAV and the NAV is excellent. It is excellent. I also have a Garmin 2610 that I have used for several year, which was excelelnt. The Honda is a good or better.

Hope this helps!,

MidCow

venus537

Expect to see the '06 Accord in the 3rd week of August--there will be little or nothing new, I suspect

i disagree. obviously there won't be nothing earth shattering but honda usually does some worthwhile changes at this stage of the cycle.

i'll be very surprised if stability control isn't available for the 06 models.

rfrf

I experience the same thing ... just posted it ... did you ever resolve?

rfrf

I just posted related msg re same rubbing scraping sound / feel experienced in the same manner. While I am in contact with the dealer and hope it will only be the sound of a non problem like an ABS self test, the dealer at this point does not think it is. He says the aABS self test sh only occur as soon as the vehicle is started and sh not occur aftyer the car has been idling and as the car is moving forward.

greglawson

RL and accord Nav systems are two totally different beasts. THe RL's nav is about 1 generation newer than the accord's nav. Accord, TL, and TSX nav is the same.

RL, '05 MDX, and Odyssey have the same nav.

xcel

Hi Greglawson:

I do not know about the TSX because I have never driven one but the TL’s NAVI does not include the FCD/Trip Computer info that the Accord NAVI does. Some of the basics can be seen in the maintenance minder in the small display inside the gauge cluster of the TL but it is poor by comparison … At least I couldn’t find it in the NAVI unit w/ my ½ hour in the passenger seat of the TL last week. To bad actually as the FCD is one of the most useful non-NAVI features of the NAVI equipped Honda/Acura’s imho.

Good Luck

Wayne R. Gerdes

gee35coupe

Does not occur UNTIL the car is moving. Your car can idle for any length of time but the ABS doesn't do the check until the car is moving.

durbs68

Picked up a new 2005 Accord Ex 4cyl Sedan 3 weeks ago. So far, so good. The only thing I am just a little concerned about at this point is the gas mileage 25mpg in mixed driving. I know there is a break in period, I just expected a little more. No rattles or issues that are posted on these boards. I traded a Saturn LW so I feel like I have a great car comparatively speaking. I enjoy reading these posts. Most are very helpful.
Mike

richards38

Your gas mileage might improve a bit, but don't expect miracles.

The Accord is no lightweight and, at over 3,000 pounds, average gas mileage at 25 isn't so bad if split between city and highway.

My '04 Accord EX-L sedan (4 cyl. A/T) gets about 22.6 in the city and 33.2 on the highway. Last tankful averaged 27 which is good, I think.

Your mileage seems to be normal....Richard

richards38

When I took a long trip (San Fran. to Palm Springs) on which I recorded the mileage stated in my last posting, the Accord was new and had only 700 miles on it when I left S.F.--could be that my highway mileage is somewhat better now after break-in.

I haven't driven enough highway-only driving to test mileage recently.

In any case, the Accord V6 is supposed to be almost as economical as the 4 cyl--perhaps only 2 to 3 MPG less.

All new Accords are very efficient cars.....Richard

davidtalker

Just purchased a 2005 Accord LX
I am a BIG satellite radio fan. I have had XM and Sirius. Have XM in my 2002 Accord. Boombox in the house. Sirius in my Wife's vehicle. IMHO, go with XM.

However, do it AFTER MARKET. It is ridiculous what they are charging to install XM in stock head unit. They quoted me $1,050 installed.That is insane.

Go to Circuit City, Best Buy etc. Get a Delphi Commander or Audiovox XR9 and have them install it free for less than $200 out the door. You can use FM modulator or have it hard wired with cable you can purchse for $59 online.

gee35coupe

Is more than just the headunit. It also includes a separate receiver and antenna installation. I'm having XM installed in my Civic Si. A moderate range Sony setup is running about $500 for the whole system. XM equipment is not cheap if you want the "built-in" stuff. Add on is much cheaper.

canuck1933

I have a pretty random question, but one I'd really appreciate an answer for!

what's the distance from the back of the trunk to the front seat?... as in, if I were to put something long in the trunk, with the rear seats folded down, how long could, say a surfboard for example, be and still be able to fit within the car?

thanks a lot!

thoon

Are all EX models supposed to have a trunk ceiling cover? I have an EX with Navi and it doesn't have a ceiling cover.

greglawson

V6 models only, possibly only the EX V6.

richards38

My 2004 EX-L is top of the line 4 cyl (no Nav) and does not have a trunk ceiling cover, either.

I noticed that there was a trunk lid cover on a V6, so that's one of the added benefits of the V6 Accord which also includes: power passenger seat, home link, traction control (not needed with a 4 cyl anyway), and the trunk ceiling cover.

All that notwithstanding, the 4 cyl is plenty fast, economical, and a wise choice IMO.....Richard

kenfrombmore

What do you do if your seat is painfully uncomfortable on a brand new car?? I just bought an '05 Honda Accord with a power 8-way driver's seat. On the 10 minute test drive, I was relatively comfortable, and the seat seemed to have limitless adjustability to fit my 6'3" frame. But after owning the car for a week, I'm very frustrated with not being able to find a driving position that doesn't cause discomfort in my right leg, namely my right thigh, due to holding the leg in place. The seat doesn't provide sufficient thigh support for me to rest my leg, as I did in my old, amazingly comfortable 4dr Integra. Is this simply a wear-in period for the seat? What alternatives do I have to fix my ailment? Seems like the tilt just needs to go another two inches to provide the support I need - I currently have it set up with the back of the seat down all the way, and the front all the way up. I guess I can use a towel under my leg, but that seems like a horrible thing to have to do with a brand new car! Has anyone else had similar problems or am I a freak?

midnightcowboy

Try moving the seat forward a little. I am sorry you can't find a comfortable position.

Good Luck,

MidCow

kliu

Does anyone know if Honda dealerships offer a service to clean the external parts of the engine? I want to keep the engine looking like new. I drive a 99 Accord and dirt has been building up.

gregoryc1

I WOULD NOT steam clean an engine. Too many electrical parts to get damaged.

plethysmo

I have an 03 Accord and noticed the right bolster was too hard, stiff and vertical and developed a sore spot on the right thigh. (I'm 6'2", 185) The left bolster is the same, but I think the seat must lean to the middle slightly so that only the right side is affected.

After noticing, I went to three dealerships and sat in all the unlocked 03 Accords with the 8-way seats because the Car reviews I had read stated that the seat was very comfortable. I noticed that 12 out of the 16 drivers seats were very comfortable with soft, bendable, less vertical bolsters. But the bolsters of the other four were stiff against my sore spot. My passenger seat is also stiff.

I concluded that Honda must have multiple assembly lines for these seats, possibly multiple outside suppliers. Both the comfortable and stiff seats may fall within their acceptable standards. But, the news that Honda has still not recognized this problem in some of their seats is discouraging. I love everything else about the car for the first 37K miles so I can't understand why Honda hasn't reacted to this issue.

Based on a recommendation from this forum I ordered a pad from Brookstone that I still use and it helps some. The camel color matches my light colored interior.
http://www.brookstone.com/bs_assets/images/shop/large_300/440412B_p.jpg

I still think about taking it to a car upholstery shop to see what they could do.

bolivar

I've washed engines lots of times with the power auto wash. And one time this messed up the Throttle Position Sensor switch....

Use Simple Green liberially, then just rinse off with a hose with no pressure. Less chance of blowing water into a connector. Keep away from the alternator.

charlee1

What problems were there with the 2002 Accords that I should watch for. Leaning toward V6 SE 4 door, automatic. What is the problem with the automatic trans. with the V6 engine.

3dd

I feel you. I'm also having difficulty find a comfortable chair position.

bolivar

Nothing wrong.

I've never had my 2002 EX V6 back to the dealer.

The tranny problem were on earlier years and later years, mainly. They gave extended warranties on them. Mine, bought in November 2001 did not get the extended warranty.

tsxfan19

Honda is offering the 05 Accord in SE and VP.

SE (based off of LX) will be available in 4-cylinder and V6 models.
Features:
16 in wheels
Rear decklid spoiler
Painted Lower Side Sills
Moonroof (V6)

fredvh

What is the VP?

tsxfan19

The VP is an Accord DX with A/C and Automatic transmission...

www.hondanews.com has the information about the two models.

bobst

Where is the air intake on the 4-cyl Honda engine?

I was looking at the engine of our new car, and it looks like the air intake is right in front of the battery. Then it goes down under the battery and up to the air filter.

Maybe this is to lessen the chance of water getting into the engine.

I tell you, I don't know nuthin anymore. I used to work on our cars years ago, but now I can't even see where the spark plugs are.

brw115

We've owned our 2002 Accord EX for about 3 years and the cloth seats appear to be wearing poorly. The seats look horrible and the fabric appears to be near splitting. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem or is it just my Accord?

ghomaz

Can anybody please tell me if Hood and Trunk Moldings for 1998-2000 4 door Accord will fit a 2001 4 door Accord? As far as I know, the basic shape had not changed except for the engine grille horizontal bars and the tail-light lens design, but I see that these moldings are available on the HandA-Accessories.com site for 1998-2000 Accords only.

Thanks.

uncommonman

I feel for you guys - no pun intended. We bought our first new Honda, an '04 Accord EX sedan, in October 2004. This car has the most gawdawful hard seats of any vehicle we have ever owned, and because of our experience we are thoroughly disgusted with this car, and with the Honda company. I'm 5-10, 160lbs and my wife is 5-4 105 lbs, so I don't think it's an issue of long legs. The seats in this car are excruciatingly uncomfortable after an hour. Trips longer than that are not possible for either of us because the fatigue is unbearable. Apparently Honda has foisted a defective design on the public, and from my experience with the dealership, the Honda district manager, and so far with Honda Customer Service in Torrance, CA, I'd say we own a $23,000 boat anchor. The dealer wouldn't even look at it for months because to them it was a "personal preference" issue, not a "real" problem. The factory rep (district manager) looked at it and said the seat backs could not be disassembled or modified because of the air bags in them, and the passenger seat bottom had the occupant sensor, so it can't be modified either. That leaves the driver seat bottom, but he was sorry he couldn't do anything for us on that component either. The factory rep also told me that he was presenting at a meeting just the week before, and the first question from the audience was "when is Honda going to do something to improve the comfort of the hard seats?". Because of this experience, we won't be making the mistake of buying any other Honda products in the future. The defectively designed seats suck, but Honda Customer Service is really "sorry" about it, if that makes you feel better. My advice to car shoppers is to avoid Honda, or buy one at your own peril!

gee35coupe

Anybody ever sat in some Bimmers and Benzes? Those seats are HARD. I guess it's just a matter of preference. What some consider HARD is just firm to others like me. I can drive our Accord all day long.

blane

I now understand why you are the uncommonman. While there have been a very few folks posting here that consider their seats to be less than comfortable, the vast majority seem to be pleased enough not to mention concerns such as yours. Personally, my wife and I love the comfort and adjustability of the seats in our 2004 EX Coupe. I would have preferred fabric, but the V6 only came with leather.

I cannot imagine the use of terms such as "gawdawful hard", disgusted", "excruciatingly uncomfortable", "foisted", "defective design", "unbearable" and "sucks" even remotely being associated with the seats in my vehicle.

jrct9454

...I find the seats in the Accord to be just fine. Generally, the firmer, the better, for long-distance comfort. Everybody's different, but I must say I doubt very, very much that there are lots of people out there unhappy with the seat comfort in the current Accord.

By contrast, Toyota gets many complaints every year about their persistent lack of thigh support [seat bottom not long enough], which is almost a universal Toyota characteristic until you get to the Lexus LS.

Anyway, no car's chairs work for every body. That's not the same thing as claiming a fixable defect.