Honda Accord Accessories

htt

I'm going to refuel my car with 87 tonight. I just want to make sure the tank is almost empty before I switch.

I think the stock tires on my EX V6 are too narrow for its size and power. If somehow I can upgrade the tires to 215 wide, I think that would help handling on curves. Right now if I drive too fast on curves, I feel the tires are losing grip. The problem may not just the tires' size, it can be the Michellin tires too. I heard that the Bridgestone Turanza tires are very good. But I don't want to change the rims because I like the original look of the car with original rims.

whitecloud1

I looked and looked. I saw no info about wheel width for 16" or 17". Are you sure of where U got the info?

whitecloud1

Thanks! I've been looking for info like this.

barryss

That's right, free. Made of the finest black injection-molded plastic with snappy white lettering. You can't buy this folks. The bottom inscription reads, "Criswell Honda" and the top reads. "Germantown, MD". Maybe you grew up in Maryland, maybe you're German, maybe you just like the way "Crissssswell" rolls off your tongue. Stun your neighbors and confuse your relatives. The first person to respond gets it. You provide the SASE, I provide the frame of happiness.

Barry S.

blane

barryss:

I don't think so.

sistar

I'd like to put wider tires on my 98 4-cyl/5-spd. Should it be 205/60R15 or 215/60R15 ? Speedo wise, the latter matches stock 195/65R15 more closely, but I don't want the tires buldging out too much or hitting the wheel well. Experts on this board, please I want your comment.

gatrhumpy

Has anyone tried to install Brembo brakes for a 2004 Honda Accord Sedan V6?

eagle21

Hi:
 
   I just wanted to post a question has anyone had any luck installing good bright 9006 bulbs. I have a 2001 Honda Accord LX-V6. I have tried PIAA's super whites and Xtreme White. Both have burned out, but I'm doing an upgrade on the wire harness. But if anyone has any suggestions, I would like to hear it.

                   Thanks, Allan

c182skylane

The PIAAs you had are great, but mine also burned out (after 6 months). The Silverstars seem to last much longer and have almost as good white light. You'll never match HID's light output, but at least the Silverstars appear whiter. My dealer installed Silverstars 9006 bulbs in my new Accord Coupe this morning for no cost (I had already purchased the Silverstars online.)

dust90

Installed piece of black, aluminum screen in front of A/C condenser today. That big opening, low in the front was an invitation for rocks to ding the heck out of it. Had to pull the front bumper - not easy, but not too bad - in order to do it properly. Looks better, too!

jmnemonic

Good idea, but just make sure you don't cut down airflow too much.

dust90

Had the Honda spoiler with the 3rd brake light installed by dealer. I think it really looks stupid to have the spoiler brake light and the one in the back window, too(even though it is disabled). I have fabricated a piece that fits where the 3rd brake light used to be in my coupe, that looks like speaker grill, but the appearance could be better.

Does anyone know of a company that makes something to cover the area where the rear window brake light is?? Or if any Honda owners have fabricated one that really looks nice. Any info appreciated.

And, jmnemonic, my only worry about airflow is hitting critical mach! LOL

clint98v6at

I have Silverstars on my 98 Accord. They've lasted a year so far, and they are a big improvement over the stock bulbs. I purchased them online also.

peterkronenber

I have a 2004 Accord EX-L. Does anyone know how I can remove the outlet cover over the 12v outlet (the one that's to the right of the ashtray). This will let me more easily accomodate the cell phone speaker that I have plugged in. I don't mind if it's removed in such a way that it can't be put back. As long as it's done relatively neatly.

thanks,
Peter

atlantabenny

...get a power outlet extension cord (6 ft) from Radio Shack - about $7.00 - and plug it in the console box outlet. Snake the female-end of the cord through the console cover orifice to use. I use this for my GPS Navi speaker and it works well; nothing is modified, and to conceal the speaker, I just keep it inside the console box.

spiderman32

does the quick detailer work well? I bought the black magic version but I am a little hesistant to use it on my black '04 accord coupe. Not sure if it will scratch the black color.
Anyone else user any type of detailer to get dust off??
I am trying to find something I can use to get dust off in the middle of the week instead of washing it all the time?? what about the california duster???

briansbluetoy

I too am hesitant to use a detailer directly on a dusty vehicle. In most cases the california duster (its true, the dirtyier it is the better it works)does the job. If not, I would use mcguiars quick detailer and a soft cloth on my pearl blue.

PS, the absorber is the best drying solution after a wash. Outstanding performance, way better than a chammy.

gatrhumpy

Yes, MeGuire's (or however you spell it) is a great product. After I get home from work, and it's not raining, I always spray the Mist detailer on my Accord EX V6 (I don't even use it for a daily driver) and take all the dust off it that accumulatred because of wind, swirls, etc. It works great, and it gives the car that "just waxed" feeling and shine. It's been about 2 months since I last washed (only handwash) it, but I really don't need to all the time because of Mist Detailer.
   I know doing this every day is a little obsessive, but who isn't when it comes to your first brand new car?

peterkronenber

thanks, but I tried putting the speaker in the console box. Don't even need an extension cord. But it's too muffled in there and I can't hear it well. I'd rather use the other outlet where it's out in the open. And I've tried various extension cords, but then I don't have a place to place the speaker except on the other seat, which doesn't work when my wife is sitting there :-).
The other problem is that I have the microphone wire routed up to near the visor. If the speaker is way back by the console box, there's no place for the wire to go.
 So I'd really like to just plug it into the front outlet. It fits, but would be easier if the cover wasn't there.

dust90

Finally got a piece made to cover the holes where I removed the rear window brake light. I had the spoiler installed which has the high mount brake light in it & I thought it looked dumb to have two.

I found a desk organizer(inbox, outbox) at Staples that was made from a heavy, black, steel mesh that is virtually identical to the mesh on the speaker covers. Cut it to fit, added black door edge trim(Advance Auto), layed some black felt to cover the holes(as you can see some thru the mesh). It pretty well lays in place by itself, but I used a couple of very small pieces of double sided tape at the front corners. It now looks like a subwoofer cover and actually, since I have a Bazooka tube in the trunk, it does allow more bass into the car.

rumpletzer

I own the Helm Factory Service Manuals for my last car, and they've been great. Now I'm looking for soemthing similar for a 2004 Accord V6. The only place I see them is at the H&A Web site for $114... Is this the best I can do? Also, it's not clear to me what's included in the package (are the wiring diagrams included?). For those who've bought Honda Service Manuals, could you please share where you got them from?

Oh, and I looked at the HELM Web site (http://www.helminc.com/) too... it's a mess for the 2004 Accord selection.

jmaxe

I just got my 2004 V6 manuals from H and A Accessories(see link at the top of this page).

inspectoring

is the car already pre-wired for this? in the sun today I was checking out the gauge where is displayes mileage and I saw the temp letters in the digital odometer...any input will be greatly appreciated...
thanks in advance..

rcc8179

The car is "pre-wired" for the accessory temp gauge. There is a wiring harness connector under the hood to attach the sensor and then one under the dash for the control unit. You can buy the temp gauge kit from a dealer, HandAAccessories.com, hondautomotiveparts.com, etc. The kit includes the temperature sensor/bracket/wiring under the hood and the control unit/wiring/fuse under the dash.

Installation is not that difficult. The only tricky parts are routing the wiring around the radiator and getting to the ground bolt under the dash (just awkward positions to reach). It took about an hour or so to install.

inspectoring

I will look into it.....I am just a tad bit nervous about playing around with a brand new car's electrical wiring...how much do you think a dealer would charge???

lelandhendrix

The dealer would charge too much, in my opinion.

I installed the kit after owning my car for two weeks, and I'll agree with you on being a little nervous.

It truly is "PLUG AND PLAY" though. I had no trouble routing wires. My installation took an hour.

If you want to figure out how difficult any accessory installation is going to be, just download the instructions from HandA. They're on each item description page.

billyperks

Tell me about it- I wanted to install the Auto Dim Mirror by myself, but when I saw the installation instuctions on the H and A website I took a u-turn on that project.

I will shell out the dough to the dealer on my next oil change for them to install it.

c182skylane

So, is it best to buy the mirror kit from H&A and bring it to the dealer to install because their price for the kit will be more expensive? I'll bet that some dealers won't do it unless you buy the kit from them...

ken972

Thats exactly what I did and the dealer didnt have any problem with that. Actually I think the service advisor thought it was a good idea.

grpark

I did the AutoDim mirror myself with the HandA instructions. The install is very simple with these instructions.

The only difficult steps are removal of the lower dash and reaching the ground screw. The dash is plastic and can break. I managed to remove the dash with no problems (I did order a spare part just in case ). The part is held in place by clips. These clips are on plastic "risers". The riser can break, but if you are careful they are fine.

The ground screw is easily located (right behind the dash buttons for Moon Roof, etc.) but the space is small. A ratch wrench is the best tool, but any wrench fits.

Everything else was simple. The process took me about 2 hours with help from my kids and "beverages" from the neighbors.

Even with the added $10 from the spare dash parts my total cost was just at $300. This was much better than anything I could have got from the dealer.

Hope this is helpful

blackexv6

Does anyone know if there are replacement struts for the 2003 Accord to give a softer ride? The new Accords are way too tight for every day commuting.

whitecloud1

Are you sure you want a softer ride? You give up control and the car's flopping around. Other qualities are affected in the ride. I think the ride is fine considering compromises, maybe a bit too soft for a coupe, which mine is.

c182skylane

check your tire pressure and make sure they're not over inflated. with the weather getting warmer, it's something to think about.

lelandhendrix

I think you'll find that your ride will soften up some after you hit about the 30K mark. I know that sounds like a stretch, but with my other Hondas I have never felt like the car is mechanically (specifically the suspension) is fully broken in until that point.

One of the benefits of this stiffer setup is that your springs and struts will last considerably longer, will grow more comfortable over time, and will cost less b/c you probably won't have to replace until near the 200K mark depending on the quality of roads you primarily drive.

If you want softer now, you could look for adjustable gas-filled but it will cost you a small fortune.

atlantabenny

Changing shock absorbers would soften the ride. This online store seems to offer a wide selection of aftermarket shocks: http://performance.pitstopautoparts.com/

Interesting to know (new discovery for me) is that dampers can be ordered with different "valving" levels. That suggests firmness settings, which might address your need.

tofutuner

Thanks to all, this is the goldmine of info I have been searching for.

I just bought a 1998 Accord EX 4 cyl. I have installed the mudguards and a full mask bra, and a trunk liner
I am now waiting for my AEM V2 cai. and a Neuspeed front strut brace to arrive.

Any advise as what I should add next? I have been looking at DC headers, or a catback exhaust, do they make quite a difference?
Or maybe I want to do the suspension instead like adding lower front strut braces and rear strut braces? or should it be sway bars front and rear? Thanks for any help.

blackexv6

Does anyone know if changing out the suspension components will void my warranty. The car has only 20k on it.

Atlantabenny: I was unable to find the struts you mentioned in your post. I searched under 2003 Accord an no luck.

Thanks for the help.

atlantabenny

Just click all 3 boxes in "search options" ("include universal makes," etc.) and continue search. Look under "shock absorbers," not struts. Idea: while on the website, call their 800 number and ask live person to explain.

sockpuppet1969

I just installed Sirius satellite radio in my 2003 Accord. I must admit that I was a little disappointed when I learned that satellite radio was made standard on some of the 2004 Accords (I have the EX-L).

The unit I chose was the Audiovox Jam Pack Tuner. It is portable, which is kind of nice because I can take it into my house and listen to it there also. I can also see all the station/artist/title information at the same time as the navigation screen.

I installed it in the cubby space below the navigation screen. This in great because I can close the door when I leave the car and hide it from view.

I chose Sirius over XM for several reasons...

1. I can listen to all Sirius content over the internet from my office (or any other broadband internet connection) without the receiver.

2. Sports content (NFL, NHL, NBA)

3. NPR

We drive from NC to NY fairly often and this will be great for the drive. It is also kind of neat that my wife can stay in the back seat with the baby and control the satellite radio using the remote control.

gatrhumpy

Hi everyone. I have a 2004 Accord EX V6. I want to replace the rear 6" X 9" speakers in the back deck. How do I get the grills off from the rear deck and how do I remove the screws that mount into the speakers? I inspected the speakers from the trunk, and there are 4 screws that secure the speaker to its hole. When I check the rear deck from the inside of the car, I don't see the tops of the screws, just the top of the speaker grills. What would I have to remove (besides the speaker grills) in order to see the tops of the securing screws in order to remove them? Any help would be appreciated.

gatrhumpy

Nevermind, I discovered there were some plastic clips you just have to hammer out from the trunk that are holding the speaker grill in place.

Another question: Has anyone discovered that they need an amp to power the rear speakers if they upgrade them?

Also, has anyone used or installed "The Fast and the Furious" single 10" sub and amplifier combo that Best Buy sells? I don't want a lot of bass, and I think that will do. Any comments?

dust90

Do a search of previous posts on rear speaker replacement and subwoofer/amp install - there have been lots. I went with an 8" Bazooka tube, plenty of bass.

billyperks

Just wanted to know how much are you guys spending on the 7500 miles service.

I laid out $150.00 minus 10% (labor) last Friday on the 04 EX-L, was I ripped off?

billyperks

Wanted some advice from those who have it installed.

I am not a big fan of this but my wife does a lot of highway driving and rock chips are staring to do damage to the hood.
I did not want to lay out the $700.00 plus for the 3mm clear cover, so I installed the full bra on Saturday.

Question is- How often should I take this off to clean the fron end?

It was a task getting it on and frankly speaking, I don't want to be doing this everytime I wash the car.

lelandhendrix

Yes, you were.

7500 miles should be nothing but an oil change. $150 is ridiculous. Your service department should be ashamed, unless during the oil change they found many other problems. Even so, whatever they found should have been covered under warranty.

Read your owner's manual and its maintenance schedule. Follow it. If necessary, call around to other shops and get estimates on the checks/procedures.

sockpuppet1969

I leave the mask on until it gets very wet then take it off, and replace it after the next time I wash the car. I wax the front end under where the mask goes fairly often, at least every three washes to protect the paint in case stuff gets under the mask. I always make sure the mask is on if I am going to be doing a lot of highway driving (i.e. long trips).

billyperks

Thanks for your input but here is what they did-
Rotate tires
check brakes
reset rear brakes
change oil
refill all fluid levels
set tire pressure
check marks beside a million different thing they claimed to have checked.

It is my wife car and I must have glanced through the manual once-I will get up to speed with it.

Beleive me- I am no fool when it comes to car maintenance,but I think I got duped this time.

lelandhendrix

What you just described is what my dealer recommends at 15K miles. Unless they replaced something, I can't imagine why 7500mi service would cost so much. I also don't know what 'reset rear brakes' means. Problems should still be covered under warranty though.

odyenvy

Thought I would share the pricing details of a transaction I had today at a Honda dealer in the Houston, TX, area in case it is helpful to anyone else here. I priced several accessories at www.handa-accessories.com (as well as other online sources), which as many of you know sells genuine Honda factory parts and accessories. Then I stopped by the dealership where I bought my '04 EX V6 last week and asked if they'd match the prices. They agreed and, in fact, beat several of the prices by a few bucks. Here's what the invoice/receipt showed:

Item|List Price|My Price
full nosemask/bra|$145.95|$103.00
splash guards|$97.90|$55.00
wheel locks|$56.35|$25.50
gold emblem kit|$66.00|$40.00
gold "V6" emblem|$18.00|$9.60

It was interesting to see how the list price differed from what www.handa-accessories.com gives as the retail price. Although they are usually within a few bucks, my dealership's list price was almost always higher.

Anyway, I was happy to avoid paying shipping cost and to get my stuff immediately. Now it's just a matter of finding time to install everything. While it looks like the gold emblem kit might be a bit tricky to install, everything else should be pretty easy. Wish me luck.

billyperks

I asked my parts department if they will match H and A price and they said "NO".

I guess they won't be getting my business.

As for the full nose mask-it may seem like an easy install but it gets a little involved.