Honda Accord (2003-2007) Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    Bring it back to the dealership, and have them check it out.
  • dtrickettdtrickett Member Posts: 6
    Started my 03 Accord V6 today and the LED Display for the clock, radio, climate control didn't light up. All of the above work, you just can't see them..
    Anyone have any idea what this could be ?? Bad fuse or something minor ?
  • mamamia2mamamia2 Member Posts: 707
    Bring it back to the dealership, and have them check it out.

    --Not so fast... There is no sense of going back to the dealeship after 4 days of ownership.... You need to LEARN your car better, get some experience, do some testing....

    Drive with soembody on the passenger seat and ask him/her to open the glove box and hold the door, you might notice the rattle disappear.... Than you know it's the door. My '05 had that rattle and it went away after a couple thousand miles. Others I know had it fixed by the dealer.

    Things in your car will come and go. Not only the engine has to "settle", but many other components too.

    That's why it makes a lot more sense to DRIVE the car for a couple months, and make the neccessary notes. Then, when you go back for your first oil change, bring it up with your dealer.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    This is a common problem. The way I hear it, the whole head unit has to be replaced (mega$$$). Most people have been able to get HOA to good-will it, even if the warranty has expired. I wish you luck. I also have an 03 V6, and I'm waiting for that dreadful day.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    I sure wouldn't start taking a four day old car apart looking for a rattle. If it's not something simple (like something inside the glove box). Rattles don't just go away by themselves. If something is loose, it's not going to tighten it self. Mamamia2, you sound like the service manager who used to work at Barker Honda. Thankfully, she's gone now.
  • donatusdonatus Member Posts: 4
    The leather on the driver's seat of my 2003 EX started to wear at 37000 miles or so, but the dealer replaced it at no charge. I'm considering the purchase of an '06 coupe and was wondering whether Honda has upgraded the quality of the leather they're using. I test drove the car but it's impossible to tell whether it's a better product. Does anyone know one way or the other? PS. I know it's comparing apples with oranges, but I'm also trying to decide whether I would like an Infiniti G35X enough to warrant its $12000 difference in price.
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    I found with my 04 Accord that a rattle I had from the dash disappeared after a month. (I also had a rattle appear after 3 months) Hidden wiring harnesses and connectors, plastic panels and trim can move around somewhat esp after exposed to high temperature as from a hot summer day. They eventually will take a "set" but that will take a few temperature cycles.

    I agree with the postings to give it time. Having the dealer tear apart the car may just create a different rattle then is already there.

    Mrbill
  • mamamia2mamamia2 Member Posts: 707
    Rattles don't just go away by themselves.

    Sure they do, at least sometimes they do. Just as mrbill is asserting. A car is built of so many parts, that naturally SOME may cuase SOME rattling sound. But while new rattles may "show" up with the car's aging, some of them will settle down and disappear.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    Whatever floats your boat. I hate rattles, so I eliminate them whenever I find them. I put some little felt things on the back side of my license plate, so I wouldn't hear it rattle every time I close the trunk lid. No more rattle. Now all I hear is the same thud you hear when you close the door. Just an idea you guys might want to try. :)
  • suzeessuzees Member Posts: 22
    As you all know from my previous message, that I bought an '06 Accord, 4cyl, auto, EX-L this past week, and we've been discussing my dash rattle.... which I've gotten many of good tips about what to do. Thanks for them.

    I really do like my Accord overall.... but rather dislike the ride when going over bumps/rough areas/seams on the roads. Some people say it's the sport suspension of it. I mean it's reallllly rough sometimes. But, it seems that no one brings up the occasional rough ride of the accord, and that intrigues me. Comments?
  • max508max508 Member Posts: 2
    Suzees,

    I too had experienced the rough ride when I first drove my Accord. I have nearly 8000 miles on it now and the ride has improved considerably during my ownership. I think the warm weather helps too. Be patient. :)
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    The Accord has never been known for it's smooth ride. It has a combination of good ride and good handling. Of course if you have the sport suspension, yours is a little more on the handling side, and not so much on the smooth side. I have an 03 V6 sedan, and the ride is great compared to my previous Accord (92). If you are used to the ride in large American cars, you will find the Accord a little harsh. The more you drive an Accord though, I find, the more you like it. And it should get softer, the more miles you put on it.
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    I agree that the Accord rides rough. I have a 04 EX-L Navi with the 4 cyl and am somewhat disappointed with the ride esp when compairing to my old Accord.

    I have only around 7-8K on it so far, (drove my old one for one more winter) so I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that it will soften somewhat once I get more miles on it. I don't mind the ride when I'm doing expressway driving, but it's the rough city streets that the ride is just too harsh.

    Mrbill
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Well, five minutes in the G35 interior should tell you it doesn't feel as durable as the Honda.
  • mamamia2mamamia2 Member Posts: 707
    Check your tires' pressure, suzee. Many posts here (and elsewhere) of new car owners who find out their tires are OVER INFLATED, which is common among dealers, for a reason which I won't go into now....

    Over inflated tires would produce harsher ride.

    CHECK WHAT PRESSURE YOUR TIRES SHOULD BE (INSIDE YOUR DOOR'S PANEL) AND COMPARE IT YOUR CURRENT PRESSURE, WHEN YOUR TIRES ARE COLD.
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    My 2004 Accord EX-L was hard riding when new. Tire pressure was a few pounds above recommended pressure.

    So, check your tires and set the pressure to what it says on the inside of the door frame. The recommended pressure is for COLD tires, too. So, the pressure should be HIGHER if you've driven your car enough to heat up the tires.

    I think my car's ride has improved after a few thousand miles. The Accord isn't soft riding like a Camry--Accords have a firm ride that isn't for everyone, but I like the solid feel of the car. :)
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    "I put some little felt things on the back side of my license plate, so I wouldn't hear it rattle every time I close the trunk lid."

    That is a good idea - thanks for sharing.
  • suzeessuzees Member Posts: 22
    Thanks everyone for all your input. This is the first time I've been on a car forum, and it's been very educational for me. Anyway, I did check my tire pressure this morning. The back tires, when cold, were 2 1/2 psi above what the sticker on the door recommended. I'm not sure if that will make alot of difference, but I can't wait for the warmer weather and putting a few more miles on the car.... maybe the harshness over the bumps will subside some (per your suggestions).

    And, regarding the rattle...hmm, not sure about that quite yet. It's only occurs occasionally. I did have someone ride with me and he thought (now don't make this sound like I'm a dumb blonde :) ), but he thought maybe it was my garage door opener that I placed on my visor -- that the loose insides of it vibrates on my visor. Well, I'm taking a road trip today and will check it out.

    Other than this stuff, I really like my '06 Accord-- the sunroof, the XM, the leather... it's all very nice.
  • accord6mtaccord6mt Member Posts: 53
    I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think you need your garage door opener in your new Accord - there is a Homelink system built into your Accord (see those three black buttons where your sunglasses holder is located?) that can be programmed via your existing garage door opener remote. That way you can ditch your remote and use the built-in Homelink system to open your garage door... I'd check with the manual for more details - or perhaps someone else can post more information.
  • brupopbrupop Member Posts: 63
    The HomeLink Remote System is nice; we've got it on our Toyota Highlander.
    However, Honda only has it available on the EX-V6 Accords, like your six-speed manual(you dog!!)
    We too will be buying an EX-L 4cyl. so no HomeLink for us:(
    GregB
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    If your willing to spend the $$ you can install the Homelink in a 4 cyl.

    Mrbill
  • brupopbrupop Member Posts: 63
    Please provide details on the HomeLink accessory. I could not find it on a variety of Honda parts/accessory sites.
    Thanks,
    GB
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    http://www.collegehillshonda.com/accordsedan/2006_accord_interior.htm
  • suzeessuzees Member Posts: 22
    I checked out this website (www.collegehillshonda.com) and they have the homelink product, but it doesn't seem that one can purchase it ... doesn't have a price listed to purchase it. My 4cyl EX-L Accord does not have the homelink already installed. I think it would be something I would like to have along with the compass mirror. I had the compass mirror on my previous car and used it alot.

    Anyway, if anyone knows anymore about the homelink other than what I see on the above website, let me know. Thanks
  • brupopbrupop Member Posts: 63
    Bill, thanks for the link to the Link;)
    Suzee, the College Hills site has the price as $230 for Gray and $178 for Ivory; there is an Add to Cart button right next to the prices.
    Ciao,
    GB
  • alien2alien2 Member Posts: 33
    MY Accord 04 EX V6 w/nav has started to beep when the clock goes to 1200 from 1159. Two quick beeps with a pause then two quick beeps... this goes on for about 30 seconds. The dealership said that they have never run across this before. Anyone have any ideas? I've checked the four setup screens, the calendar mode, and the clock. Nothing is mentioned in any owners (or online) documentation. Thanks. :confuse:
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    In the setup for the Clock, did you try the Reset button? Do you have the clock set by GPS? I'm just guessing here.

    I would of thought that something was set in the calendar, but you checked that already.

    STRANGE!!

    Mrbill
  • alien2alien2 Member Posts: 33
    Yup, tried both of those. Really wierd, but not the end of the world. Something triggered it as it didn't do it for the first 2 years. Thanks for the input. :D
  • jhuckabyjhuckaby Member Posts: 14
    I noticed my dealership, depending on the level of service, adds BG MOA with the oil change. The owners manual says no additives are necessary, so what gives? Is this or is this not recommended?
  • mamamia2mamamia2 Member Posts: 707
    BG MOA -- ????? What in the world is that?
  • duracellduracell Member Posts: 10
    BG Advanced Formula MOA®

    http://www.bgprod.com/products/engineoil.html
  • joonjoon Member Posts: 121
    I have a 2005 EX-4cyl AT sedan with 17k miles and recently took a long trip (1,200 miles) in the California desert. Overall the car performed very well but there were a couple of things that concerned me a little bit.

    On a couple of occasions when going down very steep mountains in both first and second gear (1 and 2) there was a very loud and strange whining noise coming from the transmission. I would describe it as like when an airplane is trying to gain altitude after take off and the turbines are going full blast (off course not as loud, but a similar pitch). But it would only happen at certain RPM (4000 or so) and only if I am not pushing the gas pedal. As soon as I push the gas the noise would disappear only to come back after I let go of the gas pedal.

    The second problem was when coming down the mountain at high speed (85 mph)and tried to slow down by gently pushing the brakes, the steering wheel would vibrate a little bit. At normal freeway speeds (70-75 mph) I never felt this vibration. Is this normal or are my rotors warped? At 17k it's still too early to turn my rotors.

    Should I be worried? Thanks for your feedback.
  • teddyjacksonteddyjackson Member Posts: 10
    I have a 2003 Accord LX, Satin Silver Metallic. I have about 4-5 "bubbles" in the paint on the hood. I'm convinced it is because of rusting from underneath. The dealership says otherwise. I asked the dealership to fix it under the warranty and they said the bumper to bumper does not cover that. So needless to say, I gotta pay for it myself. Has anyone encountered any paint problems like this?
  • whitecloud1whitecloud1 Member Posts: 268
    Don't know what causes that. I had the situation on a earlier model (98' 4cyl EX.) You should probably take it in for inspection B4 the problem gets worse. Mine got worse and I had to replace the front rotors. It was disappointing to say the least.
  • natenj1971natenj1971 Member Posts: 174
    I have a 2005 EX-L and my dad tried to be nice and armoraled (sp?) the dash for me. It dryed streaky. Looks awful. Can anyone recommend a dash cleaner that will give a better result.

    tks
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    I don't like the shiny look that Armorall gives, I rather have the matt factory finish.

    The last time I did my dash, I actually used my leather conditioner/cleaner. I realize that the dash has no leather, but I still wanted to put something on it to protect from the sun. The leather conditioner applied mostly streak free, and where it didn't initially, it evened out in a few days. The dash appeared to have the same shine (or lack of) after a few days.

    Mrbill
  • brupopbrupop Member Posts: 63
    I heard about 303 Protectant from small airplane users. It is also popular with the RV (Rec Vehicle) crowd.
    http://www.303products.com/main.php
    I've found it at auto parts stores and it works as advertised.
    GB
  • natenj1971natenj1971 Member Posts: 174
    Thanks for the feedback!
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    The absolute best stuff I've found is at Griot's Garage. It will give you the look you want. There is also a great deal of info about car care, including a free handbook that you can download.
  • bracketsnwiresbracketsnwires Member Posts: 1
    I leased an '06 Accord EX-L V6 three weeks ago. It developed a clicking/creaking noise that is heard and felt (through the steering wheel and pedals, and right-rear) as the car moves slowly in a straight line in a forward or reverse direction. The sound isn't too loud, but it's enough to annoy. I pressed on the brakes that this does not affect the sounds. Also, this usually only occurs after the car warms up. It's been at Honda Repair for 5 days and they're still at square 1. They replaced the right-rear strut and checked/replaced the left-front bearings. Any help would be greatly appreciated in my time of distress...
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    yeah a damp cloth (with water). no products. if your dash doesn't get clean with that, somebody's got really really dirty feet. ;)
  • brupopbrupop Member Posts: 63
    Be sure to document, with detailed, dated, signed, work orders for everything done to address this. If you need to invoke your state's Lemon Law they will prove invaluable.
    I hope this can be resolved quickly and completely so you can enjoy your new car.
    GregB
  • yazyazooyazyazoo Member Posts: 20
    I have been reading the forums here and am now confused about my Srvc reminder light. I usually do oil changes every 5000 miles for my 2003 EX V6 Coupe. It is recommended to do it at every 7500 miles in the manual. I would get the light blinking quickly sometimes after an oil change. Example: I got an oil change at 29k miles and by 33k (4k miles only) the light would be blinking at start up. I know I am well before my 7500 Honda recommended interval, and before my 5k interval (to be safe).
    So my question is it possible that when I got my oil change the service tech (always go to HOnda dealership for oil changes) didn't reset my light. Does this light know to come on about 3k miles after my last oil change because the tech told it to? Or is my car monitoring my oil and telling me it is dirty already? I want to make sure my car is on the correct maintenance. Is the light on a preset schedule from Honda when the car reaches a certain mileage it will go off? Any insight on how the Service light works will be appreciated. I know you can turn it off manually but I don't want to be ignoring something that should be attended to.

    Thanks!
  • ezshift5ezshift5 Member Posts: 858
    ......So my question is it possible that when I got my oil change the service tech (always go to HOnda dealership for oil changes) didn't reset my light............

    ...sure is.

    ..(dealer folks forgot to reset mine; thank goodness for the owner's manual.................)

    ..ez..
  • daveturnerdaveturner Member Posts: 25
    I have a related question to this thread...my 04 Honda Accord 's (silver sedan) bumper recently got scratched in the parking lot (right corner of bumper)--looks like another car scratched my bumper when entering its parking space. Some of the scratches are white but some of the scratches were serious enough to show some patches of black. Am I right that the black patches are exposed rubber? I am thinking of not repairing the scratches (my car's bumper will probably be scratched again soon because many parking lots have narrow parking spaces), but I am afraid that if I don't repair the scratches that rust might develop in the exposed (black) area. Do you think it is okay if I don't repair the scratches? I am just hoping that no further damage (such as rust) will occur if I don't repair the scratches.
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    The bumpers are rubber, so anything showing thru won't rust.

    Mrbill
  • car_crazy1car_crazy1 Member Posts: 43
    Dave,

    Bumpers are made of plastic material and so there is no possibility of rust on it. If you have scratches on the metal body, then there is a chance of rust.

    For my car, I could not believe my eyes when the work was finished. This painter refused to do the patch job on my car as i asked him way too many questions about swirls, bubbles etc and he was a bit hesitant as i might reject his work after doing it if i am picky.

    I finally took the chance and got it done and i could not believe the output. Its as good as new. I tried to find a flaw by seeing it in sunlight etc but could not find a difference. He did a real good job bringing back the new look without any shade difference. Of course, thats why he is working on new car patch jobs at the showroom

    Now, my car is back to new look and i am now planning to get a bonnet stone chip protector at http://www.collegehillshonda.com/accordsedan/2006_accord_import.htm to avoid rusting because of stonechips
  • traccordtraccord Member Posts: 17
    I have an 06 Black Accord with Ivory interior. I noticed that my darker clothes have been rubbing off on the seats. I took it to the dealership and they said it will cost $70 to clean. Does anyone have any suggestions to keep it from getting stained? I can't put a seat cover on there because of the side air bags.
  • treo_ssitreo_ssi Member Posts: 2
    i just recently bought a HO Alt for my car so i want to chage it. when i went to take out my stock i have no idea where its bolted down at. i took out all the connections and one bolt but i couldn't find the other one. can anyone tell me how i can go about taking out my alternator.
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    Scotchguard does sell treatments for carpeting and upholstery. The question I would have is the staining you see actually a stain, or is it small fibers from you dark clothes embedding into the seats. I doubt any treatment will stop that.

    Although I also worry about adding seat covers with air bags, some seat cover manufacturers advertise their covers work with airbags.

    As an example: http://www.gtcovers.com/index.asp

    Mrbill
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