Honda Accord (2003-2007) Maintenance and Repair

mitchell7

Anyone ever remove/replace painted side mirror cap on 06/07 Accord sedan EX? My driver side got scraped. Cheap part, already painted. Is it held on by clips? Do you pry it off with a special tool? Don't want to damage rest of mirror shroud. Help.

itspaul

Hi, I have an automatic 2005 EX accord coupe 4cyl and I noticed that my CEL blinks exactly 10 times after I start the engine. I installed a CAI(Fujita) a week ago and everything seemed fine but after a couple of days I noticed the CEL light blinking. I had my oil about two-three weeks ago and the mileage on my car is about 35,000. What seems to be the problem?

thegraduate

I'm no mechanic by any means (couldn't install a CAI if I wanted to), but maybe the O2 sensor doesn't like the CAI?

pat

Happy birthday, Clay!

Mr_Shiftright

Pat, give him a free subscription to the Forums! :P

tallman1

Nah... he won't have time now that he started back to school. :shades:

Good thing his BDay came on a Friday!

thegraduate

Haha, and even luckier for me, I don't have classes on Fridays this semester!

Thanks for the bday wishes!

itspaul

do you think i have to replace the air cleaner element? Is that why my check engine light is blinking when I start the engine?
happy birthday btw!

elroy5

Are you sure it's the "Check engine" light, or is it the "maintenance Required" light? Big difference.

itspaul

its definetly the check engine light, blinks 10 times when I start the car, then its gone =\

ramblinwreck85

I searched the forums and couldn't find anything on this. I have a 2003 Accord EX-L and the Driver's Heated Seats are heating most of the time even with the switch turned off. I recently had the switch changed, thinking a bad switch was causing the problem. However, the seat is still heating up when I drive the car. :confuse: :sick:

Also, I recently had the battery go out on me and I don't know if that was caused by the seats heating all the time or just that the battery was almost 5 years old.

Any suggestions? Anyone else seen something like this?

Thanks.

elroy5

The computer has detected a problem somewhere. If you go to Autozone, Advance, or some others they will read the code for you free of charge. Get the code, come back and post it up, and I can give you the description. Do you notice anything different about the car?

elroy5

I don't know how to solve your problem, but I would try and find the wires for the heater and unplug it. It's been way too hot, to have seat heaters on, and you don't want to kill another battery. :sick:

PS: I'll see what I can find in the service manual.

ramblinwreck85

Yeah, I pulled the fuse for now. I am hoping for some easy and cheap fix

Thanks.

elroy5

This may or may not help you, but here's the page for testing the heater. It says to remove the seat, but I think I would try it with the seat in place first. Good luck.

ramblinwreck85

Thank you very much. I will see if I can get to this without removing the seat.

Again thanks for the great assistance.

David

elroy5

No problem. I paid for this service manual, so it's nice to use it for something now and then (I've only needed it once so far since 03). happy Hondaing

yazyazoo

I got an oil change at the local Honda dealer. They said I need to replace my battery because the cold cranking amps is low. My car was bought brand new 9/2003 and would have thought the battery would last at least 5 years. Do you think this is normal. They wanted to charge me $150 for the changing of the battery. I think I can do it myself for less but there shouldn't be anything I should look out for?

Also I have 63,000 miles on my Bridgestone Turanza oem tires that came with my v6 coupe. I don't know if it is time to get some new tires for the new year. Costco is having a $60 off sale on set of 4 Michelin. They are pretty expensive for each from 140- 180 each.

What are you guys using for your tires? Any suggestions. I live in San Francisco Bay area and don't get snow but heavy rains.

I was looking at some Falken Ziex 912 which replaced Consumer Reports Falken 512 Ziex.
What do you guys suggest.

blufz1

Get the battery at NTB or Costco. Get the tires at Discount Tire.

elroy5

I bought my 03 at about the same time you did, and my battery was getting weak, and started causing problems with the electronics. I bought a new battery at Sams Club for $45, and put it in myself. Just make sure you take down all the important numbers CCA, group size, and post location, and it should be a breeze. I have also replaced the stock Michelin MXV4 tires with some Bridgestone Turanzas. They are heavier than the Michelins, but they seem like a more durable tire (the michelins never seem to hold up for the life of the tread). The Turanzas also have much better traction (especially in wet conditions). Check out tirerack.com for survey/test results on the tires and pick the ones that suit your style.

user777

FWIW: to add to the others, yes, i had a battery go on my '03 ODY (symptoms harder and harder to crank). i went to Autozone to have the battery tested and it was gone. the green indicator was no longer green (they can be imprecise / misleading). 4yrs in very hot climates, or climates that cycle extreme hot/cold is pretty good.

i went with a battery with a 2 or 3yr warranty (can't remember exactly - and extended it a year by purchasing with Amex). i helped the guy put it in just because i wanted to (they do replacements for free).

cost $69 or 79.

---

63K on a set of OEM tires? not bad.

I've had a set of Michelin Harmonys on my '02 Accord for at least 50K thus far (don't know exact mileage as I purchased vehicle used). Some tires will wear faster than others of course. Having the vehicle in proper alignment is key. On my '02 I must admit to not rotating the tires very often. Still, the Harmonys keep wearing pretty evenly.

Do your research on TireRack.COM. It might be cheaper to go that route... since you don't need them today, you have time to look at alternatives.

Some Tire chains will be running a special (buy 3 get one free), or there may be a manufacturer rebate. Some will match prices.

Look in your Sunday paper.

Those Turanza's seem awefully expensive (to me).

chucko3

Can get both at BJ's.

My 03EXV6 bought in 11/2002 still has the
original battery.

blufz1

I like Discount Tire because that's all they do. Just my .02.

alyk

My battery went bad about 6 months ago (bought mine on 1/03)

I paid about 70 bucks at pep boys, my battery died, and i had to call for a tow, because the battery was so dead that it would not charge.

Also i replaced my original tires at 20K , now i know i am rough, but the OEM tires are junk. I would recommend Goodyear Triple Thread *if i can get 55K miles from those, you should be able to clear 100K with your driving

JUST MY OPINION

blufz1

If you otherwise like the tire,just get a pro rated new set 55/80.

bf109ace

Hi, I just bought a GPS and want to charge it with the power socket on my Accord. It didn't seem to charge.

How do I know the power socket is working? Do I need to turn on the engine? FYI, I use da voltage meter (DC mode) to read the voltage of the power socket but did not get any reading. What's wrong?

Never use the power socket before. Could it be defective? Thanks for your help.

elroy5

For one thing, the ignition switch must be in Accessory (I) or On (II). If it still doesn't work check the fuse, and make sure your plug works in someone else's car. Did you try both power sockets?

bf109ace

Thanks for your response. I just figured it out. I turn the ignition at I or II positiona and the GPS is turned on automatically.

I wonder if I could charge the battery in my GPS using the power socket without turning the ignition at I or II position.

thegraduate

I have a 2006 Accord, as well as a Garmin GPS plugged up in the socket. You MUST have the ignition in at least the I position for the socket to maintain power.

I'd want it to be that way though, instead of draining your car's battery like it would if the socket stayed on.

blueiedgod

Thanks for your response. I just figured it out. I turn the ignition at I or II positiona and the GPS is turned on automatically.

I wonder if I could charge the battery in my GPS using the power socket without turning the ignition at I or II position.

Yes, you can. You just need to rewire the socket to remain on when the engine is off.

I added 2 more sockets to the CR-V above the small shelf under the airbag.

itspaul

oops, the Maintenance Required light flashes 10 times when I start the car. I went to autozone yesterday and no codes came up. I notice that sometimes when I start my car, there seems to be a slight, very slight delay, but it is not really noticeable. Also, a rubber tubing that goes from my engine bay to my intake gets really hot, I don't know if that really helps.

elroy5

Please, read your owner's manual. The Maintenance Required light is only a reminder to have the scheduled maintenance done on your car. It does not indicate a problem, to which a code would be stored. The Check Engine light is the one to worry about. The instructions for re-setting the maintenance required light are also in the owner's manual. Good luck

itspaul

Yea I should def take a look at that. Thanks for all your help!

avalanche2x

I have a 2003 Accord LX Sedan with a manual transmission. Last year, I had an issue with the clutch making a popping sound when depressing and releasing the pedal. The dealer replaced the clutch master cylinder which resolved the issue until now (there was a TSB from Honda for the clutch master cylinder).

One year and 18,000 miles later, I have the same issue. The odd thing is that it only makes the sound when the car has been sitting in the sun for several hours. I assume that something inside the clutch master cylinder is expanding and making contact with some other piece within the assembly. If you put your hand on the clutch master cylinder and depress the clutch, you can feel the popping reverberate through the part.

Has any one else had a similar experience? I recall that the new master clutch cylinder was a part that superseded the original design from ’03. Do any of the Honda tech’s out there have some information regarding another possible cause for this?

Thanks,

kiawah

You guys have me interested in trying this Lexol on my leather seats, so went out yesterday to two of the local AutoParts chain stores to see if they carried it, which they do not.

I'll keep looking, but can someone give me an idea where they have found it?

tallman1

I mentioned this a few posts back but everyone would broaden the feedback they are getting if these questions were posted here, rather than an Accord-specific thread: Cleaning Leather/Cloth Interiors

I don't think there is any difference in cleaning perforated leather. Same products, same procedure, I believe, but don't know for sure.

You can buy Lexol online at lots of sites. Their own website lists specific stores around the country: Where to buy Lexol

kiawah

thanks, couple local sites so will pick up this weekend

pat

Thanks for posting that link - you are right, this is a general topic that many other brand owners discuss.

jennyh57

I bought a new Accord EX-L in Aug. 2006. In Nov. 06 the front windshield started cracking on the driver's side. Honda replaced it. Yesterday, it started cracking on the passenger side. It is NOT from road hazards as it seems to start under the rubber stripping around the windshield and then moves in about 6 inches and then up. Anybody else having this problem?

daveturner

In the past few weeks, for my 04 Accord EX sedan, I have frequently noticed when I start the ignition (by turning the key from off to the start position), I hear two to four faint clicking noises coming near the ignition area (steering wheel/ignition key area). I thought that maybe I wasn't pushing the key all the way in while turning the key--it seems if I make an effort to put pressure on the key inward into the key hole while turn the key, the clicking doesn't occur. Has this happened to anyone before? I am afraid that my ignition starter or battery might be going bad. My car was bought in 4/2004 and has 39,200 miles.

user777

unless you are really careful, i would not advise anyone to re-wire the accessory socket so that it remains hot all the time. you'd want to make sure the current draw of the device constantly plugged in was extremely small, and you'd want the circuit fused properly.

pat

Here's a new discussion for your cleaning pleasure: Honda Accord Leather Care.

hondamelon

Hi All,
Just found this site. It's very informative. I have 2005 Honda Accord with only 55,000 kms on it. I have replaced battery & starter already. Now, I'm having a problem with the keyless remote and the power door windows doesn't work. But the sun roof powers up. The funny thing is that the power door locks do not work on the driver's side but can lock & unlock on the passenger side.
I'm just wondering if anyone of you experienced car fanatics have had this problem or heard of this.
Please any advise or solution will be greatly appreciated.
I am so sick of making appointments to bring my Honda in the dealership.

f0rl0rn

I don't know about your problem but if you are under warranty I would still keep taking it so you can build a "lemon" case just if it turns out you actually got one.

kiawah

You may be sick of the Honda dealer, but I think you are going back. I'd suspect a bad drivers door switch. You are saying neither the door windows or the door locks work from the drivers side switches, but using the passenger side switches... the window and door locks works from over there, right?

socialguy

My engine light has been on for 5 months. Code: PO113. Service replaced the Mass Air Flow Sensor. Light came on within an hour. Dealer's service dept. has no clue.
Any ideas out there?
Thanks, SocialGuy

hondamelon

Thanks for replying kiawah, actually the passenger side only locks & unlocks the four doors. The power windows don't work at all. But the sun roofs powers up. I will be bringing it in to the Honda dealer tomorrow. Appreciate your response.

absolutchele

I have a 2005 Honda Accord with 40,000 miles on it. My driver side door lock hasn't been working for 3 weeks now.

It started as an occassional malfunction. I'd hit the remote and nothing would happen. Then eventually it was all the time. If I open the driver's side door manually and then hit unlock on the remote, the other doors will unlock.

If I hit the lock button on the remote, I can hear a noise as if it wants to lock but it can't. If I manually lock the driver's side door, then all of the other doors lock.

I will probably ask the dealership about it on my next visit, but I am off my warranty. Anyone have any ideas as to what is going wrong?

buyahome

Sounds like you may have a remote start hooked up incorrectly. Possibly miswired on the door(s). This may be a long shot, but on my wife Toyota Camry if I lock the door from the inside and close the door, the remote does not unlock the door. Just a thought. You may want to mention it to the dealer IF you have a remote start.

On my '04 Honda Accord I had several cold winter days when my rear door locks would not open. Once the temperature outside rose or once I had the heat circulating inside the car, it was ok. Of course, this is not the case in the nice weather.

Good luck at the dealer.

hondalova

P0113 is an intake temperature sensor high/low code. Look for problems in the airflow to the engine - I'm guessing (not a trained technician) but perhaps uptake 02 sensors, MAP sensor, idle air control valve, and/or temperature sensors? But, as I said, I'm not a technician and I'm guessing.

-FS