Honda Accord (2003-2007) Maintenance and Repair

elroy5

.....so I did a search: 3-year brake fluid change. Nada, zip, nothing.

Searched where? In my 03 Accord owner's manual it says to change the brake fluid every 3 years, regardless of mileage. If you have an 06-7 it may not be in the owner's manual, but I'm sure Honda would recommend doing it. Many times Honda technicians will advise an owner to have the power steering fluid changed also, but there is no mention of that in the owner's manual. :confuse:

jhuckaby

I've had the brake fluid exchange done, currently at 36,000 miles, 3 year ownership of a 2005 Accord. I have had all fluids exchanged, antifreeze, brake, transmission. When I mentioned power steering fluid, the service manager said they don't recommend changing it unless you are having problems with the power steering. So, I'm going with that.

elroy5

When I mentioned power steering fluid, the service manager said they don't recommend changing it unless you are having problems with the power steering. So, I'm going with that.

Sounds good to me. I've also done the coolant, brake fluid, and transmission (twice) on the 03 (53k miles). I've been thinking about the power steering fluid, but haven't decided to do it yet.

stevehecht

With the key in the II position (car not running), press and hold the trip/reset stalk for 10 seconds. This resets it back to 100%.

I just read the manual to check on what you said, and I believe it said that you need to press the stalk for ten seconds and then again for five seconds--or something close to that. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.

But my real question for this thread is: How many miles did you go between your first and second oil changes, following the 15% mark from the maintenance minder? I realize that MM is not calibrated by mileage per se (it's rpm's or something) but my driving pattern is a pretty common balance of suburban and highway. And please note that my MM is now reading at 50% even though I'm 10K past my first change! I'm bringing it in tomorrow and will be using Mobil 1 for my second new fill (used dino for the first per recommendations).

wgm1950

the serpentine belt comes off when it rains ..hmmm at least 95% of the time when it rains and i cant find anyone that knows why this happens ..btw..the belt cover is on-any info would be helpful
thank you

grampy1

Follow up on lug nuts,

Dealer acknowledged several other customers have same issue. They are replacing all chrome lug nuts. Hope these are better.

kiawah

If the belt is coming off, it could be due to a couple reasons.
- It's old and needs replaced, or the wrong size belt is on
- The belt tensioner is bad, and is not keeping enough tension on the belt, which would keep the belt in the grooves and prevent it from coming off.
- Possible that one of the accessories or pulleys has a bad bearing, but I would think you would hear it screaming or grinding.

thegraduate

But my real question for this thread is: How many miles did you go between your first and second oil changes, following the 15% mark from the maintenance minder?

Roughly 7000-7500 for me, and I do a fair amount of interstate driving (my average MPG is 30, if that gives you an indication of how I drive).

Something sounds iffy about yours.

Best regards,

TheGrad
2006 Honda Accord EX 4-cyl 5AT

jnmoore1

I am having the same problem with my 2003 Accord. I have taken it to the dealership several times for repairs but they can't find the source of the problem. Where is the water coming from on your car?

yuri53

Own Accord EX 2003 (4 cyl, auto) with 112K (km) mileage. After 100K as Dealer recommended changed tranny liquid (at Honda dealer shop). Four months later discovered red color spots on my garage floor- tranny dripping (still not much as tranny liquid level is OK). Do not have any problems with tranny- smooth and responsive. Honda technician recommended to replace (not funny!) transmission ($4.5K) as "diff bearings worn". Really appreciate any advice what I should check for. Thanks.

grampy1

2007 Accord V6. I understand that Honda's are different than many other manufactures when it comes to reading the tranny dipstick.
This car has just 5300 miles on it and i followed the manual to check the transmission,but my question is when i read it cold,i barely get any fluid on the dipstick. Checking it after its warm it s only at the lower level,and checking it running its half-way up the dipstick.
Transmission operates fine.
What do some of you owners say about the readings?
Thanks

tankbeans

Maybe I'm asking a dumb question, I apologize if I am, but when you say that you check it when running are you wiping the dipstick clean and then re-inserting it and pulling it back out to get the actual reading or are you just pulling it out and looking at it?

I know everybody tells me to check it when the engine runs and that when checking it I have been told to remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, re-insert it, pull it back out and read it then. When all that is done it should be between the upper and lower mark, which I'm assuming is what you meant when you said it is halfway up the dipstick. If this sounds like I'm patronizing you I'm sorry, but I know that wouldn't necessarily be intuitive.

grampy1

tankbeans,

No apologies needed. As matter of fact i was hesitant in posting such,what should be a simple matter, I actually checked the fluid under 3 conditions.
1,Cold,sitting overnight. Fluid just reached the bottom of the dipstick.

2,Warm,after running car for some time to heat up. Shut off engine for about a minute.Fluid just made the "low" mark on dipstick.

3, Engine running,fluid half way up dip stick.

Dipstick was removed,wiped clean,and re-inserted for all 3 conditions
measurements.

I guess my concern is that my American cars always showed High at the low mark cold,and showed a lower level at the warmed up level.Just the opposite of the Accord. I don't want to just add fluid to where i think the level should be.add.

Manual says to run engine,shut off,within a minute or so check the dipstick fluid level.

I was hoping someone could confirm,or deny my method on the '07 Accord V6 as it seems Honda's vary.
Thanks for your reply.

chucko3

Engine must be off when checking tranny fluid.
I checked mine after I got home from work & waited for 1/2 hr.
Wipe the stick dry & insert it all the way back. Pull it out & look where the wet
mark starts. It should be between the two holes.
Maybe you were looking at the hanging drop at the end of the dipstick.

grampy1

I'll check it that way for awhile. I need a reference point.

bdyment

That sure is different. Any car I have owned--you always checked the tranny in Park with the engine running and after clicking through all the gear positions momentarily.

blufz1

My windows seemed to be operating with a little increased friction. Took it to my dealer and they shot some silicone spray on the window frames and the windows operate with obviously less friction. Free fix.

golfva

I bought a 2007 Honda Accord EX new in July of '07. I am in sales and do a lot of highway miles and already have 35K miles on the car. My question is how important are the 15K , 30K , etc tune ups? I have changed the oil on a regular basis of 4K - 5K miles

elroy5

Most of what they do at that early mileage (15-30k miles), is just checking things (fluid levels/conditions). But other more complicated chores like checking the brake pads should be done too. Check your owner's manual for what should be done, and maybe you can do some of it yourself. It could save you a few bucks when you do bring it in. The air filters (cabin A/C/engine) are something that can be checked with only basic tools.

chucko3

I don't know what you meant by a reference point.

Anyway, I checked the tranny fluid this morning when the engine
is cold. The fluid level is still the same as after the car was driven and shut off for 1/2 hr.

chucko3

Not much for 15K. I skipped mine at 15K.
But for 30K, you could have the tranny fluid drain & fill, engine
air filter replaced, front end alignment, and checking brake
pads.

I am surprised my A/C filter is still good after 46K miles.
Dealer didn't try to ask me to have it replaced.

thegraduate

There's no need to change the oil before hitting the 15% mark on your oil life monitor. Doing as much highway as you do, I imagine 8,000mi oil changes would be normal for you. I have a mixed commute and my car tells me to change the oil approximately every 7,000 miles.

roberts5

For the past few week I have been noticing a sound like a small marble rolling up and down the passenger door or under the passenger seat. Ealier I have a rattle in the passenger door, but that has disappeared.
I have also noticed a drop in my mpg to about 25 on pure city driving. This ethanol is a rip dropping milage on this car and my Odyssey about 10%. Let us get back to pure gasoline. Ethanol is also raising the prices of cattle and other livestock that eats corn. We got taken on this one.
Thanks for whatever info you have about fixing the rolling sound.
Happy Hondaering!

tabcourt

Can I not just buy an Anco replacement wiper? The arm on the driver's side has some kind of extra piece onit which interferes with the movement of the replacement wiper. ???
-Mark

mamamia2

According to the user manual (though we have the '05 model) you can replace just the rubber BLADE, which is a lot less expensive...

dolfan1

I've got 4900 miles on my 07, and no Maintenance light yet. I'm assuming it will come on any day. If it doesn't, when should I start getting concerned?

grampy1

Mine just came on at 5130 miles. A lot depends on your driving habits. Could come on tomorrow,or another 2-3 k miles.

packer3

Do you have to buy the blades from Honda

elroy5

Do you have to buy the blades from Honda

They would have a much better chance of fitting in the original blades. I buy all my maintenance items from this site http://www.handa-accessories.com/accord.html , but then I buy 6 packs of oil filters, air filters, fluids, wiper blades, brake pads, and everything else from them, so even with shipping costs added it's much cheaper than the local dealership. The best part is my parts come to me, instead of me going to the dealership. They are all Honda OEM parts.

packer3

Thanks for the info appreciate it.

mamamia2

Not for the Accord yet, but I got blades for my daughter's Civic at Pep Boys and they fit just as good as the originals.... Follow the manual's instructions how to replace them.

dolfan1

Thanks grampy, makes me feel better. Depends on driving habits
Does that mean we're good drivers it took so long? Just kidding. :P

grampy1

Your welcome. My driving is about 50/50 around town and highway. I think if i did mostly highway the M.M. would probably come on closer to 7-8 k miles.

grampy1

Follow up. Dealer replaced lug nuts. They said Honad had a batch of them on their cars. :

dolfan1

BTW, have you taken it for service yet? Did you go to a Honda dealer, and if so, how much did it set you back?

grampy1

I went to the Honda dealer the same time i had the Chrome lug nuts replaced. $19.95 with filter. Thats the only service it needed Cheaper than my local guy.
By the way, i wouldn't use any of those quick lubes.

tankbeans

Just curious, why would you not use a quick lube service station? Is there something you know that the rest of us should?

Just wondering.

With this car I don't have to as all of my oil changes are free, through the dealer, so long as I get all of my scheduled maintenance done, something I should do anyway right.

dolfan1

Same kind of thing here. My dealer has a "Tires for Life" program with every new car sold, as long as all the maint is done at the dealer. I don't have a problem with that as I'm hoping to be driving this car a decade from now, so I'd rather have Honda people doing the work.

thegraduate

The light should illuminate at 15%. What percentage are you at now?

chucko3

Quick lube station is not much cheaper than dealer for oil
change.
Some may strip the plug.
Happened to my 89LXi.

lastwraith

Besides that, some quick-lubes are just terrible. Dealers may also be terrible at servicing (YMMV) but at least they tend to know their own cars. There are plenty of quicklube stories regarding Northstar engines(used in Cadillacs predominantly though they did migrate to other GM lines) leaving with 2-3 less quarts of oil than needed simply because the station didn't bother to double check the specs. Like anything else in life, there is a wide range of possibilities.

I don't really believe in taking your car to the dealer (unless you absolutely must) but there is a better chance the dealer will know what they are doing simply because they tend to deal with the same cars. Ideally though, find an independent who knows their stuff and stick with them....the inconvenience you save will be your own, along with the fistfulls of dollars.

grampy1

The last time i went to a quick-lube for a simple oil,filter change,the "tech"(?) said i had a parking light out,and would i like to have it changed. I said o.k. After about 10 minutes ,or so he comes to me to say he can't change the bulb because the front grille has to removed!

Another reason was the quick-lube kept raising their price. The last time there they were $32+ . If i had one of their coupons it would be $28. The catch to the coupon was that you had to come back within 200 miles of the 3000 oil change. I tend to drive longer mileage.

And,finally,i would never take my new car to a place that the staff learn on customers cars.

I didn't need the hassle and shoddy service. Maybe just my bad experiences.

tankbeans

I don't see any problems with your reasoning. I know the last time I went to valvoline to get my oil changed it ended up running $50. They said that because it had 105,000 miles on it it needed special oil that was an extra $15. They may have told me in the beginning, but I was just like whatever because I needed the oil done.

BTW this is a car that I no longer own.

dolfan1

No doubt you gotta be careful at the those places. Go in for a $30 oil change and come out with new wiper blades, air & fuel filters, fuel injection service, etc etc.
Been there, done that. I took my 99 Town & Country to SuperLube because the bank gave me free coupons when I financed the 07 SE. But Honda will be doing the work on my Accord.

dolfan1

It's @ 20%. I was a little concerned because I'm going on a couple trips soon that will put about 500 miles on the car before I can get it into service.

thegraduate

If you are going on highway trips, 500 miles won't take it below 10%, assuming you don't idle a lot or race the engine a lot. Just don't go "below" zero and you'll be ok.

thegraduate

I have a 2006 Accord EX I4 (cloth). The fabric on the console is pulling out from the front, near the latches. Anyone else have this problem?

I have 33,000 miles on it, and will take it for warranty work as soon as I get my '96 back from having its new timing belt put in.

dolfan1

Thanks, that helps.
The timing belt on your old Accord. Did it go out, or was it scheduled maint?

thegraduate

On my 1996 Accord it is schedule maintenance every 90k miles. It just turned 180k.

If a timing belt breaks, the engine is typically ruined.

pathosrising

I don't drive much, so when I read that the oil in my 2006 Honda Accord only needed to be changed every 6000 miles, I went almost a year without getting it changed, as the mileage was only like 3500. I called Honda to be sure it didn't need an oil change, and they said bring it in anyway and they'll check tire pressure, change the oil, and make sure everything's ok. I was also having this weird smell that never went away from when I first bought the car, and I asked them to check that out.

So I had my brother drop the car off for the oil change and to check the car, this was like... May 2007(bought the car aug 2006). He says they checked out the smell in the car and blamed it on the converter, and said nothing was wrong with the car. he also said he was not charged for anything, no paperwork. I checked the oil gauge and it still said it had like 30% oil life, so I yelled at him for not getting the oil changed and called Honda. They said (without checking any files) the oil had definitely been changed, but that they forgot to fix the oil life meter, and told me how to manually do it myself. Then I went almost a year without chaging the oil again, putting about 3500 miles on the car.

Took the car into Honda again. This time the oil had definitely been changed. They put a sticker on the car saying when to bring it back in, and the oil life meter had been reset properly. I'm like 90% sure this is the first oil this car has ever had. So 2 years and 8500 miles later, I'm now wondering if the car has been damaged, and if I should buy a new car. I know this sounds incredibly dumb on my part, but it's my first car, and I don't drive alot because I'm not well and I just didn't know any better.

Do you think the engine has been damaged, or will this have any lasting effects on my honda? I'd rather trade it in and maybe get 15K for it now towards a new car than wait for the possible damage to show itself...

Thanks if you have any info or advice.