Honda Accord 2007 Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • wise1wise1 Member Posts: 91
    I too have this problem but the pulsation goes all the way to the firewall in the other hoses that lead up to the one you pictured. You may want to check your car and see if the other hoses are doing the same thing. I briefly pinched that hose that you pictured and it did cause a change in the sound of the idle of the engine,it cut it back slightly. I'm suppose to go and get my first oil change soon and I'll mention this to the techs along with some interior rattle that I think may be coming from the passenger side airbag area not sure about its exact location. I also have the ODO discrepancy to add to the list. I knew I would have issues as all cars have them, but now the real tests come... how Honda deals with them.
  • smeezysmeezy Member Posts: 42
    So did anyone use synthetic oil for their '07 accord yet? If so, do you you know the oil change intervals? At at what milage did you use it.
  • smeezysmeezy Member Posts: 42
    Also, in the manual it states to use 87, but then it says to use gas that doesn't leave deposits in your engine. Now what type/brand of gas would that be?
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I'd use the top tier gas, from companies like Chevron/Texaco, Shell, etc...

    Here's a link to all the companies, and the site explains what the "top tier" gas is, exactly.

    Top Tier Gas
  • smeezysmeezy Member Posts: 42
    Thanks, but what grade of gas do you use? 87? I'm surprised to see Arco gas and Valero not on the list...
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    87 all the way. Any more is wasted money!
  • lieutlieut Member Posts: 11
    We picked up a new 07 i4 accord monday night. 1st thing we noticed is the way it went down hills compared to the one we test drove the week before. The test vehicle held its speed downhill where our new one did not. anybody seen this or is there something else we need to do? there is absolutely nothing in the manuals.
    thanks
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    This is an explanation of Grade Logic Control from Honda. It's for the CRV, but I'm sure they work the same way on Accords.
    "GRADE LOGIC CONTROL SYSTEM
    The CR-V automatic transmission uses Grade Logic to determine when to shift. Grade Logic differs from more conventional computer-controlled shift programming in two important ways: It can determine the actual driving situation and then, based on six different stored "shift maps," select the appropriate shift points for second-, third- and fourth-gear upshifts and downshifts.

    The Grade Logic Control System on the CR-V automatic transmission uses throttle position, road speed, rate of deceleration and rate of acceleration to determine driving conditions. It then chooses the appropriate shift map for that situation in D4 and D3. For example, when driving uphill, Grade Logic will sense a large throttle opening without any increase in speed. Based on this, Grade Logic will determine that the CR-V is going uphill and it will determine how steep the grade is. It will then choose a shift map that will downshift and hold third or even second gear, thereby eliminating hunting between gears.

    Grade Logic also uses brake-pedal application as a control input. For example, Grade Logic will determine that the CR-V is driving down a grade, if it receives a closed throttle signal and a brake-pedal activation signal. It then selects a shift map that will downshift and hold third or second gear to allow the CR-V to utilize engine braking.

    Similarly, Grade Logic can use a rapid deceleration signal and closed throttle to determine that the CR-V is entering a tight curve in the road or a corner. It then chooses a shift map that downshifts early for more responsive acceleration.

    This same set of inputs occurs in the abrupt braking followed by quick acceleration that sometimes accompanies stop-and-go city driving, thus promoting smoother driving.


    My guess is it would be adjustable either through re-
    programing or mechanical adjustment.
  • smeezysmeezy Member Posts: 42
    I'm having trouble removing the dipstick from the engine, it won't budge. Is there a certain technique of getting it out? I'm afraid if I pull it too hard the orange handle will break.

    And thanks thegraduate, 87 and top tier gas it is, btw I'm a recent grad myself ;)
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Don't pull too hard! Just twist it and play with it as you pull and it will work.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    You are very welcome, smeezy.

    I created this "screenname" when I graduated high school. I'm currently a Junior at University of Alabama at Birmingham, so I'll be a "graduate" again before long. :)
  • f0rl0rnf0rl0rn Member Posts: 71
    For reasonably inexpensive with stellar reliability I will always recommend Honda/Toyota from my experiences.

    If you have the money and are able to handle the maintenance costs I would also recommend some European makers.

    I don't recommend Domestic except for a few high end cars, those are inherhenlty more expensive anyway and performance vs price is the weightiest factor in decision making.

    I might say Chrysler some day since they are beginning to incorporate a lot more Mercedes parts and engineering.

    But you can't go wrong with a HONDA. (Well I still don't think the Ridgeline qaulifies as a truck to me) Hopefully no Ridgline owners want to lynch me for that one.

    It is a Honda just not a truck
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Those posts were moved - see my link right before your post. Your post is there. :)
  • f0rl0rnf0rl0rn Member Posts: 71
    I saw the re-route just after I had sent it. Thanks for the heads-up
  • smeezysmeezy Member Posts: 42
    I just noticed something unordinary with my new accord coupe lx. I'm not sure what it's called but the "lining" along the perimeter of the rear windshield is absent. I can see how thick the rear windshield is along with foam underneath it. The lining I'm speaking of is rubber and suppose to protect the car from water/rain and allow it to drain properly. Is this normal? I don't quite understand how the foam underneath the windshield will last since it's exposed. I'll post a pic when I can. What can I do about this?
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    Take a look at some other Accords. I'm pretty sure what you are describing is normal. There is no rubber molding around the rear windshield.
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    The lack a molding around the rear window is the same on my 04. I noticed that the first time I washed it. I had to go look at other 04s to see if I lost it.

    Yea, it looks like something is missing.

    Mrbill
  • smeezysmeezy Member Posts: 42
    Did other 04s have the molding/lining as well? Or does it just look like something's missing? Is your car an LX? Coupe?
  • bonapartebonaparte Member Posts: 2
    After six months of ownership, I have very little to complain about my Accord. Lately however, I started to notice a loud noise when I activate the AC. Noise seems to be louder when it's really hot outside. Sounds like there's a lot of pressure on some gear for half of a second. After that, it runs fine and quiet. Any ideas on what the problem could be?
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    My 2006 Accord makes the same exact noise you are describing.

    No A/C problems otherwise, and I've got 23k miles on the car and our high Friday is forecast in the mid 100s with major humidity (Alabama heat wave).
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    No, none of the other 04s had the molding. Mine is an 4 door EX-L.

    Mrbill
  • yuryyury Member Posts: 146
    i have the noise too on my 07 V6 SE. as a matter of fact the car is at the dealer's right now for that and few other things. i am picking it up in a couple of hours, hopefully they will have fixed it.
  • yuryyury Member Posts: 146
    i posted this before, but it migh have been in the wrong area for many people to notice, so i will post it here with some corrections
    ....
    I got me 07 SE V6 a couple of weeks ago and there's a couple of ... strange things I notice.

    1. The V6 has 2 tailpipes. Upon closer examination that they are not quite in the same position relative to the cutouts in the bumper plastic.

    2. I noticed that when the left (I think) back door is closed it's not quite flush with the body. the door surface sticks out just a little relative to the body behind it. the difference is very small...1 mm maybe.
    The right door is completely flush. Never seen this before.

    3. The driver's seat developed a creak within a few days. Went to the dealer, they spend 5 minutes trying to lube it, said, nope, let's book an appt. Instead, I got me a can of WD40 and in 15 minutes got it fixed myself.

    4. The centre console storage door rattles on rough roards.

    The car is at the dealers right now for all these things.
    They told me off the bat that the #4 cannot be fixed. I asked them to see what can be done but i have a feeling they will do squat.

    While waiting for a shuttle ride i got to look at other new Accords on the lot. All of SE V6 ones (2 cars to be presize) have the tailpipe misaligned, and all of them have the door issue to varying degree.
    I could only find one car that was free of these things..It was top of the line V6 sedan with a stick shift. (Btw, I looked at the VIN - it was build at the same plant as mine, somewhere in Ohio).
  • yuryyury Member Posts: 146
    just got the car back.

    they ordered a new muffler, apparently the existing one cannot be adjusted. they also ordered the window regulators to fix the rear window noise.

    they also adjusted the door. i still can see a tiny difference, but it batter, so i guess i will forget about it.
  • adamr1adamr1 Member Posts: 43
    After reading your post, I took a look at my SE V6 and sure enough, I have the same issue with my passenger door. I notice a lot on my cars, but never noticed this. The driver side rear door does stick out slightly. You can see it both when looking at it and when putting your hand on the opening. I tested both rear doors and both seemed to close fine with a very solid sound and feel. This is one of those things that I may just forget about as I feel that sometimes the dealer can make them worse.

    I checked my tailpipes and they seem to be fine, nothing jumped out at me.

    I am bringing my car in for the window grinding problem, both rear windows grind when closing them.

    My fear with this is that it may just need to be lubricated inside or some type of adjustment. If the dealer replaces the whole window assembly will they make it worse?

    I am also asking the dealer about a whining noise from the engine when you put on the A/C. Not sure if this is normal or not.

    I also had a rattle on my drivers seat when I first got the car but that seemed to go away.

    This being my 5th Honda, I have learned to be patient with squeeks/rattles in that sometimes they work themselves out.

    I will ask about the transmission on my first oil change. While this seems normal, when putting the car in drive, there is about a 1-2 second delay until it pops into gear.

    The 5 speed transmission on this car definitely downshifts a lot more. My previous car was a 2002 V6 Accord coupe which had a 4 speed. The transmission was smoother and didn't downshift as noticable as this one, but then again I like the engine braking effect and have gotten used to it.
  • adamr1adamr1 Member Posts: 43
    Can you report back when they replace your window regulators? I would think this is a decent repair to do as they need to open up your door.

    Hopefully they don't damage anything else when doing this and it is a clean repair.
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    I've got an 02 V6. Curious as to what kind of gas mileage you got on it compared to your new car. Thanks.
  • yuryyury Member Posts: 146
    sure, will report. it's probably gonna happen in a couple of weeks because i am waiting for a muffler to arrive from Japan.

    btw, i like the way the transmission shifts, most of the time it makes sense and the fact that I feel the shifts is natural to me.
  • f0rl0rnf0rl0rn Member Posts: 71
    1 - unless it's burning/melting the plastic it is not a functional issue and shouldn't be an issue.

    2 - anything any of us owns with hinges is usually off to an acceptable degree. This also shouldn't be an issue.

    3 - You took car of yourself, great job!

    4 - How rough are the roads? You can always check how tight the bolts are holding it in place and if that doesn't help get some small strips of foam so that hard plastic isn't bouncing on itself. Might work.

    And....you didn't buy a luxury car over $40K. It's a Honda. Everyc ar has small little imperfections that can easily be fixed and usually don't make that big of an impact.

    Honda is an economy car. If you are trying to make an impression by having a perfectly smooth looking car that people will admire for it's appearance. An Accord is not the car you should have bought.

    Pony up the $40K and then the complaints would be legitimate. I am guessing you were told nothing could be done about #4 because they think that all your complaints are ridiculous.

    I would count yourself lucky they helped with any of them. I am also fairly particular about my car and want it as close to perfect as possible as well but I don't expect a dealer to pay the bill on it. You should do it yourself or pay a mechanic to do it for you.

    Sounds like you have a reasonable Service Manager or Rep. I would be grateful for what they are doing for you and give them a tip $$$. Otherwise when you have a real issue they may not be as willing to help you take care of your vehicle.

    Obviously that isn't a Honda policy, but Honda is run by people and that is how people are sometimes. I'd be carefulu the expectations you put on them.

    You might think this sounds harsh. Sorry if I have to be the one to point it out. I'm just trying to help. Hopefully you don't feel like it is unsolicited advice. I'm an idealist and think that most people appreciate "wounds from a friend"

    Good luck!
  • yuryyury Member Posts: 146
    see, it's all just a matter of opinion. i can quote you another opinion on these issues that is just the oppoisite and basically says that i should raize hell.

    now, based on personal experience. It is not the first car in my life. I have seen Chevys with better fitting doors and mufflers.

    i didn't twist anyones arm, i simply came to the dealer, presented my findings. Didn't threaten to sue, didn't raise my voice. Just simply asked them to see what they can do. They adjusted the door, ordered the muffler and the other things without a peep. I suspect they are well aware of those things and do them on demand basis. And because it's warranty work they get paid.

    Honda's reputation is better that many. I myself owned a honda before and I have an idea what it should and shouldn't be.

    And about Accord being an economy car, i do not entirely argee. Sounds like you're confising accord with a Taurus or Malibu, because these are economy cars in the mid-size segment. Accord is more expensive and I think it's only fair to exect better from them.

    I think that you are, my friend, too forgiving. I do not expect Accord to be what it is not, but asking that a tailpipe is not crooked and a door fits ok doesnt' sound too much fot me. Heck, if it was a chevy i would ask for that.
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    You did the right thing. There is nothing wrong with expecting a Honda (or any new car) to have the proper fit and finish. There is no need to "raise hell" but simply asking for things to get fixed is totally appropriate. It sounds like you did just that.
  • f0rl0rnf0rl0rn Member Posts: 71
    Your opinion is appreciated.
  • adamr1adamr1 Member Posts: 43
    I believe I am getting similar gas mileage on my new V6 as compared to my 2002. My new V6 only has 1,500 miles on it, but I have ranged from 21.5 to 23.5 MPG in local driving. This driving does not have a lot of traffic, just mostly stop signs and traffic lights.

    I am hoping to improve on this MPG a big once the engine has more mileage on it. My guess is right now on the Highway I would get 25-27 MPG.

    I would be happy with a slight increase over these numbers once the engine breaks in more. It would be comparable to my 02 V6 yet has more HP, 244 vs 200. The 200 was with the old HP ratings, so it was more likely in the 190's with today's measure.

    This new V6 really has great acceleration.
  • adamr1adamr1 Member Posts: 43
    In my opinion, you are being a bait too harsh. Just because a vehicle costs less doesn't mean you should just accept its faults. Nothing wrong in working with the dealer to fix some of this. I would think they get some type of reimbursement from Honda for warranty repairs, so don't feel bad for the dealer.

    A car is usually the #2 biggest expense you make next to a house. And in buying Honda, you are choosing a manufacturer known for high quality products.

    Many years back my wife bought a brand new Dodge Neon. While the price paid was about as low as you can go for a new car, does that mean it should fall apart real quick? I don't think so. I think basically you are paying less for a lot less features. But the underlying car should still be reliable and should be put together well.

    That being said, it had problems from the start, and blew a transmission at 39,000 miles. At 45,000 miles, it drove like a car that had 100,000 miles on it. For that I fault the manufacturer.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    adamr1
    On the highway, the new V6 will give you better mileage. 5 speed transmission doesn't help if you're in traffic, and never get to 5th gear. On the highway the 5speed auto will be turning less rpms than the 02 was.
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Thanks for the info. That's about what I get. You're right,of course, re the revised engine having a quite perceptible acceleration advantage. Wish I had one,but,you got what you got, and I really like my '02. Like the new Crv and will wait for the diesel. These cars keep growing and I really prefer more room in my garage so the Crv at 179" would be convenient.
  • yuryyury Member Posts: 146
    I would think they get some type of reimbursement from Honda for warranty repairs, so don't feel bad for the dealer.

    Actually i am pretty sure that they get paid in full by Honda for this. Generally dealers love warranty work for that reason. I had a transmission replaced for nothing more but a strange noise that would last for 3 minutes on cold mornings. I am pretty sure that the (GM) dealer billed GM for at least a day's work + parts. No pressure from me whatsoever, all I had to do is to replicate the problem (which was a chore in it's own :))
  • yuryyury Member Posts: 146
    on another subject.

    I live in Toronto and the road salt in a real issue during winters. Normally I rusproof my cars with Krown, and thinking of doing that to the accord.

    Any opinions?
  • yuryyury Member Posts: 146
    i am getting a tapping sound when turning the steering wheel. Normally during slow speed turns, like on a stop sign. the sound comes from the place where the wheel is connected to the column.
    is that normal? i am used to clicking sounds when a tuns signal is on on othe cars, but on the acord it's all the time.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Actually i am pretty sure that they get paid in full by Honda for this. Generally dealers love warranty work for that reason.

    Actually dealers get paid by the factory at a lower rate on warranty work than they get from the consumer at shop rate. That's why dealers dislike warranty work.
  • yuryyury Member Posts: 146
    really? in my general experience they eagerly offer high cost warranty repair...why is that?
    i don't know about honda, but in the past GM was performing repairs more extensive than I was expecting.

    anyhow, as i said, in my case they actually committed to all the work without pressure on my part. i presume they know what they're doing :)
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    really? in my general experience they eagerly offer high cost warranty repair...why is that?

    Because if it's in warranty, they will do it under warranty. Wouldn't it kind of tick you off if they refused to do warranty work? But remember that the dealership is not obligated to do warranty work. They have the right to fire customers although the manufacturer does expect them to do warranty work.

    A good service department also knows what it can get covered under warranty without raising red flags. Manufacturers don't give dealers carte blanche to charge them for whatever they want. Dealer warranty claims are regularly audited for what the manufacturer might feel are dubious.
  • f0rl0rnf0rl0rn Member Posts: 71
    Your opinion is also appreciated. Both of your opinion are appreciated.

    Just keep in mind that my opinions carry just as much weight as yours do.

    And taking it personally or think it was too harsh, especially when I tossed out a disclaimer/disclosure knowing that it could be recieved that way, shows everyone you actually think more highly of your opinions than you should.

    And don't compare the repair requests that were put out to a car experiencing catastrophic failure; apples and oranges.

    And of the thousands of people who potentially take their vehicles in for ticky-tack repairs because it's "free" make all of us pay more for our product. It is not free. No succesful business does anything for free. Someone pays and it's us the consumerS.

    Just like welfare. You think welfare is free to people? No, we pay that with taxes just like we pay for ticky-tack repairs with higher purchase prices, warranty prices and parts prices.

    You may not appreciate my mode and method of delivery and I respect that. However, I'm not in politics and I'm not concerned about public acceptance. I know that what I am saying is valid whether you are capable of recognizing it.

    Again I do respect both of your opinions and I do understand why you think the way you do. I just operate under a different frame of reference than you guys do.
  • yuryyury Member Posts: 146
    i thougth exactly that, that there's probably a strict and well defined procedure for getting reimursed for warranty work, i never presumed they can get paid for anything. i am under impression that they know very well what will fly with the manufacurer and what will not. so, when i am being said "ok we will do this and that" as a response to my polite question/request, i presume they are saing so because they're sure that honda will pay for it.

    surey if i asked to paint my car yellow under warranty they would tell me to take a hike.

    as to my prior experince with costly repairs that was the same thing. I asked "what's that noise?" and next thing i know my car is on hoist and parts are on order.

    Because if it's in warranty, they will do it under warranty. Wouldn't it kind of tick you off if they refused to do warranty work?

    isn't the dealer the proper and only channel to get warranty work? common sense tells me that the dealers don't do it to lose money. In fact my GM dealer seemed to like me even more after the tranny work :)
  • yuryyury Member Posts: 146
    we're off the deep end here :)

    i think it's much simpler that that. warranty is a well defined obligation given by the vendor to the consumer. the business model behind the warranty might be affected by how finicky people are, but nonetheless, in essense, you have the right to exersice it. and they have the right to refuse if the demand is out there. it'd be odd to try and guess their business model, why not just ask?

    do you ever return things to walmart? i guess you might not :) but think about it, would walmart sales be that great if they didn't have their easy return procedure? surely, each return is the expence for them, but they chose that and obviously it works for them.

    "And of the thousands of people who potentially take their vehicles in for ticky-tack repairs because it's "free" make all of us pay more for our product. It is not free. No succesful business does anything for free. Someone pays and it's us the consumerS. "

    actually it would be good for all of us :) they would tighten up their QA and the quality would go up. besides, we're not talking about Yugo here. The reputation Honda has is exactly for "build quality", which is clearly missing in those occurences I described. And their reputation is what sells those cars, so it's only natural to expect qiality.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    isn't the dealer the proper and only channel to get warranty work?

    Yes but they do have the right to refuse to honor the warranty if they feel they won't be reimbursed.

    In fact my GM dealer seemed to like me even more after the tranny work

    Perhaps he knew that the tech that did all the transmission work was so good at it that he was able to do it for less than the rate GM was paying and that the procedure was actually more profitable than other work that day. Or the service advisor may have been so beaten down by other customers he wasn't willing to fight you. Who knows.
  • f0rl0rnf0rl0rn Member Posts: 71
    Dealers are not the only Warranty capable entities. My mechanic handles factory and non-factory warranties.

    That might be a locale issue and if a mechanic has set himself up to profit off it.
  • f0rl0rnf0rl0rn Member Posts: 71
    I can tell you like to hear yourself talk more than people like to hear you talk. This is mostly true about myself and I am continuosly dealing with that.

    I have thrown out educated guesses plenty of times in a forum and when it was revealed that I needed to be educated a little more I welcomed it.

    QA is a costly enough factor in prices today. And since these "repairs" are not life threating, value reducing, wear and tear increasing issues they do increase our costs.

    You seem to be presenting yourself as more knowledgable than you are. I'm convinced you are intelligent, at least enough to mimic intelligence, but at the same time I can see that your assumptions are not based on actual exposure or experience and your reasoning is definitely not sounds,...based on your responses of course...

    Factory Warranties do not have a "business model", aftermarket warranty companies may becasue that is their usually their primary income source as a business >>> Wal-Mart sales and/or success have nothing to do with returns, never did and never will >>> Tightening QA does increase quality and absolutely increases costs, i.e. Current Event: Toy Industry Recalls from using Foreign Cheap Labor and carrying lower QA standards, their practive of doing this saves the $7/hr just in labor, imagine real estate?!?!?. >>> And most importantly you are using circular reasoning; exempli gratia, petitio principii.

    "Three times is a charm", "Three Stirkes and your Out", "Doing the same thing three times expecting a different result = INSANITY"......

    ...are common phrases that will have this be my last post in reference to this regardless of if you reply.

    ~~~Sorry to all those who had to endure this. Glad to be of service if anyone was entertained. I know I should have dropped it earlier.~~~~

    Thanks for everyone's patience.
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