Honda Accord Problems 2000-2005

auburn63

I am not fure sure on the cost but if they are doing it with the full"buzz kit" as we call it then it will include two new gaskets, new springs, bolts and nuts for the short pipe before the cat. I want to say that it is around a $120.00-$160.00 repair parts and labor. 18010-SV4-305 is the part number for the kit if you want to call a dealer and get a price check and we get 1 hour to put in the parts, so add that at their labor rate.. Good luck.

kenbb

I seem to remember in a previous post that you mentioned using gasket sealer or something like that. Will the dealer know to do that, or should I mention it to them? Is that an important part of the fix?

lgoldin

My Sentra's ABS sounds like a short knock. Accord sounds more like a half to full second grinding noise.

gregoryc1

We have a 2003 4 door Honda Accord, (4 cylinder automatic). It does not pull to the right. It does not have an engine vibration. The engine is VERY powerful and quiet. We took delivery of the vehicle on Feb. 10, 2003. It now has 3,700 miles on the clock. We burn 92 octane fuel with an upper cylinder lubricant. This is our 4th Honda. We also have a 2000 leased Civic. We burn the same fuel in this vehicle. It has 23,000+ miles on the clock. For those who are experiencing a "pull to the right", I would check the air pressure on the two front tires. They should be the same. Also look for a damaged tire. (experiment with the air pressure)-- Both are great vehicles. I would highly recommend them to everyone. ----Just my opinion. --Greg

wagner4

I have a 93 Accord Ex w/ 115,000 automatic - just lately I have noticed that from a stop when I give it gas - I feel a soft shudder/stutter. Once I get past that first automatic gear - I dont notice a shudder, or slipping. This also occurs if I am in traffic and start and stop or if I am rolling very slowly and then give it some gas. I only notice it in the first gear. I should have prefaced this whole thing with - I know nothing about Cars. I looked at ATF and it shows ok. If I add too much ATF is that bad? I need to verify once the car is warmed up - if this slipping continues. I have a 15 mile 25 minute commute so I dont know if this goes away after driving longer. Would like to keep this car as long as possible - but would also like to put the least amount of $$ into it. I also hate the AT garages - you walk in and need a whole new Transmission.

Thanks for any input - this webstie is so invaluable. I will now go back and read through other postings to look for any assistance. Thanks for your help.

03lxv6

My friend says the road itself is not level with the center being higher than the two sides so the water can be discharged after a heavy rain. Therefore, the car will pull to the right on the road. Is that true?

All in all, I feel honda quality has gone south. I owned an 92 Acura Vigor, when I got it, it shift so much more smooth than my 03 accord.

emunoz

I purchased a 2003 EX V6 Honda Accord Coupe about a month ago. It has also been making a cold start grinding noise almost every morning when I start the car and drive it for less than 50 ft. I noticed that "webexplorer" also has or had the same problem. Please let me know if the problem has been fixed and what it was. Thank you!

vinyljunkie

Well it looks as though the V6 version of the new Accord is having the most problems...My 4 cylinder with automatic transmission shifts flawlessly.

gregoryc1

QUESTIONS: ----When was the last time that you had the transmission fluid drained? ---Are you sure it is a transmission problem? ----You have 115,000 miles on this vehicle. What is the overall condition of the engine? ---If I had this vehicle, I would take it to a Honda Dealer and get a professional opinion from someone who knows the vehicle. I would not take it to a transmission shop at this point in time, until I got a "clean bill of health" on the engine. An engine problem can feel like a transmission problem. ----Just my opinion. ----Greg

auburn63

Yeah, I use anti-seize on the gaskets but I dont know if it helps or not I just do it because it works for me. I dont remember where I even got the idea to use it. I would say instead of telling them what to do or how to do it you may want to see how it comes out first..Good luck

gregoryc1

There has been a number of postings dealing with octane and fuel requirements for Honda Vehicles, so I took the time to research the "BOOK OF HONDA" (owners manual) to see the "written word according to the engineers"! Before I quote the passages from the "BOOK OF HONDA" I will make the following statement. "The quality of fuel that we are purchasing is poor. The marine pleasure boat industry has been suffering from extensive engine damage because of the combustion deposits that lock the rings in the grooves of the pistons, and cause fuel injectors to malfunction. These problems show up in this industry very quickly because marine engines work very hard trying to keep a boat on plane! ----The same problems exist on land based vehicles, but it takes longer to see the symptoms." (PAGE 204 BOOK OF HONDA) ---" Your Honda is designed to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number of 86 OR HIGHER. Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause a persistent, heavy matallic rapping noise in the engine that can lead to mechanical damage. We recommend gasoline containing detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and engine deposits". ------(PAGE 368 BOOK OF HONDA)----"Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels". ----(PAGE 369 BOOK OF HONDA)------"(Ethyl or Grain Alcohol)--- You may use gasoline containing up to 10% Ethanol by volume. ----(Methyl Tertiary Bytyl) (MTBE)---You may use gasoline containing up to 15% MTBE by volume. ---(Methyl or Wood Alcohol) ---Your car was not designed to use fuel that contains methanol. Methanol can corrode metal parts in the fuel system, and also damage plastic and rubber components".---"Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more than the percentages of oxygenates given above are NOT COVERED under the warranty!!!!" -----(SOME IMPORTANT QUESTIONS) ----How do you really know what is in the fuel that you are pumping into your Honda? If the particular brand of fuel has more oxygenates, (than the allowed amount), will it cause a problem in the combustion chamber? ------QUESTION: ---What can be learned from this published information? ---1.) Honda recognizes that there is a potential issue that deals with combustion deposits, because of the "quality" of the fuel being purchased by the vehicle owner. (They are recommending a "High Detergent Fuel"!) 2.) Alcohol is a cleaner, not a lubricant for the upper cylinder and the fuel system components. 3.) The quality of the fuel and the octane is VERY important. 4.)The formation of carbon in the combustion chamber is very damaging. --- This is why I use a higher octane fuel and an upper cylinder lubricant for the valves, piston rings and the fuel injectors. My product of choice is Marvel Mystery Oil (4 ounces to each 10 gallons of fuel & 92 octane fuel)----Just my opinion. ----Greg

jrct9454

Please let it go with the MMO baloney. Some of us are getting really tired of this...find some other forum for these periodic pitches.

webexplorer

The problem didn't actually go away, but if I wait a little while (after the airbag sign goes off in the odo) before starting, I usually won't get the noise. I was told that this has something to do with the ABS system trying to initialize itself but did not confirm with dealer. I never had this problem if the temperature is above freezing.

jrct9454

This is probably the ABS doing a self-test.

gregoryc1

I am VERY SORRY if I offended YOU! There are people on this forum that are complaining about "performance problems" and "idle / vibration problems". I am only offering my knowledge to those people who would like to use my suggestions. If you do not think that my solution to the problem has "merit", please do not use, or consider my suggestions. If it is not "right for you",--- don't do it! Our Hondas run "great". ---- Remember, everyone has the right to post information on this forum, as long as it is done in a professional manner. (It is called freedom of speech). There is no obligation on your part to read these postings. I wish you the best with regards to you life, and your ownership of a Honda vehicle. Have a nice day. ----Greg

imidazol97

I'm also weary of reading the advertisements for Miracle Oil. If it could cure all those problems, it would be included in the trunk of every new car.
It's now a turtle wax product, and I couldn't find anything about its composition. I already posted about its probable lack of efficacy during and after combustion.
Please let's go on with the on topic thread. Please excuse my slightly off-topic comments here.

gregoryc1

The solution to the issue is VERY simple!--Do not use the product in your vehicle. ---Have a GREAT DAY and a GREAT LIFE! ----Greg

according2me

I have never added any MMO to my LX and at 91K miles it still starts,idles and runs very well using 87 octane from Sams, Chevron, Shell, etc.

I have never, nor ever will, use any octane other than 87.

mikek37

Considering you own a 4 cyclinder, why would u ever consider using anything else then 87? I could see if you had the V-6, then there are so-called benefits to using higher octane gas.

according2me

and the MMO Thread he raised again.

mikek37

Gotcha. I understand that Gerg is just trying to offer his best advice. But he has saturated this board with MMO, and I think it time for the MMO to be put to rest.

gee35coupe

To the "drop the weekly MMO" commercials.

ramza39

hi, i'm new to this board and i'm planning to get a LX V6. Can someone please tell me the pros and cons of this car and also are there any problems with the new accord?

thanks

ray_h71

The justification to go to higher octane fuel depends entirely on how sophisticated the engine management system's set up. Some, not all, engines have "knock sensors" screwed into the block. Think of 'em as microphones whose output is fed to the engine management computer. If pinging (pre-ignition) is "heard" (and if so, it'll be before human hearing can detect it), the engine management computer retards the spark timing sufficiently to elliminate it. By running premium unleaded in these engines, 4 or 6 cyl, it may well be possible to exact a performance increase of several more horsepower. Since the knock sensors will also allow the computer to retard ignition timing to just below the point of pinging, it'll also allow the reverse when better quality fuel is used. The engine management computer literally tunes the engine while driving. Whether the power increase is actually worth the fuel cost difference is up to the owner to determine, but a tankful of premium unleaded may be worthwhile as an experiment. In the meantime, a can of MMO is a great laxative, too! You'll never suffer constipation again...

gregoryc1

Great posting on the subject of octane. Please DO NOT DRINK MM oil! ---Greg

gregoryc1

Keep using 87 octane fuel. This will leave more 92 octane fuel for me to use in my vehicles. I will bet that you are probably against the use of vitamins in your diet. Do not use any upper cylinder lubricant in your engine. Keep on doing what you are doing! -----Have a GREAT day and a GREAT life! ---Greg.

according2me

92 octane...The engine vitamin. LOL

Yeah...Yeah that's the ticket.

kenbb

If all service shops and dealers truly do their best to accomplish this what a wonderful world it would be! My local Honda shop has tried to do this for me even though I may have been a pain at times. They recently installed a motor mount they thought would fix a noise I was having. It didnt' work and they admitted they blew it. To make up they are going to do the exhaust work required to hopefully fix the noise and they are going to do the timing belt\water pump job I needed anyway for a $100. They may not be making any money but they have earned some respect back and a customer for the future. I know that some customers sometimes expect to much and some you can never please. I do think however that some places would see a benefit by remembering the old rule that "the customer is always right". Thanks to auburn63 for advice again. Hopefully Old Blue is going to be cruising quietly again. Can't wait , it's mushroom hunting time here in Missouri and I'm ready to hit the woods and sneak up on those little suckers. Everyone have a great Easter!

auburn63

Sounds as if you are getting a good deal and your car will get what it needs as well for an overall good price. Good for you and good luck..

inkie

I have been using MMO on my garage door rollers and tracks for many years no build up of any residue or carbon.Works well for me.

glideslopes

Always apply lubricant to the bearings on the rollers. Never apply lubricant to the tracks themselves.

Mark.

gregoryc1

I am glad to see that you have a "sense of humor". That is one thing that MM oil cannot give you! Just for your own information, Chevron Gasoline has a "carbon control agent" in the fuel. Those owners of OMC Ficht outboards that used this fuel in their boats, (during the late 90's), did not have carbon related piston and ring damage that plagued the other owners of the same engines. So if you are burning Chevron fuel on a regular basis in your Honda, you are getting this additive in your fuel. You have a nice day, and keep burning that 87 octane fuel. -----Greg

blane

It's a marvel and a mystery to me why there is such obsessive compulsiveness by one contributor to this board for snake oil. Just read the owner's manuals published by virtually all automobile manufacturers over the last few decades and you will see a consistant pattern. They advise motorists to NOT add anything to their oil or fuel. It's a total waste of money, as is using fuel with a higher octane rating than the engine was designed for.

jrock80

My '03 Accord shows a significant improvement in performance when it is run on Shell 93 octane fuel over 87. Even though 87 is adequate, since the new '03 engines have additioanl knock sensors, they are able to take advantage of higher octane fuel. The current I-4 accord and old V6 is/was not able to do this. For the heck of it I also added a bottle of MMO to my fuel before my last trip and I returned home getting 34MPG city/highway mix in Pittsburgh PA. Now if any of you know Pittsburgh, its ALL hills. 4 people in the car and about 200lbs of goods in the truck from shopping, etc. Fuel and an additive in my opinion really can make a differance, in performance, mileage, and overall longevity of the engine.

vadp

What does the owners manual say?
Was V6 designed to run on the higher octane?
If the engine wasn't designed (I don't know and this is why I ask) to run on the higher than 87 octane gas then you won't get any extra power or better mileage, a knock sensor or not.

jrct9454

...let's not go down this road...again...

auburn63

Honda says no, Refer to your Owner's Manual for the pump octane number recommended for your Honda. Use of a lower-octane gasoline than recommended can cause a persistent, heavy metallic rapping noise in the engine that can lead to mechanical damage.Knock sensors do try and adjust for this but they do so at a cost to the long term and short term fuel delivery controls and the overall emission control.
   Using more expensive, higher-octane fuel will not increase your vehicle's performance or longevity. It only increases the cost of operating your vehicle.
   Honda does recommend gasolines containing detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and engine deposits.
   In Canada, some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing additive called MMT. If you use such gasolines, your emission control system performance may deteriorate and the "Malfunction Indicator Lamp" on your instrument panel may turn on.

gregoryc1

Thank you for your posting. I agree with you 100%! ----Greg

inkie

greg,
    Since you took my ribbing with a sense of humor I will give you a heads up on another product that you may be interested in. You add it to outboards, diesels, gasoline engines its called Kreen made by the well known Kano Laboratories in Nashville, TN. www.kanolabs.com. I happen to be a chemist and I use a lot of their products and I know many duck hunters that use Kreen in their outboards and they swear by it.I personally do not use additives because there is enough of this crap in any good grade of gas but if thats what turns you on go for it! You can ask for a MSDS from Marval and than you will know you are using primarily petroleum distillates.

gregoryc1

Thank you for the information. I am always open to new things in life. Have a nice day.-----PS: You really should consider trying some MM oil. You never know, ---you might like the results. But if you choose not too, ---that is "ok" with me,---- because I will never run out of a steady supply for my vehicles. It has been "great" sharing some information with some "great people". We don't always have to agree. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion about MM oil, -----even though they are wrong!!!! JUST KIDDING" ------Greg

gregoryc1

I checked out KREEN at the Kano Laboratories.Com web site. The price per gallon is $21.85. (This breaks down to $5.46 per Qt.). I can purchase MM oil for $3.00 per Qt. at Pep Boys. The Kreen product description appears to be very similar to MM oil, as it can be used in the fuel and oil to clean rings, valves and fuel injectors. Thanks again for the information. Have a nice day! ---Greg

justin

anyone have any experience with the 03 sedan EX four cylinder with automatic? does it feel more powerful than the 02 EX auto? is it as smooth and efficient? i know a most people say BEWARE when buying a first model year car. i made that mistake with an 01 Civic EX Coupe. do you think Honda has learned its lesson? is the 03 EX sedan going to be reliable for the long run in your opinions? the new engine, isn't really NEW, right? just tweaked? so it should be without issue, right?

and finally, i know that Honda 5 speed autos just plain stink. are we all under the impression that for the Accord EX, it won't be a problem? perhaps at least for the 4 cylinder, since torque isn't an issue....thoughts?

accordmq

Is the Accord balancer shaft oil seal recalled in Canada?

I have a 96 Accord that I imported in to the US in 2000 due to relocation. Although the car have been serviced at Honda dealers, I have not gotten any info from Honda regarding this recall. Only after the recall expiration did I hear about it. Will contact Honda Canada, but guess I'll have to pay for it myself and get the timing belt done at the same time.

imidazol97

Re your post: does a light distillate like XX oil "clean" the rings? Does it survive the combustion process? I can see that it could affect desposits on the intake valves (adding more or reducing them) but I don't see the ability to affect the oil in the compression rings.
Also a radio mechanic says that using a higher octane gasoline than the car is designed for causes additional carbon and deposits. Comment on that?

atlantabenny

Had the 6th gen Accord before the 03, both 4cyl/auto.

1) The 03 is (only) 80 lbs heavier but has more HP and torque per pound of vehicle weight, making the 03 feel more powerful. Shifting is also smoother, the best I've experienced so far in a 4-cyl car (had a 2000 Solara for comparison).
2) Previous gen Accord feels like a less expensive car vs the 03. Less isolated and more noise/vibration/harshness for the previous Accord.
3) There are interior noises in the 03, and none in our 6th gen Accord when new. In the context of the new car's overall value, the pops & creaks might be considered minor.
4) Problems with Honda's recent automatics have been linked with the V6 motors and, I believe, very few 4 cyl engines if at all.

Hope this helps !

isellhondas

PLEASE!!! Stop the MM commercials!

We know you like the stuff even though it's a waste of money along with your 92 octane gas you insist on buying.

My 99 EX V-6 Coupe runs GREAT on 87 octane!

Just give it a break...O.K.?

mikek37

I was experiencing a creaking sound that appeared to be coming from the passenger and driver side top window. Turns out it is the headliner. After inspecting the headliner, it is sagging and coming undone near the windshield. Spoke to my dealer and they will be replacing it. Anyone have their headliner replaced on their 03 accords. If so, how did it turn out? Im a bit hesistant about the whole situation , but Idont want to run into problems in the future. Thanks

mikek37

I personally believe the 03 V6 accords run better with 93 instead of 87. If you look at many higher end V6 models ( BMW, MERCEDES, ACURA, NISSAN) they all state that high octance gas should be used.

Yes, the 03 accord V6 can be run with 87, but that doesn't necessarily mean its the best. Overall, 87 hinders low end performance very slightly ( The ECU retards the spark). Its all about weighing the cost of regular vs super. In the end, I am willing to pay about $50-$100 more a year, with a slight increase in performance.

Greg, no more MMO oil vodoo.. thanks

autonuts

Could anyone advise me on the rack and pinion on this car. I took it in for a routine maintenance check and the mechanic said it is showing signs of leakage around the seals on the rack and pinion? I'm not very familiar with this part of the car. Would someone explain this? Also, the car has 137,000mi. on it and runs/steers fine. Should I get this fixed? What kind of price are we talking to get it fixed? What is the worst thing that could happen if I decide not to get it fixed? Thanks to all!

jrct9454

...the rack was leaking at 40k miles, so consider yourself lucky. I chose to ignore it, and add a little power steering fluid as needed [use only the official Honda stuff from your dealer's parts dept]. With a car that has the miles yours has, I would be even more inclined to live with a mild steering leak than spend the money to fix it. Just keep an eye on the reservoir and don't let it get below the proper mark.