Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options

Honda Accord (1998-2002) Maintenance and Repair

1…3435373940…45

Comments

  • Options
    bajajoesbajajoes Member Posts: 48
    If your car is used on gravel or dirt roads even occasionaly it would not be advisable or cost effective but if you are one whose car hasn't seen dirt or gravel roads since it was built and you want to increase miles or time between changes it might work well for you.
    Long haul truckers like it especially well.

    :)
  • Options
    rapriderraprider Member Posts: 42
    I have a 2000 Accord Coupe V6 with about 85k miles. In the past 2 weeks, it has been giving me intermittent trouble starting. For instance, 2 weeks ago, it started fine in the morning and I drove to the office (6 miles). In the afternoon, I got in the car and it turned over but then stalled out. I was unable to get it started again. Its not the battery (2 years old), since it was definitely cranking, and all acc's worked fine. When the AAA guy showed up, he fiddled with the battery cables a bit, said there was some corrosion, and it started up okay after that.

    Everything was fine for about a week, then last Saturday the same problem, this time in a restaurant parking lot. Crank, catch, stall. I opened the hood, wiggled the cables a bit, and it started up.

    Everything was again fine for about a week, until yesterday afternoon. I drove to work in the a.m., left after an hour to go to the dentist, and then came back to work an hour later. After work, the car didn't even turn over this time, just cranked. I fiddled with the cables again, disconnected them from the battery, wiped the terminals clean, re-attached the cables, and nothing. Just crank. Had to have the car towed to my mechanic. Spoke with him today, and he's been able to start it with no problem several times through the day.

    Not sure where to look. Any ideas/suggestions?
    Thanks,
    Rap

    p.s. Apologies, but I had posted this in the Accord Starting/Stalling forum before I found this one...
  • Options
    elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    May be the fuel pump main relay. The relays will usually give you more trouble when it's hot inside the car. Just guessing. :confuse: Good luck finding the problem.
  • Options
    dmunshowerdmunshower Member Posts: 3
    Rap, I have a 98 accord 6 cyl and had the same problem for 2 years. I recently have my transmission rebuilt and the mechanic was checking the computer to see what code the car was giving for the transmission problem. What he discovered was a strange code so he rebooted the computer to clean out this code and low and behold I haven't had the problem in 2 months. So my suggestion is to have Honda reboot your computer first before they start talking about changing ignition or fuel injectors or anything else mechanical.
  • Options
    rapriderraprider Member Posts: 42
    My mechanic had no problems starting the car yesterday, of course! I asked to leave it overnight and have him check again. This morning, same deal. :confuse:

    So I said "I was checking some things on the Edmunds forum, and someone suggested the fuel pump relay...can you check that out?" He said he would, and when he went to move the car again, it didn't start, :surprise: so he checked into the relay (told me it's not specific to the fuel pump, just a main relay) and replaced it, and is starting fine. For now! ;)

    Thanks for your help!
    Rap
  • Options
    snukesnuke Member Posts: 81
    Don't you just love it when your car finally acts up on the mechanic and not just on you. Glad to know your problem has been resolved.
  • Options
    elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    You might want to have your fingers crossed, when you start it, for a few days. ;) I hope it's the true cause, but only time will tell.
  • Options
    bajajoesbajajoes Member Posts: 48
    I would like to know what posters on this forum feel is the appropriate time or miles to change/flush coolant in their Accords??
    Not necessarily one book answer but what you as owners feel is the correct time vs mileage to change/flush coolant? (50-50 mix)
    I realize that duration may change with time/miles and type of use your Accord recieves. Also different types of coolant?
    :confuse:
  • Options
    mitchfloridamitchflorida Member Posts: 420
    I just did mine at 75,000 miles. It is also better I think to do a drain and replace coolant every year or so, as opposed to doing a coolant flush. Keeps it cleaner and costs about half as much.
  • Options
    blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Drain and fill every 4 years with Honda brand Coolant.
  • Options
    jodar96jodar96 Member Posts: 400
    First learn how to do it yourself......

    Flush the Honda coolant out and use Prestone anitfreeze ($10 at Walmart). Do the flush every other year regardless of the mileage. Use 50/50 distilled water and antifreeze.

    Joe
  • Options
    bajajoesbajajoes Member Posts: 48
    Your remark about distilled water is interesting. I had heard about using it but am not knowledgeable about its benefits.
    Can you expand about distilled water/coolant in radiators?

    :)
  • Options
    elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    I did a simple drain (block and radiator) and fill at 45k miles (4 years). I will do it again every 30k miles (3 years). The owner's manual says 100k miles before the first change :surprise: , but I didn't want to wait that long (better safe than sorry). I used Honda coolant (no Prestone for me).
  • Options
    mitchfloridamitchflorida Member Posts: 420
    Do you really think Honda makes its own coolant? They just paste their name on Prestone or Peak coolant and double the price to the customer. Same thing with their "special sauce" motor oil.
  • Options
    mitchfloridamitchflorida Member Posts: 420
    Unlike tap water, distilled water is free of mineral deposits and prevents algae or other growths.

    I wonder if the average auto service shop uses tap water or distilled water. Hopefully the latter, but lots of businesses tend to cut corners. Does anyone want to hazard a guess.
  • Options
    elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    The oil is really Mobil Clean 5000 brand. I do believe the Honda coolant, brake, and transmission fluids were developed by Honda, for their engines, brakes, and transmissions. Honda's coolant is pre-mixed, so you don't have to add any kind of water, and it's no more expensive than Prestone.
  • Options
    jodar96jodar96 Member Posts: 400
    Honda coolant which is 50/50 is about $20 a gallon. First of all, whoever that came up with 50/50 PRE MIX coolant idea is a genius since people have been ripped off ever since. Even at Walmart....50/50 for $8.99, straight Antifreeze for $10.99. I wonder which one is more economical....

    They are charging twice as before and calling it convienence. In Honda with automatic transmission, I will use their fluid. But for coolant, Prestone would do. For power steering fluid, I would use after market brand that says for Honda.

    Joe
  • Options
    jodar96jodar96 Member Posts: 400
    Between Aug 1-30, you can buy a five quart Penzoil synthetic jug for $20 with a $15 Walmart gift card mail in rebate. That makes the synthetic oil $1.00 a quart.

    If you do not like Walmart....never mind.
  • Options
    elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    Honda coolant which is 50/50 is about $20 a gallon.

    Honda coolant is $11.87 at HanAaccessories. I will pay the extra couple bucks for it, because there is no question about compatibility.
  • Options
    blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    It ain't about best price:It's about best for your Honda. It's particulary important to use the Honda brand Coolant and ATF. Hated to see the #18 car win,Elroy,but I have to admit, the guy can drive.
  • Options
    kym28kym28 Member Posts: 5
    Hi I hope someone can help me out with this one... My Accord '02 V6 is having a little trouble. I tried to start the car but it wont stay on. It goes something like this, everythings catches at first and then there is a little shake and the car is off but the lights in the dashboard are on. I tried it again but this time not it won't even start, please help.
  • Options
    bajajoesbajajoes Member Posts: 48
    My 2001 Accord Coupe has developed rattles/squeaks that seem to be coming from the moon roof.
    I want to ask if anyone on the Forum has run across this problem and possible solutions.
    :D
  • Options
    kym28kym28 Member Posts: 5
    I have an '02 V6 with the same problem and I went to the dealer and asked what the problem could be because it is embarrassing sitting in a parking lot and the car won't start. They told me it might be the starter they explained it the same way you did about your car (same with mine), they said the only way to truely pin-point that is really the problem is to get it to do it more often. So from what I am understanding they want me to wait until I am truely stuck and then they can fix it.

    If your mechanic finds something different please share cause I am in the same boat.
  • Options
    hondamomma1hondamomma1 Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2000 honda accord lx. My horn has stopped working. I checked the fuses and all looks good. I have not noticed anything else stopping. My car was repo'd recently and when I got it back the horn was not working. I thought they might have disconnected something but do not see anything out of the ordinary. Any Ideas?
  • Options
    bajajoesbajajoes Member Posts: 48
    Does your car have an alarm system?

    It may have been disabled when they took it.

    :shades:
  • Options
    hondamomma1hondamomma1 Member Posts: 3
    yes, it does have the factory alarm on it. I called and asked if they disconnected anything but of course they said no. I don't even know where to look for that.
  • Options
    bajajoesbajajoes Member Posts: 48
    Does the alarm work when you press the Red Panic bar on your key fob?
    Press and Hold for a couple seconds.

    The lights should flash and the horn should sound.

    If it works just press the door lock to stop.

    :shades:
  • Options
    hondamomma1hondamomma1 Member Posts: 3
    No the horn does not work if the panic button is pressed. The lights flash but no sound...
  • Options
    bajajoesbajajoes Member Posts: 48
    OK, If you have checked the wire to the horn and fuses and found nothing it would seem you need a pro.

    Maybe someone on this forum can suggest something.

    Good luck.

    :)
  • Options
    bajajoesbajajoes Member Posts: 48
    From your description of inital start and then shutdown one possible culprit is the
    Main Relay Assmbly(PGM-EFI).
    I have not dealt with this problem only researched your description of what was happening. It was stated as a Common problem on Hondas.
    From the info I saw this item was behind the dash panel push button of the Cruise Control in older Accords. (Left of Steering column).
    http://techauto.awardspace.com
    pull up site and see what you think.
    :)
  • Options
    rapriderraprider Member Posts: 42
    My mechanic replaced the relay and I've had no problems since (fingers crossed)!

    FWIW, it was an $80 part, plus labor, for a total of about $120, not to mention the $40 I had to pay for the tow!!!

    Rap
  • Options
    Mike_R1957Mike_R1957 Member Posts: 10
    I've got a 99 Accord with nearly 147K that I'm wanting to sell, but is using oil like crazy, I'm talking a quarter every 300-500 miles. It doesn't seem to be leaking anywhere. Any advice? I've been using 5W30 weight oil. Could it be the rings? If so, what kind of money for that type of repair?
  • Options
    Mike_R1957Mike_R1957 Member Posts: 10
    I meant to say a quart of oil every 300-500 miles. Yesterday, I picked up a quart of the Lucas Oil stabilizer and will see if that helps. The guys at the auto parts store said that using a lot of oil is very normal for higher mileage Hondas. They also suggested going to a heavier weight oil.
  • Options
    Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    You can have a Cylinder Leakdown Test performed and this will tell you exactly what's going on. Could be many things, some serious, some not as serious.
  • Options
    riffraffriffraff Member Posts: 6
    My 1999 Honda Accord Coupe LX with V6 vtech engine, will not start sometimes... I go to start it and it will not crank and sometimes if it does crank, it's a rough idle, then shut down and then it won't crank for four our five more attempts. More commonly, i've noticed that it happens after I fuel up. I'll get gas and odds are, it will hesitate, stall or do the rough idle and shut down deal. I'll keep trying and eventually, it will start, but only after about multiple attempts. I should confess that my check engine light is on... last time I had other work performed the dealer diagnosed and suggested I have the EGR valve replaced and the intake manifold cleaned and sleeved. I opted to get my timing belt, all other engine belts and throttle control valve sorted instead. Needless to say, I didn't have any coin left to take care of the check engine/EGR/intake manifold deal at that time. Anyway, the rough idle starts is cramping my style, so I'm going to take care of it next week. However, I'm fishing for solutions online. Since it occurs when I fuel up I was thinking to replace the fuel cap. All answers welcomed. Thank you.
  • Options
    zendaozendao Member Posts: 3
    I have a few questions that I hope someone can answer.

    I have a 2002 Honda Accord Ex. It current has approximately 74,400 miles and its seven years old. After a routine oil change, I was recently told by Honda maintenance that the timing belt will need to be changed. The standard maintenance schedule for belt replacement is 7 years or 105K miles.

    I was given a quote of $895 to change the timing belt (only?) from one Honda dealership. Another one said that it will be $1,000 (replacing two drive belts, the timing belt, water pump and run valve adjustments).

    1. SInce I only have 74,000 miles, can I delay replacing the timing belt and if so for how long?

    2. Should I replace the timing belt only or should I replace the other parts as mentioned above?

    3. Do I have to go with Honda? Is it possible to get a better price and same service from places like Midas, Sullivan Tires, Meineke?

    4. If I go with someone other than Honda, what kind of questions should I ask and are they suppose to use Honda parts for replacements?
  • Options
    elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    You could probably put the timing belt off, for a little while, but I would not wait too long. All those parts and valve adjustment should be done at the same time (while they have everything apart for the timing belt change). You could probably get a better price from another shop, but I would suggest they use Honda parts. Just my opinion.
  • Options
    riffraffriffraff Member Posts: 6
    I didn't change my belts until 185K on my 1999 Honda Accord coupe, so that's a testament to the reliability and durability of Honda automobiles. On the otherhand, maybe I just got lucky. So with that in mind, follow the service manual guide or at least get it done by the 100K mark.

    Also, be advised that in some circles it's recommended to get the water pump replaced at the time of the belt replacement b/c it costs just as much to have the water pump replaced should it fail at a later date. [ The water pump is located within the timing belt repair ]

    I've always had my car serviced by Honda b/c I don't trust other service centers. I've heard one too many horror stories when it comes to getting your car serviced by so called " Honda Specialists. " Also, in my area, Honda doesn't charge more than others - so far, it's actually been less than others - I use to go to Walmart for oil changes, but they stripped the hex head on my oil pan bolt, so I get my oil changed at Honda as well.

    Note: I have serviced my brake pads and rotors when needed, b/c I know how to do it and the savings is significant. All else is Honda.
  • Options
    jodar96jodar96 Member Posts: 400
    Letting the timing belt go for 185K miles as one person here did is not wise. It has nothing to do with how great Honda is. It has to do with aging and exposure to heat, cold, and wear. Honda does not make the belt anyway.

    With 75K miles, I would let it go to its 100K mile interval. Over $800 for timing belt job is too high if your Accord is 4 cylinder. For V-6, it is about right. I am sure they are replacing the timing belt, belt tensioner, water pump, and the coolant.

    My local Honda dealer charged $250 to replace the timing belt on my 2001 Accord 4 cylinder with 122K miles. He checked the water pump and did not replace it. He said there was no sign of seepage that warranted its replacement.

    Muffler shops can't replace timing belts. Ask around and find a reputable independent shop that works on Japanese cars and get a quote. Also even Honda dealers occasionally have decent specials on timing belt replacements.

    Joe
  • Options
    riffraffriffraff Member Posts: 6
    Please don't twist my words and piggyback my post with criticism and echoes. Where did I say it was wise to wait until 185K to change your timing belt? I never stated that, nor did I imply it. I stated that I had the original belt replaced at 185K, just as you stated that you went 122K before replacing yours. I then advised the creator of this post to follow the maintenance within the owners manual or to at least replace the belt by 100K, of which you echoed [You felt the need to parrot the 100K service advice for some reason(?)]

    Anyway, the fact that the belt lasted for 185K [122K in your case] is a testament to the quality of Honda automobiles. I mean, forget the timing belt, cos' in most cases, entire cars don't last much beyond 100K.

    Everybody and their grandpa knows that Honda's and Toyota's rule when it comes to durability, reliability, efficiency and longevity. Hey, and who cares whether Honda makes the belt or not? I don't care if Betty Crocker makes it b/c at the end of the day, the belt lasted 185K [122K in your case] in a Honda Accord.

    Good day, Sir :mad:
  • Options
    thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I'd get it done soon, but f you needed a few months to save up for it, I doubt you'll have trouble doing so. I paid $478 to my trusted mechanic to have the timing belt and water pump replaced in my '96 4-cylinder. He said he'd do the belt for 400 and do the pump at cost. My dealer wanted $850 to do it, and the other local garage I use wanted $720, not including the water pump.
  • Options
    dhtdht Member Posts: 2
    hi folks. this is my first posting. my 02 accord EX is at 284000 and the tranny is slipping. I have had the fluids changed several times and now i have placed in 50% lucas which seems to have helped. I saw the recall and legal issues with the tranny but this was never mentioned to me all these years. The Lucas seems to have helped so far.Is this going to get worse or will it stabelize!
    On an interesting note I had once accidentally placed in diesal fuel which had to be removed. I assume that the fuel tanks was removed and cleaned as it cost about 750 Cd$.Ever since then the car had always stopped when the fuel tank was half empty. I mentioned this several times to the dealership but nothing was ever done. I placed in all kinds of fluid to clean the system but to no avail. I just took it to another independent shop who diagnosed it as a fuel pump issue as opposed to a solonoid.The mech. took the fuel tank apart and found............3 rags left behind in the tank!!!I took it in today and was told that their rags were green not yellow.
    I cant prove these things but see no reason why the mech would create a false situation esp since he signed this observation. Anyways the car runs well and the pick up is nice.Man honda is expensive!!!
  • Options
    blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Does it have Honda brand ATF in it? If not, perform the ATF drain and refill procedure using only Honda brand ATF. It may take 3x to get all the old ATF outta there.
  • Options
    blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    I would get it done at a Honda dealer. Do the area dealers run Inet specials? I got mine done with the water pump,coolant,etal on my 02 v6 at my dealer for about $700. I was at 96k. Now I gotta keep it another 70k or so.
  • Options
    kim84kim84 Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2002 Accord Sedan DX. It has 139 K on it. I had the timing belt replaced at 72K ( I didn't realize you could go to 100K). My mechanic (who replaced it the first time) this I should replace it now before winter (I'm in NH). Should I wait? Should all the belts and water pump be done again?
  • Options
    jodar96jodar96 Member Posts: 400
    I did not twist your words or criticize you. I said " As one person did". I don't know who you are and did not address you directly.

    I just noticed the 185K miles w/o belt replacement and thought that is NOT a good thing for other readers to do.

    I replaced the belt at 122K miles because that is when I bought it. It was used with 122K miles.

    Joe
  • Options
    don_ncdon_nc Member Posts: 9
    Hi,

    I have a 99 ex with leather seats. The drivers seat has a couple cracks that have opened up that are about 1" to 2" in length and maybe 1/8" wide. I've attempted to patch with a kit I got that I mixed up some goop, spread it in the crack, and then applied heat. This didn't work too well (probably due to the person doing the work). Has anyone had good luck repairing or even preventing cracks in the leather seats ? I see other cracks that appear to be getting close to opening up.

    Thanks
  • Options
    mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    Leather treatments like the brand Lexol are designed to help leather from drying out, but once they do and start to crack, I doubt applying leather treatment will help.

    I've seen glues specifically designed for leather, maybe some of that and a temporary piece of packaging tape across the crack to hold together while the glue dries?

    What about those iron-on cloth repair sheets, slip one under the opened crack, hold the crack closed and iron on over the top? I did a pants pocket and the patch held up great. I found the sheets at Walmart near the sewing stuff (man, did that make me feel awkward shopping for that) The patches have some sort of heat activated adhesive which held up great through the dryer. As with the goop patch, watch how much you heat the leather.

    You might try looking for a local auto upholstery shop, maybe they have some sort of repair option that works better.

    I've seen after-market replacement leather seat covers, not cheap, but an option if your going to keep the car for a while and the cracking is objectionable enough to invest in new covers.

    Mrbill
  • Options
    mitchfloridamitchflorida Member Posts: 420
    I had the same problem. There are professionals who can fix it for about $100.. they do that sort of thing for Used Car dealerships.

    I solved my problem differently though. I installed some luxurious custom sheepskin seat covers! They are much more comfortable and they prevent further tearing. I was never really impressed with the quality of the leather in the 1999 Accord anyway . .. :)
  • Options
    kym28kym28 Member Posts: 5
    I have an Ex 2002 V6 and when I had 72,000 miles Honda mechanics told me also to change the timing belt. I just changed my belts at 175,000 (yeah I drive alot) the mechanic at Honda that did my work changed everything all the belts and everything. I personally think it is best to get something like this done at the dealership just because you do have to get everything changed and if in the off case something goes wrong you know they will replace without a whole lot of drama. I always get my work done at dealership so that is my suggestion. My belts were still in good working condition but if you llive in an area that has extreme cold or heat get it done but if it is pretty even on temperatures I say keep going until you definitely have money, cause for v6 engines by the time tax is added it will be close to if not a $1000.00.
    Oh Yeah that quote for $895 is for everything all the belts and that other part you need.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles