Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options

Honda Accord (2003-2007) Maintenance and Repair

1…8788909293…117

Comments

  • crazygrrrlcrazygrrrl Member Posts: 85
    Running premium in a car designed for regular is just a waste of money. I just use top tier gas: Chevron, 76, Conoco, Texaco, and others.

    I also heard that putting Marvel Mystery Oil in your gas or oil could benefit, but I have not tried this myself. I can never seem to find it, but I would like to try it.

    I'm currently getting 29 - 31 mpg in the Accord and 22-25 mpg in the Firebird. I wonder how much, if any, the mpg would increase?

    Anyone try Marvel Mystery Oil?
  • tankbeanstankbeans Member Posts: 585
    I've been stuck 21-24 in my Accord since winter started. Hopefully it'll rebound back up to 28 this summer. Although I have to say the combined MPG for my model year 2003 is spot on. My overall average taken since last march is 25 and change.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,669
    MMO

    I can't see any reason to use it. It's essential thin oils. It's owned by Turtle Wax, you know. At least it was a few years back when I checked into what was in it. There used to be a fellow recommending it in every post

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    I use a good detergent gas (87 octane), good oil (changed regularly), and a bottle of "Techron" twice a year. I can't complain about the results, and I don't see the need for other oil/fuel additives. There are a million additives out there, and just as many claims of added performance and durability.
    To each, his own.
  • tankbeanstankbeans Member Posts: 585
    I might have to go out and find some "Techron." Is it in auto parts stores only or might I find it at Wal-Mart?
  • jeffa2jeffa2 Member Posts: 7
    You'll find Techron at Wal-Mart and other auto parts stores.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    Yes, Wally World has it.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,669
    Walmart has 12 oz size for up to 12 gallons. Pepboys, advance auto, autozone and others including Meijers discount stores (like Target and Walmart in upper midwest) have it. Watch for sales, rebates, etc. Autozone just finished a rebate of $7.95 per bottle up to two bottles when the price was $7.95. I think Walmart is $5.95 for same 12 oz bottle. Don't overfill tank if using 12 oz size. Or just put in half of a second bottle. Put in while tank is low when you're ready to fill then add the gas right away.

    It's essentially the additive package of Chevron (Texaco) gasolines. Has been for years. I used it because the mechanic fix it radio show in Cincy recommended it because of Chevron and BMW's use of it early on.

    What you want is called Fuel System Cleaner. Black bottle. There is a similar Techron that says Fuel Injector Cleaner. I believe it's weaker. It's a cheaper price where stores have it.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • bbinspacebbinspace Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 Accord Coupe. The drivers side headlight burnt out. It looks like I have to take out the battery to get my hands in there. Is this correct or is there a better way.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    I think the owner's manual says to go through the fender well. Whether that's better than removing the battery or not, I don't know. Just make sure you have the radio code if you disconnect the battery.
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    Yes, you do go through through the fender in the wheel well. Tankbeans posted the procedure here (I think it was post 4163 but I'm too lazy to go check now) and IIRC, it is also in the owner's manual.

    Someone posted somewhere that you can get to it from under the hood and had a mechanic do just that. Not sure if I read that here though.
  • ezshift5ezshift5 Member Posts: 858
    I have a 2003 Accord Coupe. The drivers side headlight burnt out. It looks like I have to take out the battery to get my hands in there. Is this correct or is there a better way.


    .....classic definition of 'a better way' lost on me ......but the local Honda dealer did it for 10 bucks.

    .....went for a walk, read some car magazines, flirted with the service writer whose striking resemblance to Heather Locklear was sort of intimidating........

    30 minutes later, the sailor was "underway as before." $10 plus the cost of the bulb......................

    works for me,

    best, ez.......
  • grampy1grampy1 Member Posts: 140
    I don't have the owner's manual handy,but was wondering if anyone could tell me what Honda recommends,flush,or drain?

    2007 Accord SE V6 auto
    Thanks
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    The owner's manual says to change the transmission fluid at 120,000 miles. But some history on Accord's previous V6 transmissions, causes me to change out 3 quarts every 30,000 miles. How dirty/clean the fluid looks at this change, should give you an idea if you need to do it sooner or later next time. There is a filter too (top secret). I changed my filter at 60,000 miles, on my 03 V6. Some things did change between 03 and 07.
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Drain and fill only with Honda ATF.
  • grampy1grampy1 Member Posts: 140
    Thanks
  • 2007accord12007accord1 Member Posts: 4
    I have recently bought 2007 Honda Accord LX SE with 60000 miles on it. I had the user car inspection done at Midas and came out clean with brakes being good etc..

    Now I am having this problem that When I press brakes at speeds above 40mph I am hearing little squealing sound coming from front brakes on left hand side.. Is it due to some debris on the rotors? It is mostly happening when I brake at higher speeds.Do I need to do anything. I am planning to take it back to Midas and see if they can tell me different now from the Inspection report..

    Please advise..

    Thanks
    Kushal
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Get the annual inspections done at the Honda dealer. Dealers are looking for work and will give a much better inspection for no additional cost.
  • jhuckabyjhuckaby Member Posts: 14
    I have an '05 Accord, and got the same message. I am guilty of overtightening things, and what occurred was a tear in the gas cap gasket. I am sure this upset the balance of the fuel system (vacuum, pressure, whatever they call it). They replaced my gas cap under warranty (this occurred within the first year of ownership...bought the car new) and have made it a point to only go one or two clicks. Have not had any more problems with "Check Gas Cap" coming on. Hope this helps. The tear in the gasket was so small I didn't even notice it until they showed it to me.
  • lagapislagapis Member Posts: 1
    Please help. My husband accidentally pitched the owners manual for the car. I just passed the 100000 mile mark on my car. Our local dealership is telling us we need to spend $1000+ on all these maintenance items. Can anyone tell me what the suggested 100,000 mile service appointment entails? Is all of this really necessary? Thanks!!
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    You can look up the manufacturer's recommendations here: Maintenance Schedules, Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins.

    Meanwhile, perhaps some others here have suggestions for you.
  • packer3packer3 Member Posts: 277
    Change the timing belt, trans fluid, wires and plugs. thats it
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    The 4 cylinder has no timing belt, so I don't see justification for $1000+ bill. If it was a V6, the timing belt would be more than half of that estimate. Do you have a list of what is included in this maintenance?
  • robgraverobgrave Member Posts: 65
    "THe CCA, etc. on the OEM is borderline. I think the OEM was ~430, and the replacement was ~750-800"

    I have found no replacement options where the CCA is any greater than 500. The 51R model (correct size for the Accord) seems to be pretty much standard for the industry -- probably because they are mostly made by the same manufacturer. Even the exceptional battery, Optima Yellowtop (supposedly a better choice, if you can afford it) is listed at only 450 CCA.

    For my money, what matters most is a battery which keeps its charge when not in use (like, say, parking at the airport for a week.) If Sears made the 51R in a Diehard Platinum, I think I would be willing to pay the premium for it. Unfortunately, they don't -- at least, not yet.
  • rlommbardirlommbardi Member Posts: 30
    need help - the passanger side door lock on my 06 Accord EXL is not working... does not go up or down with the button or with the key flob button...
    is this something easy to fix or do I need to have bring it in to Honda?
    :cry:
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Are you still under warranty? If so, definitely take it to the dealer. It may be an actuator problem.
  • 2007accord12007accord1 Member Posts: 4
    I had the inspection done again at Midas and they were saying the brake pads and rotors on all wheels look good. Mechanic says squeaking sound is okay and I have to live with it (Surprisingly)

    OR They told me I can have rotors rotated and put Ceramic pads on it to reduce the Squeaking but they are not guaranteeing anything

    Please advise,,

    Kush
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    I would take it to the Honda dealer,tell them about the issue, and see what they say. I would prefer Honda to do any required brake work vs. Midas.
  • temj12temj12 Member Posts: 450
    Just had the same thing on the passenger side. Dealer did it free--took three minutes. I bought the bulb and the service writer installed it himself. He did not remove the battery--just reached in the front fender through the hood. I have an '05.
  • temj12temj12 Member Posts: 450
    I have an '05 manual 4 and I changed it at 60,000 and will do so again at 90,000. I should have done it at 30,000. I mistakenly thought that the manual did not have to be changed like the automatic, but not true. My service manager is always truthful with me about what needs to be done or not done. He strongly recommends it. Given Honda's problem with their automatics going bad at or around the 100,000 mile mark, I would especially do it.
  • temj12temj12 Member Posts: 450
    First of all, I would never use some side group to replace them. I would only use Honda. You are most likely hearing the brake dust getting on the rotors. If so, not a problem. I just don't trust groups like Midas.
  • ssa2000ssassa2000ssa Member Posts: 2
    Got an 05 Accord

    Ok so I ran outside in the 11 degree weather now to go to the store and I could not unlock the doors. The remote nor the key in driver's side would work. One click, two click, 10 clicks - nothing! With the key in, I can do full turn counterclockwise but maybe can only get it turned 45 degrees clockwise. I knew there was a way to open the windows with the key in so I tried holding the key counterclockwise - but to no avail. Trunk opens!!! Last was in the car fine with no problems maybe 10 hours ago when it was up near 30 degrees. Any ideas?
  • buyahomebuyahome Member Posts: 26
    This one is easy. I had the same thing. There is "something" that freezes. The relay "clicks" as you say. It "sounds" like it is unlocking but it doesn't. An easy way to solve the problem is remote start. Once it warms up it opens easily. Should it be the answer? Of course not. I brought it to Honda to open the panel and lube the parts inside, but even then I occasionally had the problem. I don't think using the high pressure washer made the situation any better for me. Lately I haven't had the problem, even without using the remote start, so maybe the lubing of the internal parts of the door helped. Good Luck. Think Spring.
  • ssa2000ssassa2000ssa Member Posts: 2
    Well it is about 35 this afternoon and locks/unlocks as normal. I am hoping the real cold was it.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I've not heard about any 4-cylinder Accord automatics with a problem. The 2003-2004's had a problem, and the warranty was greatly extended, and a fix was put in place in early 2004.
  • temj12temj12 Member Posts: 450
    You may well be right about that. I have had people tell me that that was the weakness of the car on more than one occasion. I had a friend with a 2002 Accord and his transmission went out at 100,000 miles, however Honda replaced it. A month ago, I purchased a new car for my wife (not a Honda). I considered either trading in hers or my Accord. He told me that it was a good thing that I had the 5 speed stick because the automatic transmission was their weak point. In the end, I let hers go and not my Honda.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,326
    Robgrave, I thought the Accord was a group 24 also (like my Odyssey). But I will need to check that later on!

    So maybe the Accord size doesn't come with quite the CCA and reserve capacity of the 24 that went into my van

    In any case, the Everstart Maxx (walmart) has been great, and is the best deal around. CR even gave it top marks (and featured it in the auto issue that just came).

    I seem to have nursed my '05 through the winter, although it was real weak sounding starting the car the last couple of days after work. I don't think it would crank it in the morning after a couple of low-teens days if I didn't park in the garage!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • robgraverobgrave Member Posts: 65
    "I seem to have nursed my '05 through the winter, although it was real weak sounding starting the car the last couple of days after work. I don't think it would crank it in the morning after a couple of low-teens days if I didn't park in the garage! "

    It seems to be a problem with newer cars (and not just Hondas) that the battery weakens over time during winter months. The AAA guy who got me jump-started last week told me he's had many 2009's this season with the same problem. His advice: drive the car more often, and take longer trips! (My 2006 has only 10,000 miles on it.)
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,326
    Well, mine is a 2005 that has seen 4 winters, and it was dead as a rock before I bought it from sitting. So combined with the fact that IMO Honda OEM batteries are marginal at best (OK, crappy), I probably got my moneys worth out of it!

    Might have only lasted this long since my commute is 85miles/day since last sumemr (before that mostly short hop local), so it does get pelnty charged doing 2,500+ miles/month!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • 2007accord12007accord1 Member Posts: 4
    I took it to the Honda Dealer and he is also saying the same that 65% brake pads have been left and rotors also have been decent shape..

    The Pads are Ceramic and he is saying it is common to have that squaeling sound and have to live with it..

    OR he is suggesting to put new pads/rotors surfaced and see if this goes away..That is $230 worth..

    I am in dilemma now..

    Thanks
    Kush
  • robgraverobgrave Member Posts: 65
    "... IMO Honda OEM batteries are marginal at best (OK, crappy)..."

    I'm not so sure about that, stickguy. It's probably true that you can get a just-as-good battery for less (particularly if you install it yourself). Which batteries are actually better, well, opinions vary. As I said in a previous post, the same manufacturer appears to produce them, branding them differently.

    It's the quality of the lead plates that's supposed to make the essential difference. "Pure lead?" "Virgin lead?" I've seen those claims in promotionals for premium-priced batteries. Is it just hype? I haven't the expertise to judge.
  • rhard49rhard49 Member Posts: 226
    The Battery in my 04 exl v6 lasted all of 25 months , Honda picked up the labor to replace it and I paid for the battery, wow what sports, my biggest gripe was the original is way under capacity and when you looked at the owners manual they told you the policy was to replace this little POS with a 100 month behemoth, which it should of had in the first place. I had 3 Honda's in 7 years finally I gave up on the brand I liked most everything about the cars, but began to feel they were nickel and diming you on build quality, Bad batteries, Dim flickering headlights, brake warping, Cheap crap that said time to move on.
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Decide to live with the squeak till you need brakes, or, let the Honda dealer do the work and the annual inspections in the future.
  • ilyseilyse Member Posts: 1
    I read someone had trouble with the passenger side door lock. The other day, my mother could not open the door. It was stuck and the key fob didn't work, nor could I open it from the outside. Guess what was wrong???? I noticed the lock looked a bet lopsided - you're right! It needed to be screwed in a bit. That was all, so please try that. They are merely screwed in. I have a feeling that passengers fiddle with that more than we do on the driver's side. just try to screw it downwards. Voila. Anyway that was my fix. I hope if works for you
  • rlommbardirlommbardi Member Posts: 30
    thank you for the tip - I will try it ....... This is why I love this Forum - people helping people.....
    we need to stick together - Thanks Rick - from the Windy City area...
  • jwoodcarouseljwoodcarousel Member Posts: 1
    I was driving home from work. Once I left I was accelerating and all of a sudden my RPM spiked up to the #3 to almost #4. I was slowly pushing the gas down and my car wouldn't accelerate or change gears. It felt like I was in neutral but I wasn't. Then later on in the trip back to my home the problem slowly didn't happen anymore.

    Please keep in mind that I have to go get my car fix because the Honda Dealership found that I have to fix my "EGR insuffiecient flow" which they said a "EGR pipe kit" would do.

    Could the EGR problem that I current have be the problem on the RPM? Or is there another problem to my car? Any pointers!!!
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    2007 Accord EX 5 speed stick w/~23k miles

    I plugged in my phone charger and went to the gym and go inside. Come back out, drive home and realize the phone isn't charging. Tried the other lighter plug. Tried the other phone and phone charger, then tried the ipod charger..nothing nada zilch.

    I haven't checked fuses yet, but I thought if the lighter plugs didn't work something else would be out too.
  • temj12temj12 Member Posts: 450
    The charge outlets do not charge on a Honda when the engine is not running. They do on my Big Three automobiles. I don't like that, but that is a Honda thing.
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    The charge outlets do not charge on a Honda when the engine is not running. They do on my Big Three automobiles. I don't like that, but that is a Honda thing.

    Car is on on and running, still no go on the charge ports.

    I think they don't want you to run the battery dead, but that is not the issue I am having.
  • temj12temj12 Member Posts: 450
    My bad! I now understand your post. Obviously, you have another problem. I just did not read your post carefully enough.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles