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Honda Accord (2003-2007) Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116

    The car is almost 7 years old. Was wondering if anyone out there thinks it would be worth it or wise to replace the spark plugs? Fuel economy has dropped but the car only has 83,000 kms on it. I've heard the NGK plugs last until 160,000 kms. Thoughts? or is replacing plugs a waste of time?


    Spark plugs start degrading the first time they are used. Contemporary plugs use much stronger materials for the electrode and the tip that can conduct much better. They are also designed to withstand the hotter engine temps. The vehicle electronics are sophisticated enough to compensate for wear patterns on the plugs, and can "reverse fire" to help keep them clean.

    All this said, for the $15 and 30 minutes to change your plugs, I wouldn't hesitate to change them. I don't know that you will feel an increase in power or not, but the car will run better/be happier and have to compensate less for electronics. I would replace them with the exact same plug.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    The long-life iridium tipped NGK or Denso plugs are about $12 each, so it will cost about $50 for 4. You can get them at most auto parts stores. If you were thinking about replacing them with a cheaper plug, imo you would be better off leaving the originals in there for the duration.
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    I would change them out at 7 years. Replace them with the oem plug. NGK platinum? Use anti seize compound and carefully torque them. You are good for another 6/7 years.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    The platinum cost less than the iridium plugs, but they are not "long life" (100k mile) plugs..
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    I'm not the wrench that you are,E. I therefore practice "defensive wrenching". I just put back what came out. Lol. Enjoy the race.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    I just put back what came out.

    I'm pretty sure the original plugs are Iridium tipped. The platinum plugs have the same part #, but are not "long life" 100k mile plugs. If I was going to replace the original iridiums with platinum, I would not do it until 100k miles.
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    My '02 had the platinums. They were spec'd to change at 105k. I changed 'em at 90k and 2 of them were tight. 6 year change interval in the future for me. Honda may have switched to iridiums in '03. I just don't want to take a chance on seized plugs.
  • sockpuppet1969sockpuppet1969 Member Posts: 308
    The information display above the vents/Nav screen on my 2003 EX-L NAV has gone out. It will come back on if you press down on it or give it a good whack but only briefly. This problem has come on gradually but it is almost always out now.

    Has anyone else had this problem? What is required to fix it - a bulb? it is almost acting like a loose wire.

    Thanks in advance.
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    If it were a bulb, it wouldn't come back on. Sounds like something is loose. That's a long way up there... it can't be very easy to reach. :sick:
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    Honda Accord Display Issue

    I think this is mostly related to the non-nav radio display...
  • tom1956tom1956 Member Posts: 1
    I have a problem with my radio display not lighting up.
    Is there a fuse to fix this or does anyone know what the problem could be?
    The radio and everything works but the display does not light up

    Thanks
  • sockpuppet1969sockpuppet1969 Member Posts: 308
    Thanks lilengineerboy. A defective circuit board makes the most sense - I bet that is it. Doubt it is covered at 120K miles though. I'll have to look into how difficult it is to change yourself. That display is really high up there though - probably a [non-permissible content removed] to get to.
  • nrcanadanrcanada Member Posts: 1
    Hi, I am looking at buying a 2005 Honda Accord DX Sedan. Is there any concerns or known issues that I should be aware of? Your advise and feedback is appreciated. Thanks Nick
  • janinajanina Member Posts: 4
    There was a recall for this problem I believe...I have a 2003 that this happened to and it was replaced for free...
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Not really. :)

    I have an 06 EX, and other than some interior issues (CD changer malfunction, bad-from-factory rear-view mirror, console fabric coming apart) its been stellar. Reliability is tops; quality is good if not perfect.

    After 52,000 miles, if I had it to do over again, I would. That says something to me. :)
  • wise1wise1 Member Posts: 91
    My 2007 SE has paint from ??? on it. I tried rubbing baby oil on the paint with some success but not all of it came off. Someone must have slightly rubbed it coming out of a parking space?? Its on the door guard and on the crease on the lower panels of the car on the drivers side. Any suggestions on what will take off paint without damaging the paint of my car??? :sick: :sick: :sick:
  • bav_fan07bav_fan07 Member Posts: 68
    Try gentle vitamin e enriched nail polish remover. Worked for me for many things including paint. Just use it gently and make sure you get the car wxed afterwards. Good luck.
  • buyahomebuyahome Member Posts: 26
    I would buy some mineral spirits ( paint thinner) and try a little bit on a door jamb or somewhere that is not in plain site. If it doesn't hurt paint, gently rub some on the paint a d see if it works. If there is a lot of paint in it, try original formula Easy Off oven cleaner. Wipe on let sit and hose off. Then polish.
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    I've always used "cleaning" types of car polish. The ones that renew the finish have a mild abrasive.

    Mrbill
  • grampy1grampy1 Member Posts: 140
    Nu Finish scratch doctor clear coat scratch remover has worked for me. Try Auto Zone,or some auto supply house
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    My 2007 SE has paint from ??? on it

    Yes, a good polish will probably take it off. Probably no need to go nuts with something heavy-duty. A fine polish will probably do the trick.
  • sockpuppet1969sockpuppet1969 Member Posts: 308
    I called American Honda today who told me no recall or anything else on the information display. Basically said I am SOL.
  • joltjolt Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2005 Accord with 40000 miles.The engine light just came on,I recently had the right hand blinker go out.It took several hours to locate the problem.After 4 hours the Honda Dealership found a faulty blinker relay switch.Now 4 weeks later my light comes on.Anyone with any experience on the subject know what I might be getting into at the dealership when I take it in?Does this light cover anything that might be wrong ? Ty
  • rlommbardirlommbardi Member Posts: 30
    Need help with the door lock - the automatic door locks work on all doors except the passenger ...it this something that is easy to fix? rl :confuse:
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    The VERY FIRST thing you should do is go to AutoZone and have the code read for free. A dealer will charge $50-$75 most likely to simply diagnose the code. AutoZone diagnosed mine for free. An O'Reilly or Advance Auto will probably do the same thing. Get the code read first though, save your $$$ :shades:

    Good luck, and hopefully its nothing big. It's very possible that you simply didn't click the gas cap enough. I've done that before and gotten a Check Engine Light. After tightening it and driving a few more trips (maybe 100 miles over 3 or 4 cranks), it went off.
  • joltjolt Member Posts: 2
    Ty for your response.I will go this weekend.I really don,t want to go the dealership anymore.It took them 5 hours to find out why my blinker wasn,t working.I thought they could hook it up to the computer and find quicker than that.I live in California and smog laws are tough here,I don,t think it will pass with an engine light on.Thanks again
  • saxon2nsxsaxon2nsx Member Posts: 19
    My car is slowly getting to that dreadful 100K mark. Before snow falls and mechanics freeze in their bays, I would like to complete this service. I was told that the best approach would be to get what is commonly known as the "Timing Belt Kit", which include the following : Mitsuboshi timing belt, an Aisin water pump w/ gasket, an Aisin hudraulic tension adjuster, a Koyo tensioner bearing, and a Koyo idler bearing. Also, I was informed that T-Belt Tension Adjuster and the regular "belt" should also be replaced. The parts all together come to around $425 + $300 labor.
    My questions are:
    1. Are there other parts that are generally replaced when doing the timing belt?
    2. Am I overdoing this?

    Your 2c are greatly appreciated.

    Saxon :shades:
  • bav_fan07bav_fan07 Member Posts: 68
    Finally gave in and decided to fix the rust problem on the Rear sash's on my '03 Accord. $50 for the parts from Majestic Honda and $120 labor to install it from a private mechanic. half the price from going to the dealership.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,435
    sounds like you got all the pieces coverered, but not having done one myself, I suppose there may be something else to throw in!

    but to answer your question, no, you aren't overdoing it. Most of the small parts are pretty cheap, it is the labor that kills you. So, when it is apart, replace any wear item, gasket, seal, etc. that is either removed to get to the t belt, or exposed when it is all opened up.

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

  • tankbeanstankbeans Member Posts: 585
    When I went in 2 years ago to have the timing belt done in my 95 Accord 4-cyl they replaced the timing belt and water pump along with all other accessory belts. The generation that 95 was a part of had timing belts for 4-cylinder and timing chains for 6-cylinder models. The generation that your car, and my current vehicle for that matter, are switched. 6-cylinder models have the belt while 4-cylinder models have chains.

    Sorry about the little back story, about the cars, that you probably already knew. The $725 that you were quoted is about what I paid for at the dealer in my area.

    And no I don't think you're overdoing this because at 100k the timing belt is usually in need of replacement anyway. Doing it before winter is a good idea because it's done and you won't have to worry about it.

    Any of the more intelligent (ie. more mechanically inclined than I) and insightful posters please add to anything I've already said.
  • hoosier3hoosier3 Member Posts: 1
    I have an 05 Accord. When the temperature drops below 45 degrees my windshield wipers stop working! Any suggestions on why this is happening?
  • tabcourttabcourt Member Posts: 18
    As a matter of fact, so does my '05 CR-V. The Accord has 46,000 miles on it and the CR-V has over 100K. Is it something that the extended warranty will cover (on the Accord, as the CR-V is out of warranty)? Thanks.
  • cmartin411cmartin411 Member Posts: 42
    I have a 2006 EX V6 with about 49K miles. I washed my car this weekend and noticed the black gasket on the outside that surrounds the sunroof has turned white in most spots. I live in Metro Atlanta so I am sure the sun takes it's toll, but has this happened to anyone else's car? Is there a flexible paint that can be applied, or is replacing the only option?

    I guess there is always a black Sharpie. I think I would win some Redneck award if I used the Sharpie though.

    Thanks.
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    Typically rubber stays black all of it's life, even when it's totally rotted and falling apart. I would suspect something is on the rubber, not the rubber turning white.

    Is it possible the gasket just has left over auto paste wax on it?

    Mrbill
  • cmartin411cmartin411 Member Posts: 42
    Wax on it is a good point. It has been several months since I waxed it and have washed it a few times since then. I thought I was careful around the edges when I applied the wax, but perhaps not. I use the liquid Meguiars cleaner wax. I will try and clean it tonight.
  • buyahomebuyahome Member Posts: 26
    On the rubber gaskets you can use a little mineral spirits and a clean cotton rag. Soak the rag lightly with the mineral spirits and ring it out into a small plastic cup or bowl. Then gently clean the rubber with the rag, turning it occasionally so you don't spread the old wax that you are trying to remove. Following the cleaning, use a new rag and apply some WD-40 to the rubber (spray the rag first). It works great to give it a clean, smooth finish with a touch of preserve to condition the rubber. Meguiars Cleaner Wax in the bottle is an easy wax to use, but I found that it doesn't last too long. If you wax often enough it is fine, but if you do it less often, try a good "yellow" paste wax. They have no cleaners, but last a lot longer than the other. Good luck.
  • cmartin411cmartin411 Member Posts: 42
    You are correct - the white residue must have been wax because it came right off when I wiped it. You guys were a great help. Thanks.
  • lbirunnerlbirunner Member Posts: 8
    I have an 04 EX, 4cyl, manual, 97k miles. I've always used Mich's MXV & MXV4. I thought they were good tires. When it came time to switch I was look for a higher performance tire. My son's a mechanic at Firestone, he suggested Falken Ziex from Germany. I went for it. They have about 20k miles on them now and so far I love 'em. They have a max inflation of 45 lbs (I think). I run them at 42 lbs in the front. They are A/A rated tires, I think I paid half of what the Mich's were selling for but they are becoming very popular and I see that prices are climbing.
  • lbirunnerlbirunner Member Posts: 8
    Mine went out also (04). Honda extended the warranty on this part to 100k. They evidently had a problem with it. They replaced mine for free.
    I also noticed improved sound quality with the new one. The stock subwoofer output was much stronger.
  • sockpuppet1969sockpuppet1969 Member Posts: 308
    My 2003 Accord had been displaying a diagnostic trouble code P0420 - Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). I had the catalytic converter replaced to the tune of $1,000 only to have the malfunction indicator light come back on when the weather got cold again. A search by my mechanic on ALLDATA turned up a service bulletin (03-063) dated September 23, 2003. The check engine light is due to the ECM/PCM incorrectly interpreting sensor inputs and firing off the error code. The fix is to have the dealer update the ECM/PCM software using the Honda Interface Module. Had it done today for $93 (1 hr labor at the dealer).
  • tbozzetbozze Member Posts: 3
    Less than 10K. Start up first thing in morning with no problem then drive to gym -- runs a total of 8 mins. Come out of gym 1 hr later and doesn't want to start. Turns over but hesitates starting. Three to four attempts. The usual display lights come but once it starts, no indicator light to tell me what the problem is. Doesn't happen all the time. Night time temperature has been in mid-30-40s. Garage kept but not heated. Any suggestions are appreciated.
  • bav_fan07bav_fan07 Member Posts: 68
    It's hit or miss. Honda's quality is no where near what it used to be. Honda is living off "word of mouth" and loyal customers from the past. If you go to many car complaint websites, you'll see that there are more Honda complaints compared to many other manufacturers. The previous generation (2003-2006) was probably one of the worst generations of Accords in years.

    Honda seriously needs to look at themselves in the mirror and go back to the way they used to be - or a certain Korean manufacturer, that also starts with the letter "H", will one day (if they havn't already) surpass them....
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    The previous generation (2003-2006) was probably one of the worst generations of Accords in years.

    What makes you say that? That generation went to 2007, for the record...

    I think it was one of the best. It had a roomy interior without being a land-barge in exterior size. It was light for its class, making its engines feel like they produce more power than they did. The 4-cylinder models top 35 MPG on the highway at 75 MPH with no special effort to be miserly from the driver's standpoint, due-in part to being the first mainstream midsize sedan to offer 5-speed automatics across the board, at a time when Camry, Altima, etc still used 4-speeds on most models. The interior was absolutely the top of the class in quality, and ergnomically sound as well. Exterior design was a little more daring than the previous generations, but still bland enough as to be unoffensive to most. Early in the model run there were some bugs, but Honda stood by the product, replacing things and expanding warranty mileage into six figures for mileage, when they could've sat by and said "sorry, you've got 37,000 miles on your car - that'll be $xxx please."

    As a 2006 owner, I'm curious to know what makes it "the worst in years" to you. Not picking on you, just asking for a little more detail.
  • fw_manfw_man Member Posts: 18
    I'd like to chime in also on behalf of Honda.
    I am the owner of 2006 Accord VP. My biggest gripe for the car is upholstery. It attracts and keeps lint. Everything else is perfect.
    I have 106k on the car, just changed plugs, ATF, brake fluid, coolant, front rotors and tires.
    Other than that, only oil, filter changes per MM.

    The car has been absolutely trouble free, and still performs like new. It is quiet, responsive, fun to drive. Roomy inside. I have not seen the dealer since I bought the car. What more could I ask from Honda?
  • tankbeanstankbeans Member Posts: 585
    My biggest gripe is for the car is upholstery. It attracts and keeps lint.

    Amen to that. I have an 03 with the black interior and it always looks like a huge white dog with lots of hair jumped in and exploded. I've attempted to vacuum use the lint roller thingies and even that static gaurd stuff to no avail.

    Otherwise I've had it for 33k of its 69k miles and have had nary a problem. Routine maintenance is all I've done.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I dont' have that struggle with my cloth, but mine is an EX. I'm assuming it uses different fabric from the VP/LX/SE models.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    The previous generation (2003-2006) was probably one of the worst generations of Accords in years.

    I would like to know what is wrong with my 03 Accord? That is not apparent to me. :confuse:
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    Well, I guess it is my turn to join the crowd. Even if I wasn't extremely happy with my EX-L w/Navi, I4 manual (I am, BTW), I can't remember reading any wholesale complaints about this generation.

    There were some issues, as with all cars, but never to the point that the whole generation was a dog. :confuse:
  • corkscrewcorkscrew Member Posts: 254
    Our 07 has the black interior also and the seats get full of hair as well. I put on a pair of rubber gloves, the type that doctors and emt's use, run the gloves in water and shake off the excess. Gloves only have to be damp. Now run the damp gloves down the seat back and front to back on the seat,making sure the gloves are always damp. Then vacuum the clumps of hair. :)
    Corkscrew
  • tankbeanstankbeans Member Posts: 585
    Thank you for the tip. I will have to try this.
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