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Last post tells me you're around 25 mpg, which if you're driving mostly in the city is right on target for that car. Couldn't hurt to continue to track your fuel mileage for a bit, just to get used to how it should behave. That gas gauge will drop from 3/4 to 1/2 in a real hurry, but you'll get used to it. If you run it down farther, know that when the light comes on, you've got about 3 gallons left. I don't usually dare to try to pick too much of it up, and it's bad for the fuel pump to run it all the way down.
As for "common repair issues" I haven't really heard of any. The V6/auto transmission issues were enough to "scare" me into getting an extended warranty on mine (I have the V6), but I've heard of no such problems with the 4-cylinder model. One piece of advice my brother gave me is to come to a complete stop before shifting from reverse to drive. Apparently, Honda transmissions are known to be a bit sensitive to that.
One pet peeve: you won't find a "V4" in any car. If it's a 4-cylinder anymore, it's an inline-4, except for Subaru, which uses a flat-4 (or H4, or boxer, if you will).
--Ron
They are going to see if there are any new, related TSBs on the car.
FYI the light is the one on the speedometer cluster (red).
She had the car hauled to the dealer! Guess I'll be calling the dealer on Monday. This is not going over well with her... Imagine.... She saved really long for this car. I live 4 hours away and I'm hoping for a miracle with this one. I'll keep you posted on the outcome from the dealer.
whatever - hopefully they can get it corrected quickly, and this is not an omen of problems to come.
I installed a NAV unit in the center console using instructions related to Radio/HVAC modifications, so I have a pretty good idea of what's involved with the Radio/HVAC Unit replacement.
BTW, that Unit was also recently replaced by my dealer for the same problem, with no post-work damage except for a part that wasn't secured tightly enough and which I took care of.
On your concerns,
1) Depending on the technician who gets the job ticket, the job could either be difficult and messy (if a first-timer who's not extra careful) or clean and tight (if someone has done it at least once before).
I would show the service advisor the pre-work state of the Shift Surround Area, Coin Tray & Power Outlet unit, and Center Console Door and stress to him/her that they'll have to address any post-work scratches and damage.
And let them decide who to assign to your car.
2) How long will the replacement unit work ?
I should have asked this question myself but didn't. However, the Service Advisor let me know they performed a "multiplex update" (which shows on the work order) in addition to the Radio/HVAC replacement.
I suspect that the multiplex device is related to the backlight problem and if so, the fix may be long-term. Need to investigate further though.
Hope this helps.
I was told that I could adjust a nut on the steering box to tighten it up, and I purchased a used rack as a precaution....
but I can't find the box or the nut when under the car...can anyone help? so that way I can stop feeling like I'm driving a :lemon:
Since its an "90, your cheapest option if it is the radio probably would be picking one up from a salvage yard. I doubt that there is much of a demand for 15 year old radios, so they should be reasonably priced.
There is always aftermarket radios, but that could involve more work.
Mrbill
I have an Honda Accord LX 1998 V4 4 door automatic transmission (purchased new) and having problems with my transmission (atleast that's what I have been told). The car has 67000 miles on it but I noticed the problem when it was 59000 miles.
Here's the problem:
The car starts smoothly but whenever I stop and go giving acceleration , there is always a jerk (in D4)initially. This happened on and off and now it is getting worse. Initially the Honda service technician said it is a "normal" problem that you get a jerk in the initial shift of the drive. They serviced the transmission (during 60K service) and didnt report any issue. I was not sure of the diagnosis and now in the next 8000 miles the problem is getting worse and the car will not accelerate after about 50 MPH and the "jerking" still continues. Now the dealer is saying the transmission will have to be replaced. I complained to American Honda cust service but they said they cannot do anything since it is out of warranty. I have followed the maintenance schedule that Honda suggests faithfully but really disappointed that it didnt take me anywhere especially with such a low mileage for a close to 7 1/2 year old car. My questions are:
1) Has anyone had this type of problem before? If so, is this related to the automatic transmission?
2) If it is a transmission issue, are there any things that can be checked by a technician before replacing the whole transmission? ( I saw just one discussion about flywheel being worn out that could cause this problem - if so, is this something easy to check?)
3) Has anyone got anything out of Honda since I feel that this is a poorly manufactured factory part - If so, can someone pl. advise me the best way to take this further?
4) Finally, if changing the auto transmission is the only way, what is the most economic and reliable way to do this - at a dealer or outside shops?
This is a great discussion forum and the input would help me decide what I should do further. thanks.
I agree that stones fly off the road and trucks - fact of life. However I have two chips (right to the metal) - the first I got in less than 1000 miles and I just found a second at 3000. I also own a Taurus with 120,000 miles and, had a Honda Civic with 234,000 miles and another Accord with 90,000. They didn't chip like this. Same roads, same trucks, same stones - more miles.
The salesman tried to sell me some "TuffGaurd" package when I bought the car but I thought it was just one of those high profit add-ons. Maybe not.
Somethings up - wonder what it will look like at 200,000? :mad:
People use forums like these to have quick access to other people's experience. So either temj12 and I are completely unlucky with our chips or we're all going to be seeing a lot of chips by the time we get to 50,000.
I just purchased a 2000 Accord EX and was wondering if anyone knew where I might find the radio code (anti-theft) if no card was available and where is the Air Conditioner Filter located. Can you buy one after market or does it have to come from the dealer?
Thanks,
A Happy Accord Owner
You should be able to get your radio code from a Honda dealer (assuming that it is the original radio). You will probably have to show proof of ownership (registration). They shouldn't charge you, but they might try. Call around to different dealerships if necessary.
and it won't. Battery is good, engine turns over but won't ignite. If sit in car for about
20 minutes after trying to start, it will start up. So far,we have replaced a module by the distributor and the distributor cap has been replaced. Hope someone can
help
No children.
Medium size dog that rides occassionally.
Which would hold up better - cloth or leather?
Thanks,
S
On the one hand, dog will scratch the heck out of leather unless you cover it. Also, leather will deteriorate unless you treat it faithfully every 6 months or so with a conditioner. It is after all "skin" of a sort :P and it dries out over time.
Cloth's durability really depends on the quality of the materials; also some cloths attract lint and make you crazy.
So really it's hard to say. If you are a pretty good housekeeper/carkeeper, leather might serve you better but if you won't get in there and treat the leather, it's going to look no better than cloth in 4-5 years and is more expensive to remedy.
Do you recommend repainting after so many years?
If so, how often?
Does if vary by color?
Thanks,
S
My current 1991 Honda blue interior looks pretty good.
I did put a sheet in the back to protect it from the dog (or the people from the dog hair).
And it turned out to help keep the headrests out of the sun.
Not sure how diligent I would be with a leather treatment.
But leather does look and feel nice.
These are major decisions for me, since I do keep my cars for awhile.
S
I have seen many leather seats that crack in a fairly short time. Yes it's most likely due to lack of regular treatments.
Now that you know how I don't like the leathers durability, go figure why my 04 Accord is an EX-L??
Guess I like to learn the hard way.
Mrbill
I will be aware of which mechanic works on it and I will talk to the service writer first and show her the dash area (no scratches - mint condition).
Pls help me out here....what do you mean v4s do not exist? Also, what is an inline 4 cyclinder...what the difference between the two....this is interesting...also, tell your brother thanks!!!
Another question, the car has "touring" tires from Bridgestone or BF Goodrich...one of them....would these tires cause vibrations and noise...what tires ride good and are quiet?
Thanks again!!
Gwen
4 Cyl engines are inline 4s (I4) not V4 as you mentioned. 6 cyl engines can come as a inline 6 (I6) or V6. Its the layout of the cylinders that make it an I or V configuration. Inline engines have the cylinders in a single row, V engines have 2 rows of cylinders forming the V shape.
I don't know of any V4 engines used in autos.
Mrbill
Looking at cars on the road, the lighter (white) non-metallic seem fine.
But the darker ones show light spots.
I painted my 14 year old white Accord when it was about 7years.
Seemed like a good idea, but they did a terribe job.
From a distance it looks good, but up close...
What's the definition of good maintenance as far as car paint goes?
Any special waxing?
S
40,000 seems an unusually short lifespan for the parts you mention.
It's unreasonable to expect that non-Honda parts from the "retards" at Sears are going to perform exactly like the parts that were designed for your Accord by Honda.
My "88 Accords paint looks like new, except for the trunk lid, which was repainted before the car was purchased new.
You really can't over wax a car, but you can easily under wax it.
I would use a good auto paste wax, and not just a car polish. Car polishes may not even have wax in them.
My 03 Accord has 54K miles and LOTS of chips. Previous car was an '89 Toyota MR2 which I put over 70K miles on and sold with 135K miles on it - paint was almost perfect. Same driving conditions.