Honda Accord Problems 2000-2005

isellhondas · November 2003

The funny thing is...he already spent the money on the crush washers! He has them but he is just too stubborn to use them even when he knows Honda reccomends replacing them with every oil change.

Go figure...

berbel · November 2003

They are your tires and you can inflate them to any
pressure you want............

BUT, I highly recommend that you get them back up
to recommended pressure. Running them 4-6 pounds too
low will produce premature wear and cause handling
problems, especially in collision avoidance maneuvers.

berbel

inkie · November 2003

This is information only, I happen to change the"crush washer" every oil change. But, I personally know from experience that most of the quick lube places use the same washer, they just turn it around and it will seal well. They use it till it deforms which may take a long time. I know that does'nt make it right but its been going on for years.

mgaccord · November 2003

I use them twice and have not had any problems. I torque them to 29 ft. lbs each time-

edmund31 · November 2003

I too have a center console rattle. I noticed some members have found solutions (jebinc1), but can't find solution posted. Can anyone help? Thanks alot.

briguy5254 · November 2003

See post 5177 for a possible fix. Good luck!

billyperks · November 2003

Is the Graphite Pearl and the White Diamond Pearl considered clear coat?

berbel · November 2003

Perhaps another member of this forum can correct
me if appropriate but.........graphite pearl and
white diamond pearl are simply the paint colors.
They are applied OVER the base coat which rests
on the car's metal. After the color application,
a CLEARCOAT is applied to help preserve the integrity of the color coat. I believe all modern
automobiles are clearcoated prior to delivery.

berbel

isellhondas · November 2003

Yes, this has been going on for years. the quickie lube shops often use the same washer.

Usually, nothing happens but we do get a lot of cars with stripped oil plug threads.

For the price of a lousy crush washer, I wouldn't mess with it.

It's also possible that the 18 year old in the lube pit can overtighten and strip the plug even with a new washer.

billyperks · November 2003

That's what I meant to ask-if the clear is under these colors.

justin · November 2003

gotta say, it is also entirely possible that the senile 40 year old (haha) at the Honda shop can mess up your car just as much as the 18 year old at the lube shop

lelandhendrix · November 2003

No, the clear is not UNDER these colors. The Clearcoat is just that, perfectly clear, and is applied last to enhance gloss and preserve the colored paint beneath.

berbel · November 2003

Not to be repetitive but......

Leland hit it on the head with his post 6339. It's
kinda like a woman putting clear nail polish over
the color she just did her nails with.

berbel

ron1500 · November 2003

I finally got the popping noise on acceleration fixed! I picked up my 03 EX V6 today and not one pop on acceleration or braking. It took them about 4 days to get the car back to me. Thank you mgaccord for sending me the TSB that explained how to fix the problem!

excoupe1 · November 2003

ron1500 and mgaccord I've been having the same popping noise in my 03 EX V6 as well and it's driving me crazy. I love the car overall but I really want this fixed. Could either of you please email me that TSB. I would greatly appreciate it. My email address is in my profile.
Thanks!

mgaccord · November 2003

4 days huh??? Wow, that's a long time. Did they have a body shop do it? Give us the details-

sandwiches · November 2003

04 LX V6 Coupe. Recently I've noticed that when I first take my car out in the morning (it's been cold here recently, Northern California) there's some vibration noise from what seems to be near the windshield or around the frame of the windshield when I go over rough roads. It seems to subside after driving it around for a while. Anybody experience this?

samshem · November 2003

I have experienced the same thing, not only when it is cold, but all the time. Anytime I hit a bump or make a tight turn it happens. I have no idea what it is, but I just picked the car up a week and a half ago and will be taking it back to get fixed because it is driving me nuts.

tommister2 · November 2003

I bought a certified accord from a local dealer on 11/15 (Virginia). It's an 03 EX V6 sedan with 10K miles. I just found that it had been wrecked and has had body work. This wasn't disclosed to me, and I feel somewhat cheated. I plan on contacting the dealer after Thanksgiving, but I wanted to see what you folks think. The Honda Certified program doesn't say it couldn't have been wrecked, but it does say it should be like new. A family member noticed the repaired area right away. There is paint on black plastic parts in the wheelwell and runs/imperfections in the repaired area. Should this car have been Honda certified? Thanks

prior1 · November 2003

Help. Purchased my 03 LX 4dr Accord in late August. The rattles around the windshield are driving me nuts. The dealer tried to repair, now it's worse. Can someone tell me the fix? These noises occur on both sides near the A pillar, when turning right, or left.
Is this going to be a lemon? Otherwise, the car is great. Is Honda slipping? If anyone has had this problem fixed, let me know how it was done, at priorityone@neteze.com

chucko3 · November 2003

Don't much about certified car, but if I am going to buy any used car I would check for a history of any major repairs due to accident(s).

ystress · November 2003

Wow!! Looks like I'm not the only one with the windshield/front door creaking issue. Sounds like we need to start a thread on rattles/creaks for the new Accord. Post more info on this matter, the oil change washer and water pump issue has been done to death.

davegod75 · November 2003

I've had the rattles as well. Near the A-pillar where the windshield meets the dash. It goes away if you press on the plastic right around there. very annoying

gregoryc1 · November 2003

I believe that the dealer must tell you if the vehicle had extensive body work prior to the sale due to an accident. In New Jersey when a person trades in a vehicle, the owner must complete a document that lists the mileage and / or the fact that the vehicle was in an accident. I would assume that the reverse is true, when the same vehicle is sold to the next person. I would notify the selling dealer about your discovery, and see what they are willing to do about the problem. Prior to taking this action, I would contact the State Motor Vehicle Agency in your state, and find out what your rights are under these circumstances. Like a "good attorney", never ask a question that you do not already know the answer. If the Motor Vehicle Agency tells you that the selling dealer should have advised you of this fact prior to the sale, you are in the driver's seat. If this dealer is also a "New Car Honda Dealer" and you purchased a "Certified Vehicle", you also have the power of the parent company on your side. When you advise the dealer as to your findings, be "VERY PROFESSIONAL as you present your case. (JUST THE FACTS. NO EMOTION). After you present your case, "Shut-up"! The less said by you at this point the better! See what they are willing to do in response to this issue. (EXAMPLE:---A complete refund or a choice of a better replacement vehicle????) If I could get a better car out of the deal, I would consider myself a winner! REMEMBER; ----Going to court, will cost YOU money!!!! ----Just my opinion. ----Greg

tprice · November 2003

My brother-in-law bought a Chevy van that we later discovered had a fair amount of body work. We happened to spot some paint overspray on the weather stripping around one of the doors, then in the wheel well, etc. Long and short was that the dealer replaced the van with about $2,000 of additional options extras that they did not have to pay for (i.e., exchanged straight-up). In Ohio there is a dollar threshold that has to be met before the dealer is technically required to disclose that repairs were made - but I don't remember how much ($500??). Anyway, the dealer initially balked at my brother-in-law's request to have his van replaced - trying to say that the repairs were under the threshold. After a little leaning and subtle threats for further action, etc., the dealer conceded and replaced the van. A bit of a hassle but they did do the right thing in the end. If the dealer had only taken the high road - either disclosing the repairs up front or "owning up" to it as soon as it was brought to their attention - they may not have lost a repeat customer in my brother-in-law (i.e., actually potentially several others who heard the story!). Also, if the body shop had not done such sloppy work to begin with it may never have even been discovered!

tommister2 · November 2003

Thanks for your feedback/opinions. I'm going to call Friday and ask if they knew about the repairs, and what their opinion is. The dealership has a good reputation so I hope they'll be honest about it. It doesn't seem like it was major damage so I'll probably let it slide. I just didn't expect to buy a certified Honda with prior body damage that has been sloppily repaired. Thanks again.

tprice · November 2003

Another big difference here is that in my brother-in-law's case, it was a brand new car where the damage happened on the dealers watch so to speak. In your case it is different in that the car was previosuly owned so your dealer may well not have been aware of the damage and/or circumstances. I owned a Ford Expedition that had taken a couple of good shots (i.e., about $5,000 each time)but I think anyone would be hard pressed to know there was damage - the repairs were as close to "perfect" as one could expect. That's how it should be. I did disclose the damage when I traded it on the trade in info slip that I had to fill out and sign 9not sure what/if any consequences would be if I hadn't?).

isellhondas · November 2003

Don't you love it when a well meaning family member or neighbor rains on your parade by pointing out something you didn't notice?

There is a major difference between a car that has been "wrecked" as you put it, and a car that may have had some minor body work done.

Most cars that are a few years old have had somthing done...touch up, a dent fixed etc.

You might want to ask the dealer to put it up on a rack and give it a good looking over.

tommister2 · November 2003

Thanks for your input. I hadn't thought about the semantic differences of being wrecked and having minor body work. I guess my point is that I wouldn't have bought the car knowing it has had some kind of damage requiring body work and painting....I intended to buy a new car, but the lure of "Honda Certified" and the extra warranty was strong (plus saving a few $$). It's my fault for not asking if the car had body work done to it, I just assumed it hadn't. I don't know who did the work and how extensive it was, so I am concerned about the quality of the repairs.

tblazer503 · November 2003

the disclosure amount is $500.... over they are supposed to disclose, under they don't have to..

edmund31 · November 2003

For anyone interested, the Honda garage fixed the squeek by using EFT tape between several plastic panels that were rubbing and causing the squeek. No charge.

ratbee · November 2003

Last time I had my 1987 Accord emission tested the NOX was way high. What causes the NOX to test high? The car has 230,000 miles on it and is in excellent condition.

auburn63 · November 2003

NOX can be high for several reasons such as engine temp not being in the correct range, EGR failure either bad valve or clogged sysytem, timing, cat deterioration,or tired engine to name a few. Most of the time we find problems in the EGR system more than anything else.

lenfive · November 2003

I know nothing about cars, but was shopping accords today and asked about the rattles and window problems mentioned here. Was told by sales guy that Honda had a problem with plastic clips used to hold the windows in place. They are repalcing as cars brought in for service. Might ask about that.

willis3 · December 2003

How many people follow the Honda Recommended Maintenance Schedule? I have an 02 EX V6, only 6,300 miles to date. Called for an oil change and dealer says I should have the 7,500 mile maintenance performed. Services include rotating the tires, checking fluids, checking the brakes, checking the wiper blades and performing an oil change. I would follow it for 15k service or when the car is older, but this seems to be a bit much for a relatively new car. The cost is $70.

Are the rest of you doing the 7,500 mile mainenance at your Honda dealer?

mikeysoft · December 2003

$70 is a lot to change the oil and rotate the tires. The others are just inspections and you should be able to do that execpt maybe the break inspection. But the dealer can look at the breaks when he rotates the tires. The breaks will be ok at 7.5k miles.

I think you are being very over charged!

canddmeyer · December 2003

Honda dealer recommendation. Also, Honda factory extended warranty for my '99 Accord requires 3750 mile schedule. Prices vary.

Willis3, my understanding of your message is that the dealer doesn't understand what you are questioning. You have 2 year old oil in the crankcase gathering moisture & eventually sludge. Change your oil every 6 months, even if you don't meet the mileage minimum. The rest of maintenance schedule you can follow per the book.

willis3 · December 2003

I change my oil every 3,000 miles, so this will not be my first oil change. I was surprised they wanted to sell me this service, when most of this items are inspections, which I perform routinely myself.

For example, if you go to Honda for their ExpressChange Service, they are suppose to perform the following in addition to replacing your oil filter with a Honda Genuine Oil Filter

Check operation of your vehicle's horn, windshield wipers and parking brake
Check operation of high and low beam headlights, tail and brake lights, parking and backup lights, turn signals and hazards
Check your brake fluid level
Check fluid levels (and fill where needed) for your vehicle's battery, power steering, transmission, clutch (if applicable) and windshield washer fluids
Check coolant level and fill if necessary
Inspect wiper blades
Inspect external drive belts and radiator hoses for excess wear
Check clutch pedal for free play (if applicable)
Inspect tire wear patterns
Check tire pressure
Inspect condition of your Honda's suspension and CV boots
Inspect condition of the exhaust system
Check for fluid leaks

The 7,500 Service Maintenance calls for the following items:

Replace engine oil, filter and drain plug washer with Genuine Honda Parts.
Inspect and rotate tires.
Inspect wiper blades.
Check/adjust fluid levels.
Road test.
Inspect front brake pads.
Inspect CV boots for damage.

The only services they are providing that is not included with the ExpressChange service is rotating tires, inspecting the front pads and doing a road test. It's hard for me to see these three things costing $43. (Local Honda Dealer charges $26.95 for ExpressChange)

Did you follow the maintenace schedule as set forth by Honda exactly to the letter?

ehawkins · December 2003

The follow is an excerpt from the Honda Owner Link.
Follow the "severe" schedule only if you drive in one or more of these conditions most of the time:
Trips of less than 5 miles (less than 10 in freezing weather)
Extremely hot weather (over 90 degrees F)
Extensive idling or stop-and-go driving
Trailer towing, driving with a car-top carrier, or driving in the mountains
Muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads

Following the "severe conditions" guidelines won't help your Honda unless you really do drive under those conditions. Many vehicle owners waste time, money, and oil on unnecessary oil changes, for example. The quality of engine oil and filters has steadily improved to keep pace with the requirements of new engines.

vashonderson · December 2003

any advice out there? I bought a 2004 4 cylinder accord with 24 city/34 hiway advertised on sticker, I realize these are not carved in stone but at 3300 miles i am getting 23.5 in the city and about24.5 on the hiway, i bought this car very much expecting above 30 on the hiway, any shared experience out there? thanks, vashonderson

lelandhendrix · December 2003

I have a 2003 4-cyl LX Sedan, and I usually get 34 and sometimes up to 37 on the highway.

You should DEFINITELY get higher than 25 on the highway, unless you end up in rush-hour that forces you to slow down and speed up frequently.

porknbeans · December 2003

I've got a 2003 EX V6 and I've been getting 27-28 on the highway with a full load. I don't have 1000 miles yet and expect it to go a couple mgp higher. Good luck.

ystress · December 2003

Took my '04 Acoord EX to the dealer to have the creaking/cracking windshield/front window issue looked into. The service advisor was helpful, we went on a ride together in the car and he heard the noise and immediately said something was wrong...no song and dance about it being normal. The service folks feel the seal around the windshield is not good, will have it re-done and see if the sound goes away. The service advisor stated he will need the car for a few days to sort it all out. Maybe it was a coincidence, but because I had given somewhat low scores on my Honda satisfaction survey a rep from Honda called me at home and asked if there was anything she could do.......well I got a rental car paid for by Honda while mines in the shop. Very straight forward, exactly why I like dealing with Honda. I'm confident Honda will do everything they can to make things right. I really hope my car will be "normal" 'cause I really enjoy my new ride, bugs or not.

aggie1995 · December 2003

2003 EX-L Manual (4cyl)

Miles on Odometer Before Trip: 3000

Total Trip length: 750 Miles

The trip to my destination consited of driving at 80-95mph(30mph headwind) for 60% of the drive and suburban city driving for the other 40%. Auto Climate control on the whole way. Full Load in the car

Avg MPG = 30

The trip back home consisted of 90% driving at 65-85 mph, and 10% suburban city driving. Auto Climate control on the whole way. Fuller Load in the car

Avg MPG = 33

---------------------------------------------

The ability of this car to cruise effortlessly at above avg highway speeds is very satisfying. Road noise is limited. Wind noise was only a minor issue with the headwind.

canddmeyer · December 2003

I follow the scheduled maintenance as per my extended warranty. I have an excellent dealer who does all the required maintenance items & will top off fluids at no extra charge. My car has only 30K, & they'll mail me a letter if I'm approaching 6 months since they saw me last. I have the paperwork for my 7500 mile visit, but I have company staying the night in the room with the paperwork, so at this time I cannot tell you what I paid.

My dealer will also car wash the vehicle at no extra charge if it needs a bath. To date, both car & dealer have been perfect, except for the ignition switch recall.

I check most of the same items you check, but I also pay the dealer to do the same. For example, at my 30K visit they advised my 4 year battery worked fine, but at a lower voltage (11.8v). I no doubt could have ran the battery longer til it died, but didn't see the need in waiting to strand myself, or worse, my wife, so I paid to have the battery replaced. I'm confident my dealer ain't screwing me. If I felt otherwise I'd do the maintenance myself. Not lazy here, but dealer is 3 blocks from home & I feel for me its money well spent.

mikefm58 · December 2003

I personally rarely let the dealer touch my vehicles, bad experiences in the past. I perform all my own maint. with a couple exceptions, when I then take it to a small garage near my house, for just basic stuff.

When I take it to the dealer, I tell him the exact items I want done, not things like 15K service, but things like oil/filter chg, rotate tires, etc. But again, that's only when I can't do those myself.

As you can see yourself, there's overlap with your dealer's express change service and Honda's 7500 mile service. But the dealer has to stay in business and one hour's labor is about 70 bucks. You are protecting your warranty by the dealer doing the service, not a bad investment.

kendrid · December 2003

I just hit 600 miles on my 4 cyl LX sedan. With my first full tank of gas I averaged 28mpg with a mixture of city and highway driving (50/50).

To the person that got 23/24, do you accelerate 'hard' (over 3000RPM)? I have not had my new car over 3000RPM yet. Next spring when the weather is warmer and the car is broken in I will see what the top end RPMs are like.

mikefm58 · December 2003

Is changing the ATF as simple as draining the oil through the drain bolt, then refilling from above? That's how my '99 CRV is done and my '01 Accord 4 cyl. LX is about due.

bodble2 · December 2003

My experience with both an Acura CL and an Accord V6 is that there is a huge difference in MPG between city and highway driving -- about 10 - 12 MPG difference. Mind you, mine are imperial gallons, so the difference would be less for US gallons.

bburton3 · December 2003

is that simple-just drive it for 30 or so miles to get the atf hot, then use a 3/8" rachet drive and remove the plug. You may have to whack the drive with a hammer to break it loose. Use only honda atf and be careful of the hot fluid-it really gushes and is super hot-will burn you badly. Torque the drain plug to 36 # feet-you will need a funnel with hose attached to get the fluid into the tranny. Check for full on level ground and I suggest changing atf every 30K instead of 90 per the manual. Got an atf error message at 70K and the atf was burnt. Way cheaper to change atf than pay $ 1,500 to get your tranny rebuilt.

Honda Accord Problems 2000-2005

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