Honda Accord Problems 2000-2005

austinman7 · July 2004

The first thing the service rep told me was that they heard no unusual noise. I then took the service manager for a drive, and he immediately heard the whine, agreed that it was abnormal and unacceptable, and pledged to fix it. If yours is as bad as mine was, my advice would be to get the service manager in the car.

However, now that I've experienced the solution to my situation, I'm not sure a complete fix is within Honda's capabilities. I've been driving my car with the replacement transmission for almost a week now. The transmission still has a tendency to whine at 45 mph in top gear, it's just not as loud. My original transmission did not whine until 4,000 miles, so who knows what will happen to my replacement as the miles go by. If I'm lucky, it will stay the way it is, which I guess I can live with. The original whine, though, was way over the top.

The two transmissions I've experienced in my Accord are not engineered to be as quiet as those in my previous two cars, a Buick Regal and a Camry. There was no noticable whine in either of those cars when cruising in top gear.

So, I just don't know what to think. The first sentence in the warranty booklet for our Accords says, "Your complete satisfaction with your Honda automobile is our main goal." But, it's not reasonable or fair to expect a car company to satisfy you to a standard not designed into the car. For instance, I'm not asking for overall quietness in regards to wind and road noise, like a Lexus, because it's a $20,500 car compared with, what, $60,000 for a Lexus. I'm just disappointed that the trannys I'm experiencing don't match up to what I'm used to in moderate-priced cars. I'm not really satisfied, but, as the old saying goes, it could be worse. In fact, it was.

If your annoyance level is what mine was, I hope you can pursue this to some acceptable conclusion. If I can add anything else from my experience, please just ask. I wish I could tell you I had a perfect fix, but such is life.

I want to keep this in perspective by telling you and others reading this (especially those considering buying an Accord) that I keep reminding myself that the quality build level everywhere else on my Accord is quite good. I really am very impressed with the car and enjoy driving it. For what I paid ($19,500 - I know, not a great deal, but I'm not a great negotiator), I think it's a steal.

gregoryc1 · July 2004

Is it possible that the "whine" that you are now hearing is coming from the tires of the vehicle? ----We have a 2003 4 cylinder automatic accord, and while we do not have the trans whine problem that you described, I do notice at times a tire noise,(hum), when I run of an area of rough blacktop and or concrete at about 55 to 60 mph. The vehicle has about 30,000 + miles on the clock. It is very quiet and smooth running. If you do a search on my postings you will notice that I am very concerned about preventive maintenance,(frequent oil and filter changes and an upper cylinder lubricant in the fuel). Yesterday, we took a road trip from New Jersey to PA. (three hours each way). The Accord performed great! The engine and the drive train are very smooth.

amstel · July 2004

Dear everyone:

I am thinking to install a Viper 350HV security system (with a keyless entry function) into my 2004 Accord LX. Anyone knows if this alarm could cause any problem? I certainly don't want it to affect the Accord's own keyless entry function or Immobilizer system. Is there any this compatibility problem?

Thanks a lot.

rascale · July 2004

I have a 2004 Accord V6 Coupe. I have been driving it for about 3 weeks now. It is a great car and I enjoy it a lot. One issue I am having trouble with is the drivers seat. I am a normal sized guy (5'11", 190 lbs, 34" waist) and the seat feels very narrrow. The bottom seat bolsters are cutting into my [non-permissible content removed] and thighs and really bothers me on trips over an hour. The bolsters appear to be quite stiff. I am curious if anyone else finds this the case. I owned a sport coupe previous to this, with a similar seat, and did not have this problem. I wouldn't complain about this but it really affects the enjoyment of the car.

chucko3 · July 2004

I am 5'10", 195 lbs, and 36" waist. My [non-permissible content removed] fits real well in the
03EXV6 sedan seat.

musicboy · July 2004

>>The bottom seat bolsters are cutting into my [non-permissible content removed] and thighs and really bothers me on trips over an hour. The bolsters appear to be quite stiff. I am curious if anyone else finds this the case.<<

I agree with your comments. I don't know what else to say about it other than that.

austinman7 · July 2004

Nope, this whine is coming from the transmission, not the tires, just as it was coming from the original transmission. It occurs at the same speed as the orginal tranny -- about 45 mph in top gear -- is susceptible to the same gentle modulation of the throttle, and is most noticable on very smooth roads, with the stereo turned off where you can actually hear the sounds the car is making. Thankfully, it's much less obtrusive -- I think it's subsided enough now that I can just crank up the stereo and forget about it. The previous whine level could actually cut through the stereo.

I would agree with you about the engine and drive train being very smooth. I like that.

I know the kind of tire whine you're talking about, though I haven't been on those kinds of roads yet, so I haven't experienced it with this car. Tire, road, and wind noise are at very acceptable levels to me in my Accord.

water48334 · July 2004

I am wondering if someone could help me for a weird feeling.

I bought a 2004 Honda Accord EX V6 withoug Nav about two months ago. After a couple of weeks, every morning when I just start the car and start to drive it, I mean when I put my feet on the gas pedal and step on it a little bit, I could feel a kind of scratch feeling pass through the pedal and passage to my feel. It is like a string was touched and played and then pass through to the pedal and then to my feet.

Is there anyone have the same feeling or problem? It only happened once in the morning, then I never feel during the whole day no matter how many times I restarted it.

Thanks in advance.

water

snakehair · July 2004

Possible it is the ABS self test. That takes place once at about 7-10 mph after first start up. I have "felt" it occasionly, but not as often as I did in our Dodge Caravan. If it is that, it is normal.

snakehair · July 2004

I agree ( I am a little larger). Found I was trying to sit too far inboard and the seat belt fastener wasn't helping. Actually got more comfortable moving my [non-permissible content removed] more outboard than I thought would be proper(referencing the steering wheel) and felt that was more comfortable for long hauls (we run from MD to Maine several times a year).

water48334 · July 2004

Thank you very much, snakehair. That really makes me feel better about this bad feeling.

Thanks. ^o^

justin · July 2004

it is most definitely the ABS self test. no worries for you yet

water48334 · July 2004

Thanks a lot, Junstin, if possible, really buy you a icecream for this cool feeling, it's kind of hot outside here.

Have a nice day.

^o^

jelly_admn · July 2004

I was driving down the road, did not hit any bumps or anything and my side airbag on passenger side went off scaring the hell out of me. I have a Accord EX 2004 10,700 miles on it. any ideas on how to go about this? I already called the manager at the dealership that I bought it from. I am waiting on a reply from him as i left the message on his voice mail. He knows me . bang--he just called and wants to look at it, I'll get back to ya's with his news.

jelly

canddmeyer · July 2004

I'd make an NHTSA complaint about this. Had it happened on the drivers side as you described, you could have lost control or worse. I'm sure we'd all like to know the outcome of this. Keep us informed.

plethysmo · July 2004

I have an 03 coupe V6 with 8way seat with the same problem hard spots.
After a week, the sore spot on my [non-permissible content removed] was established. I went to several dealerships and sat in the seats to see if maybe mine(the car's that is) was defective. Most were very comfortable with soft edge bolsters, but not in some coupes. The rest of the design of the car is so good it is "hard" to accept such a poor seat design. I am more surprised the same problem is being reported in 04s also.
On this board a year ago, someone posted a link to the seat below. I ordered it and the "camel" color matches the light interior well. It is still not a perfect solution but helps quite a bit. If anyone has found the perfect cushion, please post.
http://www.brookstone.com/bs_assets/images/shop/large/404244_L.jp- g

jelly_admn · July 2004

ok, im back....underneith the car i hit debris on the road.. i never saw it or felt it.... but it ripped the undercarrige open like a can. 4 inches by 9 inches...so it didnt deploy on its own...has to lift it to see it... jeez

thx for the help

jelly

rascale · July 2004

plethysmo -

Thanks for the info. I guess it is not just me. I had a feeling it was just the coupes seats. Hopefully the seat will "give" somewhat in the future. I will check out the link you provided also for help.

isellhondas · July 2004

Until I read your second post, I was wondering how that air bag could have gone off by itself since I have neve heard of such a thing.

4 inches by 9 inches!!??

How could you have not seen or felt that???

shimh · July 2004

I have a 2003 accord ex-v6. I find that the car cannot be stopped occasionally when the car is first started in the morning. I was backing the car at the time (backing down on a slight slope). The brake pedal can hardly be pressed (feel the same way that the pedal can hardly be pressed after a few tries when the engine is not running) and the car just keeps going. I have to use hand brake to stop the car. A few seconds after that, the brake pedal can be pressed and is ok all the time during driving. There have been 2 times so far. I asked the dealer to check the car. They did not find anything wrong. Did you guys have the similar problem and have any idea on this? Thanks a lot.

luvmyaccord5sp · July 2004

OMG I just saw your post... um, ok so I will not be taking my Accord off roading then, DAM! I am curious what type of road you were on and how you suspect this happened!

chucko3 · July 2004

I believe all he heard/felt at that moment is the sound of the airbag deployment.

isellhondas · July 2004

From the extent of the damage it sounds like he ran over a land mine!

You would think he would have at least SEEN that huge object lying in the road!?

luvmyaccord5sp · July 2004

Dam roadside mines!

jelly_admn · July 2004

well the hole was peeled back like a can top. It looks as if i ran over something and it flew up ...its like 3 feet behind the front passenger wheel. All i heard was the airbag, but funny thing is i never saw anything on the road, or felt a bump. By the way i was driving on the Long Island Expressway(LIE) by the New Hyde Park exit. The LIE is notorious for people killed by flying debris.

Owell glad to be alive. darn 500$ deductable

jelly

isellhondas · July 2004

You weren't on a motorcycle!

lenix · July 2004

Security System Accord 2004 Ex
I am trying to find out what are the features on the standard security system that came with my 2004 Accord V6 EX.

The feature that interests me mostly is the 20 second lockdown of the car after the last door is shut. Is this feature available on the standard security system? If so, how do I activate it? Also, does anyone know where I can find the manual for the security system.

Thanks in advance.

xxon · July 2004

I have been shopping for the 2004 Accord EX. I really like the car and the car seat fits me just fine (I am 6'2"). The problem I am having is that my wife took it for a test ride and complained about the headrest being to far forward. She could not rest her back against the seat without the headrests "poking" her in the back of the neck. Her torso is a lot smaller than mine (she is 5'4"), and she sits lower in the seat. I have tried all sorts of adjustments on the seats to make them comfortable; back, forward, up down, even tried the leather package with 8-way adjustables to no avail. I think an adjustable headrest which moves back and forth to suit the driver would be best. She seems to think we can get a pad for her to sit on, but I don't want to buy the car is she is not comfortable. Has anyone out their had a similar problem with the headrest? If so, do you have a trick you can share. I've thought about bending the headrest posts backwards, but I not sure this would be safe. Any suggestions?

tntitan · July 2004

I am 6'3" and my wife is 5'4" and my Accord LX coupe is one of the few cars that I actually am comfortable in (I have a long torso and my head touches the ceiling of about 90% of all vehicles). My wife has never complained about the headrest and when I asked her she indicated that it was no problem at all. Good luck!

ken972 · July 2004

I to have the same issue with the headrests. Im 5'7..just seems to push my head forward a little to much. I havent figured anything out..just got used to it. If I play around with the seat position it seems to help.

justin · July 2004

hoping that Honda gets with the program and starts offering the headrests that move around in directions other than up and down, a la VW/Audi. one thing i miss a lot about the VW is that i could rest my neck and head and still be actually looking at the road

5'11 here.

rascale · July 2004

Yes, I find the Accord headrest nearly worthless. I guess they would offer some protection if rear-ended. My previous car had a headrest that tilted forward/backward. That was nice. It can't cost THAT much for Honda to offer that simple luxury.

auntdiann2 · July 2004

My daughter's 98 Accord has some chip marks on the hood and she wants a nose mask. My question is - does she have to take it off and let it dry every time it rains / snows? I know she won't do this and do not want to get something that is going to turn out to be a big fight.

Thanks.

richards38 · July 2004

It's really a head RESTRAINT to prevent whiplash, not a headrest. Passengers can take pillows for long trips and drivers probably would be more likely to sleep at the wheel if the car seat felt like a bed. Just my opinion.......Richard

luvmyaccord5sp · July 2004

Well for me (6'-8") it's a NECK rest... but if it were poke'n me in the back of the head then I would bend the bugger! As long as it is not further than a inch or two from your head then it will do its job in a rear end collision.

xxon · July 2004

Yes, I agree the simplest solution is to bend the headrest back until it fits her, but not so far that it is not safe for me. A friend of mine had a mechanic do this on his Volvo, and he has been satisfied with it. Did I hear that the Accord coupe has adjustable headrest, or was that something else about the seat I was picking up. If so, I wonder if they are interchangeable?

isellhondas · July 2004

Well, I happen to think putting a nose mask on a car is usually a big mistake. Dirt and grit will get under it and it'll abrade the paint.

Additionally, I've seen paint bubble when the mosture gets super heated.

These are fine for the people who want to put them on, take a road trip and then take them off.

auntdiann2 · July 2004

Thank you. I was going in the "no" direction and you helped me make a firm decision.

Thanks again.

luvmyaccord5sp · July 2004

The headrests have a hollow tube that is bent in a U type shape. I believe it is made of aluminum. If this is the case use caution as aluminum doesn't bent too well... it breaks! Personally I wouldn't pay a mechanic an hourly wage to do it and risk it myself, but thats me

I have no idea what replacement head rests cost, but I figure they are a lot. For me I was planning on cutting mine and installing LCD screens in 'em. Decided against that idea due to the potential cost of replacing the headrest if I messed it up :P

rumpletzer · July 2004

If you're looking for nose protection, you may consider 3M's clear paint protection film (http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/_s.155/86661/_s.155/98905). I think I've seen people talk about it in these forums as a positive alternative to a bra.

blane · July 2004

Has anyone with a 2004 (or 2003) Accord had their dashboard "Side Airbag Off" warning light come on? Mine is on today, but only after my car was in a tremendous downpour, parked with the (coupe) windows open about ¼". The inside of the doors, sills and outer sides of both seats were a bit damp.

I'm presuming that when all dries out the light will turn off. But, I'm also wondering if the cause might be something other than water.

Nobody's been in the passenger seat all day, so I don't think that the switch is sensing a weight differential.

stevengordon · July 2004

The AC may be going in my '99 5-speed Accord. The AC is acceptably cool, not cold. But the main problem is a high-pitched whining sound that comes on intermittently. There's a lot of condensation on a black metal cover underneath the glove box.

I'm in Atlanta tomorrow (a Sunday) and leaving for home (200 miles from Atlanta) Monday morning.

Question: could I go somewhere and get a "recharge" on the AC? I've seen DYI containers at Wal-Mart but I'm not sure where the connector is on the Accord.

Or is the compressor cooked and it's hopeless?

I greatly appreciate any help anyone can suggest. Thanks!

rcc8179 · July 2004

I would NOT use one of the DIY recharge kits. If you go to a mechanic to have the system inspected/recharged, they use a machine to reclaim your refrigerant (can't release it to the air). If you have used one of these recharge kits, they cannot work on your system because they don't want to contaminate their supply.

Take it to a mechanic and explain what the problem is. You mention a high-pitched noise. I would expect that it is either the A/C belt slipping or that the bearing on the compressor is going out. The reason you hear it intermittantly is that the A/C normally cycles on and off.

oolala · August 2004

I just bought an '04 EX-L. I got about 210 miles on the odometer for 3/4 of a tank of gas. That's less than 20mpg (cf. 24/city, 24/hwy)!! Most of the miles I registered were hwy miles. Geez. Any thoughts on what can be causing this?

isellhondas · August 2004

Relax...

First of all, the tank may not have ben completly full when you took delivery. Also, it takes a few thousand miles before you'll get your best mileage. Can't explain this but it's true.

vroom01ex · August 2004

We have a 2002 Accord with around 42000 miles on it now. The car developed a bad habit of stumbling when cold about 8 months ago. It was pronounced in cold weather, but is present in this warm weather as well, provided taht the car has been left to sit for a day or two. It's a subtle stumbling, but it's visible even on the tachometer- the revs kind of bounce within about a 200RPM arc. It disappears once the car warms, and a touch of the gas smooths things out. Is this something that needs attention?

stevengordon · August 2004

In desperation, I took my '99 Accord to a Firestone near the Lennox Mall in Atlanta. They found that the AC drain was plugged. I should've noticed that there was no puddle underneath the engine after parking during these hot summer days. They also ran some dye through to look for any leaks (none found) and evacuated and recharged the system.

The AC is ice-cold again.

And I've been reminded to check those simple things that might indicate future trouble, like the AC puddle (not to mention the less-than-cold air output).

richards38 · August 2004

You must be precise when checking fuel mileage. Fill the tank yourself so you know it's full. Then fill it again yourself after it's down to well below half full.

I think you'll find that your city mileage will be about 23 and highway will be about 33. Those are my approximate numbers.

I just filled with 12.75 gallons after driving 333 miles which included some highway driving and also some bumper-to-bumper creeping and crawling which is more like gallons per mile than miles per gallon. The average was 26MPG which is amazing for a 3200 pound near-luxury car with plenty of power (EX-L sedan, 4 cyl., AT). Mileage does seem to improve as the engine breaks in--I'm just under 3,000 now.

More exacting, future tests will probably satisfy you.......Richard

mike_92 · August 2004

Hello, I have a 97 Honda Accord and I think I need to change the timing belt...and might as well change the other belts at the same time.

1. How much do you think this will cost...the Honda dealer quoted me about $1000 and that includes replacing all the belts, some pumps, etc.

2. I have about 114K on it and my mechanic says it is looking good...should I just wait until something goes wrong before I replace the belt?

Thank you all.

banums · August 2004

The left hand side view mirror on my 2004 Accord broke. There is no damage to mirror or the arm, but the screw between the mirror and the motor broke. Should I replace the entire unit or I can replace the motor alone. Where can I find the parts or instructions for the side view mirror.

Thanks

Honda Accord Problems 2000-2005

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