Honda Accord Problems 2000-2005

lastwraith · January 2005

Assuming you have the same problem as confused does and I used to,and I think you do, the car often has to be cranking heat for more than 10 mins to get that one switch hot enough where the grease liquifies and lets the spring drive the "P" contacts together. It also depends what vent(s) you have the heat blowing out of. Sending heat out the floor vents will probably cure your problem faster than shooting air out of the panel vents. But if it's never been cleaned or replaced in an '89 (and I doubt it has) then single digit temps will easily cause the grease to mess up your spring-loaded contacts. In my car it's literally 10 screws or so and I can get to the contacts to clean them. Not sure about an '89 though....

I drive a lot of friends around and being stuck in "P" and having to use the door key to release the car was really ticking me off. I'd bet some money that even just taking off 4 screws and removing the shift console cover you would see the yellowish grease from the shifter cable all over that switch assembly on the driver side of the shift console. Quite a bit of it seems to migrate over in the span of 10 years or so, what was Honda thinking

Just teasing, the older Accords are amazing. Happy motoring.

chucko3 · January 2005

Since the problem doesn't bother me that much and how to get around it, I just live with it for now.

The last time I removed the shift console was several years ago just to replace the light bulb.

Thanks.

drinkr247247 · January 2005

I am having a problem with a 1994 accord. For some reason my car won't turn over when its starts. it will keep kranking and kranking turns over but doesn't start. I have tried every think i could think of, i put a fuel injector cleaner in and it still didn't solve the prob. Does anyone know what this can be?

crankky · January 2005

I've read through this board and found that the general consensus is that gas mileage will improve as the car ages. I currently have 5000 miles on my 04 Accord EX Sedan, 4cyl AT. I've never gotten over 20mpg in city driving. At my last visit to the dealer, I mentioned this and their response was "...depends on your driving style...you'll never really get the EPA numbers...".

They also gave me a xeroxed copy of some Honda publication that explains how if you drive agressively, blah blah blah...

Well, I'm no hot-rodding teenager.

Is there a problem with my car? The dealer basically said that if there isn't something broken, they can't fix it. They don't want to or can't look for the problem. What mileage should I reasonably expect to get? The EPA numbers are 24/34. I figure that I should be able to get at least 22 mpg in city driving, right?

lastwraith · January 2005

You need fuel, spark, and compression to have success basically. Here is a pretty simple checklist to follow to narrow things down. It's

http://www.samarins.com/diagnose/index.html

Some of my own random thoughts...

Does it happen only when it's wet? - If so, most likely distributor, plugs, plug wires?

Was it incredibly cold like it was here today, your battery may be on the brink of usefulness? Cranks fast enough when it's warm but not in the extreme cold. - Free charging system test at Auto Zone, etc if you can get it started.

Was it very hot out(if so, I wish I was there)? The main fuel relay under the driver's side dash doesn't engage when it gets really hot and therefore your Honda has nothing to ignite. Common problem on the 90-93s. Go here for some help with the relay: http://www.cybertrails.com/~bestinthewest/autotips/9091accordcomp- - - - rblems.html

Actually, you should read through most of the things on that page anyway.

Between the few web pages I listed, especially the first, you should be able to at least narrow the problem down. But here is my quick and dirty list to check.

1) Be sure you actually have gas

2) Is the oil low? If very low, engine may turn over Sloooooooowlllly.

3) Turn key to "On", do you hear the buzz of the fuel pump from the back? No gas = no go.

4) If you are getting gas then maybe there is no spark. Especially if it's wet, check for loose spark plug wires, a cracked or loose distributor cap, you can take the cap off and dry it along with the plug wires. Basically anywhere water can interfere with your initial spark.

5) If you are not sure about gas, how about spraying some starter fluid into the air intake (filter)? Step away when you or someone else cranks the starter.

6) Are any belts too tight/loose/missing?

Just some thoughts.

Also, sometimes alarms can be a major pain. Perhaps an alarm that cuts off fuel delivery? (Not sure what your situation is)

altair4 · January 2005

Nice write-up!

lastwraith · January 2005

No problem, I've gleaned some good stuff off of here and it's my penance for stealing great info

richards38 · January 2005

It's winter and cold outside, so if you drive only a few miles in the city while the car is warming up, mileage will not be very good in any car.

A short, winter commute at 20 MPG is pretty good for a 3200 pound car. Mileage should improve in warmer weather or if the car is driven a greater number of miles between warm-ups.

Highway mileage in a 4 cyl. Accord should be between 33 and 34 MPG.

It is unlikely that anything is wrong with your car....Richard

ktnr · January 2005

The mileage you're getting certainly seems low. During the short time I had it, my '05 LX 4cyl AT sedan was getting about 27.5mpg in mixed city/freeway driving (about an hour of heavy traffic each way daily). In contrast, my '05 LX-V6 AT sedan gets 25mpg in the exact same driving and I drive in the fastest 20% of traffic (more than four out of five cars drive slower than I do).

There are a few Camry owners that report similarly low fuel mileage estimates. Unfortunately for you, I haven't seen where anyone has identified either the problem or it's solution. Sorry.

jaynian · January 2005

I have a 1995 Accord I had to remove fuses to try to find a fault on putting fuses back into sockets the srs light on dash stayed on, can anyone tell me how to reset it.

ashaidy · January 2005

I can not believe the difference. Whatever they did it was like magic. According to the invoice they pulled down headliner installed tape cleaned & lubed. There is something in the comment section that says sunroof seals and I do not know what that means. Thank goodness for Pasadena Honda they have restored my faith and now I can really start enjoying the car I purchased 11/15/04 to the fullest. Hearing those noises on a new car is very very disappointing to say the least.

korben101 · January 2005

Gee, and I thought I was the only one.....I was on a 6 hour drive from Indiana to Illinois last weekend and on the trip back, my entire radio/cd/climate control took a major dump on me. My unit has the same exact problem with one exception, I was listening to a cd at the time and when the malfunction occurred, I ejected the cd and almost burnt my hand! The LCD face of the unit was just as hot! So...I visited my local Honda dealership and they told me the same thing...Outside the mileage by 10k but still under three years old. Unfortunately for me and you the only recourse is replacement or a costly repair.

deeg · January 2005

It seems this is a common problem in the accord 03 and hopefully it happens while you still have a warrenty otherwise it will cost approx. 900$ to replace the whole unit.

chucko3 · January 2005

The extended warranty would pay for itself in this case.

xueliang · January 2005

How is it going? I will go to the dealer to check it tomorrow.

marcinandula · January 2005

Hi,

I have a 2001 Accord EX V6.

Recently, I noticed that when I put the car in Reverse and start moving, I hear a noise that seems to be coming from underneath the hood.

When I bring the car to a stop, the noise stops. However, when I resume driving (only in Reverse), it starts again. I was wondering if anyone else experienced anything like this?

Thanks,

ghomaz · January 2005

My friend is having a rather strange problem. On cold days on the highway, the engine temperature gauge drops almost to zero but it again goes up to the halfway mark on local roads. What's going on? Can engine temperatures really go down so low? Or is the gauge malfunctioning?

Thanks.

sgsm · January 2005

Greetings. Just bought a new EX V6 w/AT and am noticing it sometimes downshifts to 1st noticeably hard. Otherwise, all shifting is virtually seamless. This happens at ~20 mph. There's no noise, but there is a slight lunge when it happens. If anyone else has experienced this, I'd appreciate your feedback. Thanks.

lastwraith · January 2005

I had that trouble myself and it turned out to be a thermostat that was stuck open. Apparently the factory ones tend to stick open which means your car runs cooler than it should. This can also cause other problems since the car thinks it is not warmed up yet (no Overdrive, high idle, etc). Aftermarket thermostats supposedly tend to generally stick closed which causes an overheat condition.

Have someone check your thermostat, or just go get a genuine Honda one at the dealer (they are very cheap items) and have it put in.

Good luck. (I have a '90 Accord)

imidazol97 · January 2005

There is a name for the thermostats that stick open rather than closed. Reverse something? Check the packages at Pepboys. I got one for my car, but I had to ask what the label meant in the Stant catalog.

The counter guy explained instead of the pellet pushing to open the thermostat it pushes to make it go closed, So if it doesn't work, stat stays open.

ashaidy · January 2005

it may never be gone although Honda seems to think they can fix it but how long does that take?

ghomaz · January 2005

Thanks a lot for the information, guys!

msuryadarma · January 2005

Hi everyone. I'm considering buying a 98 Accord EX, 4-cyl Automatic. Current owner is the 2nd owner and has service records since he bought it in 2002. Just went through 110k service. It has 114k currently. He said he never had any problem with the transmission.

My question is, is is true that this model of Accord is famous for transmission problems? The reason I'm buying this car is because I want Accord reliability, so I'm definitely not gonna get it if it's prone to tranny problems.

Any opinion is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

xueliang · January 2005

I just came back. The dealer said it was normal. Sad ...

xueliang · January 2005

I just found my new Honda Accord LX 05 does not have a ceiling cover for the trunk. I can see all the wires and joints, it looks very ulgy. The Accord EX in the Show Room of the dealer have that one which makes it better. I thought that should be the standard configuration like tires. Do you guys have the cover in the ceiling floor of the trunk.

chucko3 · January 2005

<<<On cold days on the highway, the engine temperature gauge drops almost to zero but it again goes up to the halfway mark on local roads.>>>

It's the wind speed cooling down the engine.

I agree with lastwraith. It's the thermostat stuck open.

chucko3 · January 2005

I replaced the thermostat in my 89LXi with OEM/Honda parts three times. Two times stuck open (failed during the winter), and one time stick closed (failed during the summer).

dirkpitt73 · January 2005

Update - took the car in this week, they kept it overnight. They were able to hear the cracking sound and seem to think it was coming from the windshield. They "re-sealed" the windshield and said it went away. I don't know about that - it's definitely reduced, by about 75%, but it's still there over hard bumps. Also, it has not been cold like it was when we first experienced the problem. Keep in mind, this car is less than a week old! I still think it's coming from the airbag/a-pillar area. Any updates from others that have experienced this very annoying problem?

lmf · January 2005

I have a 2002 Honda Acccord SE and it is horrible in the snow. My driveway is on a hill and although my neighbors have no problem getting up it when there is snow or ice, my Accord just spins out and I have to constantly park it on the street and risk getting towed. Does anyone else have this problem with their car in the snow? Any suggestions?

lastwraith · January 2005

Snow tires for the winter? Are there a lot of miles on your tires?

imidazol97 · January 2005

What tires do you have and how worn are they? If you have a hard-to-climb driveway, you probably want to buy new tires for the front every couple of years to keep a good gripping tread on them.

I just got Michelin Harmony tires and they are great in this 4 inches we just had in Ohio. I got them because they were rated 9 for snow on Michelin's site, a good rating compared to other similar tires they make for off-brand sales.

donnienoms · January 2005

The exact same thing just happened to me with my 2003 Accord EX...display is gone but everything works fine. It just happened so I have not called the dealer. Thought I would check out here first to see if this was a common problem. I will call tomorrow to see what dealer response is.

bjl1 · January 2005

Not quite the same issue but was hoping for some insight? I am the owner of a 2004 Honda EX Coupe - just noticed a crack in my windshield - it appears to have started from the top of the windshield and extends to the review mirror. Am trying to find out if it's a normal problem with the Honda as it does not appear to be from a rock or something hitting the windshield. Read your issue about the windshield "re-seal" and wondered if maybe this contributed to the crack? Any thoughts?

CSF · January 2005

Hi dirkpitt73,

I have had my car a little more than a month, and it has the same cracking & creaking sound on the driver's side. It is definitely worse when it is cold outside.

My husband wants me to just ignore it, he's concerned that the service techs might make it worse instead of better and cause something else to start rattling. But the sound it makes is so loud and annoying that I can't take it much longer.

I'm going to call the service department tomorrow and schedule an appointment. I plan to print out all the posts from this board that mention this problem and take them with me to the technician. I'll be checking back here frequently to see if anyone has been able to get the problem solved so if you get any more clues, please let me know. It might also help if we could trade the names & phone numbers of the technicians in the service departments we go to, so that they could contact each other. Just a thought. Let me know what you think.

CSF · January 2005

Hi ashaidy,

I also have the creaking cracking noise on the driver's side. I just got my car in December. I have not yet carried mine back to the dealer to have it checked out. But, as I mentioned in another post, it might help if we all share the names & phone numbers of the technicians we go to and have them call each other. At least it would let them know that each of us is not all alone in this, and maybe if we get enough of us to share this information Honda will get busy and find out what's wrong and issue a service bulletin on how to fix it. Just a thought.

garandman · January 2005

I have a 2002 Honda Acccord SE and it is horrible in the snow. My driveway is on a hill and although my neighbors have no problem getting up it when there is snow or ice, my Accord just spins out and I have to constantly park it on the street and risk getting towed. Does anyone else have this problem with their car in the snow? Any suggestions?

What tires do you have on the car? Hondas aren't any better or worse than any other FWD car of similar weight and weight distribution.

NTB will give you a tire tread depth gage, or you can buy one for about $1 at an auto parts store. Most passenger car tires have 11/32nd inch of tread new. My experience is that once the tread is less than 6/32nd, snow and wet traction decline dramatically. You can drive them down to 2/32nd" if you live with the poor wet handling and braking and increased risk of flats. Your first flat will be the right front tire, when it's raining....

If you have good quality ires that aren't more well worn, try backing up the driveway. This puts a little more weight on the drive wheels for most FWD cars.

Any new all-season will be a big improvement. I put Michelin HydroEdge tires on my Subaru, and after 32,000 miles they still have 9/32nd of tread depth. They are fantastic in the rain and good in snow. The Goodyear TripleTread is another new all-season that's well regarded. You pay more, you get more....

crankky · January 2005

Well, I filled up yesterday and my latest mileage was 18mpg in city driving. Like I said before, I'm not hot rod teenager. The dealer claims that that is just the way it is and that I drive slower. He even suggested that I try higher octane gas. I fail to see how that would help (if you understand exactly what octane is about) especially since the car was designed to run on 87 and frankly I shouldn't have to use 89 or 92 octane gas to get normal mileage.

So, what, other than driving habits, mechanically could contribute to low mileage? Timing is off? Belts loose? The car drives just as good as when it was new, makes no weird noises. Currently miles are about 5000.

Thanks.

rutger3 · January 2005

you should be getting better than 18mpg in city. The higher octane will do nothing for mileage. Are your tires properly inflated? Does air filter need replacing?

altair4 · January 2005

How long is each of your trips? How cold is your location now? I can definitely get mileage as low as yours if all trips are only a couple of miles, as the engine never warms up.

gregoryc1 · January 2005

At 114,000 miles anything can happen. Now, having said that, the trans problem was with the V6 Accord. Personally, I would not purchase this vehicle for the following reasons: 1.) The mileage is TOO high, --- 2.) You would be the 3rd owner on this vehicle. I would look for a one owner Accord from a Honda dealer, that I could put an extended warranty on, for the maximum number of years. At least, you would be protected for the major items that cost "BIG MONEY" to repair!

isellhondas · January 2005

No Accord is "famous" for transmission problems.

A few of the V-6's had problems but I've heard of no fours that had troubles.

I'm sure someone will chime in and state differently.

I wouldn't worry. these cars last forever.

ashaidy · January 2005

How can anyone ignore that noise is beyond me. Great idea to share info. Power in numbers can produce results and at the very least a TSB. I've been in touch with HOA filed complaint got a case # did that right after purchase 11/17/04. Took back to Downey Honda where I purchased it they didn't hear it. Now I am going to Pasadena Honda CA that is where I'd been having my 92 LX Accord serviced. They heard it repaired it they thought by lubing cleaning & taping. It was great for a day. Now I'm right back to where I began. Next week I should be hearing from HOA a Regional Manager. One way or another this problem shall be resolved especially if enough complaints are filed.

augal · January 2005

YES! We have this issue with our 2003 Accord EX, V6. I would appreciate if anyone has any suggestions. We are taking the car into Carmax for some other repairs that I have found info on this board about. I would love to be able to have this addressed as well.

tlee · January 2005

My 2005 Accord LX sedan (which I bought earlier this month) also had the creaking noise on the driver side. It drove me crazy. The problem seemed to be temperature sensitive and was worse in a cold day. Fortunately my dealer was able to fix the problem for me after I brought it in earlier this week. So far I haven't heard any more noise after I got the car back. If I recall correctly, they added some felt padding to the headliner. If your dealer cannot fix the problem for you, maybe you can ask the service manager to call Classic Honda in Round Rock, Texas. Hope this helps.

msuryadarma · January 2005

I didn't think that 114,000 is too high for an Accord (or Civic, Corolla, Camry), and that's why I even considered this to begin with. Is that a bad assumption?

The owner just replaced timing belt, water pump, catalytic converter, 4 new tires, complete flush, etc. I saw the 110k service that costs him $1700 in July. He said he was planning to keep this car, hence the service, until he decided to get an SUV because of the winter.

crankky · January 2005

Well, it's about 20 degrees here, and most of my trips are between 3 and 8 miles. I'll check the tires later today. But, the car has 5000 miles on it and shouldn't have a dirty air filter yet. And, the mileage has been the same for the last six months, regardless of weather. That stretches back to last August when we were having temps in the 80s and 90s.

03lxv6 · January 2005

Hi,

1.

Anybody knows about any TSB regarding wind noise in 03 Accord? Now my accord is becoming more and more noisy. Above 60mph, the front wind noise is loud.

2.

Also, on a cool to cold California morning, when I first turn the steering wheel, I can hear some rubbing noise. Anybody experiences this?

isellhondas · January 2005

114,000 miles is nothing for a well maintained Honda and it sounds like it's ready for another 114K!

ramida · January 2005

Accord reliability? I'm not a big fan anymore.

If I were you, I wouldn't gamble on this 98 Accord EX 4-cyl auto at 114k. Put your money on a brand new car if you can, or at least on a 2002 model with no more than 50k miles.

Just my personal opinion.

ramida

lmf · January 2005

I have Michelins and I just had my car at the Honda dealer for my 30,000 mile tune up and they said they should be fine. Thanks for your advice, I'll look into the Michelin Harmony tires.

Honda Accord Problems 2000-2005

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