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Older Honda Accords

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  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Not hard to install at all. I think unless you live in a very foggy area, you can do with out them. I rarely use mine and could live with out for sure.
  • mitchfloridamitchflorida Member Posts: 420
    buy them online and have a car accessory shop install them for about $50.

    they are great in fog and snow
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Some people like them on all the time to look "cool". I guess it does, but I think fog lights have a much shorter life than regular headlight do so it could get expensive.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    On the sedan they have to cut into the bumper I believe so I would leave installation to the pros. I have the fogs on my 03 Coupe and they do provide a little extra light at night without using the brights and they do help in foggy conditions.
  • aggie1995aggie1995 Member Posts: 318
    I seem to get about 2500 RPMs at 60MPH
    and
    2750 RPMs at 70 MPH

    This sounds high compared to others on this board.

    What engine/transmission and RPMs is everyone else seeing?
  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    That is a good Rpm range to be in. Im guessing you have the 4 cyclinder, right?
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Accord I-4 manual should rev at about 2300 rpm @ 60 mph (auto will be around 2000 rpm since it is geared taller). So, at 70 mph, you should see 2700 rpm.
  • mike2741mike2741 Member Posts: 21
    What are slots for on the 1st arm rest inside the door?
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    be slightly different at different altitudes- something to consider.

    ~alpha
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    No. RPM will not change with altitude. RPM depends on gearing, the wheel speed and wheel size.

    Smaller wheel diameter -> higher rpm
    Shorter gearing -> higher rpm
    Greater speed -> higher rpm ;-)
  • twhantwhan Member Posts: 45
    I would like to get some inputs from some owners about the Desert Mist Metalic Color of 2003 Accords. Is this color easy to fade out over years? Special care needed? Hide dirt/show dirt or scratches? I am in the market for a new one. I kinda like this color but the wife hates it.
  • eswanborgeswanborg Member Posts: 22
    I recently had XM installed in my 03 EX-6. I love it. I used an adapter from Soundgate so I get the XM through the AUX input of the radio, no FM modulation, so it's closer to CD quality sound. It's the Pioneer unit, so the little controller is in the armrest - very easy to get it out when I want it, and it's out of the way when I don't. They put the little (new Terk model) antennae on the dash, right up against the windshield on the right side, not my first choice, but works great. I love having it in the car.
  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    How much did the install cost and how much a month?
  • lumanskilumanski Member Posts: 39
    I have a dealer in Dallas telling me that Honda is discontinuing the "Noble Green" on the '03 Accords. Anyone else hear this?
  • ian2ian2 Member Posts: 168
    So the manual is geared shorter but gets better mileage on the highway? So if you can keep the torque converter locked all the time, I suppose the auto would give you better mileage.
  • according2meaccording2me Member Posts: 236
    ian2...I've gotten 36.4mpg cruising at 70mph(~2500rpm) for 300 miles.
  • eswanborgeswanborg Member Posts: 22
    The install was $55 at Circuit City. This was the price because I'd had the same unit in my 99 Accord and had it moved to this one. Many times if you buy the unit there, they will install it for free. I just had to watch them closely since I was asking them to do something slightly off from their normal install (the adapter instead of FM Modulator). If you're considering doing it, get the adapter - it makes a huge difference in sound quality. I didn't really mind the previous set up, using the FM modulator, but now that I've heard the difference, it is well worth the money. The fee for XM is $10 a month. For some it doesn't make any sense, but my commute (LA) is at least an hour each way, and the commercials on regular radio drive me nuts. Hope that helps.
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    There was a post on one of the forums that confirmed that Noble Green will be discontinued for the 2004 model year. A new green will replace it.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    My apologies if I have asked this question before

    the 3.0L V6 in the Accord: what is the REQUIRED fuel octane/grade? if the REQUIRED fuel octane/grade is regular, is "better" fuel RECOMMENDED for increased performance?

    also- what is the emissions rating for the 3.0L V6 (LEV/ULEV/SULEV, etc...)

    thanks in advance
    ~alpha
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    The emissions rating is ULEV.

    Honda recommends regular unleaded (presumably 87 octane). Rumor has it that the engine runs with its timing slightly retarded with that octane level. Guess they wanted some level of bragging rights since the Altima, Passat and Camry V6 models all come with recommendations for premium fuel. Anyway, more rumor has it that the engine will react to premium fuel by advancing the timing, which will result in an additional 10 hp.

    This is different than the old wive's tale that says every car will run better with premium fuel, a statement with which many disagree, including many automotive engineers. In the case of the Accord, the rumored better performance with premium is actually by design.

    As far as I know, nobody's actually tested this (by testing, I mean instrumented tests as opposed to anecdotal reports or off-the-cuff comments by Honda engineers), so it hasn't been confirmed.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Regular is required, I think you may get slightly better performance out of high octane, but I also don't think you will notice the difference.
  • berbelberbel Member Posts: 167
    From the rumor mill.........

    The v-6 models are supposed to be (?) equipped with
    dual stage knock suppressors. It is my understand-
    ing that when premiun fuel is introduced into the
    vehicle, the knock suppressors react by advancing
    the timing with the result being a performance
    enhancement. How much of an "enhancement" to the
    horsepower than can be obtained from the use of
    premium fuel remains unclear (at least to me)

    An interesting sidebar to this.............
    I called my local dealer and asked if they were
    aware of these two stage knock suppressors.......
    the service manager's response was that he "didn't
    know!" Maybe the car is too new for some of these
    service dept.'s to be aware of such things but you
    would think that the company would have held some
    in-service training to familiarize the service techs and managers with the enhanced mechanics of
    these engines. I never ceased to be amazed how
    sometimes us consumers actually know more about
    certain products (especially our cars) than the
    people who sell them and work on them!!!!!

    berbel
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    See, I could have sworn that the 2.4L was ULEV and that the 3.0L was LEV, except for in certain states.

    Thanks for helping me out.
    ~alpha
  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    The 03 V6 is ULEV and I believe the 4 cyclinder is SULEV for the Ex and LX. And I think the DX is only LEV, but IM not positive
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    By vtec.net and it was found to have higher than rated power with premium. However I don't think hey tested it with regular to see the difference.
  • lichtronimolichtronimo Member Posts: 212
    From the College Hills Honda webpage for the '04 Accord Sedan due to arrive in August:

    "Little or no changes. Deep Green Pearl to replace Noble Green Pearl. EX cloth models have the option of side curtain airbags. Leather and V-6 models will have this option standard."

    "New 2004 Accessories: Deck Lid Spoiler (Coupe), Rear Door Visors, Birdseye and Metal-Look Trim Kits"
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    berbel, dindak...et al,

    yes, the new v6 does have dual stage knock sensors. therefore you can get some benefit from using high octane fuel in this engine. but, whether or not you could personally tell a difference in performance between 87 and 92 octane i'm not sure. i have run 89 octane in my car (mainly because 89 is cheaper than 87 where i live - its an ethanol blend) and i can't tell a difference.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    side curtains available on EX cloth models and standard on leather and V6 models? What will Passat owners have to complain about now? Oh yeah, no heated mirrors.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I have tried premium a few times in my Shortstar powered Intrigue also and felt no difference in smoothness, power or mileage contrary to what I had been told. Go with what's cheapest if there is no benefit I always say. Spend the money saved on a good air filter or something.
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    They will complain that the DX and LX still don't have them....
  • carscoutcarscout Member Posts: 11
    I have decided to buy a Honda Accord coupe V6 2001/2002 automatic. Can anyone help me out with this. Should I buy from private dealer or dealership. How many miles i good for a v6 accord. And what modifications I could make to its engine. Thank You. MY budget is around 17 grand
  • berbelberbel Member Posts: 167
    Could you share with us the source of your info
    related to the knock sensors? I did read a road
    test article (one of about seven I researched)
    that stated "the Accord V-6 can benefit from the
    use of premium fuel." Oddly enough, though, the
    author FAILED to mention WHY this is supposedly
    true. Thanks!

    berbel
  • 03honda03honda Member Posts: 96
    I wonder how long it will be before Honda offers memory seats.
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    berbel,

    i also read the info on a road test report, but i can't remember where since i look at so many different web sites and auto mags. but, i'll see if i can find it...
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Accord V6 now uses a relatively higher compression ratio than it did earlier (up from 9.6:1 to 10.0:1). The new compression can be considered borderline when it comes to choice of regular versus premium grade of gasoline. The same applies to the 3.5 liter V6 version of the same engine (used in Odyssey & Pilot with 240 HP from Regular grade, and in MDX with 260 HP from Premium grade).

    One reason I see Honda not marketing Accord with more than 240 HP is that they may be making that number a max power standard for Honda brand (S2000, Accord V6, Odyssey and Pilot) and keeping the distance (at least from marketing point of view) with the Acura counterparts (TL and MDX).

    In certain markets (UAE), however, Accord with the V6 is rated at an impressive 270 HP, but the emissions may be higher than Honda would prefer to keep in America. Or, perhaps it is the grade of the gasoline. (By comparison however, in the same market, Odyssey gets the old 210 HP output, the four cylinder Accord is rated at 174 HP and S2000 is rated at 250 HP, same as it is in Japan).
  • kw_carmankw_carman Member Posts: 114
    I have a 1998 LX with the factory cassette (which has the options on it to control a cd changer). If I were to buy a Honda cd changer to mount in my trunk, would the car already be wired to install it or would I have to run audio and power wires back into the trunk?
  • hondadrivenhondadriven Member Posts: 13
    If you buy the CD Changer, I believe all you need to run is a "Bus Cable" from the Radio to the CD Changer (trunk). The Bus Cable will more than likely be included with your CD Changer purchase.
    Check out this site (has instructions on how to perform the task, or at-least should give you an idea of what you need and how its done):
    http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/instal/aii/pages/accord/1998/- 18917_01.html
    Good Luck!!
  • kw_carmankw_carman Member Posts: 114
    I was just looking around and saw a few on eBay that I was interested in, and was gauging the effort needed to be put into it.
  • tenor38tenor38 Member Posts: 8
    I got the call! My 2003 EX V6 Graphite Sedan will be waiting for me to take delivery on Monday!

    I'm hoping you all can give me some advice as to how thorough a go-over I should do on the car before signing the paperwork...what to open, close, test, any things I most definately should examine closely, etc.

    I'm really excited, but want to make sure all is well before signing on the dotted line.

    Thanks!
  • masrozmasroz Member Posts: 16
    In response to twhan's question, my wife and I purchased an 03 EX Accord in Desert Mist. This is our favorite color and we love it. It "hides" the dirt well and looks really sharp when it's clean and waxed. Our previous car, an 98 Accord was the same color. There isn't anything special that you need to do to maintain it - just wash it regularly and give it a couple of coats of wax each year and like most colors it should stay clean and bright. We've had lots of compliments on the color.
  • mitchfloridamitchflorida Member Posts: 420
    My accord has 52,000 miles. It looks like the alternator has gone bad now. How long should an alternator last?

    My battery went out too , but that was no big deal. Am pissed off about the alternator though, I heard there is a recall on ignition switch. . maybe that is the problem?

    How much should an alternator fix cost? Help!
  • according2meaccording2me Member Posts: 236
    Is your alternator a Denso unit or the one supplied for the U.S. built Accords?
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    The battery problem probably caused the alternator failure. I've never replaced an alternator or a battery alone. Not that I haven't tried but every time when I replaced one, I ended up replacing the other sooner than later. A weak battery can kill an alternator and vice versa.
  • bricklayertxbricklayertx Member Posts: 20
    Just finished a round trip vacation from Houston-Milwaukee-Mackinaw-Louisville-Memphis-Houston. About 3300 miles. MPG was never below 32. Tops was 33.3. Car is 2003 EX-V6, bought in February.Total mileage is now 4300.
    An added note---in the CU April issue, the Honda has more leg room front and back than the Buick LeSabre.
  • bricklayertxbricklayertx Member Posts: 20
    Forgot to mention-----speed was at 72 to 75 mpg with spurts up to 100 (once).
  • venus537venus537 Member Posts: 1,443
    how comfortable were the seats on your long trip?
  • mitchfloridamitchflorida Member Posts: 420
    the alternator is made by delphi. I will find out tomorrow what went wrong. The car just died on my while I was driving along . .. thank goodness I wasn't on the turnpike.

    Would the ignition switch cause this? It is covered under the Honda recall . .and I will ask them to pay for the towing bill if it was caused by a faulty ignition switch.

    I thought an alternator should last at least 7 years. . will find out the cause tomorrow . . it is sitting at the dealer's lot.
  • jimh16jimh16 Member Posts: 2
    does anyone know if the new accord v-6 has a timing belt or chain? Also, I am in a lease until August 31. I want to buy the accord sedan v-6, automatic, with leather but no navigation. Should I wait for the 04 or try to get an extra discount on the 03, and how low can I get one?
  • briansbluetoybriansbluetoy Member Posts: 50
    In response to post 10750, in the 8 new cars that I have purchased, my experience has been battery in 3-4 yrs (like clock work) and GMs needs an alternator every 3.5 yrs. The I have never had to replace an alternator on the others.

    Olds 84
    nissan 85
    Pontiac 87
    Chrysler 96
    Honda 94
    Honda 95
    Honda 99
    Honda 03
    Honda (Pilot in '05)
  • briansbluetoybriansbluetoy Member Posts: 50
    My 03 maintenance log refers to it as a timing belt.
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