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Comments
Thanks
A key intended for a DX can be coded to work in your 2003/2004 Accord ignition.
How have you been making out with the 87 octane?
Tom
depends upon what you are asking of the system. try adjusting the temp up and down to see if it automatically changes modes between dash and floor. if it NEVER changes...sounds like something's wrong with it.
(1) Miscuts on the floor coverings -- the interface/lining between the plastics on the (inside) body sides and the floor covering. This is awful (didn't notice it when I purchased the car).
(2) Steering vibrates when braking to a stop, despite the tire rotation maintenance.
(3) Those pesky little engine breaks at 4th (and even 5th) gear that makes driving not as smooth as the automatics.
(4) Rotten-egg odor (total miles now: 21k)
(5) "Hanging edge" of ceiling cover at the interface between the ceiling and the rear glass window -- it's cut rougly and not attached to anything! This car was manufactured in Ohio.
(6) The ugly butt (especially in this Silver color)
(7) When the air conditioning is ON and accelerating from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd, the engine seem to "choke" as I press the gas pedal -- accelerating like it's got a stuffy nose (horsey jerky with some hesitation -- slight but noticeable).
(8) Just lately, some random rattle noise (not sure where they're coming from).
This 03 Accord is a pain to drive. Think hard (and inspect/test drive thoroughly) before you decide to buy. I got a lemon.
Disappointed -- ramida
Some of these issues seem like a mechanic would take a look and make adjustments as necessary. (not #4 or6).
Does the LX have ABS? If so, that is natural to have some vibration if you are braking hard. Nothing to be concerned about.
All the things you mentioned are things your service department should be happy to address.
Have you done this?
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/honda/accord/100336788/photogalle- ry.html?pg_type=Sedan&imgsrc=%2Fpictures%2FVEHICLE%2F2003%2FH- onda%2F100144773%2F005045-T.jpg
(1) Yeah, I think I need to bring this car to the dealer for some adjustments. The steering vibration is getting worse.
(2) To suckpuppet1969 -- you may be wrong (no problem with the car itself), but you may be right (I don't know how to drive stick!). If you don't mind, kindly describe your clutch-gas-pedal foot movements or techniques? As you press the clutch and change gear, how do you handle the gas pedal -- leave it where it is or relese a little? And how fast are these movements? And as you release the clutch, how long do you have to hold the clutch at the "contact point" (and how much pressure on the foot do you feel at this holding point)? For me, I have to hold the clutch at the contact point for longer than normal -- otherwise, I get that jumpy car tendency that affect the smoothness of the drive. Or I get a slight "thug-like" sound from the clutch and a bumpy acceleration if I release it too much and too soon. The clutch pressure on my foot as I hold it there at the contact point is causing me a lot of uneasiness. I've been driving sticks for 13 years now, and have not experienced the same problem (Dodge Colt, Toyota Camry).
(3) I agree with that "blind spot issue", especially aggravated when the wife is sitting beside you on the passenger side. :-)
thanks, ramida
My '03 is a manual, and I don't experience any issue with the clutch engagement, unless I am being really sloppy with my technique. I certainly don't have to hold the clutch at any one point. Why not get this checked out? You are under warranty!
As for the color and styling issue, I am confused as to why you bought a silver Accord if you don't like the color with the body style.
There seems to be a consensus that the sulphur (rotten-egg) smell is being caused by the high-sulful fuel we have here and the Accord's new catalytic converter. The issue is not unique to the Accord and will be remedied by a change next year in the fuel composition mandated by regulation.
Finally, I'll just say that no car is perfect and unfortunately you've had your share (or more) of problems with your Accord. However, it is reasonable to expect that a person having problems will do something to remedy them before dismissing the car because of them.
Please let us know how your trip to the dealer turns out.
And you should look up the Honda Accord Problems & Solutions Board to voice your complaints on.
60k service is mostly the following but the manual will tell you for sure.
- 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.
- Replace air filter with Genuine Honda Parts.
- Inspect belts, hoses, fuel lines and exhaust system.
- Inspect front and rear brake assemblies.
- Inspect steering system, suspension components, alignment and parking brake.
The '04 Accord is the first car I've had with keyless entry and I think it's great. I don't see any need a second door lock. Why is that so important?
The new Accord is one of the most pleasant and easy to live with cars I've ever had. Mine has the superb, 5 speed automatic transmission, but Honda manuals are said to be among the best and their clutches are among the easiest to modulate. If you're having a problem, take it in for service.....Richard
Obviously, the V6, being the "top line" engine, has one thing in common with a power passenger seat... both are higher end "luxury" options for a mainstream sedan like the Accord. And as such they tend to be packaged together. Is this right? Well, automakers have used convenience and luxury features and packages as an incentive for buyers to trade up to higher priced models and brands for many years, so Honda hardly invented the idea.
And how many "options" must one have before you realize that, in some cases, wanting options ends up just being a rationalization to obsess? I've been driving for more years than I care to reveal in the snowbelt, and never ONCE have I been forced by ice buildup on the driver's door to use the passenger door. And I'm on my third car with keyless remote and never once has the system failed to operate. One can be quite imaginative about worst case scenarios that such an equipment change would exacerbate, but the probability of such a combination of events is hardly high enough to be of great concern. At least for me, and I would hazard to guess, most people.
Perhaps eliminating the passenger door lock isn't a great step forward for the Accord, but given what it offers for the price and given the very small likelihood of the problem that you fear for which such an equipment change would be problematic, I for one am not going to lambast Honda for making such a change. If you elect to do so, that's your choice.
I have had the left hand side of the car iced up by freezing rain. However the remote did work; I did not need the key and the right hand cylinder to open the right.
OTOH: I have had the remote fail. Battery died.
But I agree the odds of an ice storm freezing up the left lock or door AND the remote's not working are infinitesimally small.
The need for a power seat in a 4 cyl. version is a valid option. Honda developed its image on economical but useable automobiles. It's now preening the Accord as a medium size replacement for some competitors for older clients. The 4 cyl. should offer a full power package of seats.
--just my opinion, Keith.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
The Accord is not the only car to not have a key cylinder in the front passenger door. Maybe this is a vast conspiracy, I don't know. Maybe this is the same as not having a power door lock button on the passenger door, which some Japanese manufacturers have done on and off for years. Maybe four-door cars should have lock cylinders in all four doors. That would seem to be ideal. Why don't we ever see that?
I've got to agree with talon on this one, in that the Accord isn't the car for you, based on the issues you have with it. People have posted here on the wider A-pillars - I find that this is not an issue if you move your head slightly. I do not find my vision to be compromised by the A-pillar, and I feel much better knowing that the structure of the vehicle is that much stronger because of the beefier A-pillars. That gives me the option of increased safety in an accident.
Regarding the mirrors and blind spots, I paid close attention to my blind spots this morning, and found that there really aren't any. I have my mirrors adjusted as has been discussed here before and as is advocated by Click and Clack. With these mirror settings, along with glances left or right (as are prudent under any conditions), I have had no trouble with blind spots. But that is my experience.
It seems, from recent posts, that people are not doing a very good job of investigating and considering their Accord purchases. You cannot fault Honda because you bought a car of their's that doesn't meet your requirements.
And I've got to ask because I can't stand it anymore, why all of the quotes? I don't understand the emphasis you are giving to the quoted words.
~alpha
That would be two locks on each side of the car, unnecessary.
OTH, having one lock on each side is nice when when the door is frozen to the car with ice. Chipping it away and pulling at the door, possibly tearing the rubber seals, is not a good solution.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
As for the power seats question, Honda hasn't abandoned the inexpensive mid-sized market, as shown by the continued availability of the DX. It's not clear from the postings on this topic if the expectations are that Honda would offer a power passenger seat on all models (perhaps except for the DX) or just if Honda offered at least one 4-cyl Accord (probably the EX) with a full power seat option. The latter I would agree with.
From my perspective, though, I think Honda's biggest failing regarding the power passenger seat is that the one they make available has such limited functionality. It has only the same adjustments as the manual seat, just powered, and omits such really useful adjustments such as seat height and bottom cushion tilt. So frankly, I wouldn't much miss the power passenger seat in my EX V6, since it lacks the adjustments that make the power driver's seat so useful.
We bought 04 Honda Accord EX V6 last Saturday.
I wonder which maintenance schedule to follow. Based on the manual description, mine falls in normal condition, but the dealer recommended severe condition because of our city driving condition. Which schedule do you follow and why?
Thank you.
I'm considering 7th gen accord, specifically EXV6 w/nav. Trying to decide between getting a new 2004 model, or trying to find a used 2003 model.
Question: what are the differences between these 2 models? Is it just the integrated XM radio? Any other enhancements, build quality improvements, etc?
Thanks
My dealer had a sign in the service department recomending 3750 for all Hondas. The sign did not say severe or V6. I pointed out that this is severe for the V6 but the 4 cyl severe is 5000 and my driving is normal so it should be 10000.
They later change the sign to 3750 for V6 & 5000 for 4 cyl. I change my own oil around 7000, 3000 miles or 30% early.
I have a 2003 EX-L V6 with Navi
My buddy has the same car, but 2004.
The only major difference is XM.
Surprising, the squeaks and rattles issues were not fixed in 2004; he reported the same issue I had (fyi, I've been able to get them all fixed, just took some time).
Performance/mechanical wise, they are the same. We had had a few small issues, but nothing major.
So, the question is whether you really want XM for the price diffential.
I figure disparate materials heat up and expand at different rates. I guess I consider this "normal".
Those with squeaks - do they go away once the cabin heats up?
I have no idea about cleaning the interior - I was at the local Target and they had wet/dry auto vaccume - would that help?
Any pointers on how to clean the plastic (high quality - atleast thats what the salesman told me) dashboard or the door panels?
Thanks a lot guys..
anybody have experience with setting up the standalone XM receivers?
On the squeaking issue, I had a few odd sounds when I got my 03 Sedan, but now at 14K they are all gone. Feels good that all the parts have settled in.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
on my '03 accord coupe...i was getting a screaching sound from the center console around the gear shift lever. local stealership put some insulation underneith black piece around tranny selector and that noise has disappeared. however, i have occasional pops/snaps/rattles that seem to come from around the headliner or up by the front of the dash, not exactly sure where. on occasion the glove box door also rattles.
but, my rattles seem to increase when it warms up...go figure! anyway, i have been surprised with the number of little irritating things i've had with this car (my first so-called foreign car btw) that i know for sure i won't keep it after the lease is up...
The unit I chose was the Audiovox Jam Pack Tuner. It is portable, which is kind of nice because I can take it into my house and listen to it there also. I can also see all the station/artist/title information at the same time as the navigation screen. The car kit has a built in FM modulator so I don't have to worry about the cassette adapter.
I installed it in the cubby space below the navigation screen. This in great because I can close the door when I leave the car and hide it from view.
I chose Sirius over XM for several reasons...
1. I can listen to all Sirius content over the internet from my office (or any other broadband internet connection) without the receiver.
2. Sports content (NFL, NHL, NBA)
3. NPR
We drive from NC to NY fairly often and this will be great for the drive. It is also kind of neat that my wife can stay in the back seat with the baby and control the satellite radio using the remote control.
I have to admit it would be nice to be able to control the satellite radio from the steering wheel controls but I think the portability of the aftermarket system makes this compromise worth it.
Hope this helps.
Also, how is the sound quality? Seems that using FM modulation would compromise the CD-quality sound (part of the benefit of satellite radio is that it does need to be converted to an analog signal!)
I do not find the act of reaching down to change channels on the receiver a distraction/annoyance. What I do find distracting is the ability to scan through 60 music and 40 talk channels. I have to constantly remind myself to keep my eyes on the road and I really try to tune the radio only when the car is stopped.
I am not an audiophile but I can say that the sound quality is pretty good with the FM modulator. It is as good as a clear FM broadcast. No static. No doubt someone who really cares about a crystal clear signal would be better off with a direct line in, which is an option with the aftermarket system - you just have to locate the appropriate adaptor.
Overall I am thrilled with the Sirius satellite radio. It only cost $150 including the home kit. Also, don't underestimate the value of being able to bring the satellite radio into your house without having to pay an additional monthly fee and having to buy another receiver. Also, having the music programming available anywhere I have broadband internet access is awesome! (I am listening to it right now in my office.)