Older Honda Accords

kc_flynn · January 2001

Ho Hum. The 4 door Honda Accord is the only 5 star rated vehicle in regard to rollover risk. Yet another reason to buy one.

canadiancl · January 2001

The DX doesn't have power door locks, does it? I think you can still install the Honda alarm except you would not get the keyless entry. ie. the arm and disarm buttons would not lock and unlock the car. I've got the Honda alarm on a CR-V and the owners manual says the arm and disarm buttons will also lock and unlock, but with an asterisk that says only if the car is equipped with power locks.
What's the value package? Does that give you power locks? If so, then the arm and disarm buttons will arm/lock and disarm/unlock.

hbund216 · January 2001

Mine makes the same steering noise. Not sure what it is but it happens when I'm backing out of the parking space and turning the wheel pretty fast. That would lead me to belive it is the power steering pump. I'm taking the car in for some warranty work and I'll let them know. I'll keep you posted

ral2167 · January 2001

am confused about the wood trim accessory--are there two types? one for around the audio, and another for around the door locks? thanks

ahughes2 · January 2001

I have a 1991 Accord LX with 99K miles. It has an automatic transmission. I have noticed that when in drive, with my foot on the brake there is a vibration mainly felt in the steering wheel. When you put it in park or drive it goes away. The car runs great otherwiswe.Is this a common characteristic for idle while in park for these cars in the early years. I'm thinking its just coming from the engagement of the transmission. Any similiar comments would be appreciated.

jrct9454 · January 2001

This question was on the board at the Accord Problems forum; our certifed Honda mechanic there suggested, and it seems right to me, that a good place to start in the engine mounts...there appear to have been some problems with them on these models. My '91 wagon developed the same engine vibration problem at idle - I never had it fixed before we sold the car, but the engine mount suggestion sounds very rational to me.

The rpm difference between being in gear and idling out of gear is a couple of hundred, and that is enough to get it in the zone where the shaking can stress the engine mounts over time.

ferdm · January 2001

There are 3 sets for the wood trim. One for the door handles, one for the middle where the shifter is, and one for the audio/environment controls. The EX-V6 comes with the door and middle trims (at least in Canada). I had to add the audio panel separately and IMHO, makes the whole thing look complete.

tinindiana · January 2001

I own a 1992 Accord LX with 132,000 miles and it runs great. This afternoon, I changed the spark plugs and noticed that one of them had a fair amount of oil on it when I pulled it out. The other three were fine. Not sure what this means - any help is appreciated!

fitz6 · January 2001

I have an 89 accord and also just changed the plugs and found oil on the spark plug. Like you it was only on one. I have 142000 on the car.

auburn63 · January 2001

Tinindiana,
Yours is probably just a spark plug o ring seal located under your valve cover. Have the valve cover and o ring gaskets changed and you will most likely be ok.If the wire looks swollen you may also want to replace them.

Fitz6,
Yours is set up differantly than the 90's.If you had oil on the outside then I would say you had an oil leak from your valve cover but if it was on the tip of the plug then you may have an oil consumption problem.Good luck..

hondaaccessory · January 2001

American Honda sells the wood trim in two kits. One is the audio panel and the other includes the door lock panels and the center console covers.

-Trevor
HandA-Accessories.com

Extell · January 2001

Just got an offer from autobytel for an accord 4dr ex v6 for 23275. $500 over invoice.

Does that sound like a good offer?

I know the tmv value from edmunds is 23175
I think, not too much difference. Would be worth the difference not to haggle, but i still need to negotiate a trade.

ral2167 · January 2001

if you're happy it's just $100 more than edmund's TMV, that's fine--- just make sure the dealer removes any decal off the back bumper as part of the sale when you negotiate trade-- so many nice cars out there-- brand spanking new-- and then some ugly dealer decal is attached to the rear trunk lid. before i sign my name to any buyer's contract, i put it in writing-- "dealer decal removed from car-- license bracket ok"-- nuts?

i myself think $500 over invoice is still a tad high, but then again, honda isn't charging an advertising fee like toyota or nissan, so maybe it's a wash. at least i don't think honda has an advertising fee.

suhti · January 2001

i thought honda was offering 3.9% for 36 months on all accord v4s. i heard 2.9% before but i thought that expired as of jan 3rd or thereabout.

just like to say thanks for all you people who posted..helps out greatly with my next honda purchase

kc_flynn · January 2001

I'm so mad about the 2.9% APR on the Accord 4 bangers. I bought a new Accord at the end of November, and my rate for a 4 year loan is 7.75%.

ral2167 · January 2001

i think it is 3.9% -- i may have misspoke in an earlier post saying 2.9% -- somehow i got 2.9% in my head for some reason-- maybe that's what it was during toyotathon, or honda's equivalent.
i'd be kinda ticked too if i bought in november at 7.5% and then the rate went to 3.9 (or 2.9)...but you know the old saying, the grass is always greener on the other side.

macho3 · January 2001

i'm planning on buying a 97 accord ex v6,would like some feed back on this car,pros and cons would appreciate it!!! thanks

elgriton · January 2001

Just wondering if anyone know of any other Honda forums (sites, url) that might cater to wider range of accords in terms of older models? I have '93 Accord SE Sedan that I have a few questions to pose concerning it. I.E Camry --> www.camryman.org Any equivalent sites for Honda Accords?

Thanks.

canadiancl · January 2001

Budget permitting, I would look into a '98 or '99 EXV6. Much better engine, not to mention that the whole car is more upscale-looking. In fact, I would even go for a '98 EX 4 cyl. I think the performance would be comparable to the '97 V6.

bk7374 · January 2001

I bought an 87 Maxima in good shape with 150,000 miles on it. Just one problem so far. The drivers side high beams do not work. Low beams on both sides come on as well as the passenger side high beam. Of course we changed to a new lamp and no go. Next we exchanged the passenger bulb for the drivers side bulb and that did not work (the bulb that was in the drivers side functions hi and low in the passenger socket). What can it be that it doesn't allow the high beam to come on the drivers side?

ulkarim · January 2001

I used to own a Honda Accord LX 1985 that I drove without a problem for 12 years. Based on that faith, I bought a 1999 Accord LX. This car is not as good as the 1985. I hear rattle noise from driver's side vents or where ever. Accelerator pedal get stuck. The worst design flaw in this model is that this car is designed for apes: Creatures with long arms and short legs. I pull my seat closer to the steering wheel and my legs start touching the dash. I pull back and do not have comfortable steering reach. I am not a tall fellow, I am only 5' 77". I think this will be my last Honda.

macho3 · January 2001

thanks for the response!!which motor would you recommend the 4 or 6 cylinder on the 97 model

canadiancl · January 2001

IMHO, if you are going for a '97, unless you do alot of highway driving up steep hills, go for the 4 cyl, which also allows you to choose auto or 5-speed.

Ulkarim, if you are 5'77", I think you ARE a very tall person!

dalosa · January 2001

i have a 2000 V6 accord, how do i get that light to turn off, the 'maint reqd' on the dashboard??

silvercoupe · January 2001

To turn it off:

With the engine off press the select\reset button.

While holding this button down turn the ignition switch to the on position.

Hold the select\reset button down for about 10 seconds and release.

If this does not work the first time repeat.

dalosa · January 2001

where is the select\reset button.

flyasian · January 2001

I have a 96 accord for 1.5 years with 70k. In the past few months, when the engine is running but the car is not moving (like in heavy traffic), the temperature gauge starts to go to H and there is some smoke and smell from under the hood. I have had it checked out by different mechanics and the dealership mechanic but they all say that there is no problem. Has anyone had this problem before?

Thanks alot....

artemis2 · January 2001

I am in the market for a 2000 or 2001 car, and I've narrowed down my choices to Honda or Subaru. I've had 3 Hondas in my life, and I've loved the engine and reliability. However, I love the AWD of Subaru, and I like the leg/knee room in the driver's side of the Subaru (the Honda feels somewhat cramped to me). Both cars are fun to drive. I live in New England. I'm not sure how reliable the Subaru is.

Any opinions that might help me make a decision?

Thanks

gary123 · January 2001

Has anyone heard of Accord 2002. Is this model going to be radically different from 2001 ? I am not sure but heard that automakers go for major change every 4 years.

Any insight will be appreciated.

Thanks
Gary

joefriday · January 2001

I've owned both a Honda and a Subaru, so I'll give you my experience. My Subaru (1985) was the worst car I've ever owned. The engine had to be rebuilt @ 40,000 miles. After three years it was covered with rust. It broke down several times for various reasons. I'll never buy another Subaru.

I've had a Honda Accord for two and a half years now and it is by far the best car I've ever owned. The engine (V-6) is smooth and powerful. The ride is on the harsh side, but handling and stability are great. I live in New England, too, and I don't miss the 4-wheel drive on my Subaru a bit. I don't even use snow tires and haven't had any trouble yet.

Buy the Honda. You won't regret it.

silvercoupe · January 2001

The select/reset button should be the button that you press to reset the trip meter.

carolynbe · January 2001

I got my new Accord Ex a week ago and have noticed an intermittent buzz in the radio and CD player (6 CD changer model). I noticed a post in October (from Duper) than mentioned the same problem. Anyone else have this problem?

mkirchner1 · January 2001

Mary ... I work at a Honda dealership as a technician, and the answer you got about the car coming with a security system is correct. Not only that, but it is also equipped with an emobilizer system. This system requires you to take your vehicle and ALL of the keys you have to a dealership to have them programmed to work. They have a small computer chip in the key and it reacts with the sensor in the lock assembly in the steering column. If someone were to have a key cut and NOT get this done, the key will NOT start the vehicle.

Another point that you have to be careful about with Honda is the electrical system. I am not saying it is a bad thing ... just something that you have to understand how it works. Honda has cut back on wiring in their vehicles through the use of a system called the MULTIPLEX SYSTEM. This consists of control units that "talk" to each other. Signals are sent back and forth to different items, such as the wipers, power window switches, turn signals, etc., using the same wire, instead of having to run wires to each item separately. They have used considerably less wiring inside the vehicles with the development of this system. The thing you have to be careful about is if someone were to tie into this system wrong, it can cause all kinds of headaches in the system. We have had a number of problems from something as simple as an after market radio being installed. My suggestion to you is let the technicians at Honda do any of the electrical work you may want to have done. They are familiar with the system, and even if they are not completely sure, they have the ability to call their tech line and speak with a Honda technical professional to get his input about what they are doing.

Good luck ... and I can honestly say that Honda is probably one of THE nicest and MOST dependable cars on the market today. I have been involved with them since 1983 and have owned them since then. Properly maintained, they will give you many years of enjoyment.

mkirchner1 · January 2001

Hello Carolyn ...

I work at a Honda dealership and I was working on a 2000 Civic Si today and it had the problem you are speaking about. The radio was the problem. My suggestion would be to return to the dealer and have them replace the radio under warranty. They should not have a problem doing this for you.

mkirchner1 · January 2001

Hello Artemis2 ...

Just a suggestion. You like the Honda ... but you like the all wheel drive of the Suburu. Why not take a test drive in a CRV? That way you get a Honda AND all wheel drive (actually automatic four wheel drive). The CRV actually has a good amount of room in the driver's side. I am 6' tall and I do not feel cramped in it.

Just my opinion to you.

mkirchner1 · January 2001

Hello Flyasian ...

The problem you are experiencing is most likely due to the cooling fans not responding as they should when you are standing still in traffic. When you sit and the engine water temperature gets to about 192 degrees, the cooling fans receive a signal from a sensor to turn the fans on to cool the coolant in the system down. This is a very common problem with cars now because most do not have fans that are driven by a belt as they did years ago. Most cars today have electric fans to cool the coolant in the radiator down. I can not believe that you have gone to different mechanics and Honda garages and they have not been able to duplicate this problem. The smell you are getting is the antifreeze boiling because it is so hot. It is very possible that it is forcing its way out of the radiator and into the overflow resovoir. The Honda garage should be able to duplicate this problem with no work at all. We see this from time to time and have no problem diagnosing it. I would try to find a more reputable garage to take it to. You do not want to let this go on too long as it will eventually (if it has not already) blow a head gasket and possibly damage the engine.

silvercoupe · January 2001

The MULTIPLEX SYSTEM that you mention is interesting. When I purchased my 2000 Accord LX Coupe I inquired about aftermarket alarms.

The salesman told me that he once had an aftermarket alarm installed to save a customer some money. After the alarm was installed the transmission began to act up. He had the alarm removed and the transmission returned to normal. I thought that he was pulling my leg at the time. I now wonder if the alarm was affecting the transmission function thru the MULTIPLEX SYSTEM???

Anyhow, I did not have an alarm installed, but later added Honda's keyless entry. Works great.

By the way, welcome to the board. We need all of the information that we can get from people such as yourself.

kb4utz · January 2001

Yesterday I purchased my first Honda... a 2001 Accord LX 2.3 sedan w/ manual transmission. The reason I purchased this car was that I needed something dependable to keep for 8-10 years driving 20,000 miles per year. From everything I have read, this was the car to get.

Now for my question... in trying to make sure that I do that right things from the very beginning, what do those of you with Honda experience recommend regarding brands of motor oil and oil change intervals?

I've read somewhere that I need to leave the initial "break-in" oil in the car until 7,500 miles (i.e., the Honda-recommended oil change interval). Is this true? I've never gone more than 5,000 miles between oil changes and that was when I was using Mobil 1 (full synthetic). When using conventional oils I used to change oil and filter every 3,000 miles or so.

The owners manual recommends 5W-20 and that is what I will use in the Accord. Any specific brands recommended? recommended oil change intervals? Any other tips for a first-time Honda owner would also be appreciated! Are there any other web sites and/or forums for researching these types of questions?

Thanks.

auburn63 · January 2001

Honda does recomend leaving in the break-in oil until 7500 miles under normal driving conditions.However if you feel more comfortable changing it an earlier interval then once you get past 3750 do so.As far as what brand of oil we have always used Castrol with good success at the shop. I also like Valvoline, it seems to stay clean through 3000 mile changes also.

Also while we are talking fluids, you should use the Honda manual tranmission fluid only when changing that. As well as power steering and coolant.

Honda has a web site that goes through most questions that new owners have.The main page is Http://www.honda.com once there you will want to choose automobiles,models(yours)then in the pull down menu's find FAQ's. I tried to get more of a direct link and was having trouble connecting with the site at the time I was writting this. If I get the chance I will try later and post a more direct link. Good luck

auburn63 · January 2001

Just wanted to say hello and welcome to the boards. If your like me you will probably pop up every where except the passport board, lol, I get enough of those at the shop

.

auburn63 · January 2001

This link should take you directly to the Q&A page

http://www.honda2001.com/owners/service_parts/top_techs.html

sam3200 · January 2001

I own 97 Accord SE. Recently driver side door lock started making noise while locking. I called
the dealership and I was told that the Actuator may need to be replaced. The cost of the part
is $225.00.

The second problem I have is streering makes some noise when I start and turn the steering in
the mornings.

Other problems I had on this car so far are -
1. Driver side window motor was replaced in June 2000. This was covered by 3 year warranty. My Warranty expired in July 2000.
2. Dead battery at 30,000 Miles. This happend the next day after I got 30k Service done. The
dealer ship located in Cental Phoenix charged me $20.00 for battery service along with 30k
service and refused to return the money.
3. Vibrating noise in winters from the rear view mirror.
Other than these problems my car runs very smooth. I appreciate any advice about my first
two problems.
Thanks.

canadiancl · January 2001

Your post in #584 about Honda's electrical system was very informative and interesting. I've post elsewhere about having a 2000 Prelude SH that Honda was forced to buyback. The problem was soon after I bought the car, the check engine light and ATTS light on the dash starting to light up, first the check engine light, then a second later the ATTS light. Honda tried all sorts of fixes but just couldn't rectify the problem. In retrospect, I suspected that the problem may have been caused by an aftermarket siren that the dealer had installed with a Honda alarm. For model year 2000, Honda apparently discontinued the siren option for the Honda alarm, so the dealer got an installer from an aftermarket electronics store to install the siren. They didn't even use one of their own mechanics. What do you think? Do you think that may have screwed up the electrical system? BTW, what the installer did was splice the siren into the wiring for the horns, so when I pressed the horn buttons, I would sound both the horns and the siren!! At the time, I thought that was a cheap way to install the alarm.
A second related question is: I now have a 2001 Acura CL-S. If I were to install a second alarm to work in conjunction with the standard alarm, would there be a "safe" method of installation to avoid potential problem?
Thank you very much for your input.

canadiancl · January 2001

I too have had many many Honda products over the years and really like most of their models, but I think the Subaru Legacy, especially the GT and the Outback sedan, would be an excellent choice compared to the Accord, especially if you live in a place where you occasionally run into snow. I read what Joe Friday posted about his 1985 Subaru, but I think Subaru has improved their products greatly in the last few years. Honda had some models in the early - mid 80's that were not that sophisticated and reliable either( I remember my parents' '82 Accord that was so underpowered and had a rather elementary automatic trannie). You probably would not go wrong with either one.

normkol · January 2001

There has been mention here about the dealer being the only source of Honda immobilizer keys. That is not entirely true.

A good automotive locksmith, equipped with the right duplicating equipment, can make these keys. There are two cloning boxes I know of on the market, completely legal. My wife uses a key made on one these boxes for our 2k Accord. You only need to bring a working key in to the locksmith, not all three, in order to copy.

Norm

auburn63 · January 2001

The noise from the door locks is probably the door lock actuator as they say.We see several of them as the cars are getting older.

As for the cold steering noise, if it seems to be coming from the engine area then it could be a noisy power steering belt and or noisy check valve in the power steering pressure line.The check valve noise is kind of normal as the car ages and depending on how loud the noise is will depend on if it is worth the repair. It could also be just vibration noises from the return lines we see this too.Most often when turning cold and barely moving. The lines can be bent away from whatever they may be hitting against if this is the case.If not for sure take it in and have someone look at it. Noises are very tricky to diagnose over the net.. Good luck

ferdm · January 2001

gary123, Honda is on a 5-year cycle. The current model was introduced in 1998 so we should see a new Accord in 2003. Whether it will be radically different or an evolution of the current design, is anyone's guess at this point but we should start seeing pictures, articles, etc about a year before launch of the 2003 model. Honda also generally refreshes every 3 years so the 2001 Accord looks slightly different than the 2000.

ral2167 · January 2001

since the camry will be redesigned a year ahead of the accord (2002), look for the accord to steal styling points from the toyota in 2003.... honda was wise in redesigning the accord one year after a re-styled camry comes out-- that way they can pilfer toyota's design ideas and possibly improve on them-- i know for a fact that when honda saw the design of the camry coinbox, they oohed and ahh'd and then said, we can take that design and improve on it, and so it was done. when toyota widened the camry's tail lights in the 2000 mid-style upgrade, honda took that idea and made a slighter wider audio instrumentation at the top than at the bottom...notice the next time you drive a honda that the audio/temp panel is wider at the top than at the bottom-- that's the toyota tailight design being stolen... hope this helps

talon95 · January 2001

The coin box? The bastards! Everyone knows that the Camry's secret to its success is its coin box!!!!!

Better get your "facts" straight... if Honda supposedly pilfered the "wider at the top" center dash pod from the 2000 Camry's taillight redesign (a ludicrous idea in itself), explain how Honda managed to get this "pilfered" center dash pod design as of the 1998 Accord? It hasn't changed since then...

Sorry, but your statements obviously have some flaws in their accuracy...

flyasian · January 2001

Thanks so much for the info... I really appreciate it.

Older Honda Accords

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