Older Honda Accords

spleck · February 2003

I just remember reading the 3 car lengths thing in one of the state driving manuals. My point was is that if you're not giving 3 car lengths (on a city street lets say at 35 mph) a cop can pull you over and cite you (friend of family was cited). I believe there are a number of different ways (failure to use proper care, unsafe following distance) depending on the city. I watched an accident last week in 20 mph traffic because the guy only had about 1 car length. The second guy was going for the turn lane and car #1 stopped... smack.

Ray, in some states you're NOT entitled to use the left lane as its for passing only. I believe TX and NM are some. I personally know people who have gotten tickets for sitting in the left lane (yeah, yeah, I know "bad crowd"

--the cops use it as legal grounds to keep you from impeding traffic as stretch's example mentions.

Personally, windshield fluid is my favorite. I once had a car that one side shot completely over the car... perfect. If I'm doing the speed limit+, you can wait until I pass whoever and move to the right. If I'm under the speed limit, I use my judgement to speed up or slow down and get out of the way in either case.

It sounds cheesy, but we've got to share the road. If you think about what other drivers want to do, you'll avoid accidents and make it easier for others. Maybe they'll do the same.

Oh and do it with an Accord so that we're still on topic.

martylaw · February 2003

I like EZPass and have had it for a year or so. I wish they made the transponders in black or grey. I think that would look a lot better. I saw a Mercedes SL55 with an EZPass transponder in some kind of a bracket attached with suction cups, but it didn't really look that neat.

diploid · February 2003

In NJ, you can get cited for tailgating if you're not using the 1 car/10 miles rule. It's rare, but if a cop hasn't met his ticket quota for the month, he'll resort to that.

condoriole · February 2003

Since we are on the topic;

We were thinking of getting easy pass for the Honda but I have heard that they(big brother) can send speeding tickets in the mail based on your speed gauged between tolls. Does anyone know if this is true or just another urban legend? I have heard that it is true and therefore am reluctant to get the pass. Yes, I like to drive over 65!

cds12 · February 2003

But they obviously have the technology to do it. So this Urban Ledgend could become reality.

outrun · February 2003

If the states start to look at the time differences between toll booths, I'm sure a lot of people are going to stop using it.

Just by judging on the Mass Pike, average speed is about 80mph. The limit is 65mph. That's a lot of tickets. And if everyone actually did 65mph, there would be HUGE backups (more than currently are) during commute hours.

My philosophy: If we're paying to drive on a road, we who are they to tell us how to drive.

I also think that this was discussed before the infrastucture was put into place. It was decided that this wouldn't be a tool to track speeding drivers. How would they control who was actually driving the car? They can't give a ticket to the owner of the car without knowing that fact.

Honda Accord.

-Craig

chillenhonda · February 2003

I have heard of one or two people getting speeding tickets based on Ezpass tolls, but have never verified it. However, I generally travel at around 85-90 on the Boston to NYC route and usually make the 210mile trip in about 2.5 hours, with especially high speeds on the Mass Pike. Ive never gotten a ticket so it is either a myth or you have to be going extremely fast.

condoriole · February 2003

Yes but NJ is the most Policed state in the Country. Trust me, I've lived here my whole life.
If it's going to happen, it's going to happen here!

gregoryc1 · February 2003

Here is the site that you requested. ---http://www.aera.org/Techside/enginesludge.htm

talon95 · February 2003

Can we please put an end to the EZPass discussion?

redkey1 · February 2003

You can get whacked for going too fast thru the toll both and get a violation in the mail. Haven't heard anything about toll to toll verification of speed.

bamacar · February 2003

To change the subject, has anyone bought the exterior temperature accessory and installed it themselves? I have seen the instructions on HANDA and am considering it. Just wondered if the task was harder or easier than one would expect. I can get it for about 90 bucks, but the installation quote I got from a dealer was over 100 bucks for installation labor.

outrun · February 2003

sounds nice.

Has anyone confirmed the German translation on the Accord Coupe ads? For some reason, something tells me that the German words really don't mean what the female announcer is saying.

-Craig

pat · February 2003

A number of argmentative posts have been removed.

If any of you who were spending so much energy arguing with each other would have been so kind as to send me an email, things may have progressed differently.

At this point all I have to say is stick to the subject. If you feel you need to argue with another member, take it off line.

stretchsje · February 2003

If you guys wanted to talk about the Accord again, all you'd have to do is say two words:

Mazda 6

pat · February 2003

Any comments about topic management should be addressed to me via email. Thanks.

sdiori · February 2003

Has anyone been able to install any aftermarket head units into the '03 Accords?

THX,
~sdiori

according2me · February 2003

to know if the oil filter on the new 4cyl is located in a more accessible location than on the 2.3l engine. Isn't this engine turned around from last years. ie- intake to the front, exhaust to the firewall.

s852 · February 2003

Did they move the sunroof control from the counter intuitive position on the dash that previous Accord had?
What about the cruise control on/off switch?

The cruise switch is not that big of a deal because you can just turn it on once and leave it forever, but the sunroof control is ergonomically asinine in the 02 and older Accords.

seaf · February 2003

Yes, I am also interested in where the oil pan drain plug and the oil filter is. In my 99 civic, I can change the oil without lifting the car up since the drain plug is accessible from the front driver's side. I still have to jack the car up to change the oil filter though, but it sure would be nice if the 03 accord's filter can be changed more easily too.

ickes_mobile · February 2003

is still to the left of the steering wheel. Its not so bad once you get used to it.

anonymousposts · February 2003

The cruise on/off switch is on steering wheel in the 03 Accords. I actually don't mind the sunroof switch being to the left of the steering wheel. I've had 15-20 Hondas with the switch there so even though our SI has it on the roof I keep reaching to the left.

maxpower02 · February 2003

I purchased the finishers for my 03'EXV6 Sedan from HandA Accessories.com. The installation instructions has an additional note that states: On the 4 door V6 model, the exhaust tip will require a bit of force to slide it in place. A solid hit with the palm of your hand should be sufficient. It will not sit flush against the exhaust pipe as shown in the picture even when securely in place there will be a gap between the exhaust pipe and the liner.
How much of a gap will there be? Will it be hard to slide on? How tight do I make the flange bolt-I don't have a torque wrench? Any info will be appreciated!

isellhondas · February 2003

Yes, you are the rare exception that cares about side curtain air bags. I have yet to have a customer ask about them. when I point them out on the V-6's, I usually hear..." Oh...that's nice"

Same thing with side air bags. The vast majority of people don't care.

And I'm one of those people...These cars are safe with or without them and I kinda wonder just how much (if at all)safer they are with side bags?

I guess I would pay the extra 250.00 to get them but I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new Honda without them either.

isellhondas · February 2003

I sure wouldn't worry about the torque. This is hardly a critical item. Just get it tight without overdoing it.

fritz1224 · February 2003

You have written a lot of controversial posts in the past, but this last one sure is a doozy. Get T-boned in both a car with and one without side airbags and see how your head turns out. Or maybe you already experienced this type accident without SAB. In that case, your "fuzzy"(to say the least)logic is understandable.

bburton1 · February 2003

Earlier today somebody asked where the oil filter was located on the new 03 I4 accord-now they flipped the engine around a bit-exhaust manifold is on the back now-makes sense-so the oil filter is right up front where there is a lot of open territory-tons of access-open underneath so when you unscrew the filter the oil does not cover the exhaust pipe-nah yup it is still in the back of the engine-but this time you can reach it from the top-course access to it is right next to the exhaust manifold. Bottom line is if u have skinny long arms-no jack required to change oil in the 03 I4 accord. Oil and ATF drain are very conveniently located-fairly close but you can't confuse them.

Regarding the Oddy. Well the salesman was getting a little short with me-he had a couple with some kids looking at the oddy-so when I crawled under the oddy-I could see the oil drain and the atf drain plug-very convenient-bit of an access issue with the oil drain but not bad. Hmmmm what is that stuff on the floor-well if the sales turkey had been nice would have kept mouth shut but-Hey What is this red fluid under the transmission-stuck my red oil coated finger up so all could see-gee I sez the transmission is leaking.

Oh the oil filter is very accessible under the passenger side wheel well-could not look too long at this as sales person was getting agitated.

s852 · February 2003

The Accord got top ratings for side-impact crashes even without the side curtain airbags. Don't most of the new Accords have side airbags, but not side CURTAIN airbags?
The lack of curtain airbags did not prevent it from having great crash results, though it would be nice to have them as an extra measure.

fritz1224 · February 2003

I don't think Most accords have SAB. Only the EX or V'6 come with them standard. That was the case with the last generation. They may be options on other models. Side curtains are probably an option on those already equipped with SAB. Not sure though about the current gen.
As far as I'm concerned, give me all the airbags possible. If I'm going to spring for a new car I want to get as many safety features as I can reasonably afford, at least the passive ones. The active ones may put an auto out of my price range. The ABS on my 2k accord is welcomed, but as of yet has not been needed.

spleck · February 2003

Side airbags come standard on the EX and V6 models. They are an option on the LX (I4) but not available for the DX. Side curtain airbags are only offered on the EX-V6. When in doubt, check hondacars.com.

peter7777 · February 2003

I read one review for the 2002 Accord which said that its folding side mirrors produced a fair amount of wind noise. Does the 2003 Accord have the type of mirror? If so does it also produce a significant amount of this type of noise?

seaf · February 2003

There was a study posted recently about NHTSA article stating that side collisions tests done by the U.S. government use old standards, such as using a low-level object to strike the side of the cars, of course the typical side impact airbag is designed exactly to pass these kinds of tests. But real-life side-collisions have a high chance of striking the passenger's head, which would hit the glass, B pillars, or even the bumper of the other vehicle without side CURTAIN airbags. Currently they are only available on the luxury cars and only starting to be available on regular vehicles.

I thought SAB was enough until I read this article and did some thinking. If you look at the size of a regular SAB, it is actually very small, it is mounted at chest-level on the side of the front seats, about the size of a basketball, and your head is completely exposed to side collisions from a tree or high-bumper vehicles such as a truck or SUV.

Crash tests are great, but recently I have my doubts as to how car manufacturers have designed their cars specifcally to pass these outdated tests with flying colors by reinforcing the areas that they know will be struck in the tests. NHTSA is trying to come up with more stringent tests such as rollover tests and "striking a pole" tests where the concentrated force of the collision would really test the structures of modern vehicles.

The real fact is that the 03 Honda Accord is very good at passing all these designed, controlled-environment tests, so therefore we'd like to think that it is actually good in real accidents. But real data will take a while to gather and will come in the form of the number of fatalities in a certain model of car, or reported serious injuries per accident.

Maybe what it takes is to better inform consumers about side curtain airbags so more will be willing to pay a slight premium (cheap insurance) for such features.

jcroberts · February 2003

Dear Honda Lovers,
    I was recently informed that with leather seats. you also get power driver's seat and separate temperature control for driver and passenger. Is this true and how much extra does this leather package cost? I looked it up in NADA for last year and there was a $650 addition with the leather package.
    Secondly, I was talking with a Advantage Auto parts manager, and he informed me that "the V-6s since 2000 have been troublesome with internal motor failures." He mentions "the timing belts go out sooner than expected and they cause major damage when the timing belts fails. Honda is fairly new to the V-6 market where as they are pros with the fours." This continues my leaning toward the I-4 with 5speed auto. It appears to have enough power for my needs and has better reliability which I also am looking for. The newer Hondas just don't seem to have the reliability of my 1987 Accord. I loved it being such a low maintenance vehicle.
    I appreciate your comments.

jcroberts · February 2003

PS> Are the leather seats only available in EX trim or might they be available in the LX trim?

talon95 · February 2003

The 2003 Accord does indeed retain the folding mirrors, but they've redesigned them to reduce wind noise. This is from the introductory press materials:

Side Mirror Design

Honda engineers also studied the airflow through the channel between the mirror and the A-pillar to refine the Accord's side mirrors. By changing the design of the channel to an expanding V-shaped passage, the passing airstream actually decelerates as it moves across the glass. In addition, looking from the side, you can see the mirror has actually been redesigned with more of an airfoil shape. These improvements to the mirror especially help reduce high-frequency wind noise.

jimbo65 · February 2003

I am taking our '03 Accord Lx to my dealer Monday to investigate wind noise in the front drivers door and the front passenger door. They both seem to be noisy at the top middle. Can they fix this for me? Have any of you had success with solving the noise? Thanks for any input! 3000 miles on this new one and we sure do like it. gO HoNdA!!

spleck · February 2003

The grapevine leading to your auto guy has too many raisins on it. The only considerable failures are of the auto transmission. Almost 2% have shifting issues, but even less actually fail.

I4s have a timing chain with 110,000 mile interval, the V6 has a fiberglass reinforced timing belt with a 105,000 mile interval. I haven't heard of any failures.

The Accord has had the V6 since MY96, so 7 years. I believe the NSX has had a V6 for even longer. Edmunds has info on the 1990 Acura Legend with a V6, so at least 13 years there. How long do they need? They're already getting 80+ hp/liter on the V6s.. I think they know what they're doing.

Most repair or returns people see only the defective stuff and they're opinions tend to be biased. While he's wrong on specifics, I think most people would agree that the I4 is more reliable, although we're probably talking 300k vs 250k miles. It has to do more with the inherent design of a V6 vs I4 than with Honda's personal experience.

fredvh · February 2003

Leather seats are only available in the EX.

fredvh · February 2003

Are the I4 and the V6 engines in the 2003 Accord non-interference? Is the 3.2l in the 2003 Acura TL a non-interference engine?

bburton1 · February 2003

Hi Spleck-just curious if you have any notion of reliability of Honda I4 VTEC vs standard valve train reliability. Have a 97 I4 non VTEC with 150K-not a single problem but oh are those valves noisey when the engine is cold-dealers techs said nada problemo mon-but hate hearing valves rattle. Don't notice VTEC valve train making as much noise. Oh-the valves have been micro adjusted many times and still the noise-won't tighten them down just to make the engine quiet-rather have the racket when cold than burnt valves-think it is the intake side.

peter7777 · February 2003

Thanks, I was hoping that they might have re-designed the folding mirrors to reduce the noise. That removes the next to the last reservation I had about buying the Accord. The last item is that there does not yet appear to be a dealer installed XM Radio option. That however is about to change according to:

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=105&STORY=/- - www/story/01-15-2003/0001872662

which says that dealer installed XM radio for the Accord will become a reality this spring.

Now if there were just a way to use the Nav screen as a display for the Internet as shown here:

http://www.ashlar-vellum.com/casestudies/prisma.shtml

... oh well I guess you can't have everything.

4ztc524 · February 2003

bburton: my 03 I4 automatic makes a sound almost like a diesel engine when cold and a load is placed on the engine. This totally goes away when the load is removed, and is greatly reduced when the engine warms up. Does this sound like the valve noise you're talking about? Is it normal?

Thanks in advance, bob

spleck · February 2003

I can't be sure about the Honda engines, but I would suspect they are interference since Honda tends to maximize efficiency... I can't see them using a shorter stroke just to make a non-interference engine.

I don't know of any comparisons between VTEC and non-VTEC reliability. If you look at the technical aspects of the system, its pretty simple. I think you have an extra rocker or two, and some kind of oil-pressure based actuator that locks the rockers into using a different cam lobe. VTEC may even last LONGER because your timing is more appropriate to engine rpms/strain.

As far as the loud valves, I would call some Honda techs and talk to them until you find one that understands the problem and has a handle on whats going on. Personally, I've heard a lot of loud Honda valvetrains, but they still just keep going and going... It seems to me though that there's some kind of valve guide or the valves themselves that can be replaced.

alpha01 · February 2003

I dont have an Accord, but my Nissan 2.5 4cylinder engine DOES THE EXACT SAME THING. I only have about 2000 miles on the car, and when I first heard the diesel like-clacking, my first reaction was that the car was suffering from valve tap... but I highly doubted that was the case, since it is SO new. I am really curious to know if such noises are normal, or why they would occur. Can anyone help us out?
~alpha

talon95 · February 2003

... and as spleck speculated (or is it "spleckulated? Sorry, couldn't resist... <g>) it is for the efficiency. There have been some discussions on newsgroups regarding this, since the I4 uses a timing chain, while the V6 uses a fiberglass reinforced belt. My V6 has a timing belt, but I'm not losing any sleep over it. It's not as if timing belt problems are epidemic with Accords.

ray_h71 · February 2003

When did this happen? 2003? My 96 Accord I-4 had a reinforced cogged rubber timing belts - one for the valves and one for the dual balance shafts. This was true for both VTEc and Non-VTEc heads. A friend of mine with a 91 Accord Non-VTEc motor launched a timing belt at speed on the freeway to work. When the dealer got the head off, everyone was shocked that not only had NO damage had taken place, there was not the slightest evidence of contact on the valves or the pistons. Apparently it can happen this way, but it's very rare. He said everyone at the dealer's service department nicknamed him, "Mr. Lucky". To "4ztc524" and "alpha01" with the "diesel-like" noise with a cold engine under initial load - may be piston slap. Are you guys using that 5W-20 mouse pee passing for motor oil that Honda insists on for recent model year motors? I'm NOT suggesting you switch to 5W-30 or 10W-30 oil, particularly if you live in a very cold climate, but a search disclosed that Honda has not tightened up bearing and piston clearances on the 2000 through 2002 I-4s over what they were from 1994 through 1999... When I bought my 1996 Honda, the factory fill oil was 5W-30. It never saw that weight range again. After breaking the motor in on the factory fill oil, I used 10W-30 at each 3,000 mile oil change thereafter. But, that's ME. You guys may have a factory powertrain warranty you have to consider.

s852 · February 2003

I have seen generalities, but I have never seen a review that went into complete details of exactly what the navigation system can do.

I have seen that you can say "nearest Chinese restaraunt" so it probably could do the same for gas stations, ATM machines etc..
Can you speak an address and tell it to take you to 2654 Elm Street, in Peoria IL?
What are the complete capabilities of the navigation system?

talon95 · February 2003

From Honda's initial press package for the 2003 Accord:

2.4-liter 4-cylinder highlights

NVH

Rigid block and pan assembly
Dual balance shafts
Silent cam chain drive

Its 4-valve-per-cylinder design has double overhead camshafts activated by a silent chain drive to ensure extremely precise control of the cam phasing. The cam drive is maintenance-free throughout the life of the engine.

tracguy · February 2003

The voice commands can control several functions on the heating/cooling, change CD,radio preset,etc, but you cannot search a location via voice commands. (You are correct in that you can seach for banks,hospital,ATM,police station,hotel,etc by voice)

bburton1 · February 2003

When cold and under a load-my (intake I believe) valves are really noisey. When it warms up-no or very little noise. Have heard a lot of I4 LX accords-non vtec apparently and they have noisey valves. Yup I do know the diff between piston slap and valves.

Broke a timing belt on an 80 accord-supposedly an interference engine and no valve problems. Had a Honda dealer/tech change my 97 I4 timing belt at 118K I think-belt was fine-no cracks or wear indications-tech really knew his stuff and said this engine was non interference as long as no carbon had built up on the valves-but if there was carbon build up-say bye to the valves and maybe pistons. So just cause it isn't an interference engine does not necessairly mean you are home free when the t belt breaks. Nobody talks about that-that tech was young and a real gear head-knew his stuff cold-don't mind paying a guy like that shop rates.

Older Honda Accords

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