check engine light HONDA ACCORD 2003 CL7 / 7.G User Guide

Check the level in the windshield
washer reservoir at least monthly
during normal usage. In bad weather,
when you use the washers of ten,
check the level every time you stop
for fuel.
Check the reservoir’s f luid level by
removing the cap and looking at the
level gauge attached to the cap.
The low washer level indicator will
light when the level is low (see page).
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather. When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition the blade edges.
The windshield washer reservoir is
located behind the right headlight.
62
Canadian Models
Windshield Washers
Maint enance279
LEVEL GAUGE
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models LEVEL GAUGE
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir.
Antif reeze can damage your car’s paint,
while a vinegar/water solution can
damage the windshield washer pump.
Use only commercially-available
windshield washer f luid.
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Run the air conditioning at least once
a week during the cold weather
months. Run it f or at least ten
minutes while you are driving at a
steady speed with the engine at
normal operating temperature. This
circulates the lubricating oil con-
tained in the ref rigerant.If the air conditioning does not get as
cold as before, have your dealer
check the system. Recharge the
system with Ref rigerant HFC-134a
(R-134a). (See Specif ications on page
.)
Your car’s air conditioning is a sealed
system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should be done
by a qualif ied mechanic. You can do
a couple of things to make sure the
air conditioning works ef f iciently.
Periodically check the engine’s
radiator and air conditioning
condenser f or leaves, insects, and
dirt stuck to the f ront surf ace. These
block the air f low and reduce cooling
ef f iciency. Use a light spray f rom a
hose or a sof t brush to remove them. 364
Optional f or U.S. DX models
A ir Condit ioning Syst em
Maint enance299
AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER
Whenever you have the air conditioning
system serviced, make sure the service
f acility uses a ref rigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
ref rigerant f or reuse. Releasing
ref rigerant into the atmosphere can
damage the environment.
The condenser and radiator f ins bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure spray
or sof t-bristle brush to clean them.
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Store the jack in its holder. Turn
the jack’s end bracket to lock it in
place. Replace the cover. Store the
tools.
Store the wheel cover or center
cap in the trunk. Make sure it does
not get scratched or damaged.Diagnosing why your engine won’t
start f alls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
key to START (III):
You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
f aster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run. When you turn the ignition switch to
START (III), you do not hear the
normal noise of the engine trying to
start. You may hear a clicking sound
or series of clicks, or nothing at all.
Check these things:
Check the transmission interlock.
If you have a manual transmission,
the clutch pedal must be pushed
all the way to the f loor or the
starter will not operate. With an
automatic transmission, it must be
in Park or Neutral.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Turn on the headlights and check
their brightness. If the headlights
are very dim or don’t light at all,
the battery is discharged. See on page .
20. 21.
342
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Changing a Flat Tire, If Your Engine Won’t Start
If Your Engine Won’t Start Nothing Happens or the StarterMotor Operates Very Slowly
Jump Starting
340
Loose items can fly around the
interior in a crash and could
seriously injure the occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools
securely before driving.
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Turn the ignition switch to START
(III). If the headlights do not dim,
check the condition of the f uses. If
thefusesareOK,thereisproba-
bly something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualif ied technician to
determine the problem. (Seeon page .)
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is dis-
charged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal connec-
tions (see page ). You can
then try jump starting the car from
a booster battery (see page ). In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run.
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page .
Your car has the Immobilizer
System. You should use a
properly-coded master or valet key
to start the engine (see page ).
A key that is not properly coded
will cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the dash panel to blink
rapidly. Do you have f uel? Turn the
ignition switch to ON (II) for a
minute and watch the f uel gauge.
The low f uel level warning light
may not be working, so you were
not reminded to f ill the tank.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page .
219
76
358
294 342 353
358
If Your Engine Won’t Start
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Emergency T owing T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine
Emergency
Towing
341
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Turn of f all the electrical acces-
sories: climate control, stereo
system, lights, etc.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park, and set the parking brake.
Open the hood and check the
physical condition of the battery
(see page ). In very cold
weather, check the condition of
the electrolyte. If it seems slushy
or like ice, do not try jump starting
until it thaws.
To jump start your car, f ollow these
directions closely:
If your car’s battery has run down,
you may be able to start the engine
by using a booster battery. Although
this seems like a simple procedure,
you should take several precautions.
You cannot start a Honda with an
automatic transmission by pushing
or pulling it.1. 2.294
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Jump Starting
342
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyonenearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can f reeze.
Attempting to jump start with a f rozen
battery can cause it to rupture.
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This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
af ter the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing, it
indicates that the oil pressure
dropped very low f or a moment, then
recovered. If the indicator stays on
with the engine running, it shows
that the engine has lost oil pressure
and serious engine damage is
possible. In either case, you should
take immediate action.Saf ely pull of f the road and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Letthecarsitforaminute.Open
the hood and check the oil level
(see page ). Although oil level
and oil pressure are not directly
connected, an engine that is very
low on oil can lose pressure during
cornering and other driving
maneuvers. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the light
does not go out within ten seconds,
turn of f the engine. There is a
mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired bef ore you can
continue driving. (See
on page .)
1. 2. 3. 4.
208 268 358
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Emergency
Towing
347
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the car stopped.
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If the indicator remains on past three
driving trips, or the f uel cap was not
loose or missing, have the car
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible. Drive moderately until the
dealer has inspected the problem.
Avoid full-throttle acceleration and
driving at high speed.
Youshouldalsohavethedealer
inspect your car if this indicator
comes on repeatedly, even though it
may turn of f as you continue driving.
This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
af ter the engine starts. If it comes on
at any other time, it indicates one of
the engine’s emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may f eel no dif f erence in
your car’s perf ormance, it can
reduce your f uel economy and cause
your car to put out excessive
emissions. Continued operation may
cause serious damage. If you have recently ref ueled your
car, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or
missing f uel f ill cap. Check the cap
and tighten it until it clicks several
times. Replace the f uel f ill cap if it is
missing. Tightening the cap will not
make the indicator turn of f
immediately; it takes at least three
driving trips.
Malf unct ion Indicat or L amp
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed349
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
If you keep driving with the
malf unction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your car’s emissions controls
and engine. Those repairs may not be
covered by your car’s warranties.
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CONT INUED
Battery......
Charging System Light . 58, 348
............................
Jump Starting . 342
..............................
Maintenance . 294
............................
Specif ications . 365
..............................
Bef ore Driving . 203
..........................................
Belts, Seat . 8
.........................
Beverage Holders . 104
...................................
Body Repair . 332
Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 230
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 204
....................
Bulb Replacement . 317
...........................................
Fluid . 284
.......................................
Parking . 102 .........................
System Indicator . 58
........................
Wear Indicators . 229
.............................
Braking System . 229
........................
Break-in, New Car . 204
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 69
........................
Brights, Headlights . 68
Bulb Replacement
..........................
Back-up Lights . 318
..............................
Brake Lights . 317
..............................
Ceiling Light . 320
................
Door Courtesy Light . 321
................
Front Parking Lights . 315
.................................
Headlights . 312
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 319
...................
License Plate Light . 319
............................
Specif ications . 365
...................................
Spotlights . 321
...............................
Trunk Light . 322
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 315
................
Vanity Mirror Lights . 321
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen . 312
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 212
................................
Accessories . 212
.
Additional Safety Precautions . 213
............................
Modif ications . 213
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) . 78
.............
Accessory Power Socket . 107
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 270
.....................................
Airbag (SRS) . 9
.....................
Air Cleaner Element . 286
............................
Air Conditioning . 112
..............................
Maintenance . 299
.........................................
Usage . 112
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires . 304
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline . 369
......................................
Antif reeze . 273
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
................................
Description . 230
...............................
Indicator . 57, 231
...................................
Operation . 230
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 77
..........................
Appearance Care . 325
..........................................
Armrest . 103
................
Audio System . 134, 150, 169 .............
Automatic Speed Control . 195
..............
Automatic Transmission . 222
..........................
Capacity, Fluid . 364
.......
Checking Fluid Level . 280, 281
.......................................
Shif ting . 223
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 223
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 223
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 226
Index
A
B
I
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Î
............................
Capacities Chart . 364
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 52
.............................
Carrying Cargo . 214
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
..................
CD Changer . 142, 157, 177
.......................................
CD Player . 140
........................
CD Pocket, Center . 105
........................
Certif ication Label . 362
............................................
Chains . 308
....................
Changing a Flat Tire . 335
............
Changing Engine Coolant . 275
Changing Oil
........................................
How to . 270
......................................
When to . 250
...
Charging System Indicator . 58, 348
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 218
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 84
.......................................
Child Seats . 26
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 39
...................................
Cleaner, Air . 286
Cleaning
....................
Aluminum Wheels . 327
...................................
Carpeting . 328
......................................
Exterior . 326 .........................................
Fabric . 329
.......................................
Interior . 328
.......................................
Leather . 329
...................................
Seat Belts . 329
...........................................
Vinyl . 329
......................................
Window . 330
...............
Climate Control System . 119
.........
Clock, Setting the . 139, 156, 174
...................................
Clutch Fluid . 285
........................
CO in the Exhaust . 372
...................................
Coin Pocket . 105
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 220
..............................
Compact Spare . 334
.................
Console Compartment . 103
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 378
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 55
Coolant
........................................
Adding . 272
....................................
Checking . 210
.........................
Proper Solution . 267
...................
Temperature Gauge . 64
....................
Corrosion Protection . 331
Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................
System . 371
............
Cruise Control Operation . 195
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 378 ................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
.......................................
Dashboard . 56
................
Daytime Running Lights . 69
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 380
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 72
....................................
Dimensions . 364
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 68
Dipstick
.
Automatic Transmission . 280, 281
..................................
Engine Oil . 208
..........................
Directional Signals . 70
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 229
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 272
Doors
..............
Locking and Unlocking . 78
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 367
Downshif ting, 5-speed Manual
.............................
Transmission . 221
.....................................
Drive Belts . 302
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving . 217
....................................
Economy . 211
.........................
In Bad Weather . 235
................
In Foreign Countries . 370
Index
C D
II
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CONT INUED
..................................
Maintenance . 245
...
Owner Maintenance Checks . 265
........................................
Record . 260
......................
Required Indicator . 65
..........................................
Saf ety . 246
.............................
Schedule . 250-259
.
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 58, 349
...................
Manual Transmission . 221
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 283
...............................
Meters, Gauges . 63
...................
Methanol in Gasoline . 369
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting . 101
.......................................
Moonroof . 100
......................
Closing Manually . 352
...................................
Operation . 100
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 224
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 204
.....................
Normal Shif t Speeds . 222
..................
NOTICE, Explanation of . ii
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 362 ...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 204
.........................................
Odometer . 63
Odometer/Outside Temperature
......................................
Indicator . 63
...............................
Odometer, Trip . 64
Oil
........................
Change, How to . 270
......................
Change, When to . 250
......................
Checking Engine . 208
..............
Pressure Indicator . 58, 347
Selecting Proper Viscosity
......................................
Chart . 269
...........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 78
..
Operation in Foreign Countries . 370
............................
Outside Mirrors . 101
.....................
Outside Temperature . 64
....................
Overheating, Engine . 345
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 265
..........................
Oxygenated Fuel . 369
.......................
Label, Certif ication . 362
.................
Lane Change, Signaling . 70
........................
Lap/Shoulder Belts . 42
.........................
Leather, Cleaning . 329
Lights
....................
Bulb Replacement . 312
.......................................
Indicator . 57
.........................................
Parking . 58
..................................
Turn Signal . 60
......
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 77
Locks
.......
Anti-thef t Steering Column . 77
............................
Fuel Fill Door . 205
....................................
Glove Box . 86
...........................................
Trunk . 84
........................
Low Coolant Level . 210
...
Lower Gear, Downshif ting to a . 221
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 58, 347
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart . 364
.........................................
Luggage . 214
Index
LM
N O
V
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