check oil HONDA ACCORD 2008 8.G Owners Manual

This shows the temperature of the
engine’s coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom mark to about the
middle of the gauge. In severe
driving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill
driving, the pointer may rise to the
upper zone. If it reaches the red
(hot) mark, pull saf ely to the side of
the road. Turn to page for
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine cooling system.This shows how much f uel you have.
It may show slightly more or less
than the actual amount. The needle
returns to the bottom after you turn
of f the ignition.
If your f uel f ill cap is loose or
missing, a ‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’
message appears on the information
display af ter you start the engine.
For more inf ormation, see page .
The inf ormation display in the
instrument panel shows you the
engine oil lif e and maintenance
service items when the ignition
switch is in the ON (II) position. This
inf ormation helps to keep you aware
of the periodic maintenance your
vehicle needs f or continued trouble-
f ree driving. Ref er to page f or
more inf ormation. 262
307 367
Gauges
Temperature Gauge Fuel Gauge
Check Fuel Cap Message
Maintenance Minder
66
Avoid driving with an extremely low
f uel level. Running out of f uel could
cause the engine to misf ire, damaging
the catalytic converter.
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Wait a f ew minutes af ter turning the
engine of f bef ore you check the oil.Insert the dipstick all the way back
into its hole.Remove the dipstick again, and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
Remove the dipstick (orange
handle/loop). Wipe of f the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page .
1. 2. 3.4.
316
Oil Check
A dding Engine Oil
Service Station Procedures
266
UPPER MARKLOWER MARK
DIPSTICK
(orange handle) DIPSTICK
(orange loop)
V6 models
2.4
engine models 2.4engine models
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Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traf f ic
Cold engine operation (engines
aremoreefficientwhenwarmedup)
Driving with a heavy load or the
air conditioner running
Improperly inf lated tires
The f ollowing f actors can lower your
vehicle’s f uel economy:
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes f uel economy. Poor
maintenance can signif icantly reduce
f uel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the
inf ormation display (see
on page ).
For example: Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
Aerodynamic drag has a big ef f ect
on f uel mileage at speeds above 45
mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your f uel economy by up
shif ting as early as possible.
Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon.
An under-inf lated tire increases
‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces
f uel economy.
It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing f uel
consumption.
In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
economy.
312
CONT INUED
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy Factors Use the recommended viscosity motor oil, displaying the A PI
Certif ication Seal (see page).
Improving Fuel Economy Owner’s
Maintenance Checks Drive moderately
Observe the speed limit
Always drive in the highest gear
possible
Avoid excessive idling
Maintain proper tire inf lation
A void carrying excess weight in
your vehicle
K eep your vehicle clean
317
Vehicle Maint enance Drive Ef f icient ly
Bef ore Driving
269
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Ì Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page
.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the
inf ormation display.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Make sure to
have the service f acility or person
reset the display as previously
described. Keep all receipts as proof
of completion, and have the person
who does the work f ill out your
Honda Service History or Canadian
Maintenance Log. Check your
warranty booklet f or more
inf ormation.
We recommend using Honda parts
and fluids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manuf actured to the same high
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be conf ident
of their perf ormance and durability.
323
326
343
329
266
267
Maintenance Minder
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
312
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Maintenance Minder
313
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element
Replace dust and pollen filter
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission fluid
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
(V6 engine only)
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
:
AB
Symbol
12 3 4 5
Symbol1 1
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.
If the message ‘‘SERVICE’’ does not appear more than 12 months after the
display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
Independent of the maintenance messages in the information display,
replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty in the center
column on page .
NOTE: 1:
312
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km).
If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over
110°F, 43°C), or in very low temperatures (under 20°F,29°C), replace every 60,000 miles (U.S.)/100,000 km
(Canada).
Maintenance Minder
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Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.
Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover.
Pour in the oil slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spills immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment. Reinstall the engine oil f ill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a f ew
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. Do not f ill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine.Recommended Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
316
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
V6 modelsENGINE OIL FILL CAP
2.4
engine models
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Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it.Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):Replace the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine, and check your work.
Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Turn of f the engine, let it sit f or
several minutes, then check the oil
level on the dipstick. If necessary,
add more oil.
Make sure to clean of f any dirt
and dust on the connecting
surf ace of a new oil f ilter.
Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
4. 5.
6.7.8. 9.
V6 models
2.4
engine models
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
Maint enance
319
V6 models
OIL FILTER
OIL FILTER
2.4engine models
4.4 US qt (4.2)
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m) 4.5 US qt (4.3
)Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmf ul to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
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Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground.Reinstall the under cover and put the
holding clips back in place. Make
sure the under cover is installed
under the edge of the f ront bumper.
If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certif ication seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives, and continued use can
cause stif f er shif ting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the maintenance minder (see page
).
If you are not sure how to check and
add f luid, contact your dealer.
Remove the transmission f iller bolt,
and caref ully f eel inside the bolt hole
with your f inger.
The f luid level should be up to the
edge of the bolt hole. If it is not, add
Honda Manual Transmission Fluid
(MTF) until it starts to run out of the
hole. Reinstall the f iller bolt, and
tighten it securely.
To check the transmission f luid level,
remove the under cover holding clips
with a flat-tip screwdriver, then
remove the under cover caref ully. 307
2.4engine models
T ransmission Fluid
Manual Transmission
Maint enance
325
Correct levelFILLER BOLT
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This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action. Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights.
Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 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
). If the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.
1. 2. 3. 4.
266
316
379
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
Emergency T owingCharging System Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
369
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 vehicle stopped.
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DANGER, Explanation of . iii
...................................
Dashboard . 3, 54
..........
Daytime Running Lights . 61, 71
Daytime Running Lights
.......................................
Indicator . 61
.................................
Dead Battery . 364
.........
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 402
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 74
......
Def rosting the Windows . 124, 129
............................
Dimensions . 384, 386
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 69
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission . 323
..................................
Engine Oil . 266
..........................
Directional Signals . 69
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 290
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 319
Doors
..........................
Auto Door Lock . 80
.......................
Auto Door Unlock . 83
..............
Childproof Door Locks . 86
..............
Locking and Unlocking . 79
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 388
.........................................
CD Care . 206
..........................
CD Changer . 163, 194
.......................................
CD Player . 141
........................
Certif ication Label . 382
............................................
Chains . 349
....................
Changing a Flat Tire . 357
Changing Oil
........................................
How to . 318
......................................
When to . 307
...
Charging System Indicator . 56, 369
............
Check Fuel Cap Message . 262
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 280
.....................................
Child Saf ety . 33
..............................
Booster Seats . 48
.............................
Child Seats . 40, 41
Important Saf ety
..........................
Reminders . 30-50
..........................................
Inf ants . 38
..........................
Larger Children . 47
.........................................
LATCH . 42
......................
Risks with Airbags . 34
.............................
Small Children . 39
..........................................
Tether . 46
...........................
Warning Labels . 52
..........
Where Should a Child Sit . 34 .......................................
Child Seats . 33
.........................................
LATCH . 42
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 46
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 86
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 338
...............
Climate Control System . 125
..............................................
Clock . 214
...................................
Clutch Fluid . 327
..................
CO in the Exhaust . 51, 396
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 281
..............................
Compact Spare . 356
.........................................
Compass . 219
.................
Console Compartment . 112
.................
Consumer Inf ormation . 400
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 53
Coolant
........................................
Adding . 320
....................................
Checking . 267
.........................
Proper Solution . 320
...................
Temperature Gauge . 66
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System . 394
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 62
............
Cruise Control Operation . 223
.............
Customer Service Of f ice . 400
Index
D
II
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