MAINTENANCE HONDA ACCORD 2012 8.G Owner's Guide

Keeping the tires properly inf lated
provides the best combination of
handling, tread lif e, and riding
comf ort.Underinf lated tires wear unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel
economy, and are more likely to
fail from being overheated.
To saf ely operate your vehicle, your
tires must be the proper type and
size, in good condition with adequate
tread, and correctly inf lated.
The f ollowing pages give more
detailed inf ormation on how to take
care of your tires and what to do
when they need to be replaced.
Overinf lated tires can make your
vehiclerideharshly,aremore
prone to damage f rom road
hazards, and wear unevenly.
Thetirepressuremonitoringsystem
(TPMS) warns you when a tire
pressure is low. See page f or
more inf ormation. Use a gauge to measure the air
pressure in each tire at least once a
month. Even tires that are in good
condition may lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf /cm ) per
month. Remember to check the
sparetireatthesametime.
Even though your vehicle is
equipped with TPMS, we
recommend that you visually check
your tires every day. If you think a
tire might be low, check it
immediately with a tire gauge.
Check the air pressures when the
tires are cold. This means the
vehicle has been parked f or at least 3
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km). Add or release air, if needed, to
match the recommended cold tire
pressures on the next page.
323
Inf lation Guidelines
Tires
372
Using tires that are excessively
worn or improperly inflated can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.
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In addition to proper inf lation,
correct wheel alignment helps to
decrease tire wear. If you f ind a tire
is worn unevenly, have your dealer
check the wheel alignment.
Have your dealer check the tires if
you f eel a consistent vibration while
driving. A tire should always be
rebalanced if it is removed f rom the
wheel. When you have new tires
installed, make sure they are
balanced. This increases riding
comf ort and tire lif e. For best results,
have the installer perform a dynamic
balance.
The service lif e of your tires is
dependent on many f actors,
including, but not limited to, driving
habits, road conditions, vehicle
loading, inf lation pressure,
maintenance history, speed, and
environmental conditions (even
when the tires are not in use).
In addition to your regular
inspections and inf lation pressure
maintenance, it is recommended that
you have annual inspections
perf ormed once the tires reach f ive
years old. It is also recommended
that all tires, including the spare, be
removed f rom service af ter 10 years
from the date of manufacture,
regardless of their condition or state
of wear. The last f our digits of the TIN (tire
identif ication number) are f ound on
the sidewall of the tire and indicate
the date of manufacture (See
on page ).418
CONT INUED
T ire Maintenance
Tire Service Lif e
Tire
Labeling
Tires
Maint enance
375
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To help increase tire lif e and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires according to the
maintenance messages displayed on
the information display.
Move the tires to the positions
shown in the illustration each time
they are rotated. If you purchase
directional tires, rotate only f ront-to-
back.When the tires are rotated, make
sure the air pressures are checked.
On models with aluminum wheelsTire Rotation
Tires
376
(For Non-directional
Tires and Wheels)
(For Directional
Tires and Wheels)Front
Front
Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle’s aluminum wheels. Use
only Honda wheel weights f or
balancing.
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µ
Check the condition of the battery
monthlybylookingatthetest
indicator window. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors. Check the terminals f or corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it of f with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a
cloth or paper towel. Coat the
terminals with grease to help prevent
f uture corrosion. Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle’s
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative ( ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualif ied mechanic.
The location of the test indicator
window varies between
manuf acturers. WARNING:
Wash your hands af ter handling.
Checking the Battery
380
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
V6 models
4-cylinder models
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Fill the f uel tank.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.
If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected, or goes dead, the time
setting may be lost. To reset the time,
see page .
If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected or goes dead, the audio
system may disable itself . The next
timeyouturnontheradio,youwill
see ‘‘ENTER CODE’’ in the
f requency display. Use the preset
buttons to enter the code (see page
).
The navigation system will also
disableitself.Thenexttimeyouturn
on the ignition switch, the system
will require you to enter a PIN
bef ore it can be used. Ref er to the
navigation system manual. 245 246
CONT INUED
On models with navigation system
Except LX, LX-P and U.S. SE
Vehicle Storage
Checking the Battery, Vehicle Storage
Maint enance
381
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normaloperation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
technician do the batterymaintenance.
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µ
Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inf lated to
the inf lation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manuf acturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inf lation
pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a
dif f erent size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire
inf lation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inf lation
pressure f or those tires.)Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inf late them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a signif icantly under-
inf lated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inf lation also reduces f uel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
af f ect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inf lation has
not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale
when one or more of your tires is
signif icantly under-inf lated.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Required Federal Explanat
ion
420
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T he publications shown below can be purchased f rom Helm
Incorporated. You can order by phone or online:Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356 (credit card orders only)
Go online at
If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc.
at 1-800-782-4356.Covers maintenance and recommended procedures f or
repair to engine and chassis components. It is written
f or the journeyman mechanic, but it is simple enough
f or most mechanically inclined owners to understand.
Complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth
troubleshooting inf ormation f or each electrical circuit
in your vehicle.
Describes the procedures involved in the replacement
of damaged body parts.
Authorized Manuals
Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
(U.S. only)
Authorized Manuals
431
Publication
Form Number 61TA006 61TA602
61TA005EL 61TA030
31TA5640 31TA5840
31TA5M40 31TA5Q40
HON-R Form Description
2008-2012 Honda Accord 2/4 door L4 Service Manual
2008-2012 Honda Accord 2/4 door V6
Service Manual
2012 Honda 2/4 Door L4/V6
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
2008 Honda 2/4 door Body Repair Manual
2012 Honda Accord 4-door Owner’s Manual
2012 Honda Accord
Navigation System Owner’s Manual
2012 Honda Accord Honda Service History
2012 Honda Accord
4-door Technology Reference Guide
Order Form for Previous Years-Indicate Year and Model Desired
www.helminc.com
Main MenuTable of Contents

CONT INUED
....................................
Accessories . 300
ACCESSORY
...............
(Ignition Key Position) . 80
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 116
..................
Active Head Restraints . 98
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 345
...........................
Advanced Airbags . 26
...............................
Airbag (SRS) . 9, 22
..........
Airbag System Components . 22
......
Air Conditioning System . 124, 130
.................................
Usage . 127, 131
...............
Air Pressure, Tires . 372, 373
......................................
Antif reeze . 348
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator . 60, 319
...................................
Operation . 319
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 245
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 80
................................
Audio System . 138
.....
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking . 82
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 19
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 255
..............
Automatic Transmission . 312
..................
Capacity, Fluid . 412, 414 .......................................
Shif ting . 312
Shif t Lever Position
...............................
Indicators . 312
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 312
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 315
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack . 244
Battery
Charging System ...........................
Indicator . 58, 397
............................
Jump Starting . 392
..............................
Maintenance . 380
....................
Specif ications . 413, 415
..............................
Bef ore Driving . 287
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,18
.........................
Beverage Holders . 116
........
HandsFreeLink. 262
..................................
Booster Seats . 50
Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 319
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 288
....................
Bulb Replacement . 362
...........................................
Fluid . 354
.......................................
Parking . 114 .................
System Indicator . 59, 399
........................
Wear Indicators . 318
.............................
Braking System . 318
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 288
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 74
Bulb Replacement
..........................
Back-up Lights . 362
..............................
Brake Lights . 362
.................................
Fog Lights . 364
................
Front Parking Lights . 360
.................................
Headlights . 357
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 363
................................
Rear Lights . 362
....................
Specif ications . 413, 415
............
Turn Signal Lights . 360, 362
......................
Bulbs, Halogen . 357, 364
...................
Capacities Chart . 412, 414
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 53
.............................
Carrying Cargo . 302
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of . iii
.........................................
CD Care . 237Bluetooth
Index
A
B
C
INDEX
I
Main Menu

........................
Low Coolant Level . 296
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator . 63
...
Lower Gear, Downshif ting to a . 310
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 58, 397
................................
Lower Anchors . 44
Lubricant Specif ications
..................................
Chart . 412, 414
...........
Luggage, Storing (Cargo) . 302
..................................
Maintenance . 333
........................................
Minder . 335
Main Items and Sub
..............................
Items . 338, 341
Owner’s Maintenance
...................................
Checks . 340
.........................
Minder Indicator . 64
..........................................
Saf ety . 334
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 398
...................
Manual Transmission . 310
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 353
.........................
Meters, Gauges . 57, 65
...................
Methanol in Gasoline . 289
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting . 106
.........
Modif ications Your Vehicle . 301 .......................................
Moonroof . 112
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 313
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 288
.....................
Normal Shif t Speeds . 311
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 410
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 288
.........................................
Odometer . 66
Oil
........................
Change, How to . 346
......................
Change, When to . 335
......................
Checking Engine . 295
..............
Pressure Indicator . 58, 397
Selecting Proper Viscosity
......................................
Chart . 345
...........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 80
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor
....................................
Recovery . 422
............................
Outside Mirrors . 107
....
Outside Temperature Indicator . 67 ....................
Overheating, Engine . 395
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks . 340
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels . 289
..............
Panel Brightness Control . 74
........................
Park Gear Position . 313
...........................................
Parking . 317
...............................
Parking Brake . 114
Parking Brake and Brake
.................
System Indicator . 59, 399
.................................
Parking Lights . 71
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 424
....
Passenger Airbag Of f Indicator . 31
.............................
PGM-FI System . 423
...................................
Pollen Filter . 368
..........................
Power Door Locks . 81
................
Power Seat Adjustments . 94
...............
Power Socket Locations . 115
............................
Power Windows . 108
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 16
.........
Protecting Adults and Teens . 11
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 17
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 16
Index
N O P
M
VI
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Î
CONT INUED
........................
Protecting Children . 35
.....................
General Guidelines . 35
.......................
Protecting Inf ants . 40
.......
Protecting Larger Children . 49
.........
Protecting Small Children . 41
Using Child Seats with
.....................................
Tethers . 48
.............................
Using LATCH . 44
...................
Radiator Overheating . 395
.............
Radio/CD Sound System . 138
.................
Radio Thef t Protection . 245
............................
Radio, XM
. 148, 199
...........................
Readiness Codes . 425
..
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 362
..........................
Rear Seat, Folding . 99
....................
Rear Ventilation . 129, 137
..........................
Rear View Mirror . 106
.................
Rear Window Def ogger . 76
.........
Reclining the Seat Backs . 94, 95
.......
Recommended Shif t Speeds . 311
........................................
Ref ueling . 290
.......................
Reminder Indicators . 58
.......................
Remote Transmitter . 88 Replacement Inf ormation
................
Engine Oil and Filter . 346
..........................................
Fuses . 400
................................
Light Bulbs . 357
................................
Timing Belt . 356
...........................................
Tires . 372
.............................
Wiper Blades . 369
Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a ............................................
Crash . 20
.............
Reporting Saf ety Def ects . 430
.........
Reserve Tank, Coolant . 296, 348
...............................
Restraint, Child . 35
..................
Reverse Gear Position . 313
................................
Rotation, Tire . 376
..................................
Safety Belts . 8, 18
............
Safety Defects, Reporting . 430
.................................
Saf ety Features . 7
...........................................
Airbags . 9
.......................................
Seat Belts . 8
.............
Saf ety Labels, Location of . 54
..............................
Saf ety Messages . iii
.....................................
SeatBelts .8,18
...............
Additional Information . 18 Automatic Seat Belt
...............................
Tensioners . 20
.....................................
Cleaning . 367
................
Lap/Shoulder Belt . 14, 19
................................
Maintenance . 20
Reminder Indicator and
................................
Beeper . 18, 58
...................
System Components . 18
...............
Use During Pregnancy . 16
...
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt . 19
Seats .................................
Adjusting . 94-96
.........................................
Folding . 99
.......................................
Heaters . 102
............................
Security System . 249
.........................
Select/Reset Knob . 65
.....................
Selecting a Child Seat . 42
...
Selector Knob (Disc Changer) . 139
...............................
Serial Number . 410
..............................
Service Minder . 335
...........................
Service Manual . 431
.........
Service Station Procedures . 290
..........................
Setting the Clock . 246
...
Shif t Lever Position Indicators . 312
Index
INDEX
R
S
VII
Main Menu