check engine light HONDA ACCORD COUPE 2001 CF / 6.G Owners Manual

Additional Information About Your Airbags
If the light comes on at any other
time, or does not come on at all, youshould have the system checked by
your dealer. For example:
If the SRS indicator light does not
come on after you turn the ignition
ON (II).
If the light stays on after the
engine starts.
If the light comes on or flashes on
and off while you drive.
If you see any of these indications,
your front or side airbags may not deploy, your passenger's side airbag
automatic cutoff system may not
work properly, or your seat belt tensioners may not work when you
need them. See your Honda dealer
as soon as possible.
How The Side Airbag Indicator
Light Works
This light alerts you thatthe passenger's side airbag
has been automatically shut off.
To reduce the risk of injury from an inflating side airbag, your car has an
automatic cutoff system for the
passenger's side airbag.
Although Honda does not encourage children to ride in the front, thissystem is designed to shut off the
side airbag if a child leans sideways
and the child's head is in the side airbag deployment path.
Driver and Passenger Safety
SIDEAIRBAG

Ignoring the SRS indicator light
can result in serious injury or
death if the airbags, cutoff system, or tensioners do not
work properly.
Have your vehicle checked by a
dealer as soon as possible if
the SRS light alerts you to a potential problem.

Indicator Lights

U.S.

Parking Brake and
Brake System Indicator
1. This indicator comes on when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). It
is a reminder to check the parking
brake. Driving with the parking
brake not fully released candamage the brakes and tires.
2. If the indicator remains lit after you have fully released theparking brake while the engine isrunning, or if it comes on while
driving, it can indicate a problem
in the brake system. For complete
information, see page 313 .
Supplemental Restraint

System Indicator
This indicator lights when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). If itcomes on at any other time, it
indicates a potential problem with
your front airbags or automatic seat belt tensioners. This light willalso alert you to a potential problem
with your side airbags. For complete information, see page 47.
Side Airbag Indicator
Only on models equipped with side
airbags
This indicator lights when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). If itcomes on at any other time, it
indicates that the passenger's side airbag has automatically shut off.
For complete information, see page
47.

Malfunction IndicatorLamp

See page 311.
U.S.


Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS) Indicator

Only on models equipped with ABS (see

page 204)

This light normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn theignition switch ON (II), and when
the ignition switch is turned toSTART (III). If this light comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
the ABS. If this happens, take the car to your dealer to have it checked.
With the light on, your car still has normal braking ability but no anti-
lock. For complete information, see
page 205.

Instruments and Controls

Canada

S R S
SIDEAIRBAG
A B S

Canada

Gauges

Trip Meter

This meter shows the number of miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada)driven since you last reset it.
There are two trip meters: Trip A and Trip B. Switch between these
displays by pressing the Select/
Reset button repeatedly. Each trip
meter works independently, so you
can keep track of two different

distances.

To reset a trip meter, display it and then press and hold the Select/Reset
button until the number resets to "0.0". Both trip meters will reset if
the vehicle's battery goes dead or isdisconnected. Temperature Gauge
This shows the temperature of the engine's coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom white 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 near
the upper grey zone. If it reaches the
red (Hot) mark, pull safely to the side of the road. Turn to page 239 for
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine's cooling
system.
Fuel Gauge
This shows how much fuel you have. It is most accurate when the car is on
level ground. It may show slightly
more or less than the actual amount
when you are driving on curvy or hilly roads.
4-cylinder models
The gauge stays at the same fuel level reading after you turn off the
ignition. When you add fuel, the
gauge slowly changes to the new reading after you turn the ignitionswitch back ON (II).

6-cylinder models

The needle returns to the bottom after you turn off the ignition. The
gauge shows the fuel level reading immediately after you turn the
ignition switch back ON (II).

Instruments and Controls

Preparing to Drive

You should do the following checks and adjustments every day before
you drive your car.
1. Make sure all windows, mirrors, and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,
or ice.
2. Check that the hood and trunk are fully closed.
3. Visually check the tires. If a tire looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
4. Check that any items you may be carrying with you inside are stored
properly or fastened down
securely. 5. Check the adjustment of the seat
(see page 88).
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors (see
page 99).
7. Check the adjustment of the steering wheel (see page 67).
8. Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.

9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page 14 ). 10.Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
11.Start the engine (see page 193).
12. Check the gauges and indicator lights in the instrument panel (see
page 53).

Driving

The Braking System
Your Honda is equipped with front disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels may be disc or drum, depending on the model. A power
assist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal.
Put your foot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your foot on the pedal keeps the brakes applied lightly, causing them
to build up heat. Heat build-up canreduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind

you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds up heat and reduces their effective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshifting to a lower gear and taking your foot off theaccelerator pedal.
Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious and alert in your driving. Brake Wear Indicators
The front disc brakes on all models have audible brake wear indicators.
They are also on the rear brakes of cars equipped with ABS as standard
equipment.
When the brake pads need replacing, you will hear a distinctive metallic"screeching" sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin screeching all the time.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not confuse this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a
very audible "screeching."

Driving

Maintenance

This section explains why it is important to keep your car well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normaldriving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See page 345 for information on how toobtain a copy, or see your Honda

dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 220

Important Safety Precautions ..221

Maintenance Schedule.................. 222

Maintenance Record..................... 229
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 231

Fluid Locations............................... 232

Engine Oil....................................... 234
Adding Oil................................... 234Recommended Oil..................... 235
Synthetic Oil............................... 235

Additives..................................... 235
Changing the Oil and Filter...... 236

Cooling System.............................. 239
Adding Engine Coolant............. 239Replacing Engine Coolant........ 241

Windshield Washers..................... 246

Transmission Fluid........................ 247
Automatic
Transmission.......................... 247

5-speed Manual
Transmission.......................... 249

Brake and Clutch Fluid................. 251
Brake System............................. 251
Clutch System............................ 252

Power Steering............................... 252

Air Cleaner Element...................... 253
Hood Latch..................................... 256

Spark Plugs..................................... 256

Replacement............................... 256

Specifications............................. 257

Battery............................................ 260

Wiper Blades.................................. 263
Air Conditioning System............... 265
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 266 Drive Belts...................................... 266
Timing Belt..................................... 267
Tires................................................ 267
Inflation...................................... 268

Inspection................................... 270
Maintenance............................... 270
Tire Rotation.............................. 271 Replacing Tires and Wheels .... 271
Wheels and Tires....................... 272 Winter Driving........................... 273
Snow Tires.............................. 273

Tire Chains............................. 273
Lights.............................................. 274 Replacing Bulbs......................... 276
Storing Your Car............................ 285
Maintenance

Owner Maintenance Checks
You should check the following items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given. Engine oil level — Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page 182. Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 184 .
Windshield washer fluid — Check
the level in the reservoir monthly.If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 246 . Automatic transmission — Check
the fluid level monthly. See page 247. Brakes — Check the fluid level

monthly. See page 251.
Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
267.
Lights — Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See

page 274.

Maintenance

Engine Oil
6. Refill the engine with the recom- mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity (including filter):
(4-cylinder models)
4.5 US qt (4.3 , 3.8 Imp qt)

(6-cylinder models)
4.6 US qt (4.4 , 3.9 Imp qt)
7. Replace the engine oil fill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator light should go out within
five seconds. If it does not, turn off
the engine and reinspect your
work.
8. Let the engine run for several minutes and check the drain bolt
and oil filter for leaks.
9. Turn off the engine, let it sit for several minutes, then check the oil
level. If necessary, add oil to bring
the level to the upper mark on the
dipstick.
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmful 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.

Maintenance
NOTICE

OIL FILTER

6-cylinder models

Windshield Washers

Check the level in the windshield
washer reservoir at least monthly
during normal usage. In bad weather,

when you use the washers often,
check the level every time you stop

for fuel.

The windshield washer reservoir is
located behind the headlight.

Check the reservoir's fluid level by

removing the cap and looking at the
level gauge attached to the cap.

Canadian Models
The low washer level indicator will light when the level is low (see page 57 ).
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing in cold weather.
Do not use engine antifreeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the

windshield washer reservoir.

Antifreeze can damage your car's paint,
while a vinegar/water solution can

damage the windshield washer pump.

Use only commercially-available

windshield washer fluid.
When you refill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer fluid on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition the blade edges.
Maintenance LEVEL GAUGE
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models

NOTICE

Air Conditioning System
Optional for U.S. DX model

Your car's air conditioning is a sealed system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should be done
by a qualified mechanic. You can do a couple of things to make sure the
air conditioning works efficiently.
Periodically check the engine's
radiator and air conditioning condenser for leaves, insects, and
dirt stuck to the front surface. These
block the air flow and reduce cooling efficiency. Use a light spray from a
hose or a soft brush to remove them.

The condenser and radiator fins bend

easily. Only use a low-pressure spray

or soft-bristle brush to clean them.
AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER

Run the air conditioning at least once
a week during the cold weather
months. Run it for 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 refrigerant.
If the air conditioning does not get as

cold as before, have your dealer

check the system. Recharge the

system with Refrigerant HFC-134a

(R-134a). (See Specifications on page 328.)

Whenever you have the air conditioning

system serviced, make sure the service

facility uses a refrigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
refrigerant for reuse. Releasing
refrigerant into the atmosphere can

damage the environment.

Maintenance

NOTICE
NOTICE