HONDA ACCORD SEDAN 2003 Owner's Manual (in English)

U.S. Owners:
Canadian Owners:
Honda dealership personnel are
trained prof essionals. They should
be able to answer all your questions.
If you encounter a problem that your
dealership does not solve to your
satisf action, please discuss it with
the dealership’s management. The
Service Manager or General
Manager can help. Almost all
problems are solved in this way.
If you are dissatisf ied with the
decision made by the dealership’s
management, contact your Honda
Customer Relations Of f ice. In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands:
When you call or write, please give
us this inf ormation:
Vehicle Identif ication Number
(see page )
Name and address of the dealer
who services your car
Date of purchase
Mileage on your car
Your name, address, and tele-
phone number
A detailed description of the
problem
Name of the dealer who sold the
car to you 362
Cust omer Relat ions Inf ormat ion
Warrant y and Cust omer Relat ions378
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
RELATIONS AVEC LA CLIENTÉLE
Honda Canada Inc.
715 Milner Avenue
Toronto, ON
M1B 2K8
Tel: 1-888-9-HONDA-9
Fax: Toll-free 1-877-939-0909 Toronto (416) 287-4776 Bella International
P.O. Box 190816
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00919-0816
(787) 250-4318
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Automobile Customer Service
Mail Stop 500-2N-7A
1919 Torrance Boulevard
Torrance, California 90501-2746
Tel: (800) 999-1009

µµ
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µ provides prorated
coverage f or a replacement battery
purchased f rom a Honda dealer.
Your new Honda is covered by these
warranties:
provides
coverageforaslongasthepur-
chaser of the muf f ler owns the car.
this warranty gives up
to 100 percent credit toward a
replacement battery. covers
your new car, except for the battery,
emissions control systems, and
accessories, against def ects in
materials and workmanship.
these two
warranties cover your car’s emis-
sions control systems. Time, mileage,
and coverage are conditional. Please
read the warranty manual for exact
inf ormation. a seat
belt that f ails to f unction properly is
coveredfortheusefullifeof thecar.
all exterior body panels are
covered f or rust-through f rom the
inside f or the specif ied time period
with no mileage limit.
genuine Honda Accessories are
covered under this warranty. Time
and mileage limits depend on the
type of accessory and other f actors.
Please read your warranty manual
f or details.
covers all genuine
Honda replacement parts against
defects in materials and workman-
ship. Restrictions and exclusions apply to
all these warranties. Please read the
2003 Honda Warranty Inf ormation
booklet that came with your car f or
precise inf ormation on warranty
coverages. Your Honda’s original
tires are covered by their
manuf acturer. Tire warranty inf or-
mation is in a separate booklet.
Please ref er to the 2003 Warranty
Manual that came with your car.
Replacement Bat t ery L imit ed
Warranty
Replacement Muf f ler L if et imeLimited Warranty
Original Equipment Bat t ery L imit ed Warranty
New Car Limited Warranty
Emissions Cont rol Syst ems Def ect sWarrant y and EmissionsPerf ormance Warranty Seat Belt Limited Warranty
Rust Perf orat ion L imit ed Warrant y
Accessory Limited Warranty
Replacement Part s L imit edWarrantyU.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
Warranty Coverages
Warrant y and Cust omer Relat ions379

If you believe that your car has a
def ect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inf orm the
National Highway Traf f ic Saf ety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition
to notifying American Honda Motor
Co., Inc.If NHTSA receives similar com-
plaints, it may open an investigation,
and if it f inds that a saf ety def ect
exists in a group of cars, it may order
a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become
involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.To contact NHTSA, you may either
call the Auto Saf ety Hotline toll-f ree
at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
Washington D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Washington,
D.C. 20590. You can also obtain
other inf ormation about motor
vehicle safety from the Hotline.
Warrant y and Cust omer Relat ions
Reporting Saf ety Def ects (U.S. Cars)
380

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#
Valid only f or sales within the U.S. Canadian owners should
contact their authorized Honda dealer.
T he publications shown below can be purchased f rom Helm
Incorporated. You can order in any of three ways:
Detach and mail the order f orm on the right half of this page
Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356
Go online at
If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc. at 1-800-
782-4356
(credit card orders only)
Authorized Manuals
Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)
381
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356
OR
(NOTE: For Credit Card Holder Orders Only)
MINIMUM CREDIT CARD PURCHASE $10.00
Form Description
2003 Honda Accord Service Manual
2003 Honda Accord V6
Service Manual Supplement 2003 Honda Accord
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
2003 Honda Accord Body Repair Manual 2003 Honda Accord 4 DoorOwner’s Manual
2003 Honda Accord Navigation System Owner’s Manual
2003 Honda Accord 4 Door Quick Start Guide
Order Form for Previous Years-
Indicate Year and Model Desired
Publication
Form Number 61SDA00
61SDA01
61SDA00EL 61SDA30
31SDA600
31SDA700
31SDAQ00 HON-R Price
Each
$70.00
$40.00
$50.00
$44.00
$34.00
$29.00
$10.00
FREE
PUBLICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODEL
Name Year Qty
Price
Each Total
Price
GRAND TOTAL HANDLING CHARGE Mich. Purchases
Add 6% Sales Tax TOTAL MATERIAL
$6.00
Prices are subject to change without
notice and without incurring obligation.
Orders are mailed within 10 days. Please
allow adequate time for delivery. Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M. 6:00 P.M. EST
By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You can
pay by check or money order, or charge to your credit card. Mail to
Helm Incorporated at the address shown on the back of the order form.
Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring
obligation. www. helminc. com

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) This manual describes the procedures involved in the
replacement of damaged body parts. This manual covers maintenance and recommended
procedures f or repair to engine and chassis components.
It is written f or the Journeyman mechanic, but is simple
enough f or most mechanically-inclined owners to under-
stand.
This manual complements the Service Manual by
providing in-depth troubleshooting inf ormation f or each
electrical circuit in your car.
Authorized Manuals
Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
382
NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name,
and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should
be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the address shown
below for a quotation.
P.O. BOX 07280·DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207·1-800-782-4356
Customer Name Attention
Apartment Number
State & Zip Code
City
Daytime Telephone Number
Check or money order enclosed payable to Helm Inc U.S. funds only.
Do not send cash
Master
Card VISA
Check here if your billing address is different
from the shipping address shown above.
Account Number Expiration: Mo. Yr.
CUSTOMER SIGNATURE DATE
Street Address No P.O. Box Number
()
These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14
days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.

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

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

CONT INUED
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 300
..............................
Economy, Fuel .211
............
Emergencies on the Road . 333
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 342
...........
Brake System Indicator . 351
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 335
.....
Charging System Indicator . 348
..................
Checking the Fuses . 354
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 347
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 349
...
Manually Closing Moonroof . 352
..................
Overheated Engine . 345
.........................
Emergency Brake .102
......................
Emergency Flashers .72
......................
Emergency Towing .358
.......................
Emissions Controls .371
Engine ............................................
Belts .302
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 64
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .58, 349
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 58,347
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 268...............................
Overheating .345
............................
Specif ications .365
....................
Speed Limiter . 222,226
.......................................
Starting .219
..........
Engine Speed Limiter . 222,226
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .369
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 371
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .52
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .19
..................
Exterior, Cleaning the . 326
............................
Fabric, Cleaning .329
...................................
Fan, Interior .112
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience .111
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 204
Filter .........................
Dust and Pollen .300
...............................................
Oil .270
5-speed Manual Transmission ...............
Checking Fluid Level . 283
5-speed Manual Transmission ................................
Shif ting the .221 .............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 72
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 335
Fluids .
Automatic Transmission . 280,281
..........................................
Brake .284
.........................................
Clutch .285
..............
Manual Transmission . 283
..........................
Power Steering .285
..................
Windshield Washer . 279
...........................
Folding Rear Seat .92
.....
Foreign Countries, Driving in . 370
..........................
Four-way Flashers .72
.................................................
Fuel .204
......................
Fill Door and Cap .205
...........................................
Gauge .65
................
Octane Requirement . 204
...............................
Oxygenated .369
........................
Tank, Filling the .204
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .354
Index
E
F
III

..................................................
Keys .74
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 211
..........................................
Gasohol .369
.........................................
Gasoline .204
...........................................
Gauge .65
................
Octane Requirement . 204
........................
Tank, Filling the .204
................
Gas Station Procedures . 204
Gauges ...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 64
...............................................
Fuel .65
...............................
Speedometer .63
.................................
Tachometer .63
Gearshif t Lever Positions ..........
Automatic Transmission . 222
5-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .221
..............................
Glass Cleaning .330
........................................
Glove Box .86
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 312
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 72........................................
Headlights .68
........................................
Aiming .312
..............
Automatic Lighting Off . 69
............
Daytime Running Lights . 69
............
Low Beams, Turning on . 68
.........................
Reminder Chime .68
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 312
...................................
Turning on .68
..............................
Head Restraints .91
.....................
Heating and Cooling .112
...............................
Heated Mirror .102
.............
High Altitude, Starting at . 220
HomeLink Wireless Control ........................................
System .198
.......................
Hood, Opening the .206
...........................
Hydraulic Clutch .285
.................................
Hydroplaning .236 ........................
Jacking up the Car .337
.......................................
Jack, Tire .336
................................
Jump Starting .342
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 362
Ignition ..............................................
Keys .74
...........................................
Switch .77
............
Timing Control System . 372
........................
Immobilizer System .76 .........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
.........
Indicators, Instrument Panel . 57
...............................
Inf ant Restraint .30
......................................
Inf ant Seats .30
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 39
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire . 303
.................................
Inside Mirror .101
.............................
Inspection, Tire .305
............................
Instrument Panel .57
........
Instrument Panel Brightness . 69
...........................
Interior Cleaning .328
...............................
Interior Lights .108
........................................
Introduction .i
Index
G
H IJ
K
IV

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
NO
V