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

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 into the
upperhalfofthegauge.Ifitreaches
the red (Hot) mark, pull safely to the
side of the road. Turn to page f or
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine’s cooling
system.
This meter shows the number of
miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada)
driven since you last reset it.
In certain weather conditions,
temperature readings near f reezing
(32°F, 0°C) could mean that ice is
f orming on the road surf ace. The temperature sensor is located in
the f ront bumper. Theref ore, the
temperature reading can be af f ected
by heat ref lection f rom the road sur-
f ace, engine heat, and the exhaust
f rom surrounding traf f ic. This can
cause an incorrect temperature read-
ing when your speed is under
19 mph (30 km/h). This indicator displays the outside
temperature in Fahrenheit in U.S.
models, and in Centigrade in
Canadian models. To see the outside
temperature, press and release the
Select/Reset knob until the
temperature is displayed. There are two trip meters: Trip A
and Trip B. Switch between these
displays and the odometer/outside
temperature display by pressing the
Select/Reset knob repeatedly. Each
trip meter works independently, so
you can keep track of two dif f erent
distances.
To reset a trip meter, display it and
then press and hold the Select/Reset
knob until the number resets to ‘‘0.0’’.
Both trip meters will reset if the car’s
battery goes dead or is disconnected. 345On 4-cylinder EX models with leather
interior and all 6-cylinder EX models
Gauges
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Temperature Gauge
Trip Meter
Outside Temperature Indicator
64

CONT INUED
The f low-through ventilation system
draws in outside air, circulates it
through the interior, then exhausts it
through vents near the rear window.Turn the temperature control dial
all the way to the lef t.
Make sure the A/C is of f .
Select and Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
The outside air intakes f or the
heating and cooling system are at
the base of the windshield. Keep
these clear of leaves and other
debris.
This section covers how to set up the
system controls f or ventilation,
heating, cooling, dehumidif ying, and
def rosting.
The engine must be running f or the
heater and air conditioning to
generate hot and cold air. The heater
uses engine coolant to warm the air.
If the engine is cold, it will be several
minutes bef ore you f eel warm air
coming from the system.
It is best to leave the system in Fresh
Air mode under almost all conditions.
Keeping the system in Recirculation
mode, particularly with the A/C of f ,
can cause the windows to fog up.
Switch to Recirculation mode when
you are driving through smoky or
dusty conditions, then switch back to
Fresh Air mode when the condition
clears. The air conditioning does not rely on
engine temperature.
1.
2.
3.
Heating and Cooling
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
Vent ilat ion
How to Use the System
115
RECIRCULATION BUTTONTEMPERATURE
CONTROL DIAL
FAN CONTROL
DIAL
MODE BUTTONS
AIR CONDITIONING
(A/C) BUTTON

Air conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page) when driving in stop-and-go
traf f ic or climbing a long, steep hill.
If it moves near the red zone, turn
of f the A/C until the gauge reads
normally.
When the interior has cooled down
to a more comf ortable temperature,
close the windows and set the
controls as described f or normal
cooling.
If the interior is very warm f rom
beingparkedinthesun,youcancool
it down more rapidly by setting up
the controls this way: Turn on the A/C by pressing the
A/C button. The light above the
buttonshouldcomeonwhenafan
speed is selected.
Make sure the temperature
controldialissettomaximumcool.
Select .
If the outside air is humid, select
Recirculation mode. If the outside
air is dry, select Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
Start the engine.
Turn on the A/C by pressing the
A/C button. Make sure the tem-
perature control dial is set to
maximum cool.
Set the f an to maximum speed.
Open the windows partially. Select
and Fresh Air mode.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3. 4.
64
On cars with manual air conditioningsystem
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
Heating and Cooling
T o Cool wit h A /C
116
RECIRCULATION BUTTON
TEMPERATURE
CONTROL DIAL
AIR CONDITIONING
(A/C) BUTTON
FAN CONTROL
DIAL
MODE BUTTONS

For saf ety, make sure you have a
clear view through all the windows
bef ore driving away.To shut of f the system temporarily,
turn the fan speed and temperature
control dials all the way to the lef t.
You should shut the system
completely of f only f or the f irst f ew
minutes of driving in cold weather,
until the engine coolant warms up
enough to operate the heater. Keep
the fan on at all other times so stale
air does not build up in the interior.
These settings direct all the air f low
to the defroster vents at the base of
the windshield and the side window
def roster vents. The air f low will get
warmer and clear the windows faster
as the engine warms up. You can
close the side vents with the dial
underneath each vent. This will send
more warm air to the windshield
defroster vents.
To remove exterior f rost or ice f rom
the windshield and side windows
after the car has been sitting out in
cold weather:
Start the engine.
Select .
When you select , the
system automatically switches to
Fresh Air mode and turns on the
A/C. (The indicator above the
A/C button stays off.)
Set the f an and temperature
controls to maximum.
To rapidly remove exterior f rost or
ice f rom the windshield (on very cold
days), f irst select the Recirculation
mode. Once the windshield is clear,
select the Fresh Air mode to avoid
f ogging the windows. 1.
2.
3.
Heating and Cooling
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
To Turn Everything Of f
118

Bef ore you begin driving your Honda,
youshouldknowwhatgasolineto
use, and how to check the levels of
important f luids. You also need to
know how to properly store luggage
or packages. The inf ormation in this
section will help you. If you plan to
add any accessories to your car,
please read the inf ormation in this
section f irst..............................
Break-in Period .204
.........................................
Gasoline .204
.........
Service Station Procedures . 204
................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 204
....................
Opening the Hood .206
...............................
Oil Check .208
.........
Engine Coolant Check . 210
...............................
Fuel Economy .211
............................
Car Condition .211
...........................
Driving Habits .211
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 212
.............................
Carrying Cargo .214
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving203

Refer toon page f or inf ormation
on checking other items in your
Honda.
Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see
on page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant. 272 265
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving
Owner Maintenance
Checks
A dding
Engine Coolant
Engine Coolant Check
210
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK RESERVE TANK
4-cylinder models MIN MAX MAX
RESERVE TANK
6-cylinder models MIN
6 -cylinder models

This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer. This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .246
.
Important Safety Precautions . 247
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 248
...
Required Maintenance Record . 260
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 265
..............................
Fluid Locations .266
......................................
Engine Oil .268
..................................
Adding Oil .268
....................
Recommended Oil .268
..............................
Synthetic Oil .269
....................................
Additives .270
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 270
.............................
Cooling System .272
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 272
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 275
....................
Windshield Washers .279
.......................
Transmission Fluid .280
Automatic .........................
Transmission .280
5-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .283
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 284
............................
Brake System .284
...........................
Clutch System .285
..............................
Power Steering .285
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .286 ....................................
Hood Latch .289
....................................
Spark Plugs .289
..............................
Replacement .289
............................
Specif ications .291
...........................................
Battery .294
.................................
Wiper Blades .297
..............
Air Conditioning System . 299
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 300
.......................................
Drive Belt .302
....................................
Timing Belt .302
...............................................
Tires .303
......................................
Inf lation .303
..................................
Inspection .305
..............................
Maintenance .305
.............................
Tire Rotation .306
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 306
......................
Wheels and Tires .307
..........................
Winter Driving .308
.............................
Snow Tires .308
............................
Tire Chains .308
.............................................
Lights .310
........................
Replacing Bulbs .312
...........................
Storing Your Car .323
381
Maintenance
Maint enance245

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Maint enance
4-cylinder Models
250
Visually inspect the following items:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Service at the indicated distance
or time whichever comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Inspect drive belt
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at
least once per month) At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
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 Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years. See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
10
16
20
3230
4840
6450
8060
9670
112 80
128 90
144 100
160110
176120
192130
208140
224150
240160
256170
272180
288
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Rotate tires every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)Every 3 years (independent of mileage) 72
60 84 96 108
12 24 36 48
M/T
A/T
249
:
:
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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CONT INUED
Maint enance
4-cylinder Models
251
Canadian Owners U.S. Owners
A, B, C, D, E
AB
C
D E
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in
as required for each distance/time.
10,000 mi/16,000 km
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
30,000 mi/48,000 km
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km
3yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
70,000 mi/112,000 km
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km
6yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs,
then replace every 60,000mi/
96,000 km/5 yrs
Every 120,000 mi/192,000 km/6
yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
then replace every 90,000mi/
144,000 km/5 yrs
130,000 mi/208,000 km
140,000 mi/224,000 km/7 yrs
150,000 mi/240,000 km
160,000 mi/256,000 km/8 yrs
170,000 mi/272,000 km
9yrs
180,000 mi/288,000 km, then
replace every 60,000 mi/
96,000 km/5 yrs
180,000 mi/288,000 km/9 yrs Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, D. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant.
Replace manual transmission fluid.
Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, C.
DoitemsinA,B,E.
Do items in A. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Replace engine coolant.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
306).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Inspect drive belt.
Replace air cleaner element.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Inspect valve clearance.
Replace spark plugs.
Inspect idle speed.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE:
248
:249
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

µ
Ì
Î
ÌÌÎ
Maint enance
4-cylinder Models
252
Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated distance
or time whichever comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
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
Lights and controls, vehicle underbody Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy
Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions)
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
10
16
20
3230
4840
6450
80 70
112 80
128 100
160110
176 130
208140
224 160
256170
272
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Inspect every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year
Lubricate every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year Rotate tires every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Inspect every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year
60
96
90
144 120
192150
240180
288
At 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Inspect drive belt
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at
least once per month) 72
60 84 96 108
12 24 36 48
M/T
A/T
249
:
: 300
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions