2001 HONDA ACCORD steering

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 to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
......................
Maintenance Saf ety . 220
.
Important Safety Precautions . 221
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 222
....................
Maintenance Record . 229
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 231
..............................
Fluid Locations . 232
......................................
Engine Oil . 234
..................................
Adding Oil . 234
....................
Recommended Oil . 235
..............................
Synthetic Oil . 235
....................................
Additives . 235
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 236
.............................
Cooling System . 239
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 239
.......
Replacing 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
............................
Specif ications . 257
...........................................
Battery . 260
.................................
Wiper Blades . 263
..............
Air Conditioning System . 265
.................
Air Conditioning Filter . 266
.....................................
Drive Belts . 266
....................................
Timing Belt . 267
...............................................
Tires . 267
......................................
Inf lation . 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
345
Maintenance
Maint enance
219

µ
Ì
Î Î ÎÎ
Î
ÌÌ NOTE: If you only
drive under a
‘‘severe’’ condition, you should
f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
OCCASIONALLY
Maint enance U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
224 Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Balancer belt applies to 4-cylinder models only.
See timing belt on page to determine need for replacement.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and
inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
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
Cooling system hoses and connections
Exhaust system, fuel lines and connections 152412
304824
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) 457236
Every 36 months609648
75
120
60 90
144
72 105168
84 120192
96
Every 120,000 miles (200,000 km) or 10 years, thereafter every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) or 60 months
Every 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 72 months
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 72 months thereafter every
90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 60 monthsAdjust only if noisy
:
1:2: 223
267 MTAT
11
,2
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

Ø Ø ØØØ Ø ØØ ØØ ØØØØØØØØØ Ø ØØØØØØ
Î
ÌÌ
Ì Î
Maint enance225
A, B, C
Canadian owners:
AB C D
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval. Follow this
schedule if the severe driving conditions described in the Severe Conditions Schedule on the next page do not apply.
Follow the schedule for Severe Conditions.
7,500 mi/12,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
22,500 mi/36,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
37,500 mi/60,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
52,500 mi/84,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
67,500 mi/108,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
82,500 mi/132,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
97,500 mi/156,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
112,500 mi/180,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
At 120,000 mi/200,000 km/10
years, thereafter every 60,000
mi/100,000 km) or 60 months
Every 120,000 mi/192,000 km/72months
At 120,000 mi/192,000 km or 72
months, thereafter every 90,000
mi/144,000 km/or 60 months Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Replace brake fluid. Do items in A, B, D.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace brake fluid. Do items in A, B, C, D.
Do items in A.
Replace timing belt, balancer belt , inspect
water pump. Inspect valve clearance. Check idle speed.
Replace spark plugs. Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant
Replace manual transmission fluid
Replace automatic transmission fluid Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page ).
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 cooling system hoses and connections.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace air conditioning filter.
Replace brake fluid every 3 years.
(independent of mileage) 271
1 Balancer belt applies to 4-cylinder models only.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
:
1: 223
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

µ
Ì
Î ÎÎ ÌÌ
ÌÎÎ
Î
Î Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your vehicle
under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions:
Driving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in f reezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot
[over 90°F (32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long
periods of stop-and-go driving.
Trailer towing, driving with a
car top carrier, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.
MAINLY
Maint enance U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
226 Visually inspect the following items:Replace every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
See air conditioning filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
Balancer belt applies to 4-cylinder models only.
See timing belt on page to determine need for replacement.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components, driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and conditions of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections
Exhaust system, fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, vehicle underbody Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Clean ( ) or replace ( ) air cleaner element
Use normal schedule except in dusty conditons
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and
inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month) Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
152412
304824 457236609648 75
120 60 105168
84 120192
96
90
144
72
At 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 36 months, thereafter every 30,000 mi, (48,000 km) or 24 months
At 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 36 months
Every 36 months
Adjust only if noisy
:
1:2:3: 223
267
266 Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
MTAT
11
,2
3
120,000 miles (200,000 km) or 10 years, thereafter every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) or 60 months
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

Ø ØØØØØØØ
Ø ØØ Ø Ø Ø
ÌÎ
ÎÎ
CONT INUED
Maint enance 227
A, B, C, D
Severe Conditions:
A B C
Use this schedule if your vehicle is MAINLY driven in any of the following Severe Conditions, o
r normally driven in Canada; otherwise use the Normal
Schedule. Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or, in freezing
temperatures, driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot (over 90°F/32°C) conditions.
Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go driving.
Trailer towing, driving with a roof rack, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page ).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches with
multipurpose grease.
3,750 mi/6,000 km/6 mos
7,500 mi/12,000 km
11,250 mi/18,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
18,750 mi/30,000 km
22,500 mi/36,000 km
26,250 mi/42,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
33,750 mi/54,000 km
37,500 mi/60,000 km
41,250 mi/66,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
48,750 mi/78,000 km
52,500 mi/84,000 km
56,250 mi/90,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
63,750 mi/102,000 km
67,500 mi/108,000 km
71,250 mi/114,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
78,750 mi/126,000 km Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Clean air cleaner element. Do items in A, B, C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace brake fluid. Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt , balancer belt , inspect
waterpump.DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace transmission fluid
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Clean air cleaner element. Do items in A, B, C.
Do items in A. · · ·· ·
271
11 ,2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

The f luid should be between the
MIN and MAX marks on the side of
the reservoir. If it is not, add brake
f luid to bring it up to that level. Use
the same f luid specif ied f or the
brake system.
Low f luid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.You should check the f luid level in
the power steering reservoir
monthly. Check the level when the
engine is cold. Look at the side of
the reservoir. The f luid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and
LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
f luid to the UPPER LEVEL.
Power Steering
Clutch System
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering
Maint enance
252
UUPPPPEERRLLEEVVEELL
LLOOWWEERRLLEEVVEELL
MMAAXX
MMIINN
MMAAXX
MMIINN44--ccyylliinnddeerrmmooddeellss66--ccyylliinnddeerrmmooddeellss

The air cleaner element should be
cleaned or replaced according to the
time and distance recommendations
in the maintenance schedule.
Clean the air cleaner element by
blowing compressed air through it in
the opposite direction to normal air
f low. If you do not have access to
compressed air (such as a service
station), ask your Honda dealer to do
this service.
Follow the replacement procedure
for removal and reinstallation.
Always use Genuine Honda Power
Steering Fluid. If it is not available,
you may use another power steering
f luid as an emergency replacement.
However, continued use can cause
increased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Cleaning (Severe Conditions)
A ir Cleaner Element
Power Steering, A ir Cleaner Element
Maint enance
253
UUPPPPEERRLLEEVVEELL
66--ccyylliinnddeerrmmooddeellssLLOOWWEERRLLEEVVEELL
T urning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.

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The air conditioning f ilter removes
pollen and dust that is brought in
f rom the outside through the heating
andcoolingsystem.
This f ilter should be replaced every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) under
normal conditions. It should be
replaced every 15,000 miles (24,000
km) if you drive primarily in urban
areas that have high concentrations
of soot in the air f rom industry and
diesel-powered vehicles. Replace it
more of ten if air f low f rom the
climate control system becomes less
than usual. Have the air conditioning
f ilter replaced by your Honda dealer.
Check the condition of the drive
belts (two on 4-cylinder models, one
on 6-cylinder models). Examine the
edges of each belt for cracks or
f raying.
Check the tension of each belt by
pushingonitwithyourthumb
midway between the pulleys.
The belts should have the f ollowing
‘‘play’’ or def lection. (On vehicles with A/C)
(On vehicles without A/C)
Alternator belt:
Power steering belt:
4-cylinder models
Drive Belts
A ir Conditioning Filter
A ir Conditioning Filter, Drive Belts
Maint enance
266
44--ccyylliinnddeerrmmooddeellss66--ccyylliinnddeerrmmooddeellss
AALLTTEERRNNAATTOORRBBEELLTT
PPOOWWEERRSSTTEEEERRIINNGGBBEELLTT
PPOOWWEERRSSTTEEEERRIINNGGBBEELLTT
0.28 0.35 in (7.0 9.0 mm)
0.41 0.49 in (10.5 12.5 mm)
0.51 0.63 in (13.0 16.0 mm)