2001 HONDA ACCORD check engine light

If the light comes on at any other
time, or does not come on at all, you
should 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 f lashes on
andoff whileyoudrive.
If you see any of these indications,
your f ront 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. This light alerts you that
the passenger’s side airbag
has been automatically shut off.
To reduce the risk of injury f rom an
inf lating 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 f ront, this
system is designed to shut of f the
side airbag if a child leans sideways
and the child’s head is in the side
airbag deployment path.
Additional Inf ormation About Your Airbags
Driver and Passenger Saf ety How T he Side A irbag Indicator
Light Works
46 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.

Only on models equipped with ABS (seepage )
Only on models equipped with side airbags 204
This light normally comes on f or a
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II), and when
the ignition switch is turned to
START (III). If this light comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
theABS.If thishappens,takethe
cartoyourdealertohaveitchecked.
With the light on, your car still has
normal braking ability but no anti-
lock. For complete inf ormation, see
page .
This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch ON (II). If it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates a potential problem with
your f ront airbags. This light will
also alert you to a potential problem
with your side airbags. For complete
inf ormation, see page .
This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch ON (II). If it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates that the passenger’s side
airbag has automatically shut off.
For complete inf ormation, see page
.
See page .
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 f ully released can
damage the brakes and tires.
If the indicator remains lit after
you have f ully released the
parking brake while the engine is
running, or if it comes on while
driving, it can indicate a problem
in the brake system. For complete
inf ormation, see page .
205
47
47
1. 2.
313
311
Indicator L ights
Inst rument s and Cont rolsAnti-lock Brake System
(A BS) Indicator
Supplemental Restraint
System Indicator
Side A irbag Indicator
Malf unction Indicator
Lamp
Parking Brake and
Brake System Indicator
55
U.S.
Canada
U.S.
Canada

4-cylinder models6-cylinder models
The gauge stays at the same f uel
level reading af ter you turn of f the
ignition. When you add f uel, the
gauge slowly changes to the new
readingafteryouturntheignition
switch back ON (II).
The needle returns to the bottom
after you turn off the ignition. The
gauge shows the f uel level reading
immediately af ter you turn the
ignition switch back ON (II).
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 dif f erent
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 is
disconnected.
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 saf ely to the
side of the road. Turn to page f or
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine’s cooling
system.
This shows how much f uel you have.
It is most accurate when the car is on
level ground. It may show slightly
more or less than the actual amount
whenyouaredrivingoncurvyor
hilly roads.
239
Gauges
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Trip Meter Temperature Gauge Fuel Gauge
59

Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood and trunk are
f ully closed.Check the adjustment of the seat
(see page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
steering wheel (see page ).
Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
Start the engine (see page ).
Check the gauges and indicator
lights in the instrument panel (see
page ).
Check that any items you may be
carrying with you inside are stored
properly or f astened down
securely.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments every day bef ore
you drive your car.
3. 2.
1.
4. 5.
6. 7. 8. 9. 11.
12. 10.
14
88
99 193
53
67
Preparing to Drive
Driving
192

Your Honda is equipped with f ront
disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels may be disc or drum,
depending on the model. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal.
Put your f oot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your f oot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, causing them
to build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you.Your brakes may sometimes squeal
or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not conf use this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a
very audible ‘‘screeching.’’
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshif ting to a lower
gear and taking your f oot of f the
accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes af ter driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious
and alert in your driving.
The f ront 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.
Brake Wear Indicators
The Braking System
Driving
203

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
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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

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Maint enance
228 D E
82,500 mi/132,000 km
86,250 mi/138,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
93,750 mi/150,000 km
97,500 mi/156,000 km
101,250 mi/162,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
108,750 mi/174,000 km
112,500 mi/180,000 km
116,250 mi/186,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
At 120,000 mi/200,000 km/72
months, thereafter every
60,000 mi/100,000 km/60 mos
Every 60,000 mi/96,000 km/36mos
At 60,000 miles/96,000 km or
36 months, thereafter every
30,000 mi/48,000 km/24 mos 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.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace air conditioning filter .
Replace brake fluid every 3 years.
(independent of mileage)
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replacebrakefluid.DoitemsinA,B,C,D,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and
inspect water pump. Inspect valve clearance. Check idle speed. Clean air cleaner element.
Replace spark plugs. Do items in A, B, C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and
inspect water pump. Do items in A, B, C, D.
Replace engine coolant
Replace manual transmission fluid
Replace automatic transmission fluid 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 .
:
1:2:3: 223
267
2663
11
,2
11 ,2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)