2001 HONDA ACCORD SEDAN oil

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

Lights

Headlight Aiming

The headlights were properly aimed when your car was new. If youregularly carry heavy items in the
trunk, readjustment may be required.
Adjustment of the headlights should be performed by a Honda technicianor other qualified mechanic.
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Your car has two bulbs on each side, four in total. Make sure you arereplacing the bulb that is burned out.
Your car uses halogen headlight bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handleit by its plastic case and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass,clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth.
BULB

1. Open the hood. If you need to change a bulb on
the passenger's side (on the driver's side on 6-cylinder models),
remove the radiator reserve tank.
2. Remove the electrical connector from the bulb by squeezing theconnector to unlock the tab, thenslide the connector off the bulb. 3. Remove the bulb by turning it
approximately one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.
4. Insert the new bulb into the hole and turn it one-quarter turn clock-
wise to lock it in place.
5. Push the electrical connector back onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
6. Turn on the headlights to test the new bulb.
7. (Passenger's side on 4-cylinder models, driver's side on 6-cylindermodels)
Reinstall the radiator reserve tank.

Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.

Maintenance
NOTICE

TAB

Storing Your Car
If you need to park your car for an
extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you should do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your car back on the road. If
possible, store your car indoors.
Fill the fuel tank.
Change the engine oil and filter(see page 235).
Wash and dry the exterior completely.
Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse (5-speed manual) or Park

(automatic).
Block the rear wheels.
If the car is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the car is being stored indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the front wiper blade
arms with a folded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehicle body wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals. Cover the car with a "breathable"
cover, one made from a porous
material such as cotton.
Nonporous materials, such as
plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If possible, run the engine for a
while periodically (preferably once a month).
If you store your car for 12 months
or longer, have your Honda dealer
perform the inspections called for in
the 24 months/30,000 miles (48,000
km) maintenance schedule as soon as you take it out of storage (see
page 224). The replacements called
for in the maintenance schedule are not needed unless the car hasactually reached that time or mileage.

Maintenance

Taking Care of the Unexpected
This section covers the more- common problems that motoristsexperience with their vehicles. It
gives you information about how to safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again. If not, you will also find instructions
on getting your car towed. Compact Spare Tire....................... 296
Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 297
If Your Engine Won't Start........... 302 Nothing Happens or theStarter Motor OperatesVery Slowly............................. 303
The Starter Operates Normally................................. 304
Jump Starting................................. 304 If Your Engine Overheats............. 307
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.......... 309Charging System Indicator........... 310
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ........ 311 Readiness Codes........................ 312
Brake System Indicator................ 313 Closing the Moonroof................... 314
Fuses............................................... 315 Checking and Replacing........... 316
Emergency Towing....................... 320

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR

This indicator should light when the ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
after the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing, it
indicates that the oil pressure dropped very low for a moment, then
recovered. If the indicator stays on
with the engine running, it shows that the engine has lost oil pressure
and serious engine damage is
possible. In either case, you should
take immediate action.
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost immediately. Turn offthe engine as soon as you can safely get
the car stopped.

1. Safely pull off the road and shut off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
2. Let the car sit for a minute. Open the hood and check the oil level(see page 182). Although oil level
and oil pressure are not directly
connected, an engine that is very
low on oil can lose pressure during
cornering and other driving

maneuvers.

3. If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on thedipstick (see page 234). 4. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the lightdoes not go out within ten seconds,
turn off the engine. There is a mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired before you can continue driving. (See Emergency
Towing on page 320.)
Taking Care of the Unexpected

NOTICE

Specifications*1 : Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the


engine.
Reserve tank capacity: 0.16 US gal (0.6 , 0.13 Imp gal)

*2 : Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.
*3 : 6-cylinder models


Technical Information

*
: 6-cylinder models

* : 6-cylinder models

Index

Accessories and Modifications.... 186 Accessories................................. 186Additional Safety Precaution.... 187 Modifications............................. 187
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 74
Accessory Power Socket.............. 106
Additives, Engine Oil..................... 234
Airbag (SRS) ...................................... 9

Air Cleaner Element...................... 253

Air Conditioning............................. 110
Maintenance............................... 265

Usage.......................................... 110

Air Conditioning Filter.................. 266
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 268
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 331

Antifreeze....................................... 239

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Description................................. 204

Indicator............................... 55, 205
Operation.................................... 204

Anti-theft Steering Column Lock.. 73

Appearance Care........................... 287

Audio System................ 125, 137, 153

Automatic Speed Control................

68


Automatic Transmission............... 196

Capacity, Fluid........................... 326

Checking Fluid Level....... 247, 249
Shifting........................................ 196

Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 197

Shift Lever Positions................. 197

Shift Lock Release..................... 200

Battery Charging System Light...... 54, 310

Jump Starting............................. 304
Maintenance............................... 260

Specifications............................. 329

Before Driving............................... 177

Belts, Seat........................................... 8
Beverage Holder............................ 104
Body Repair.................................... 296
Brakes Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 204Break-in, New Linings .............. 178
Bulb Replacement..................... 281

Fluid............................................ 251
Parking........................................ 101
System Indicator.......................... 55
Wear Indicators......................... 203
Braking System.............................. 203
Break-in, New Car......................... 178 Brightness Control, Instruments... 63
Brights, Headlights......................... 62
Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights........................... 281
Brake Lights............................... 281Ceiling Light............................... 282
Courtesy Light........................... 283
Front Parking Lights................. 278
Front Side Marker Lights......... 277
Headlights.................................. 276
High-mount Brake Light.......... 281
License Plate Lights.................. 281
Specifications............................. 327
Spotlight...................................... 283
Trunk Light................................ 284
Turn Signal Lights..................... 277
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 276

CONTINUED

Index

Capacities Chart............................. 326
Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49
Carrying Cargo.............................. 188
Cassette Player
Care.............................................151

Operation........................... 130, 148
CAUTION, Explanation of............... ii
CD Changer.......................... 133, 165
CD Player........................................ 142
Certification Label......................... 324
Chains............................................. 273
Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 297 Changing Engine Coolant.............
241

Changing Oil

How to......................................... 235

When to....................................... 224

Charging System Indicator .... 54, 310
Checklist, Before Driving............. 192 Childproof Door Locks................... 79
Child Seats........................................ 27 Tether Anchorage Points........... 38
Cleaner, Air.................................... 253

Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels..................... 289 Carpeting.................................... 290
Exterior....................................... 288
Fabric.......................................... 291
Interior........................................ 290
Seat Belts.................................... 292
Vinyl............................................ 291 Window....................................... 292
Climate Control System................ 117
Clock, Setting the .......................... 102
Clutch Fluid.................................... 252

CO in the Exhaust......................... 333
Coin Box......................................... 103
Cold Weather, Starting in............. 194
Compact Spare............................... 296
Console Compartment.................. 103
Consumer Information*................ 340
Controls, Instruments and..............

51

Coolant

Adding......................................... 239Checking..................................... 184
Proper Solution.......................... 239
Temperature Gauge.................... 59
Corrosion Protection..................... 293
Crankcase Emissions Control System......................................... 333
Cruise Control Operation............... 68
Customer Relations Office........... 340

DANGER, Explanation of................. ii Dashboard........................................ 52
Daytime Running Lights................. 63
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 344 Defogger, Rear Window................. 64
Dimensions..................................... 328
Dimming the Headlights................ 62
Dipstick Automatic Transmission . 247, 248
Engine Oil................................... 182

Directional Signals........................... 64
Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 203
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 238 Doors Locking and Unlocking............... 74
Power Door Locks....................... 75
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 329
Downshifting, 5-speed Manual Transmission.............................. 195
Drive Belts...................................... 266
Driver and Passenger Safety............ 5