2001 HONDA ACCORD SEDAN brake fluid

Indicator Lights

"Daytime Running
Lights" Indicator

Canadian models only

This indicator lights when you turn the ignition switch to ON (II) withthe headlight switch off and the
parking brake set. It should go off if
you turn on the headlights or release
the parking brake. If it comes on at any other time, it means there is a
problem with the DRL. There may also be a problem with the high
beam headlights.
High Beam Indicator
This light comes on with the high beam headlights. See page 60 forinformation on the headlight
controls.
On Canadian models, this indicator
comes on with reduced brightness
when the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are on (see page 63 ). Cruise Control Indicator

Only on models equipped with Cruise
Control System

This lights when you set the cruise control. See page 68 for information
on operating the cruise control.
Low Fuel Indicator
This light comes on as a reminder that you must refuel soon. Immobilizer System
Indicator
This indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition
switch ON (II). It will then go off if
you have inserted a properly-coded ignition key. If it is not a properly-coded key, the indicator will blink
and the engine will not start (see
page 72 ).
This indicator also blinks several times when you turn the ignitionswitch from ON (II) to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).
Washer Level Indicator

Canadian models only

This light comes on when the
washer fluid level is low. Add washer fluid when you see this light come on (see page 246 ).
Instruments and Controls

CRUISE
CONTROL
DRL

Maintenance

This section explains why it is important to keep your car well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normaldriving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See page 345 for information on how toobtain a copy, or see your Honda

dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 220

Important Safety Precautions ..221

Maintenance Schedule.................. 222

Maintenance Record..................... 229
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 231

Fluid Locations............................... 232

Engine Oil....................................... 234
Adding Oil................................... 234Recommended Oil..................... 235
Synthetic Oil............................... 235

Additives..................................... 235
Changing the Oil and Filter...... 236

Cooling System.............................. 239
Adding Engine Coolant............. 239Replacing 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

Specifications............................. 257

Battery............................................ 260

Wiper Blades.................................. 263
Air Conditioning System............... 265
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 266 Drive Belts...................................... 266
Timing Belt..................................... 267
Tires................................................ 267
Inflation...................................... 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
Maintenance

Owner Maintenance Checks
You should check the following items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given. Engine oil level — Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page 182. Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 184 .
Windshield washer fluid — Check
the level in the reservoir monthly.If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 246 . Automatic transmission — Check
the fluid level monthly. See page 247. Brakes — Check the fluid level

monthly. See page 251.
Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
267.
Lights — Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See

page 274.

Maintenance

Fluid Locations

Maintenance

4-cylinder Models

BRAKE FLUID(Gray cap)
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP

AUTOMATIC

TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)

COOLANT

RESERVOIR
CLUTCH FLUID

(5-speed Manual

Transmission only)
(Gray cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)

WASHER FLUID (Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
RADIATOR CAP

Fluid Locations

Maintenance

RADIATOR CAP
COOLANT

RESERVOIR

AUTOMATIC

TRANSMISSION

FLUID DIPSTICK

(Yellow loop)

6-cylinder Models

ENGINE OILFILL CAP
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK

(Orange loop)

WASHER FLUID (Blue cap) BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)

Brake and Clutch Fluid

Check the fluid level in the reser-
voirs monthly. There are up to two reservoirs, depending on the model.
They are:
Brake fluid reservoir (all models)
Clutch fluid reservoir(manual transmission only)
The brake fluid should be replaced according to the time and distance
recommendations in the mainte- nance schedule. Always use Honda DOT 3 brake
fluid. If it is not available, you should use only DOT 3 or DOT 4
fluid, from a sealed container, as a temporary replacement. However,
the use of any non-Honda brake fluid
can cause corrosion and decrease
the life of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled
with Honda DOT 3 brake fluid as soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car's braking system and can cause extensive

damage.
Brake System
4-cylinder models
MIN

The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the sideof the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
CONTINUED
Maintenance

MAX

Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering

Clutch System

The fluid should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of
the reservoir. If it is not, add brake
fluid to bring it up to that level. Use
the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Low fluid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system inspected as soon as possible. Power Steering
Check the level when the engine is cold. Look at the side of thereservoir. The fluid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
fluid to the UPPER LEVEL.
Maintenance

UPPER LEVEL

6 cylinder models

LOWER LEVEL
MIN MAX

4-cylinder models
MIN
MAX

Brake System Indicator

BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR*
The Brake System Indicator normally comes on when you turn
the ignition switch ON (II). It is a
reminder to check the parking brake.
It comes on and stays lit if you do not
fully release the parking brake. If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with the car's
brake system. In most cases, the problem is a low fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir. Press lightly on the brake pedal to see if it feels
normal. If it does, check the brake
fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page 251). If the
fluid level is low, take the car to your dealer and have the brake system
inspected for leaks or worn brake

pads.

However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. Because of the
brake system's dual-circuit design, a problem in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels. You will feel the brake pedalgo down much farther before the car
begins to slow down, and you will have to press harder on the pedal.
The distance needed to stop will be much longer. Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the car. Youshould have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible. (See Emergency
Towing on page 320 .)
If you must drive the car a short
distance in this condition, driveslowly and cautiously.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

*U.S. indicator shown