2001 HONDA ACCORD SEDAN coolant level

Gauges

Trip Meter

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 different

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 isdisconnected. Temperature Gauge
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 safely to the side of the road. Turn to page 239 for
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine's cooling
system.
Fuel Gauge
This shows how much fuel you have. It is most accurate when the car is on
level ground. It may show slightly
more or less than the actual amount
when you are driving on curvy or hilly roads.
4-cylinder models
The gauge stays at the same fuel level reading after you turn off the
ignition. When you add fuel, the
gauge slowly changes to the new reading after you turn the ignitionswitch back ON (II).

6-cylinder models

The needle returns to the bottom after you turn off the ignition. The
gauge shows the fuel level reading immediately after you turn the
ignition switch back ON (II).

Instruments and Controls

Before Driving
Before you begin driving your Honda,
you should know what gasoline to use, and how to check the levels of
important fluids. You also need to
know how to properly store luggage or packages. The information in this
section will help you. If you plan to
add any accessories to your car,
please read the information in this section first. Break-in Period.............................. 178
Gasoline.......................................... 178
Service Station Procedures .......... 178 Filling the Fuel Tank................. 178Opening the Hood..................... 180 Oil Check................................ 182
Engine Coolant Check.......... 184
Fuel Economy................................ 185 Vehicle Condition...................... 185Driving Habits............................ 185
Accessories and Modifications.... 186 Carrying Cargo.............................. 188

Before Driving

Service Station Procedures

4. Remove the dipstick again and check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see Adding Oil on page 234 . Engine Coolant Check
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 Adding
Engine Coolant on page 239 for
information on adding the proper

coolant.
Refer to Owner Maintenance
Checks on page 231 for information
on checking other items in your

Honda.

Before Driving
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
MAX

RESERVE TANK

MIN

4-cylinder models RESERVE TANK

6-cylinder models
MIN
MAX

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

Cooling System

Adding Engine Coolant
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
This coolant should always be a mixture of 50 percent antifreeze and50 percent water. Never add straight
antifreeze or plain water. Always use Genuine Honda All
Season Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2.
This coolant is pre-mixed with 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent
water. It does not require anyadditional mixing. If it is not available,
you may use another major-brand non-silicate coolant as a temporary
replacement. Make sure it is a high-quality coolant recommended for
aluminum engines. However,
continued use of any non-Honda coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to malfunction or fail. Have the cooling
system flushed and refilled with
Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as

possible.

If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
4-cylinder models

RESERVE TANK
RESERVE TANK

6-cylinder models

Cooling System

1. Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.

2. Turn the radiator cap counter- clockwise, without pressing down
on it, until it stops. This relieves
any pressure remaining in the
cooling system.
3. Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning

counterclockwise.

4. The coolant level should be up to the base of the filler neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
5. Put the radiator cap back on. Tighten it fully.
Maintenance
RADIATOR CAP

4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models

RADIATOR CAP
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.

Cooling System

6-cylinder models

Pour coolant into the radiator up

to the base of the filler neck.

The cooling system capacity is:
With 5-speed manual transmission:
1.45 US gal (5.5 ,1.21 Imp gal)

With automatic transmission:
1.43 US gal (5.4 ,1.19 Imp gal)
6-cylinder models 1.48 US gal (5.6 ,1.23 Imp gal) 8. Start the engine and let it run for
about 30 seconds. Then turn off
the engine.
9. Fill the radiator with coolant up to the base of the filler neck.
10. Fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark. Install the reserve tank cap.
11.Install the radiator cap, and tighten it to the first stop.
12.Start the engine and let it run until the radiator cooling fan comes onat least twice. Then stop the

engine.

13.Remove the radiator cap. Pour coolant into the radiator up to the
base of the filler neck and into the
reserve tank up to the MAX mark. 14.Start the engine and hold it at
1,500 rpm until the cooling fan
comes on. Turn off the engine. Check the coolant level in the
radiator and add coolant if needed.
15.Install the radiator cap, and tighten it fully.
16.If necessary, fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark. Install thereserve tank cap.

Maintenance

4-cylinder models

BLEEDER BOLT

If Your Engine Overheats
4. If the temperature gauge stays at the red mark, turn off the engine.
5. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the

hood.

6. Look for any obvious coolant leaks, such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see Emergency
Towing on page 320).
7. If you don't find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page 184). If the level is below the
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and MAX marks.
8. If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may also have to
add coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, before check- ing the radiator.
9. Using gloves or a large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. This
releases any remaining pressure in
the cooling system. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap and turn it until it comes
off. 10. Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial tomaximum (climate control to
FULL AUTO at 90°F/32°C). Add
coolant to the radiator up to the
base of the filler neck. If you do
not have the proper coolant mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have
the cooling system drained and refilled with the proper mixture as
soon as you can.

11. Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair. (See Emergency
Towing on page 320.)
12. If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the MAX mark. Put the cap back on

tightly.

Taking Care of the Unexpected
Removing the radiator cap

while the engine is hot can

cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you.

Always let the engine and radiator cool down before

removing the radiator cap.