2002 HONDA ACCORD COUPE steering

µAlways drive
slower than you would in dry
weather. It takes your car longer to
react, even in conditions that may
seem just barely damp. Apply
smooth, even pressure to all the
controls. Abrupt steering wheel
movements or sudden, hard appli-
cation of the brakes can cause loss of
control in wet weather. Be extra
cautious f or the f irst f ew miles
(kilometers) of driving while you
adjust to the change in driving
conditions. This is especially true in
snow. A person can f orget some
snow-driving techniques during the
summer months. Practice is needed
to relearn those skills. Exercise extra caution when driving
in rain af ter a long dry spell. Af ter
months of dry weather, the f irst
rains bring oil to the surf ace of the
roadway, making it slippery.
Rain, f og, and snow conditions
require a dif f erent driving technique
because of reduced traction and
visibility. Keep your car well-
maintained and exercise greater
caution when you need to drive in
bad weather. The cruise control
should not be used in these
conditions.
CONT INUED
Driving T echnique
Driving in Bad Weather
Driving223

Your Honda has been designed
primarily to carry passengers and
their cargo. You can use it to tow a
trailer if you caref ully observe the
load limits, use the proper equipment,
and f ollow the guidelines in this
section.The total
weight of the trailer and
everything loaded in it must not
exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg). Towing
a load that is too heavy can
seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and perf ormance. It can
also damage the engine and
drivetrain. The weight that
the tongue of a f ully-loaded trailer
puts on the hitch should be
approximately 10 percent of the
trailer weight. Too little tongue
load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway. Too much
tongue load reduces f ront-tire
traction and steering control.
CONT INUED
T otal T railer Weight: T ongue L oad:
Load Limits
Towing a Trailer
Driving225

Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer
swaying. When being passed by a
large vehicle, keep a constant speed
and steer straight ahead. Do not try
to make quick steering or braking
corrections.
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1st or Reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.
bottom
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Backing Up Parking
Towing a Trailer
Driving231

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 .234
.
Important Safety Precautions . 235
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 236
...
Required Maintenance Record . 243 .......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 245
..............................
Fluid Locations .246
......................................
Engine Oil .248
..................................
Adding Oil .248
....................
Recommended Oil .248
..............................
Synthetic Oil .250
....................................
Additives .250
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 250
.............................
Cooling System .253
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 253
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 255
....................
Windshield Washers .260
.......................
Transmission Fluid .261
Automatic .........................
Transmission .261
5-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .263
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 264
............................
Brake System .264
...........................
Clutch System .265
..............................
Power Steering .266
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .267
....................................
Hood Latch .269
Spark Plugs ..............
(4-cylinder Models) . 269
..............................
Replacement .269 ............................
Specif ications .270
Spark Plugs ..............
(6-cylinder Models) . 271
..............................
Replacement .271
............................
Specif ications .273
...........................................
Battery .274
.................................
Wiper Blades .277
..............
Air Conditioning System . 279
.................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 280
.....................................
Drive Belts .280
....................................
Timing Belt .281
...............................................
Tires .282
......................................
Inf lation .282
..................................
Inspection .283
..............................
Maintenance .284
.............................
Tire Rotation .285
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 285
......................
Wheels and Tires .286
..........................
Winter Driving .286
.............................
Snow Tires .287
............................
Tire Chains .287
.............................................
Lights .288
.....................
Headlight Aiming .290
........................
Replacing Bulbs .290
...........................
Storing Your Car .291
361
Maintenance
Maint enance233

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Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you only
drive under a
‘‘severe’’ condition, you should
f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
OCCASIONALLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
238
Visually inspect the following items: Balancer belt applies to 4-cylinder
models only.
See information on maintenance and
emissions warranty, last column, page
.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 1 year
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Every 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years
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 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) or 5 years
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
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 dust and pollen filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month) Adjust only if noisy
1::
MT
AT
237
1
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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Maint enance239
A, B, C, D
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A
B
C
D
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Balancer belt applies to 4-cylinder models only.
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE:
·
· :
:
237
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do item in D.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do item in D.
Do items in A.Replace timing belt, balancer belt , and inspect
water pump. Check idle speed.
Inspect valve clearance.
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.
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
3 yrs (independent of mileage)
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
6 yrs (independent of mileage)
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
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
then replace every 60,000 mi/
96,000 km/5 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
then replace every 90,000 mi/
144,000 km/5 yrs Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
267).
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 dust and pollen filter.
Replace brake fluid every 3 years (independent of
mileage).
238Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your car 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
roof rack, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
MAINLY
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
Maint enance240
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 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 monthsCheck oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
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 15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Balancer belt applies to 4-cylinder models only. See information on maintenance and
emissions warranty, last column, page
.
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Clean ( ) or replace ( ) air cleaner element
Use normal schedule except in dusty
conditions
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 dust and pollen filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. Adjust only if noisy
MT
AT
1:
2:
3: :
237
281
280
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
11 ,2
3
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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CONT INUED
Maint enance241
A, B, C, D, E
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A
B
C
D
E
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in
as required for each distance/time.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use. Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page267).
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.
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.
3,750 mi/6,000 km
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
3 yrs (independent of mileage)
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
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
then replace every 30,000 mi/
48,000 km/2 yrs
63,750 mi/102,000 km
67,500 mi/108,000 km
71,250 mi/114,000 km Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,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. Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do item in E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and
inspect water pump.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace MT fluid.
Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter .
Replace brake fluid every 3 years (independent of
mileage).
240
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving
conditions. Balancer belt applies to 4-cylinder models only. See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. ·
· NOTE:
1:
2:
3: : 237
281
280
11 ,2
3
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)