2003 HONDA ACCORD COUPE power steering

Your Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) includes:Two f ront airbags. The driver’s
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the f ront
passenger’sairbagisstoredinthe
dashboard. Both are marked ‘‘SRS
AIRBAG.’’
Emergency backup power in case
your car’s electrical system is
disconnected in a crash. An indicator light on the
instrument panel that alerts you to
a possible problem with the
system (see page ). A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors and
records inf ormation about the
sensors, the control unit, the
airbag activators, and driver and
passenger seat belt use when the
ignition is ON (II).
Your car is equipped with dual-stage,
dual-threshold airbags to help reduce
the chance of airbag-caused injuries.
Automatic seat belt tensioners
(see page ).
Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe frontal
collision. 52
47
CONT INUED
SRS Components How Your Front A irbags Work
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
Additional Inf ormation About Your Airbags
49

This section gives inf ormation about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your Honda. All the essential
controls are within easy reach............................
Control Locations .60
...............................
Indicator Lights .61
.............................................
Gauges .68
...............................
Speedometer .68
.................................
Tachometer .68
.....................................
Odometer .69
Outside Temperature ...................................
Indicator .69
...................................
Trip Meter .70
...................
Temperature Gauge . 70
..................................
Fuel Gauge .70
Maintenance Required ...................................
Indicator .71
Controls Near the Steering .......................................
Wheel .73
...................................
Headlights .74 Automatic Lighting Off
.....................................
Feature .75
............
Daytime Running Lights . 76
....
Instrument Panel Brightness . 76
................................
Turn Signals .77
.....................
Windshield Wipers .77
..................
Windshield Washers . 79
..........................
Hazard Warning .79
.............
Rear Window Def ogger . 79
......
Steering Wheel Adjustment . 80
...............................
Keys and Locks .82
..............................................
Keys .82
....................
Immobilizer System . 83
............................
Ignition Switch .84
......................
Power Door Locks .86
...................
Remote Transmitter . 87
...........................................
Trunk .91
........
Emergency Trunk Opener . 92
....................................
Glove Box .93
............................
Seat Adjustments .94
.............
Front Seat Adjustments . 94
Driver’s Seat Manual Height ..............................
Adjustment .95
Driver’s Seat Power Height ..............................
Adjustment .95 Driver’s Seat Power
............................
Adjustments .96
...........
Driver’s Lumbar Support . 97
........................
Rear Seat Access .98
..........................
Head Restraints .99
.....................
Folding Rear Seat .100
..................................
Seat Heaters .102
............................
Power Windows .103
.......................................
Moonroof .107
...........................................
Mirrors .108
..
Adjusting the Power Mirrors . 108
...............................
Parking Brake .110
.................
Console Compartment . 111
..........................................
Armrest .111
.........................
Beverage Holders .112
.........................
Center CD Pocket .113
...................................
Coin Pocket .113
........................................
Sun Visor .114
................................
Vanity Mirror .115
......................................
Coat Hook .115
........................
Sunglasses Holder .116
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 116
...............................
Interior Lights .117
..............................
Ceiling Light .117
...................................
Spotlights .118
........................
Courtesy Lights .119
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols59

µ
µ
µ The engine will not start if the
Immobilizer System does not
recognize the key’s coding (see page
).
You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key in the ignition
switch in the LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
the driver’s door. Remove the key to
turn of f the beeper.
In this position,
you can operate the audio system
and the accessory power sockets.
This is the normal key
position when driving. All f eatures
and accessories on the car are usable.
Several of the lights on the instru-
ment panel come on as a test when
you turn the ignition switch f rom
ACCESSORY to ON.
Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of
the key. 83
A CCESSORY (I)
ON (II)
ST A RT (III)
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols85
Removing the key from the
ignition switch while driving
locks the steering. This can
cause you to lose control.
Remove the key from the
ignition switch only when
parked.

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.
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. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
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. The f ront and rear disc brakes on all
models have audible brake wear
indicators. All models except f or the
4-cylinder LX have rear disc brakes
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.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal
or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not conf use this with the
brake wear indicators. The
indicators make a very audible
‘‘screeching.’’ Brake Wear Indicators
The Braking System
Driving254

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 the importance
of keeping your car well maintained
andwhyyoushouldfollowbasic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .272
.
Important Safety Precautions . 273
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 274
Maintenance Schedule ..................
(4-cylinder Models) . 276 ...
Required Maintenance Record . 281
Maintenance Schedule ..................
(6-cylinder Models) . 284
...
Required Maintenance Record . 289
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 291
..............................
Fluid Locations .292
......................................
Engine Oil .294
..................................
Adding Oil .294
....................
Recommended Oil .294
..............................
Synthetic Oil .295
....................................
Additives .296
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 296
.............................
Cooling System .299
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 299
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 301
....................
Windshield Washers .306
.......................
Transmission Fluid .307
..........
Automatic Transmission . 307
5-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .310
6-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .311
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 313
............................
Brake System .313
...........................
Clutch System .314
..............................
Power Steering .315 .....................
Air Cleaner Element .316
....................................
Hood Latch .318
Spark Plugs ..................
(4-cylinder Models) . 318
Spark Plugs ..................
(6-cylinder Models) . 321
...........................................
Battery .324
.................................
Wiper Blades .327
..............
Air Conditioning System . 329
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 330
.......................................
Drive Belt .332
....................................
Timing Belt .332
...............................................
Tires .333
......................................
Inf lation .333
..................................
Inspection .335
..............................
Maintenance .335
.............................
Tire Rotation .336
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 336
......................
Wheels and Tires .337
..........................
Winter Driving .338
.............................
Snow Tires .338
............................
Tire Chains .338
.............................................
Lights .340
.....................
Headlight Aiming .342
........................
Replacing Bulbs .342
...........................
Storing Your Car .354
413
Maintenance
Maint enance271

4-cylinder Models
Fluid Locations
Maint enance292
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange handle)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
RADIATOR CAPAUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop) ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP CLUTCH FLUID
(5-speed Manual
Transmission only)
(Light gray cap)
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR

6-cylinder Models
Fluid Locations
Maint enance293
ENGINE OIL FILL CAPRADIATOR CAP
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap) BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR CLUTCH FLUID
(Gray cap)
(6-speed Manual
Transmission only)

Check the level when the engine is
cold. Look at the side of the
reservoir. The f luid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and
LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
f luid to the UPPER LEVEL.A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible. Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. If it is not available, you may
use another power steering f luid as
an emergency replacement.
However, continued use can cause
increased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled f luid could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Maint enance
Power Steering
315
6-cylider models UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
4-cylider models LOWER LEVEL UPPER LEVEL
T urning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.