2003 HONDA ACCORD COUPE engine

Always use unleaded gasoline.
Even a small amount of leaded
gasoline can contaminate the
catalyst metals, making the three
way catalytic converter inef f ective.
The three way catalytic converter
contains precious metals that serve
as catalysts, promoting chemical
reactions to convert the exhaust
gasses without af f ecting the metals.
The catalytic converter is ref erred to
as a three-way catalyst, since it acts
on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement
unit must be an original Honda part
or its equivalent.
The three way catalytic converter
must operate at a high temperature
for the chemical reactions to take
place. It can set on f ire any com-
bustible materials that come near it.
Park your car away f rom high grass,
dry leaves, or other f lammables.
A defective three way catalytic
converter contributes to air pollution,
and can impair your engine’s per-
f ormance. Follow these guidelines to
protect your car’s three way catalytic
converter. Keep the engine tuned-up.
Have your car diagnosed and
repaired if it is misf iring, back-
f iring, stalling, or otherwise not
running properly.
Three Way Catalytic Converter
T echnical Inf ormation407
4-cylinder models
6-cylinder models
THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER
THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

Make sure the gas tank is nearly,
but not completely, f ull (around
3/4).
Make sure the ambient
temperature is between 20° and
95°F.Without touching the accelerator
pedal, start the engine and let it
idle f or 20 seconds.
If you take your car for a state
emissions test shortly af ter the
battery has been disconnected or
gone dead, it may not pass the test.
This is because of certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that must be set in the on-
board diagnostics f or the emissions
systems. These codes are erased
when the battery is disconnected,
and set again only after several days
of driving under a variety of
conditions.
Make sure the car has been
parked with the engine of f f or 8
hours or more.Keep the car in Park (automatic
transmission) or Neutral (manual
transmission). Increase the engine
speed to 2,000 rpm and hold it
there until the temperature gauge
rises to at least 1/4 of the scale
(approximately 3 minutes).
If the testing f acility determines that
the readiness codes are not set, you
will be requested to return at a later
date to complete the test. If you must
get the car re-tested within the next
two or three days, you can condition
the car for re-testing by doing the
f ollowing.
T esting of Readiness Codes
T echnical Inf ormation
St at e Emissions T est ing
408

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#
) This manual describes the procedures involved in the
replacement of damaged body parts. This manual covers maintenance and recommended
procedures f or repair to engine and chassis components.
It is written f or the Journeyman mechanic, but is simple
enough f or most mechanically-inclined owners to under-
stand.
This manual complements the Service Manual by
providing in-depth troubleshooting inf ormation f or each
electrical circuit in your car.
Authorized Manuals
Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
416
NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name,
and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should
be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the address shown
below for a quotation.
P.O. BOX 07280·DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207·1-800-782-4356
Customer Name Attention
Apartment Number
State & Zip Code
City
Daytime Telephone Number
Check or money order enclosed payable to Helm Inc U.S. funds only.
Do not send cash
Master
Card VISA
Check here if your billing address is different
from the shipping address shown above.
Account Number Expiration: Mo. Yr.
CUSTOMER SIGNATURE DATE
Street Address No P.O. Box Number
()
These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14
days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.

CONT INUED
Battery......
Charging System Light . 62,380
............................
Jump Starting .373
..............................
Maintenance .324
....................
Specif ications .397, 399
..............................
Bef ore Driving .223
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,46
.........................
Beverage Holders .112
...................................
Body Repair .362
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 256
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 224....................
Bulb Replacement .348
...........................................
Fluid .313
.......................................
Parking .110
.................
System Indicator . 63,383
........................
Wear Indicators .254
.............................
Braking System .254
........................
Break-in, New Car .224
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 76
........................
Brights, Headlights .74
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .348
..............................
Brake Lights .348
..............................
Ceiling Light .351
................
Door Courtesy Light . 351
................
Front Parking Lights . 346
.................................
Headlights .342
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 350
.................
License Plate Lights . 349
....................
Specif ications .397, 399
...................................
Spotlights .351
...............................
Trunk Light .353
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 346
................
Vanity Mirror Lights . 351
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .342
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 232
................................
Accessories .232
.
Additional Safety Precautions . 233
............................
Modif ications .233
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .85
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 116
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 296
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 49
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .316
...........
Air Conditioning . 122,131,138
..............................
Maintenance .329
.........................
Usage .122, 131,138
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .333
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .403
........................
Aluminum Wheels .357
......................................
Antif reeze .299
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .64, 256
...................................
Operation .255
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 212
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 84
..........................
Appearance Care .355
..........................................
Armrest .111 ................
Audio System . 148,163,187
...
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 75
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 47
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 214
..............
Automatic Transmission . 248
..................
Capacity, Fluid . 396,398
.......
Checking Fluid Level . 307,308
.......................................
Shif ting .248
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 248
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 248
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 251
Index
A
B
I

Î
...................
Capacities Chart . 396,398
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 56
......................................
Cargo Net .237
.............................
Carrying Cargo .234
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
..................
CD Changer . 156,173,196
.......................................
CD Player .154
........................
CD Pocket, Center .113
........................
Certif ication Label .394
............................................
Chains .338
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .365
............
Changing Engine Coolant . 301
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .296
.............................
When to .276, 284
...
Charging System Indicator . 62,380
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 240
.......................................
Child Seats .26
.........................................
LATCH .43
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 42
...................................
Cleaner, Air .316
Cleaning ....................
Aluminum Wheels .357
...................................
Carpeting .358 ......................................
Exterior .356
.........................................
Fabric .359
.......................................
Interior .358
.......................................
Leather .359
...................................
Seat Belts .359
...........................................
Vinyl .359
......................................
Window .360
...............
Climate Control System . 129
.........
Clock, Setting the . 153,171,193
...................................
Clutch Fluid .314
........................
CO in the Exhaust .406
...................................
Coin Pocket .113
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 242
..............................
Compact Spare .364
.................
Console Compartment . 111
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 412
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 59
Coolant ........................................
Adding .299
....................................
Checking .230
.........................
Proper Solution .299
...................
Temperature Gauge . 70
....................
Corrosion Protection .361
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .405
............
Cruise Control Operation . 214..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 412
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .2, 60
................
Daytime Running Lights . 76
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 414
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 79
Defrosting the ....................
Windows .127, 136,144
............................
Dimensions .396, 398
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 74
Dipstick .
Automatic Transmission . 307,308
..................................
Engine Oil .228
..........................
Directional Signals .77
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 254
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .298
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 86
......................
Power Door Locks .86
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 400
Downshif ting, Manual .....................
Transmission .243, 245
.......................................
Drive Belt .332
Index
C
D
II

CONT INUED
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .239
....................................
Economy .231
.........................
In Bad Weather .261
................
In Foreign Countries . 404
..
Dual Temperature Control . 137,145
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 330
..............................
Economy, Fuel .231
............
Emergencies on the Road . 363
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 373
...........
Brake System Indicator . 383
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 365
.....
Charging System Indicator . 380
..................
Checking the Fuses . 386
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 379
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 381
...
Manually Closing Moonroof . 384
..................
Overheated Engine . 376
.........................
Emergency Brake .110
......................
Emergency Flashers .79
......................
Emergency Towing .391
............
Emergency Trunk Opener . 92
.......................
Emissions Controls .405 .............
Emissions Testing, State . 408
Engine .............................................
Belt .332
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 70
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .62, 381
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 62,379
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 294
...............................
Overheating .376
....................
Specif ications .397, 399
............
Speed Limiter . 244,246,251
.......................................
Starting .241
..
Engine Speed Limiter . 244,246,251
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .403
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 405
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .56
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .19
..................
Exterior, Cleaning the . 356
............................
Fabric, Cleaning .359
..................
Fan, Interior . 122,133,143
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience .121 ....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 225
Filters ................................
Air Cleaner .316
.........................
Dust and Pollen .330
...............................................
Oil .296
5-speed Manual Transmission ...............
Checking Fluid Level . 310
5-speed Manual Transmission ................................
Shif ting the .243
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 79
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 365
Fluids .
Automatic Transmission . 307,308
..........................................
Brake .313
.........................................
Clutch .314
......
Manual Transmission . 310,311
..........................
Power Steering .315
..................
Windshield Washer . 306
.........................
Folding Rear Seat .100
.....
Foreign Countries, Driving in . 404
..........................
Four-way Flashers .79
..............................
Front Airbags .9 ,49
Index
E
F
III

.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 342
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 79
........................................
Headlights .74
........................................
Aiming .342
..............
Automatic Lighting Off . 75
............
Daytime Running Lights . 76
............
Low Beams, Turning on . 74
.........................
Reminder Chime .74
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 342
...................................
Turning on .74
..............................
Head Restraints .99
.....................
Heating and Cooling .122
...............................
Heated Mirror .109
.............
High Altitude, Starting at . 242
HomeLink Wireless Control ........................................
System .218
....................................
Hood Latch .318 .......................
Hood, Opening the .226
...........................
Hydraulic Clutch .314
.................................
Hydroplaning .262
.................................................
Fuel .224
......................
Fill Door and Cap .225
...........................................
Gauge .70
................
Octane Requirement . 224
...............................
Oxygenated .403
........................
Tank, Filling the .225
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .386
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 231
..........................................
Gasohol .403
.........................................
Gasoline .224
...........................................
Gauge .70
................
Octane Requirement . 224
........................
Tank, Filling the .225
................
Gas Station Procedures . 225
Gauges ...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 70
...............................................
Fuel .70
...............................
Speedometer .68
.................................
Tachometer .68
Gearshif t Lever Positions ..........
Automatic Transmission . 248
5-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .243 6-speed Manual
.........................
Transmission .245
..............................
Glass Cleaning .360
........................................
Glove Box .93
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .....................................
(GVWR) .264
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 394
Ignition ..............................................
Keys .82
...........................................
Switch .84
............
Timing Control System . 406
........................
Immobilizer System .83
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
.........
Indicators, Instrument Panel . 61
...............................
Inf ant Restraint .21
......................................
Inf ant Seats .30
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 42
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire . 333
.................................
Inside Mirror .108
.............................
Inspection, Tire .335
............................
Instrument Panel .61
........
Instrument Panel Brightness . 76
...........................
Interior Cleaning .358
...............................
Interior Lights .117
........................................
Introduction . i
Index
G HI
IV

Î
...................
Radiator Overheating . 376
Radio/CD Sound .......................
System .148, 163,187
...........................
Readiness Codes .382
..
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 348
............................
Rear Seat Access .98
........................
Rear Seat, Folding .100
..........................
Rear View Mirror .108
.................
Rear Window Def ogger . 79
.........
Reclining the Seat Backs . 94,97 Recommended Shif t
................................
Speeds .244, 246
.............................
Reminder Lights .61
.......................
Remote Transmitter .87
Replacement Inf ormation .................
Air Cleaner Element . 316
..........................
Engine Coolant .301
..............
Dust and Pollen Filter . 330
................
Engine Oil and Filter . 296
..........................................
Fuses .386
................................
Light Bulbs .342
............................
Schedule .276, 284
.......................
Spark Plugs .318, 321
...........................................
Tires .336
.............................
Wiper Blades .327
Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a ............................................
Crash .48
.................
Reserve Tank, Coolant . 230
...............................
Restraint, Child .21
..................
Reverse Gear Position . 249
................................
Rotation, Tire .336
Oil
........................
Change, How to .296
..............
Change, When to . 276,284
......................
Checking Engine .228
..............
Pressure Indicator . 62,379
Selecting Proper Viscosity ......................................
Chart .295
...........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 85
..
Operation in Foreign Countries . 404
............................
Outside Mirrors .108
.....................
Outside Temperature .69
....................
Overheating, Engine .376
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 291
..........................
Oxygenated Fuel .403
..............
Panel Brightness Control . 76
........................
Park Gear Position .249
...........................................
Parking .253
...............................
Parking Brake .110
.................................
Parking Lights .74
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 253
.............................
PGM-FI System .406
..................
Polishing and Waxing . 357
...................................
Pollen Filter .330 ............
Pre-Drive Saf ety Checklist . 12
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 19
............................
Protecting Adults .13
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 20
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 19
........................
Protecting Children .21
.......................
Protecting Inf ants .30
.......
Protecting Larger Children . 38
.........
Protecting Small Children . 34
Using Child Seats with .....................................
Tethers .42
.............................
Using LATCH .43
..................................
Saf ety Belts .8, 46
.........
Safety Defects, Reporting . 414
Index
R
S
P
VI