2003 HONDA ACCORD SEDAN coolant temperature

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 into the
upperhalfofthegauge.Ifitreaches
the red (Hot) mark, pull safely to the
side of the road. Turn to page f or
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine’s cooling
system.
This meter shows the number of
miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada)
driven since you last reset it.
In certain weather conditions,
temperature readings near f reezing
(32°F, 0°C) could mean that ice is
f orming on the road surf ace. The temperature sensor is located in
the f ront bumper. Theref ore, the
temperature reading can be af f ected
by heat ref lection f rom the road sur-
f ace, engine heat, and the exhaust
f rom surrounding traf f ic. This can
cause an incorrect temperature read-
ing when your speed is under
19 mph (30 km/h). This indicator displays the outside
temperature in Fahrenheit in U.S.
models, and in Centigrade in
Canadian models. To see the outside
temperature, press and release the
Select/Reset knob until the
temperature is displayed. There are two trip meters: Trip A
and Trip B. Switch between these
displays and the odometer/outside
temperature display by pressing the
Select/Reset knob repeatedly. Each
trip meter works independently, so
you can keep track of two dif f erent
distances.
To reset a trip meter, display it and
then press and hold the Select/Reset
knob until the number resets to ‘‘0.0’’.
Both trip meters will reset if the car’s
battery goes dead or is disconnected. 345On 4-cylinder EX models with leather
interior and all 6-cylinder EX models
Gauges
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Temperature Gauge
Trip Meter
Outside Temperature Indicator
64

CONT INUED
The f low-through ventilation system
draws in outside air, circulates it
through the interior, then exhausts it
through vents near the rear window.Turn the temperature control dial
all the way to the lef t.
Make sure the A/C is of f .
Select and Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
The outside air intakes f or the
heating and cooling system are at
the base of the windshield. Keep
these clear of leaves and other
debris.
This section covers how to set up the
system controls f or ventilation,
heating, cooling, dehumidif ying, and
def rosting.
The engine must be running f or the
heater and air conditioning to
generate hot and cold air. The heater
uses engine coolant to warm the air.
If the engine is cold, it will be several
minutes bef ore you f eel warm air
coming from the system.
It is best to leave the system in Fresh
Air mode under almost all conditions.
Keeping the system in Recirculation
mode, particularly with the A/C of f ,
can cause the windows to fog up.
Switch to Recirculation mode when
you are driving through smoky or
dusty conditions, then switch back to
Fresh Air mode when the condition
clears. The air conditioning does not rely on
engine temperature.
1.
2.
3.
Heating and Cooling
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
Vent ilat ion
How to Use the System
115
RECIRCULATION BUTTONTEMPERATURE
CONTROL DIAL
FAN CONTROL
DIAL
MODE BUTTONS
AIR CONDITIONING
(A/C) BUTTON

Air conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page) when driving in stop-and-go
traf f ic or climbing a long, steep hill.
If it moves near the red zone, turn
of f the A/C until the gauge reads
normally.
When the interior has cooled down
to a more comf ortable temperature,
close the windows and set the
controls as described f or normal
cooling.
If the interior is very warm f rom
beingparkedinthesun,youcancool
it down more rapidly by setting up
the controls this way: Turn on the A/C by pressing the
A/C button. The light above the
buttonshouldcomeonwhenafan
speed is selected.
Make sure the temperature
controldialissettomaximumcool.
Select .
If the outside air is humid, select
Recirculation mode. If the outside
air is dry, select Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
Start the engine.
Turn on the A/C by pressing the
A/C button. Make sure the tem-
perature control dial is set to
maximum cool.
Set the f an to maximum speed.
Open the windows partially. Select
and Fresh Air mode.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3. 4.
64
On cars with manual air conditioningsystem
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
Heating and Cooling
T o Cool wit h A /C
116
RECIRCULATION BUTTON
TEMPERATURE
CONTROL DIAL
AIR CONDITIONING
(A/C) BUTTON
FAN CONTROL
DIAL
MODE BUTTONS

For saf ety, make sure you have a
clear view through all the windows
bef ore driving away.To shut of f the system temporarily,
turn the fan speed and temperature
control dials all the way to the lef t.
You should shut the system
completely of f only f or the f irst f ew
minutes of driving in cold weather,
until the engine coolant warms up
enough to operate the heater. Keep
the fan on at all other times so stale
air does not build up in the interior.
These settings direct all the air f low
to the defroster vents at the base of
the windshield and the side window
def roster vents. The air f low will get
warmer and clear the windows faster
as the engine warms up. You can
close the side vents with the dial
underneath each vent. This will send
more warm air to the windshield
defroster vents.
To remove exterior f rost or ice f rom
the windshield and side windows
after the car has been sitting out in
cold weather:
Start the engine.
Select .
When you select , the
system automatically switches to
Fresh Air mode and turns on the
A/C. (The indicator above the
A/C button stays off.)
Set the f an and temperature
controls to maximum.
To rapidly remove exterior f rost or
ice f rom the windshield (on very cold
days), f irst select the Recirculation
mode. Once the windshield is clear,
select the Fresh Air mode to avoid
f ogging the windows. 1.
2.
3.
Heating and Cooling
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
To Turn Everything Of f
118

Thecoolingsystemshouldbe
completely drained and ref illed with
new coolant according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. Only use
Honda All Season Antif reeze/
Coolant Type 2. Use of any non-
Honda coolant or plain water can
result in corrosion and deposits in
the cooling system.
Draining the coolant requires access
to the underside of the car. Unless
you have the tools and knowledge,
you should have this maintenance
done by a skilled mechanic.Openthehood.Makesurethe
engine and radiator are cool to the
touch.
Turn the ignition ON (II). Turn
the temperature control dial all the
way clockwise. Turn off the
ignition and remove the key.Turn the ignition ON (II). Make
sure the DUAL indicator is off.
Turn the temperature control dial
to 90°F (32°C). Turn of f the
ignition and remove the key.
Remove the radiator cap.
1.
2.
CONT INUED
On cars with Manual A/C On car with AUTO A/C
Replacing Engine Coolant
Cooling Syst em
Maint enance275
4-cylinder models
6-cylinder models

If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine.
If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading
(climbing a long, steep hill on a
hot day with the A/C running, for
example), the engine should start
to cool down almost immediately.
If it does, wait until the tempera-
ture gauge comes down to the mid-
point then continue driving. Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park, and set the parking brake.
Turn of f the heating and cooling
system and all other accessories.
Turn on the hazard warning
indicators.
The pointer of your car’s tempera-
ture gauge should stay in the mid-
range under most conditions. It may
go higher if you are driving up a long
steep hill on a very hot day. If it
climbs to the red mark, you should
determine the reason. Your car can overheat f or several
reasons, such as lack of coolant or a
mechanical problem. The only
indication may be the temperature
gauge climbing to or above the red
mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming f rom under the hood.
In either case, you should take
immediate action. 1.
2. 3.
CONT INUED
If Your Engine Overheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed345
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
Driving with the temperature gauge
pointer at the red mark can cause
serious damage to your engine.

If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
Wait until you see no more signs
of steam or spray, then open the
hood.
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 pointerreaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst 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.
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page
). If the level is below the
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and MAX marks. Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum (climate control to
FULL AUTO at 90°F/32°C). Add
coolant to the radiator up to the
base of the f iller neck. If you do
not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have
the cooling system drained and
ref illed with the proper mixture as
soon as you can.
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.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (see
on page ). 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
on page .)
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. 9.
11.
12.10.
210 358
358
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
If Your Engine Overheats
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
346
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.

Î
............................
Capacities Chart .364
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 52
.............................
Carrying Cargo .214
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
..................
CD Changer . 142,157,177
.......................................
CD Player .140
........................
CD Pocket, Center .105
........................
Certif ication Label .362
............................................
Chains .308
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .335
............
Changing Engine Coolant . 275
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .270
......................................
When to .250
...
Charging System Indicator . 58,348
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 218
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 84
.......................................
Child Seats .26
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 39
...................................
Cleaner, Air .286
Cleaning ....................
Aluminum Wheels .327
...................................
Carpeting .328
......................................
Exterior .326 .........................................
Fabric .329
.......................................
Interior .328
.......................................
Leather .329
...................................
Seat Belts .329
...........................................
Vinyl .329
......................................
Window .330
...............
Climate Control System . 119
.........
Clock, Setting the . 139,156,174
...................................
Clutch Fluid .285
........................
CO in the Exhaust .372
...................................
Coin Pocket .105
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 220
..............................
Compact Spare .334
.................
Console Compartment . 103
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 378
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 55
Coolant ........................................
Adding .272
....................................
Checking .210
.........................
Proper Solution .267
...................
Temperature Gauge . 64
....................
Corrosion Protection .331
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .371
............
Cruise Control Operation . 195
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 378................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
.......................................
Dashboard .56
................
Daytime Running Lights . 69
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 380
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 72
....................................
Dimensions .364
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 68
Dipstick .
Automatic Transmission . 280,281
..................................
Engine Oil .208
..........................
Directional Signals .70
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 229
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .272
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 78
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 367
Downshif ting, 5-speed Manual .............................
Transmission .221
.....................................
Drive Belts .302
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .217
....................................
Economy .211
.........................
In Bad Weather .235
................
In Foreign Countries . 370
Index
C D
II