2003 HONDA ACCORD SEDAN Owner's Manual (in English)

Check the battery condition by
looking at the test indicator window
on the battery. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors.Check the battery terminals for
corrosion (a white or yellowish
powder). To remove it, cover the
terminals with a solution of baking
soda and water. It will bubble up and
turn brown. When this stops, wash it
of f with plain water. Dry of f the
battery with a cloth or paper towel.
Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent f uture corrosion.
Check the condition of your car’s
battery monthly. You should check
the color of the test indicator window,
and f or corrosion on the terminals.
Battery
Maint enance294
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
4-cylinder models
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
6-cylinder models

µIf you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damage to the car’s
electrical system.
If the terminals are severely cor-
roded, clean them with baking soda
and water. Then use a wrench to
loosen and remove the cables f rom
the terminals. Always disconnect the
negative ( ) cable f irst and recon-
nect it last. Clean the battery termi-
nals with a terminal cleaning tool or
wire brush. Reconnect and tighten
the cables, then coat the terminals
with grease.
Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
CONT INUED
WARNING:
Wash hands af ter handling.
Battery
Maint enance295
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models

Battery
Maint enance296
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
mechanic do the battery
maintenance.Charging the battery with the cables
connected can seriously damage your
car’s electronic controls. Detach the
battery cables bef ore connecting the
battery to a charger.

Check the condition of the wiper
blades at least every six months.
Look f or signs of cracking in the
rubber, or areas that are getting
hard. Replace the blades if you f ind
these signs, or if they leave streaks
and unwiped areas when used.Disconnect the blade assembly
fromthewiperarmbypushingin
the lock tab. Hold the lock tab in
while you push the blade assembly
toward the base of the arm.
Raise the wiper arm of f the
windshield.
To replace the blade:
Raise the driver’s side f irst, then
the passenger’s side. 2.
1.
CONT INUED
Wiper Blades
Maint enance297
WIPER ARMS
LOCK TAB

Remove the blade f rom its holder
by grasping the tabbed end of the
blade. Pull f irmly until the tabs
come out of the holder.Examine the new wiper blades. If
they have no plastic or metal rein-
f orcement along the back edge,
remove the metal reinf orcement
strips f rom the old wiper blade and
install them in the slots along the
edge of the new blade.Slide the new wiper blade into the
holder until the tabs lock.
Lower the wiper arm down against
the windshield. Slide the wiper blade assembly
onto the wiper arm. Make sure it
locks in place.
Lower the passenger’s side f irst,
then the driver’s side.
3. 4. 5.
6.
7.
Wiper Blades
Maint enance298
BLADE BLADE
REINFORCEMENT

Run the air conditioning at least once
a week during the cold weather
months. Run it f or at least ten
minutes while you are driving at a
steady speed with the engine at
normal operating temperature. This
circulates the lubricating oil con-
tained in the ref rigerant.If the air conditioning does not get as
cold as before, have your dealer
check the system. Recharge the
system with Ref rigerant HFC-134a
(R-134a). (See Specif ications on page
.)
Your car’s air conditioning is a sealed
system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should be done
by a qualif ied mechanic. You can do
a couple of things to make sure the
air conditioning works ef f iciently.
Periodically check the engine’s
radiator and air conditioning
condenser f or leaves, insects, and
dirt stuck to the f ront surf ace. These
block the air f low and reduce cooling
ef f iciency. Use a light spray f rom a
hose or a sof t brush to remove them. 364
Optional f or U.S. DX models
A ir Condit ioning Syst em
Maint enance299
AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER
Whenever you have the air conditioning
system serviced, make sure the service
f acility uses a ref rigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
ref rigerant f or reuse. Releasing
ref rigerant into the atmosphere can
damage the environment.
The condenser and radiator f ins bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure spray
or sof t-bristle brush to clean them.

The dust and pollen f ilter is located
behind the glove box.
The dust and pollen f ilter removes
pollen and dust that is brought in
f rom the outside through the heating
andcoolingsystem.
This f ilter should be replaced every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) under
normal conditions. It should be
replaced every 15,000 miles (24,000
km) if you drive primarily in urban
areas that have high concentrations
of soot in the air f rom industry and
diesel-powered vehicles. Replace it
more of ten if air f low f rom the
heating and cooling system becomes
less than usual.
Open the glove box.
To replace it: Push the stop on the right side of
the glove box to detach it from the
glove box.
Pivot the glove box out of the way.
1. 3. 2.
Replacement
Dust and Pollen Filter
Maint enance300
STOP

Pushinthetabsonthecornersof
the dust and pollen f ilter case. Pull
out the case.Remove the filter from the case.
Install the new f ilter in the case.
Make sure the arrows of the ‘‘AIR
FLOW’’ marks on the f ilter point
to the air flow direction
(downward).Install the case. Make sure both
tabs ‘‘click’’ into place.
Install the glove box stop, and
close the glove box.
If you are not sure how to replace
the dust and pollen f ilter, have it
replaced by your Honda dealer.
5.
6. 7.
8.
4.
Dust and Pollen Filter
Maint enance301