2003 Accord Sedan Online Reference Owner's Manual Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through\
this reference.
For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.h\
elminc.com.
Contents
Owner's Identification Form
Introduction ........................................................................\
................................................................. i
A Few Words About Safety........................................................................\
........................................ .ii
Your Car at a Glance ........................................................................\
...................................................2
Driver and Passenger Safety ........................................................................\
......................................5
Proper use and care of your car's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint\
System.
Instruments and Controls........................................................................\
........................................ .55
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features ........................................................................\
..................... .111
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other c\
onvenience features.
Before Driving........................................................................\
..........................................................203
What gasoline to use, how to break -in your new car, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving ........................................................................\
..................................................................... .217
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, pl\
us towing a trailer.
Maintenance........................................................................\
.............................................................245
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your car to the\
dealer.
Appearance Care........................................................................\
..................................................... .325
Tips on cleaning and protecting your car. Things to look for if your car \
ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected........................................................................\
..............................333
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and\
how to handle them.
Technical Information........................................................................\
............................................ .361
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................377
A summary of the warranties covering your new Honda, and how to contact \
us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)........................................................................\
............................. .381
How to order manuals and other tec hnical literature.
Index ........................................................................\
........................................................................\
..... I
Service Information Summary
A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.
During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration. We recommend gasolines containing
detergent additives that help prevent
f uel system and engine deposits.
Avoidhardbraking.Newbrakes
need to be broken-in by moderate
use f or the f irst 200 miles (300
km).
Open the f uel f ill door by pushing
onthehandletotheleftof the
driver’s seat.
Help assure your car’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
Because the f uel f ill cap is on the
driver’s side of the car, park with
that side closest to the service
station pumps.
In Canada, some gasolines contain
an octane-enhancing additive called
MMT. If you use such gasolines,
your emission control system
perf ormance may deteriorate and
the Malf unction Indicator Lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on.
If this happens, contact your
authorized Honda dealer f or service. Using gasoline containing lead will
damage your car’s emissions
controls. This contributes to air
pollution.
Youshouldfollowthesesamere-
commendations with an overhauled
or exchanged engine, or when the
brakes are relined. Do not change the oil until the
recommended time or mileage
intervalshowninthemaintenance
schedule. Your Honda is designed to operate
on unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane number of 86 or higher. Use
of a lower octane gasoline can cause
a persistent, heavy metallic rapping
noise in the engine that can lead to
mechanical damage.
1.
2.
Bef ore Driving
Break-in Period GasolineFilling the Fuel Tank
Break-in Period, Gasoline, Service Station Procedures
204
Push
µ
Ì
ÌÌ
CONT INUED
6-cylinder Models
Maint enance255
Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated distance
or time whichever comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 1 year
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Inspect every 105,000 miles (168,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
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 and inspect water pump
Inspect drive belt
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)
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
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years
: A/T
249
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
µ
µ
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
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Ì
Ì
6-cylinder Models
Maint enance256
Canadian Owners U.S. Owners
A, B, C, D
AB
C
D
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
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
3yrs
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
6yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
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 60,000mi/
96,000 km/5 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs,
then replace every 90,000mi/
144,000 km/5 yrs Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
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. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant.
Replace automatic transmission fluid. Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
306).
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 exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Inspect drive belt.
Replace air cleaner element.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Inspect valve clearance.
Replace spark plugs.
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
248
NOTE::
249
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)
µ
Ì
Î
Î
Î
Î
Ì Ì
CONT INUED
6-cylinder Models
Maint enance257
Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated distance
or time whichever comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions) Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Inspect every 105,000 miles (168,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy
15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Replace engine oil, and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
Inspect drive belt
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)
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
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, vehicle underbody Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
:
1:
2: A/T
300 249
302
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
µ
µ
Ø
Ø Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ì
Ì
Î
Î
Ì
Î
Î
6-cylinder Models
Maint enance258
Canadian Owners U.S. Owners A, B, C, D, E
AB
C
D E
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
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
3yrs
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
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/4 yrs,
then replace every 30,000mi/
48,000 km/2 yrs
63,750 mi/102,000 km
67,500 mi/108,000 km
71,250 mi/114,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
78,750 mi/126,000 km Do item in A.
Do items in A, E.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,E.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, E.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D,E.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, E.
Do item in A.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,E.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, E.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D,E. Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, E.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,E.
Do item in A. Replace engine oil and oil filter.
Replace air cleaner element.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Replace spark plugs.
Inspect valve clearance. Replace timing belt and inspect water pump.
Inspect drive belt.
Replace dust and pollen filter .
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 306).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect drive shaft boots.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in
as required for each distance/time interval.
248
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
See timing belt on page for replacement information under
special driving conditions.
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement
information under special driving conditions.
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: :
1:
2: 249
302
300
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)
Check the level in the windshield
washer reservoir at least monthly
during normal usage. In bad weather,
when you use the washers of ten,
check the level every time you stop
for fuel.
Check the reservoir’s f luid level by
removing the cap and looking at the
level gauge attached to the cap.
The low washer level indicator will
light when the level is low (see page).
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather. When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition the blade edges.
The windshield washer reservoir is
located behind the right headlight.
62
Canadian Models
Windshield Washers
Maint enance279
LEVEL GAUGE
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder modelsLEVEL GAUGE
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir.
Antif reeze can damage your car’s paint,
while a vinegar/water solution can
damage the windshield washer pump.
Use only commercially-available
windshield washer f luid.
µµ
µ
Î
ÎNo.
No. No. Amps.
Amps. Amps. Circuits Protected
Circuits Protected
Circuits Protected
: On Canadian models
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
1
2
3
4
5
6 7
8
9
10
11
12 10 A
20 A
15 A
7.5 A 30 A
(15 A)
15 A
(10 A) 15 A
10 A
7.5 A (20 A)
(20 A)
(20 A)
(20 A)
(20 A)
15 A
15 A
7.5 A
7.5 A 10 A
7.5 A 20 A
20 A
20 A
20 A
(20 A)
7.5 A
7.5 A
7.5 A Driver’s Power Seat Slide
Heated Seat
Driver’s Power Seat Recline
IG ACG
IG Fuel Pump
IG Washer
IG Meter
IG SRS
IGP (PGM-FI ECU)
Lef t Rear Power Window
Right Rear Power Window
Right Front Power Window
Driver’s Power Window
Moonroof
Not Used
IG HAC
Not Used
ACC
HAC OP
Back-Up Lights
Door Lock
Front Accessory Sockets
IG OPDS
IG Wiper
Not Used
DrivebyWire
Ignition Coil
Day Light
Laf Heater
Radio
Interior LightPassenger’s Power Seat Recline
Passenger’s Power Seat Slide
Fuses
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed357
INTERIOR FUSE BOX