2004 HONDA ACCORD Owners Manual

If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page). Add coolant if the level is
below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator. Using gloves or large heavy cloth,
turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
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.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 ).
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.
7.
6.
8. 9.10. 11.
219
264
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Emergency
Towing
258
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.
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Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within ten seconds, turn of f
the engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(see on page).
Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
This light should never come on
when the engine is running. If it
starts flashing or stays on, the oil
pressure has dropped very low or
lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible and you should
take immediate action. Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
1. 2. 3. 4.
168 214 264
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
Emergency T owing
259
NOTICE:LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATORRunning the engine with low
oil pressure can cause serious
mechanical damage almost immediately.
Turn of f the engine as soon as you can
saf ely get the vehicle stopped.
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Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.
If the charging system indicator
comes on brightly when the engine
is running, the battery is not being
charged. If the indicator comes on while
driving, it means one of the engine’s
emission control systems may have a
problem. Even though you may f eel
no dif f erence in your vehicle’s
perf ormance, continued operation
may cause serious damage.
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Malf unction Indicator L amp
Charging System Indicator
Charging System Indicator, Malf unction Indicator L amp
260
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
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If the indicator remains on or the
f uel cap was not loose or missing,
have the vehicle checked by the
dealer as soon as possible.If your vehicle’s battery has been
disconnected or gone dead, these
codes are erased. It takes at least
three days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.
If you have recently ref ueled your
vehicle, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or
missing f uel f ill cap. Check the cap
or replace it. Tightening the cap will
not make the indicator turn of f
immediately; it takes at least three
days of normal driving.
Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics f or the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.To check if they are set, turn the
ignition to ON (II), without starting
the engine. The Malf unction
Indicator Lamp will come on f or 20
seconds. If it then goes of f , the
readiness codes are set. If it blinks 5
times, the readiness codes are not
set. If possible, do not take your
vehicle f or a state emissions test
until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to State Emissions Testing for
more inf ormation (see page ).
285
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Malf unct ion Indicat or L amp
Readiness Codes
261
NOTICE:If you keep driving with the
Malf unction Indicator Lamp on, you
can damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties. This indicator may also
come on with the ‘‘D’’ indicator.
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Î
ÎHowever, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal. If the ABS indicator comes on with
this indicator, have the vehicle
inspected by your Honda dealer
immediately.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low in the reservoir.
Press lightly on the brake pedal to
see if it f eels normal. If it does,
check the brake f luid level the next
time you stop at a service station
(see page ). If the f luid level is
low, take your vehicle to the dealer
and have the brake system inspected
for leaks or worn brake pads. If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on page ).
225 264
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Brake System Indicator
Emergency
Towing
262
BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR
U.S. indicator shown
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If the electric motor will not close
the moonroof , do the f ollowing:Try closing the moonroof . If the
new f use blows immediately or the
moonroof motor still does not
operate, you can close the
moonroof manually.
Check the f use f or the moonroof
motor (see page ). If the f use
is blown, replace it with one of the
same or lower rating.
Get the moonroof wrench out of
the tool kit in the trunk.
Use a screwdriver or coin to
remove the round plug in the
center of the headliner.
Insert the moonroof wrench into
the socket behind this plug. Turn
the wrench until the moonroof is
f ully closed.
Remove the wrench. Reinstall the
round plug.
5. 6.
4.
3.
1. 2.
265
On all EX and EX-V6 models
Closing t he Moonroof
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed263
ROUND PLUG
SOCKET
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If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
an organization. Never tow your
vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is
very dangerous.The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck.
If your Honda cannot be transported
by f lat-bed, it should be towed by
wheel-lif t equipment with the f ront
wheels of f the ground. If , due to
damage, your vehicle must be towed
with the f ront wheels on the ground,
do the f ollowing:
Release the parking brake.
Shif t the transmission to Neutral.
Release the parking brake.
Start the engine.
ShifttoD,thentoN.
Turn of f the engine. If you decide to tow your vehicle
with all f our wheels on the ground,
make sure you use a properly-
designed and attached tow bar.
Prepare the vehicle for towing as
described above, and leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I) so
the steering wheel does not lock.
Make sure the radio and any items
plugged into the accessory power
socket are turned of f so they do not
rundownthebattery.
With the f ront wheels on the ground,
it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the
speedbelow35mph(55km/h).
Do not use the sling-type towing
equipment. This type of towing is
unacceptable as your vehicle’s
suspension and body can be
seriously damaged.
5-speed Manual Transmission:
Automatic Transmission:
Emergency T owing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
The best way you can saf ely tow
your vehicle is with f lat-bed
equipment.
264
NOTICE:
NOTICE: NOTICE:
Improper towing preparation
will damage the transmission. Follow
the above procedure exactly. If you
cannot shif t the transmission or start
the engine (automatic transmission),
your vehicle must be transported with
the f ront wheels of f the ground. The steering system can be damaged if the steering wheel is locked.
Leave the ignition switch in Accessory
(I), and make sure the steering wheel
turns f reely bef ore you begin towing.
Trying to lif t or tow your
vehicle by the bumpers will cause
serious damage. The bumpers are not
designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
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The interior f use box is on the
driver’s lower lef t side. To remove
the f use box lid, pull it toward you
and take it out of its hinges.The under-hood f use box is located
near the back of the engine compart-
ment on the driver’s side. To open it,
pushthetabsasshown.If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
youshouldcheckforisablownfuse.
Determine f rom the chart on pages
and , or the diagram on the
f use box lid, which f use or f uses
control that component. Check those
f uses f irst, but check all the f uses
bef ore deciding that a blown f use is
not the cause. Replace any blown
f uses and check if the device works.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0). Make sure the headlights and
all other accessories are off.
Remove the cover f rom the f use
box.
1. 2.
268 269
CONT INUED
Fuses
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Checking and Replacing Fuses
265
INTERIOR
UNDER-HOOD
TAB
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