2007 HONDA ACCORD HYBRID emergency towing

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.
......................Compact Spare Tire . 234
....................Changing a Flat Tire . 235
.............If the Engine Won’t Start . 239
Nothing Happens or the
Starter Motor Operates
............................Very Slowly . 239
The Starter Operates
................................Normally . 240
................................Jump Starting . 241
..............If the Engine Overheats . 243
.........Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 245
..........Charging System Indicator . 245
.......Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 246
.......................Readiness Codes . 246
...............Brake System Indicator . 247
..................Closing the Moonroof . 248
..............................................Fuses . 249
..............................Fuse Locations . 253
......................Emergency Towing . 255
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
233
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Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the f uses. If the f uses
areOK,thereisprobably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualif ied technician to
determine the problem. Seeon page .In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page .
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ). Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is dis-
charged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery connections (see page ). You can then try jump
starting the vehicle from a booster
battery (see page ). If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See
on page .
255
229 241 171
82 249
255
Emergency T owing T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineWon’tStart
240
06/08/08 14:54:47 31SDR620_245

If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine. Wait until you see
no more signs of steam or spray,
then open the hood.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,
the engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the temperature
gauge comes down to the midpoint,
then continue driving.
If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
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 ).
The pointer of the vehicle’s
temperature gauge should stay in
the midrange. If it climbs to the red
mark, you should determine the
reason (hot day, driving up a steep
hill, etc.).
If your vehicle overheats, you should
take immediate action. The only
indicationmaybethetemperature
gauge climbing to or above the red
mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming f rom under the hood.
Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in neutral or
Park, and set the parking brake.
Turn of f all the accessories, and
turn on the hazard warning lights.
1.
2. 3.
4.
5.
255
CONT INUED
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
243
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 the engine.
06/08/08 14:55:19 31SDR620_248

Using gloves or a 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.Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
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.
If you do not f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. 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.
Start the engine, and set the
temperature to maximum heat
(climate control to AUTO at
‘‘ ’’). 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.
7. 6. 8.
9.10.
11.
255
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
244
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.
06/08/08 14:55:29 31SDR620_249

However, 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 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 (seeon page ).
The brake system indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, and as
a reminder to check the parking
brake. It will stay on if you do not
f ully release the parking brake.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ). If the ABS indicator comes on with
the brake system indicator, have
your vehicle inspected by your
dealer immediately.
If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. 211
255Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
247
Canada
U.S.
06/08/08 14:55:56 31SDR620_252

µµ
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.
Therearetwowaystotowyour
vehicle:
The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck. Release the parking brake.
Start the engine.
ShifttoD,thentoN.
Turn of f the engine.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (f ront) and lif t them
of f the ground. The other two tires
remain on the ground. If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do this:
CONT INUED
Flat -bed Equipment
Wheel-lif t Equipment
T his is the best way to
transport your vehicle.
T his is an
acceptable way to tow your
vehicle.
Emergency Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
255
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine, your vehicle must be
transported with the f ront wheels of f
the ground.
06/08/08 14:57:06 31SDR620_260

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).If your vehicle is equipped with a
f ront spoiler, remove it bef ore
towing so it is not damaged.
Emergency Towing
256
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)
position, 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.
06/08/08 14:57:12 31SDR620_261

............Checklist, Before Driving . 170
..................Childproof Door Locks . 85
............................Child Seats . 36, 43-49
...........Lower Anchorage Points . 45
..........Tether Anchorage Points . 49
..............Climate Control Sensors . 117
.........................Clock, Setting the . 145
......................................Coat Hook . 103
..................CO in the Exhaust . 54, 265
............Cold Weather, Starting in . 171
..............................Compact Spare . 234
.................Console Compartment . 101
.................Consumer Inf ormation . 272
.............Controls, Instruments and . 57
Coolant
........................................Adding. 207
....................................Checking. 160
.........................Proper Solution. 207
...................Temperature Gauge . 72
Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................System. 265
............Cruise Control Operation . 147
.............Customer Service Of f ice . 272
...............DANGER, Explanation of .iii
...................................Dashboard . 4, 58
................Daytime Running Lights . 78
............Defects, Reporting Safety . 274
................Def ogger, Rear Window . 79
....................................Dimensions. 260
...............Dimming the Headlights . 76
Dipstick
..........Automatic Transmission . 210
..................................Engine Oil. 159
..........................Directional Signals. 76
........Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 180
.....................Disposal of Used Oil. 206
Doors
..............Locking and Unlocking . 84
..........DOT Tire Quality Grading . 262
...........Driver and Passenger Safety . 7
...........................................Driving. 169
....................................Economy. 161
..........Dual Temperature Control . 115
..............................Economy, Fuel. 161
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
.......................................Indicator. 66
............Emergencies on the Road . 233
.............Battery, Jump Starting . 241
...........Brake System Indicator . 247
................Changing a Flat Tire . 235
.....Charging System Indicator . 245
..................Checking the Fuses . 249
.....Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 245
...Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 246
..................Overheated Engine . 243
...........................Emergency Brake. 98
......................Emergency Flashers. 79
......................Emergency Towing. 255
.......................Emissions Controls. 265
Engine
....Coolant Temperature Gauge . 72
Malf unction Indicator
................................Lamp . 60, 246
..............Oil Pressure Indicator . 245
..............Oil, What Kind to Use . 203
...............................Overheating. 243
............................Specif ications. 261
............................Speed Limiter. 174
................................Starting . 83, 171
...................Engine Speed Limiter . 174
Index
D
E
II
06/08/08 15:00:22 31SDR620_283