2012 HONDA ACCORD engine coolant

Fluid Locations
V6 models
Maint enance
343
BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
POWER STEERING FLUID
(Red cap)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
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µµ
Always use Honda Long-lif e Anti-
f reeze/Coolant Type 2. This coolant
is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antif reeze and 50 percent distilled
water. Never add straight antif reeze
or plain water.
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system f or leaks. If Honda antif reeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporaryreplacement.Makesureit
is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
4-cylinder models only
A dding Engine Coolant
Engine Coolant
348
V6 models
RESERVE TANK
RESERVE TANK
4-cylinder models
If you regularly drive your vehicle
under severe conditions in very low
temperature (under 31

The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
Put the radiator cap back on, and
tighten it fully.Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components.
If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushingitdownandturningit
counterclockwise.
Relieve any pressure in the cooling
system by turning the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without
pressing down.
Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.
4.
1. 2. 3.
5.6.
Engine Coolant
Maint enance
349
RADIATOR CAP
RADIATOR CAP
V6 models
4-cylinder models
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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Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk or pull a trailer, readjustment
may be required. Adjustments
should be done by your dealer or
another qualif ied technician.Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
f rom contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
Open the hood.
To change a bulb on the
passenger’s side, remove the
engine coolant reserve tank by
pulling it out of its stay.
1.
CONT INUED
Headlight A iming Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Lights
High Beam Headlight
Maint enance
357
STAY
4-cylinder modelsHalogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
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To change the passenger’s side
bulb, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the
lef t, and turn of f the engine. To
change the driver’s side bulb, turn
the steering wheel to the right.
Install the new bulb, and turn it
one-quarter turn clockwise to lock
it in place.
Push the electrical connector onto
the bulb.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Reinstall the engine coolant
reserve tank.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab to unlock it, then slide the
connector of f the bulb.
Remove the bulb by turning it
approximately one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.
Pull the inner f ender cover away
f rom the f ender and bumper.
Use a f lat-tip screwdriver to
remove the two holding clips f rom
the inner f ender.
Reinstall the air intake cover and
duct securely. Reinstall the
f astener and secure it by pushing
on the head until it locks.
6.
5.
3. 4. 5.
1. 2.
7.
4.
CONT INUED
Passenger’s side
Driver’s side on V6 models L ow Beam Headlight
Lights
Maint enance
359
HOLDING CLIPS
BULB
TAB
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Install the new bulb, and turn it
one-quarter turn clockwise to lock
it in place.
Push the electrical connector onto
the bulb.
Put the inner f ender cover in place.
Install the two holding clips. Lock
each one in place by pushing on
the center.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Open the hood.
To change the turn signal bulb on
the passenger’s side, remove the
engine coolant reserve tank by
pulling it out of its stay.Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
To remove the burned out bulb,
push it in and turn it
counterclockwise until it unlocks.
Remove the air intake duct (see
page ).
1.
2.
8.
7.
6. 9.
3.
358
Driver’s side on V6 models
Lights
Replacing a Front T urn Signal/
Parking L ight Bulb
360
BULB
STAY
V6 model is shown.
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Install the new bulb and turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Reinstall the coolant reserve tank.To change the bulb on the driver’s
side, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the
right, then turn of f the engine. To
change the bulb on the passenger’s
side, turn the steering wheel to the
lef t.
Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Use a f lat-tip screwdriver to
remove the two holding clips f rom
the inner f ender.Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the burned out bulb straight
out of its socket.
Push the new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.
Reinstall the air intake cover and
duct securely. Reinstall the
f astener and secure it by pushing
on the head until it locks.
6.
1.
7.
5.
4.
2. 3. 4.
CONT INUED
Passenger’s side
Driver’s side on V6 models
Lights
Replacing a Front Side Marker
Light Bulb
Maint enance
361
HOLDING CLIPS BULB
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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 off 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 (seeon 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
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.
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.
Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in neutral
(manual) or Park (automatic), and
set the parking brake. Turn of f all
accessories, and turn on the
hazard warning lights.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
407
CONT INUED
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of the Unexpected
395
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.
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