2012 HONDA ACCORD maintenance

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The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or the Canadian models are noted in the tex
t.
Instrument Panel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
57
: If equippedLOW FUEL INDICATOR
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) INDICATOR
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS INDICATOR
SEAT BELT REMINDER
INDICATOR CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATOR
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR
CRUISE CONTROL
MAIN INDICATOR
MAINTENANCE MINDER INDICATOR
FOG LIGHT INDICATOR
FUEL ECONOMY INDICATOR
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM
INDICATOR
MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR LAMP
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INDICATOR
SIDE AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR
LOW TIRE
PRESSURE
INDICATOR
VSA OFF INDICATORDOOR AND TRUNK OPEN INDICATOR
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS) INDICATOR (P.62)
(P.64)
(P.63) (P.58, 397)
(P.58, 397)
(P.58, 398)
(P.61) (P.61)
(P.60) (P.60)
(P.61) (P.59)
(P.58) (P.63) (P.59)(P.60)
(P.63) (P.64)(P.64) (P.64)
LIGHTS ON INDICATOR
(P.62)(P.59)
(P.63)
(P.64)
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This indicator comes on f or a f ew
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. It
remindsyouthatitistimetotake
your vehicle in f or scheduled
maintenance. The maintenance main
items and sub items will be displayed
in the inf ormation display. See pagef or more inf ormation on the
Maintenance Minder .
This indicator goes of f when your
dealer resets it after completing the
required maintenance service.
This indicator comes on when you
turn on the cruise control system by
pressing the CRUISE button (see
page ).
This indicator comes on when you
set the cruise control. See page
f or inf ormation on operating the
cruise control.
This indicator comes on when you
turn on the f og lights. For more
inf ormation, see page . This indicator comes on brief ly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. It will then go of f if
you have inserted a properly coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly
coded key, the indicator will blink,
and the engine’s f uel system will be
disabled (see page ).
This indicator comes on when the
washer f luid level is low. Add washer
fluidwhenyouseethisindicator
(see page ).
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255
74335
79
350
If equipped Canadian models only
Immobilizer System
Indicator
Maintenance Minder
Indicator
Cruise Control Indicator Washer Level Indicator
Cruise Control Main
Indicator
Fog L ight Indicator
Instrument Panel Indicators
64
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The odometer shows the total
distance your vehicle has been
driven. It measures miles in U.S.
models and kilometers in Canadian
models. It is illegal under U.S.
f ederal law and Canadian provincial/
territorial regulations to disconnect,
reset, or alter the odometer with the
intent to change the number of miles
or kilometers indicated.
The inf ormation display shows the
odometer, trip meter, engine oil lif e,
outside temperature (if equipped),
and maintenance item code(s). To switch the display, press and
release the select/reset knob
repeatedly. When you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, your last selection is
displayed.
Gauges
Odometer
Inf ormation Display
66
INFORMATION DISPLAY TRIP METER A
TRIP METER B
ENGINE OIL LIFE
OUTSIDE
TEMPERATURE
INDICATOR
: Press the select/reset knob.
U.S. model with outside temperature indicator is shown. ODOMETER
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This shows the temperature of the
engine’s coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom mark to about the
middle of the gauge. In severe
driving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill
driving, the pointer may rise to the
upper zone. If it reaches the red
(hot) mark, pull saf ely to the side of
the road. Turn to page for
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine cooling system.This shows how much f uel you have.
It may show slightly more or less
than the actual amount. The needle
returns to the bottom after you turn
of f the ignition.
If your f uel f ill cap is loose or
missing, a ‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’
message appears on the inf ormation
display af ter you start the engine.
For more inf ormation, see page .
The inf ormation display in the
instrument panel shows you the
engine oil lif e and maintenance
service items when the ignition
switch is in the ON (II) position. This
inf ormation helps to keep you aware
of the periodic maintenance your
vehicle needs f or continued trouble-
f ree driving. Ref er to page f or
more inf ormation. 291
335 395
Gauges
Temperature Gauge Fuel Gauge
Check Fuel Cap Message
Maintenance Minder
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Avoid driving with an extremely low
f uel level. Running out of f uel could
cause the engine to misf ire, damaging
the catalytic converter.
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Help assure your vehicle’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
Do not change the oil until the
scheduled maintenance time.
Avoidhardbrakingforthefirst
200 miles (300 km).
Do not tow a trailer.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations with an
overhauled or exchanged engine, or
when the brakes are replaced. Your vehicle is designed to operate
on unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane number of 87 or higher. Use
of a lower octane gasoline can cause
a persistent, heavy, metallic rapping
noise that can lead to engine damage.
You may hear a knocking noise from
the engine if you drive the vehicle at
low engine speed (below about 1,000
rpm) in a higher gear. To stop this,
raise the engine speed by shif ting to
a lower gear.
On models with manual transmission
Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation
Break-in Period Fuel Recommendation
288
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Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, seeon page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant. Refer to
on page f or inf ormation
about checking other items on your
vehicle.
348 340
Engine Coolant Check
A dding
Engine Coolant Owner’s Maintenance
Checks
Service Station Procedures
296
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK MIN
MAX MAX
MIN
V6 models
V6 models RESERVE TANK
4-cylinder models
RESERVE TANK
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µ µ
µ
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Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traf f ic
Cold engine operation (engines
aremoreefficientwhenwarmedup)
Driving with a heavy load or the
air conditioner running
Improperly inf lated tires
The f ollowing f actors can lower your
vehicle’s f uel economy:
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes f uel economy. Poor
maintenance can signif icantly reduce
fuel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the
inf ormation display (see
on page ).
For example: Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
Aerodynamic drag has a big ef f ect
on f uel economy at speeds above
45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your f uel economy by up
shif ting as early as possible.
Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon (0 kms
per liter).
An underinf lated tire increases
‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces
f uel economy.
It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing f uel
consumption.
In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
economy.
340
Fuel Economy Factors Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the A PI
Certif ication Seal (see page).
Improving Fuel Economy Owner’s
Maintenance Checks Drive moderately
Observe the speed limit
A lways drive in the highest gear
possible
Avoid excessive idling
Maintain proper tire inf lation
A void carrying excess weight in
your vehicle
K eep your vehicle clean
345
Vehicle Maint enance Drive Ef f icient ly
Fuel Economy
298
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This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
Maintenance Minder messages on
the information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.U.S. Vehicles:
......................
Maintenance Saf ety . 334
.................
Maintenance Minder . 335
..............................
Fluid Locations . 342
........................
Adding Engine Oil . 344
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter . 346
..............................
Engine Coolant . 348
....................
Windshield Washers . 350
.......................
Transmission Fluid . 351
..........
Automatic Transmission . 351
..............
Manual Transmission . 353
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 354
................................
Brake Fluid . 354
...............................
Clutch Fluid . 355
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 355
....................................
Timing Belt . 356
.............................................
Lights . 357
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 367
.....................................
Floor Mats . 367
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 368
.................................
Wiper Blades . 369
...............................................
Tires . 372
...................
Checking the Battery . 380
.............................
Vehicle Storage . 381
..................................
Interior Care . 382
431
Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Maint enance
333
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