2012 HONDA ACCORD check engine

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.
407
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
396
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.
Main MenuTable of Contents

Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights.
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 ).
Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 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).
This indicator should never come on
when the engine is running. If it
starts f lashing or stays on, the oil
pressure has dropped very low or
lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action.
If the charging system indicator
comes on brightly when the engine
is running, the battery is not being
charged.
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.
1. 2. 3. 4.
295
344
407 Emergency T owing
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
T aking Care of the Unexpected
397
Running 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.
Main MenuTable of Contents

If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, the malf unction
indicator lamp may also come on
with the ‘‘D’’ indicator.
If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may go of f as you
continue driving, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer as soon as
possible.
If this indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine’s emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may f eel no dif f erence in
your vehicle’s perf ormance, it can
reduce your f uel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage.
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 surethese codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
If you have recently ref ueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
f uel f ill cap. Tighten the cap until it
clicks at least once. Tightening the
cap will not turn the indicator of f
immediately; it can take several days
of normal driving. If the battery in your vehicle has
been disconnected or gone dead,
thesecodesmaybeerased.Itcan
take several days of driving under
various conditions to set the codes
again.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, 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 f ive times, the readiness
codes are not set. If possible, do not
take your vehicle f or an emissions
test until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to for
more inf ormation (see page ).
425
Readiness Codes Emissions T esting
Malf unction Indicator L amp
398
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.
Main MenuTable of Contents

...............
DANGER, Explanation of . iii
...................................
Dashboard . 3, 56
..........
Daytime Running Lights . 63, 73
Daytime Running Lights
.......................................
Indicator . 63
.................................
Dead Battery . 392
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 430
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 76
......
Def rosting the Windows . 128, 134
............................
Dimensions . 412, 414
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 71
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission . 351
..................................
Engine Oil . 295
..........................
Directional Signals . 71
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 318
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 347
Doors
..........................
Auto Door Lock . 82
.......................
Auto Door Unlock . 85
..............
Childproof Door Locks . 88
..............
Locking and Unlocking . 81
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 416
..........................
CD Changer . 154, 206
.......................................
CD Player . 155
........................
Certif ication Label . 410
............................................
Chains . 378
....................
Changing a Flat Tire . 385
Changing Oil
........................................
How to . 346
......................................
When to . 335
...
Charging System Indicator . 58, 397
............
Check Fuel Cap Message . 291
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 308
.....................................
Child Saf ety . 35
..............................
Booster Seats . 50
.............................
Child Seats . 42, 43
Important Saf ety
..........................
Reminders . 35-52
..........................................
Inf ants . 40
..........................
Larger Children . 49
.........................................
LATCH . 44
......................
Risks with Airbags . 36
.............................
Small Children . 41
..........................................
Tether . 48
...........................
Warning Labels . 54
..........
Where Should a Child Sit . 36
.......................................
Child Seats . 35
.........................................
LATCH . 44 ..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 48
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 88
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 367
...............
Climate Control System . 130
..........................
On/Off Button . 132
..............................................
Clock . 246
...................................
Clutch Fluid . 355
..................
CO in the Exhaust . 53, 424
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 309
..............................
Compact Spare . 384
.........................................
Compass . 251
.................
Console Compartment . 117
.................
Consumer Inf ormation . 428
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 55
Coolant
........................................
Adding . 348
....................................
Checking . 296
.........................
Proper Solution . 348
...................
Temperature Gauge . 68
Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................
System . 422
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 64
............
Cruise Control Operation . 255
.........................
Customer Service . 428
Index
D
II
Main Menu

CONT INUED
Downshif ting, Manual.............................
Transmission . 310
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving . 307
....................................
Economy . 297
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System . 103
..........
Dual Temperature Control . 135
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 368
..............................
Economy, Fuel . 297
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
........................................
System . 321
..................................
Emergencies . 383
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 392
...........
Brake System Indicator . 399
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 385
.....
Charging System Indicator . 397
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 75
............................
Jump Starting . 392
..................
Checking the Fuses . 400
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 397
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 398
..................
Overheated Engine . 395 .......................................
Towing . 407
.........................
Emergency Brake . 114
......................
Emergency Flashers . 75
......................
Emergency Towing . 407
.......................
Emissions Controls . 422
........................
Emissions Testing . 425Engine
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 348
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 68
.........................
If It Won’t Start . 390
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 398
.......................
Oil Lif e Indicator . 335
..............
Oil Pressure Indicator . 397
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 344
...............................
Overheating . 395
....................
Specif ications . 412, 414
....................
Speed Limiter . 311, 315
.......................................
Starting . 309
................................................
V6 . 414
...................................
4-cylinder . 412
..........
Engine Speed Limiter . 311, 315
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline . 289
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 422
...............................
Exhaust Fumes . 53
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by . 16 ..........................
Fan, Interior . 125, 133
.........................................
Features . 123
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 290
Filters
........................
Dust and Pollen . 368
...............................................
Oil . 346
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 75
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 385
.....................................
Floor Mats . 367
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission . 351
..........................................
Brake . 354
.........................................
Clutch . 355
..............
Manual Transmission . 353
..........................
Power Steering . 355
..................
Windshield Washer . 350
........................................
Fog Lights . 74
...........................
Folding Rear Seat . 99
..........................
Four-way Flashers . 75
..............................
Front Airbags . 9, 24
Index
INDEX
E F
III
Main Menu

.................................................
Fuel . 288
........
Check Fuel Cap Message . 291
......................
Fill Door and Cap . 290
...........................................
Gauge . 68
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator . 63
................
Octane Requirement . 288
...............................
Oxygenated . 289
........................
Tank, Ref ueling . 290
...............................
Fuel Economy . 297
....
Fuel Economy (ECO) Indicator . 61
.....................
Fuses, Checking the . 400
......
Gas Mileage, Improving . 297, 298
.........................................
Gasoline . 288
...........................................
Gauge . 68
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator . 63
................
Octane Requirement . 288
........................
Tank, Ref ueling . 290
................
Gas Station Procedures . 290
Gauges
...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 68
...............................................
Fuel . 68
Gearshif t Lever Positions ..........
Automatic Transmission . 312 ..............
Manual Transmission . 310
......................................
Glove Box . 118
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.............................
(GVWR) . 304, 327
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 357
...........................
HandsFreeLink
. 262
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 75
........................................
Headlights . 71
........................................
Aiming . 357
..............
Automatic Lighting Off . 73
..............
Automatic Lighting On . 72
............
Daytime Running Lights . 73
..................
High Beam Indicator . 63
.........................
Reminder Chime . 71
Replacing Halogen
..............................
Bulbs . 357, 364
...................................
Turning on . 71
........................
Head Restraints . 13, 96
.....................
Heating and Cooling . 124
.............................
Heated Mirrors . 107
...................................
Heater, Seat . 102
HomeLink
Universal
................................
Transceiver . 258 ........
Hood, Opening and Closing . 293
...........................
Hydraulic Clutch . 355
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 410
Ignition
..............................................
Keys . 78
...........................................
Switch . 80
............
Timing Control System . 423
........................
Immobilizer System . 79
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
Index
G H
I
IV
Main Menu

........................
Low Coolant Level . 296
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator . 63
...
Lower Gear, Downshif ting to a . 310
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 58, 397
................................
Lower Anchors . 44
Lubricant Specif ications
..................................
Chart . 412, 414
...........
Luggage, Storing (Cargo) . 302
..................................
Maintenance . 333
........................................
Minder . 335
Main Items and Sub
..............................
Items . 338, 341
Owner’s Maintenance
...................................
Checks . 340
.........................
Minder Indicator . 64
..........................................
Saf ety . 334
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 398
...................
Manual Transmission . 310
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 353
.........................
Meters, Gauges . 57, 65
...................
Methanol in Gasoline . 289
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting . 106
.........
Modif ications Your Vehicle . 301 .......................................
Moonroof . 112
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 313
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 288
.....................
Normal Shif t Speeds . 311
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 410
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 288
.........................................
Odometer . 66
Oil
........................
Change, How to . 346
......................
Change, When to . 335
......................
Checking Engine . 295
..............
Pressure Indicator . 58, 397
Selecting Proper Viscosity
......................................
Chart . 345
...........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 80
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor
....................................
Recovery . 422
............................
Outside Mirrors . 107
....
Outside Temperature Indicator . 67 ....................
Overheating, Engine . 395
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks . 340
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels . 289
..............
Panel Brightness Control . 74
........................
Park Gear Position . 313
...........................................
Parking . 317
...............................
Parking Brake . 114
Parking Brake and Brake
.................
System Indicator . 59, 399
.................................
Parking Lights . 71
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 424
....
Passenger Airbag Of f Indicator . 31
.............................
PGM-FI System . 423
...................................
Pollen Filter . 368
..........................
Power Door Locks . 81
................
Power Seat Adjustments . 94
...............
Power Socket Locations . 115
............................
Power Windows . 108
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 16
.........
Protecting Adults and Teens . 11
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 17
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 16
Index
N O P
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VI
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