2013 HONDA ACCORD check oil

20Quick Reference Guide
Maintenance
(P 485)
Under the Hood
(P 497)
● Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer
fluid. Add when necessary.
● Check brake fluid and clutch* fluid.
● Check the battery regularly.
a
Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard.
b
Locate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up
the hood.
c
When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly
locked in place.
Lights
(P 513)
● Inspect all lights regularly.
Wiper Blades
(P 523)
● Replace blades if they leave streaks
across the windshield.
Tires
(P 525)
● Inspect tires and wheels regularly.
● Check tire pressures regularly.
● Install snow tires for winter
driving.

69
uuIndicators u
Continued
Instrument Panel
*1:Models with the smart entry system have an ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an ignition switch.Indicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
Message
*
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
●Comes on when you turn the
ignition switch to ON
(w*1, and
goes off when the engine starts.
●Comes on when the engine oil
pressure is low.
●Comes on while driving - Immediately
stop in a safe place.
2 If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator
Comes On P. 560
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
●Comes on when you turn the
ignition switch to ON
(w*1, and
goes off either when the engine
starts or after several seconds if the
engine is not started. If “readiness
codes” have not been set, it blinks
five times before it goes off.
●Comes on if there is a problem
with the emissions control system.●Blinks when a misfire in the
engine's cylinders is detected.
●Readiness codes are part of the on board
diagnostics for the emissions control
systems.
2 Testing of Readiness Codes P. 577
●Comes on while driving - Have the
vehicle checked by a dealer.●Blinks while driving - Stop in a safe
place where there are no flammable
objects. Stop the engine for 10 minutes
or more, and wait for it to cool down.
Then, take the vehicle to a dealer.
2 If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Comes On or Blinks P. 561
Charging System
Indicator
●Comes on when you turn the
ignition switch to ON
(w*1, and
goes off when the engine starts.
●Comes on when the battery is not
charging.
●Comes on while driving - Turn off the
heating and cooling system
*/climate
control system
* and rear defogger in
order to reduce electricity consumption.
2 If the Charging System Indicator
Comes On P. 560
* Not available on all models

485
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 486Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 487Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 488
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 489
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 497Opening the Hood ........................... 499
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 501
Oil Check ......................................... 502
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 504Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 505
Engine Coolant ................................ 507
Transmission Fluid ............................ 509
Brake/Clutch Fluid ............................ 511
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 512
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 513Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 523Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 525Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 526Tire Labeling .................................... 526DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 528Wear Indicators................................ 530 Tire Service Life ................................ 530
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 531
Tire Rotation .................................... 532
Winter Tires ..................................... 533
Battery ............................................... 534
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Button Battery ........... 535
Heating and Cooling System
*/Climate
Control System
* Maintenance ....... 537
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 538
Exterior Care.................................... 540
* Not available on all models

486Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when refueling.■Periodic inspections
• Check the brake fluid level monthly.2 Brake/Clutch Fluid P. 511
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 525
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 513
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2 Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 523
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the information display
*/multi-
information display
*.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 491, 495
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 581
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models
* Not available on all models

491
uu Maintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.•Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000
km).•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder
Message
Maintenance
Minder Indicator
Sub Items
Main Item
*1: If a message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the
engine oil every year.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
*1
B
●Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes/service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system
#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*4: Automatic transmission (CVT) models
*5: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher transmission temperatures. This requires transmission fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
fluid changed every 25,000 miles (40,000 km).
*6: 6-cylinder models
*7: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 °F, 43 °C), in very low temperatures (under - 20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2
●Replace air cleaner element
*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter
*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission fluid
*4,*5
4
●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
*6,*7
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant

495
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.•Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000
km).•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder
Message
System Message
Indicator
Sub Items
Main Item
*1: If a message Service does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the
engine oil every year.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
*1
B
●Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes/service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system
#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*4: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 °F, 43 °C), in very low temperatures (under -
20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2
●Replace air cleaner element
*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter
*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission fluid
4
●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant

502
uu Maintenance Under the Hood uOil Check
Maintenance
Oil CheckWe recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the
oil.
1.Remove the dipstick (orange handle).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
4-cylinder models6-cylinder models

503
uu Maintenance Under the Hood uOil Check
Maintenance
4. Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.
4-cylinder models6-cylinder models
Upper Mark
Lower Mark
Upper Mark
Lower Mark