Hi everyone!

I'm new to Accord but familiar with Honda (still have Civic '86 - I know, ancient history) and VERY new to the automatic. Today I bought Accord '01 2.3 VTEC, took it for a test drive (highway & city) and i find it amazing. But, in my part of Europe, you can seldom find automatics, therefore I am not quite familiar with optimal driving.

I understand and manage to drive it properly, but...
When should I use D3, 2 and 1? Should I put it in N when waiting for lights to turn? I've been getting some contradictory info, and since this is "the realm of Accord" I sincerely hope I can get some advice on how not to torture my car.

Cheers! :)

Leave it in D4.

Use D3 if you're in hilly terrain and the car is in need of power to climb hills, or if in traffic to prevent the car from upshifting to 4 and down again over and over again.

Did your car come with an owners manual?

I'm assuming this is an imported american accord? If so, g to www.ahm-ownerlink.com and input the VIN number after making a new account to see a PDF of the owners manual.

What he said. He beat me to it.

Welcome BTW

Thanks for a very quick answer!

I did not get the manual, the car was imported from Canada, driven here for four years and now I've bought it.

And I REALLY love it! :thmsup:

Thanks for the link as well! It will be very useful :)

Welcome to DA and to the Accord Family!

Here's a link to a site where you can find PDF versions of Honda's owner's manuals from 01. You should definitely read through the manual in it's entirety (especially the section on driving an Auto). I'd also recommend getting a hard copy in case you ever are out on the road and need it. Ebay may be able to help.

https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/RJAAI001_OMANUAL.ASP?YEAR=2001

Lana:

I assume you are accustomed to "stirring the stick" on your '86 Civic? A very NICE car, by the way!

In perfect agreement, I say "Ditto" for everything they state above.

Leave it in "D4." Let the "Grade Logic" system...the torque converter and your car's computer...work their "magic."

However, I will SUGGEST that you come to a complete STOP...foot firmly on the brake pedal....BEFORE you attempt to place the transmission in reverse or park. I cannot accurately comment about the Gen Six and later automatic trannies, but on some of the EARLIER three and four-speed units, they were prone to sheer the parking pawl if you tried to change directions while in motion.

Please consult with your area Honda dealer regarding proper service and maintenance of your car.

You state that your Accord did not come with an Owner's Manual. While regrettable, that is not a disaster. As pointed out, you should be able to review an Adobe .pdf for your car from the Honda Owner Association. And, you may be able to obtain literature for your car from Ebay and/or other Internet resources.

If so interested, you can obtain OEM manuals for your car from Helm, Inc. While kind of pricey, they are well worth the investment. See below...

http://www.helminc.com

Robert Warden
BSME (retired)

**********************************
1986 Accord Hatchback, LX-i, 5-speed, Misty Beige Metallic over Silky Red (216K miles)
VIN: 1HGBA5348GA167648
2002 Accord Coupe, LX, V6, Satin Silver over Charcoal (81K miles)
VIN: 1HGCG224X2A011655

Thanks for useful links and instructions! I've piled up everything available and now I'm getting to know Accord better - both driving it and learning about it.

Generally, even with my good old Civic, I never switch from "forward" gears to "reverse" before coming to full stop. I believe that, if I don't torture the car, the car will certainly not torture me ;)

I live in the city with terrible traffic, and my Accord is managing quite well with stop-and-go driving for several miles in rush hour. And, since it's US model, it is quite rare around here, making it quite an eye catcher. Also, the roads around here are far from perfect, and yet it runs smoothly!

I'm sure you all know how great Accord is, no matter which generation, but I am honestly thrilled! :banana:

Congrats and welcome! My first car was a 86 Civic sedan, it was a BLAST to drive and got amazingly good gas mileage. You will love the size, power and ride in the Accord, happy driving!

Bump! :D

Well, I know most of us are getting our brains boiled in this heat (it's 90-95 around here), but I'm already thinking about winter.

And since I've never driven AT in heavy snow (we don't get it all winter, but when it falls our communal services are not as swift as should be in clearing the streets, plus some parking fields are never plowed), I'm reviving this tread to ask for some advice - e.g. how to get out with AT when stuck in snow (rocking, or?), which lever position is optimal for driving on snow covered roads, etc?

I know general rules - slow down, keep distance, no sudden actions - these all apply on MT as well, but are there some tricks for a "fresh" AT driver?

And, of course, I'll get some good winter tires.

Thanks :)

Should I put it in N when waiting for lights to turn?


I read once, maybe on this forum, that for automatics the transmissions were not built to be constantly put in and out of neutral and that you'll wear things out faster.


But I need someone to back me up on that before you take it as law.

I read once, maybe on this forum, that for automatics the transmissions were not built to be constantly put in and out of neutral and that you'll wear things out faster.


But I need someone to back me up on that before you take it as law.

No need to put it in neutral, just put it in drive and goooooooooooooooooooo......


I've never been stuck in the snow, but if you need quick strong power use 1... I know my car's 2nd gear will start in 2nd gear from a dead stop if you put it in 2... (BLAH) which will definately have less power... not sure if OPs car does that.

Anyone know?

And i'm not really a good person to give advice on getting out of snow... I'm in Texas.... Texan Blizzard = .6 inches of snow :lmao:

Lucky you! We have summers like you in Texas (+100 degrees), but sometimes during winter we get 3-4 feet of snow over one night - last winter, my Civic was buried under pile of snow and it took me 45 minutes to "release" her from freezing grip ;)

Hoping to hear from people from Northern states and Canada :D

Northern State here. Sometimes the snow gets so deep here they bring in Bobcats(like a mini excavator) to remove the snow from the driveways when the trucks with snowplows can't handle it. I live in a townhouse so snow removal is included. Once or twice a year they will bring in dump trucks and the Bobcat will fill the dump truck up with snow.

Drive the car like you have a cup of water sitting on the dash. Try to keep your momemtum going. SLOW down. Getting snow tires make a big difference...much better traction. Slow down when making a turn to avoid skidding.

Master skid control in a large vacant parking lot. ***When making a right turn for example and your back end skids to the left turn your front wheels to the left to regain control and vice versa.

Thanks, SatinSilver!

I've been following general rules with my previous MT cars and can proudly say that I've never had a crash due to snow/ice. And I did my fare share of driving in heavy snow. I even rarely get stuck in snow.

You are lucky for those Bobcats - around here, if you want your driveway cleaned, you have to do it yourself. And it's even your duty to clean sidewalk by your house/office building. Lucky me, my landlord has two teenage sons and it's mostly their duty to clean snow first thing in the morning. However, sometimes my "first thing" comes 2 hours before theirs, so there's some SUV-worth driving involved ;)

Any tips regarding AT-specific snow driving/getting out when stuck? Should I just leave it in D4, or should I go for D3, 2, 1 when stuck?

Cheers!

P.S. I understand that these questions seem stupid to most of you, since you've been driving AT's quite a lot, but... Well, that makes you guys the best persons to ask :D

Get good winter tires and don't get stuck in the first place!

If you do get stuck, be gentle with the gas, tires get best grip when they spin just a little bit (that's why new cars with traction control often has a switch to turn it off when the driver must purposefully spin their tires).

Your car doesn't have traction control, so just *feather* the gas pedal a little bit and then back off, keep doing this in very short burts to get the rocking motion going, and hopefully you can then rock yourself out of it.

Oh, I do try not to get stuck, but it might happen (happens to me 2-3 times per winter season) and I'm one of those trying to prepare for each and every possible mishap... Plus, people around here (experience with AT's is almost zero in my country, but people here believe they know everything about anything) keep telling me that AT cars are terrible in snow and I needed some advice and "reassurance" from you guys :D Thanks Aviography!

And winter tires are a must - at the moment, I have all season tires on (Michelin Destiny), but I'm planning to get a set of good Michelin Alpine for the winter. I'll put them on before the first snow (end October probably).

And I have my own "winter aid set" for Civic (must make another one for the Accord): pieces of thick cardboard to aid traction, mini shovel, some sand and rough salt mixture, blanket, candles, torchlight, two lighters, water, pack of crackers (must replace, probably expired by now ;) ), etc. However, aside from helping others out of snow, I never used any of these myself.

Seems I've got spooked for no reason - AT's are probably as good as MT's in snow.

Will let you know how did I manage when the first one falls this winter :wave:

Unless someone can confirm otherwise, as far as I know, all Honda AT transmissions will start in 2nd gear from a stand still if the lever is put in 2. This is important if you're on a slippery surface. Just like when driving a MT, putting it in 2 will send less power to the wheels and help prevent wheel spin. Once the car is underway, push the lever back up to D4. When at a complete stop again, put it back in 2 if you think you'll have traction problems.

Unless someone can confirm otherwise, as far as I know, all Honda AT transmissions will start in 2nd gear from a stand still if the lever is put in 2. This is important if you're on a slippery surface. Just like when driving a MT, putting it in 2 will send less power to the wheels and help prevent wheel spin. Once the car is underway, push the lever back up to D4. When at a complete stop again, put it back in 2 if you think you'll have traction problems.

x2

If you're stuck in snow,starting from a stop in snow, or going up a snowy hill of some sort, put the car in "2" so as to prevent possible wheel spin and use some of that low end torque.

"1" Keeps the car in first gear and that's it. "2" Keeps the car in second gear and that's it. "D3" is just like "D4", engaging all gears, except it never goes into fourth gear.

Yap, I've been using that on several occasions with MT - works like a charm every time! Plus, there's a "WOW" effect seeing a women starting at slippery surface without 10 people pushing her car :naughty:

Thanks for that, guys!

You will prob. have better traction in your Accord vs. the Civic. I went from a 94 Civic stick to an auto Accord. The light weight of the Civic and terrible oem tires helped her slide in turns all the time. The heavier weight and oem Michelins the Accord came with was a night and day difference. I think you will be fine and better off than you were with the Civic. :thmsup:

Thanks for that, SatinSilver! :thmsup:

Since a beginner (my boyfriend - to cut long story short: he didn't want to start driving lessons before we get a "decent car" which in his opinion excludes old Civic) is mostly going to drive Accord, I was kind of concerned, but now I'm sure he'll manage when the winter comes.

Unless someone can confirm otherwise, as far as I know, all Honda AT transmissions will start in 2nd gear from a stand still if the lever is put in 2. This is important if you're on a slippery surface. Just like when driving a MT, putting it in 2 will send less power to the wheels and help prevent wheel spin. Once the car is underway, push the lever back up to D4. When at a complete stop again, put it back in 2 if you think you'll have traction problems.
Start in second, if stuck, otherwise use D3, or D4 above 40 MPH. It dose stay in 2nd. This is the only gear that dose this. Normally, I'd just leave it in D4. And I'd avoid rocking, with this transmission...

Lana, did you say where you are?

Also, the 1998-2002 have a somewhat weak transmission, so be a little more careful. Try to find a source for Z1 (or compatible) ATF, and change it (your self) every 15,000-30,000 miles (Sorry I don't know the km).

A little trick I learned, to keep the spinning wheel, from spinning, and forcing the wheel with traction, to get traction; Very Genitally, apply the brakes at the same time (one foot on the brake and one on the gas. It may take a, slight on-off-on pattern)...

Thanks Bruce! :)

I'm from Belgrade, Serbia.

My AT feels fine, no slipping, no clunks, no harsh shifting... I've recently replaced ATF (3xD&F with Castrol synthetic) at local mechanic shop. The reason I didn't go with Z1 is I read here that a guy from Europe got a totally wrong ATF at dealer's and my local dealer said that they didn't have ATF in 1 liter bottles (a bit more than quart), only big barrels since it's Honda's policy to prevent DIY (I wrote about that in another thread), but they will provide some if I bring a container - so I was VERY scared what would they pure into that container and went with safer thing.

Since ATF was replaced, shifting quality was further increased and I'm very satisfied. Drained ATF was dark red, but didn't have that burnt smell.

(OK, I know, previous two paragraphs are total off-topic.)

As for that trick with brake+gas, I'll have to practice it. I can say I'm rather good at getting out when stuck with my MT Civic, so I honestly hope I (and my dear beginner) will not have much trouble with AT.

Thanks Bruce! :)

I'm from Belgrade, Serbia.

My AT feels fine, no slipping, no clunks, no harsh shifting... I've recently replaced ATF (3xD&F with Castrol synthetic) at local mechanic shop. The reason I didn't go with Z1 is I read here that a guy from Europe got a totally wrong ATF at dealer's and my local dealer said that they didn't have ATF in 1 liter bottles (a bit more than quart), only big barrels since it's Honda's policy to prevent DIY (I wrote about that in another thread), but they will provide some if I bring a container - so I was VERY scared what would they pure into that container and went with safer thing.

Since ATF was replaced, shifting quality was further increased and I'm very satisfied. Drained ATF was dark red, but didn't have that burnt smell.

(OK, I know, previous two paragraphs are total off-topic.)

As for that trick with brake+gas, I'll have to practice it. I can say I'm rather good at getting out when stuck with my MT Civic, so I honestly hope I (and my dear beginner) will not have much trouble with AT.
Cool.
I think I remember the post. Any way, Synthetic ATF is better than Z1.
I think better winter tires will be the 90% solution.
So, You write better then me, where did you learn to write English so well?

I'll definitely do winter tires shopping in October - we never get any snow before mid-November, but I want to be sure :D

Thanks for the compliment on my English, Bruce :) I started learning English when I was five (my mother was rather good in English so she taught me some songs even before that), and I've been learning and using it ever since. Actually, I'm freelancing a bit as a translator/interpreter for English-Serbian (mostly for foreign financed projects in public sector e.g. World Bank - that's where money is ;) ) and my boyfriend (he lived in GB for 6 years and also works as an interpreter) and I are preparing to start our interpretation services agency mid-September.

Cheers :D

I think most people hear (mid west) have two sets of rims, to make using winter tires easier. Here in Cali' just all seasons work fine.

Cool on the new job. Keep up the good work....

Am I the only one here than needs to see pics of a Canadian Accord in Siberia? Post up some pics please :thmsup:

Am I the only one here than needs to see pics of a Canadian Accord in Siberia? Post up some pics please :thmsup:

Serbia is in Europe. Siberia on the other hand is in northern Russia.

Yap, it's Central-Eastern Europe, not Russia. If it helps, it's that country that had lots of trouble in 90's - e.g. Milosevic, NATO bombing, civil war... We've been mentioned more than once on CNN and other stations. Not something I'm proud of, though, but that's what happened and I couldn't do a thing back then.

Bruce, at the moment I have only steel rims. I'm planning to use them for the winter tires, and get a set of alloys for the summer ones.

As for the pictures, here is one with both of my babies :D

http://img244.imageshack.us/i/dsci0025.jpg/

Serbia is in Europe. Siberia on the other hand is in northern Russia.

DOH! I know where the two are, I just thought her location said Siberia. Regardless, love to see a N/A Accord in Europe!

I've recently replaced ATF (3xD&F with Castrol synthetic) at local mechanic shop.

Interesting. I've seen Honda-compatible "Castrol Import ATF" on shelves here, but as far as I can tell it's NOT a synthetic. Is that what your shop used, or is there a different "full synth" Castrol ATF available over there?

Also, have to agree with Bruce on your English. :thmsup: I assumed from your command of the language that you were from the US and just working in Serbia.

@golftango, come to think of it, I might also mistake Serbia for Siberia - if you just take a glance at what is written, you may read it wrong ;) NHF

@cajun - it is fully synthetic ATF Castrol available here. And I've got quite a decent price for it (less than 1/2 of what my local dealer quoted - they wanted $ 25 per liter!)

And thank you for compliments on my English :D In fact, I've never been to US (so far, but I hope to go there some day) - only traveled around Europe, mostly on business as an interpreter.

@cajun - it is fully synthetic ATF Castrol available here. And I've got quite a decent price for it (less than 1/2 of what my local dealer quoted - they wanted $ 25 per liter!)


Full synth ATF's go $9-10/qt and Honda's Z1 is $8 at my local dealer, so sounds like you did good. The "Castrol Import ATF" I mentioned is about $4 at Walmart, so I'm guessing it's all dino.

Cajun:

HMC has a long history with Castrol Petroleum. I have very OLD decals, with the Honda "wing" logo, along with the famous (green) "Castrol" logo, underneath. Once upon a time, Castrol was THE "Racer's Choice."

That was then (in the 1960s/1970s), and this is now. Thus, I don't know if HMC retains said affilation with/endorsement of Castrol.

While Castrol does furnish many full-syn oils, that of which you speak, I believe it is a either a partial-synthetic or a simple "Dino" oil.

Yap, it's Central-Eastern Europe, not Russia. If it helps, it's that country that had lots of trouble in 90's - e.g. Milosevic, NATO bombing, civil war... We've been mentioned more than once on CNN and other stations. Not something I'm proud of, though, but that's what happened and I couldn't do a thing back then.

Bruce, at the moment I have only steel rims. I'm planning to use them for the winter tires, and get a set of alloys for the summer ones.

As for the pictures, here is one with both of my babies :D

http://img244.imageshack.us/i/dsci0025.jpg/
And also notably an actress, Mila Kunis, is from there, I thought...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mila_Kunis
AKA: Jackie Burkhart (That 70's Show):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_Burkhart

@cajun, Honda dealership in my country is owned by a private monopoly - thus, the prices are ridiculous for everything! Plus, I don't trust them. (BTW we still do have public/state monopolies - power supply, water, gas, etc.)

@wardenr, I'm sort of glad to hear that. Castrol semi-synthetic engine oil agrees very well with my Civic, so I trust them. Besides, the mechanics shop I go to is authorized provider and I get a nice discount ;)

@Bruce, she's from Ukraine - but, on the other hand, since US has greater area than Europe, it might be difficult for anyone used to such a big country to precisely distinct some countries here - even I don't manage that well around small towns in Serbia, since I was born and am living in the capital.

Cheers all :)

Well, it's been snowing heavily here for a past week, so I thought I should let you guys know how am I handling AT in a heavy snow.

Our public plowing service "was surprised" by the snow (as always), so only the "highest priority" roads and streets are kind of cleared. I say "kind of" - when you get constant snowing for days, one pass of snow plow every two hours is not enough. Lucky me, I do live in a "highest priority" street, and most of my trip to work is cleared of snow, but my office is in a "third priority" street, which means it will be cleared only when the snow stops and higher priority streets/roads are done.

So, I've been going to work on Wednesday and Friday and had zero trouble :thmsup:

Accord was starting, going and stopping perfectly! Of course, I did drive "gently", left enough space for me to slow down, but I've learned first-hand that AT's manage as good or even better than MT's in heavy snow!

I had to park in deep snow (street not cleared - parking neither), but I was the only one that managed to get out of the parking place without any help. Of course, I've used "2" gear, took care of my transmission by not revving it etc, and I do have snow tires...

When I parked on Wednesday, a French-car-fan colleague was teasing me that it would take an entire faculty to get me out of that parking place. We even made a bet: if I needed assistance, I'll print a statement saying "Japanese cars are crap, I wish I had a French car" and put it in my car window and pay for his coffee for the next semester, and the other way around if I'd manage on my own. Needless to say, I'm drinking free coffee the entire semester, plus his Renault Laguna carries a statement "I wish I've bought an Accord instead!" :banana: (plus, at the end of hours, he needed some help to get out of parking place).

Thanks for all reassurance and advice, people!

:) But did the Renault have winter/snow tires? That ALONE will make a world of difference.

Something I read a while back which is quite enlightening:

"In the snow, the worset snow tires are going to be better than the best all-season tires".

It actually did. They've recently passed a new law on traffic safety, requiring all cars to be equipped with winter tires from 11/15 to 3/15...

Options are:
1) AT Accord is better in snow than MT Renault (or AT Renault - another colleague has one and he did get in trouble, even though I briefed him on snow driving I've learned here)
2) I have gentler foot than my colleague

In general, I'm very satisfied :D

Well then, Lana FTW! :yes: