8th Gen FAQ

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*Any info you guys would like us to add, please PM one of the mods or make a new thread and tell us. As well, we are starting fresh, so as new generation specific problems rise, we will get them posted in here along with your solutions for these problems.

This FAQ is not meant to answer most of your detailed questions in a nutshell. It is meant to give you a place to start looking for an answer. You still have to do your own reading and draw your own conclusions.

Of course, this FAQ is not meant to be used as a Bible or as a replacement for common sense. It is only meant to be used as a guide. Do not go out and pour 5.3 quarts of oil into your car and assume the oil is at the correct level. If you bring the part number for the brake pads into your Honda dealer and they tell you that you have the wrong part number, I would generally advise you to believe them.

Good luck and happy motoring!

P.S. Benji is responsible for most of the effort put into this thread. The mod team has been working on this and it is still a work in progress. We just wanted to get it out to you ASAP so it may help in your future purchases.

Table of Contents
Post 1 - This Post
Table of Contents only

Post 2 - General Information
1) Trim Levels/Pricing
2) Engine/Codes
3) Transmissions
4) Fuel Information
5) Tire Information
6) Paint Codes
7) Acronyms

Post 3 - Model History
1) Detailed Trim Level and Features info
2) Drivetrain info

Post 4 - 2011 - 2012 Accord sedan and coupe specs

Post 5 - Maintenance Items (Part #'s)
1) Downloadable service manual (.PDF)
2) V6 Accord timing belt tips
3) 8th gen Accord paint color codes

Post 6 - Problem Areas
1) Rough Idle With V6

Post 7 - DIY and Modifications
1) Remove Front Bumper (Coupe)
2) Build & Install an A/C Condenser Grille Guard DIY
3) How to set the doors to unlock when you shut the vehicle down
4) How to install Eibach Pro-Kit Springs
5) FAQ - Coilovers, HFP suspension, and springs
6) DIY BC Racing Coilover Installation
7) How to install Ingalls Stiffy Engine Torque Damper

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General Information
1) Trim Levels
Sedan
LX
LX-P
EX
EX-L
EX-L Navi
EX V6
EX-L V6
EX-L V6 Navi

Coupe
LX-S
EX
EX-L
EX-L Navi
EX-L V6
EX-L V6 Navi

2) Engine/Codes
K24Z2* – LX, LX-P
2.4L Inline-4, DOHC i-VTEC, 16 valves
177HP @ 6500RPM
161LB-FT @ 4300RPM

K24Z3* – LX-S, EX, EX-L, EX-L Navi
2.4L Inline-4, DOHC i-VTEC, 16 valves, ANC
190HP @ 7000RPM
162LB-FT @ 4400RPM

J35Z2* - EX V6, EX-L V6, EX-L V6 Navi
3.5L V6, SOHC i-VTEC, 24 valves, VCM, ACM, ANC
268HP @ 6200RPM
248LB-FT @ 5000RPM

J35Z3* - Coupe only - EX-L V6 w/ 6MT
3.5L V6, SOHC VTEC, 24 valves
268HP @ 6200RPM
248LB-FT @ 5000RPM

*SAE J1349 Revised 8/04

3) Transmission
Coupe – 5-speed manual (I4 only), 5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual (EX-L V6 only)
Sedan – 5-speed manual (I4 only), 5-speed automatic

4) Fuel information/consumption*
Tank size – 18.5 gallons

Sedan
I4 5MT - 22/31
I4 5AT - 21/31
V6 5AT - 19/29

Coupe
I4 5MT - 22/31
I4 5AT - 21/30
V6 6MT - 17/25
V6 5AT - 19/28

*Note: All fuel economy figures are derived from revised testing procedures effective September 1, 2007; as such, they cannot be directly compared to figures from 2007 and prior vehicle mileage ratings. See http://www.fueleconomy.gov for more information.

5) Tire information
Example: P205/65R15 91H
P - Passenger car tire
205 - width of the tire, in millimeters
65 - aspect ratio of the sidewall (ie. height sidewall is 65% the height of the tread width of 205mm)
R - Radial. Sometimes a letter will come before the R. This will indicate the speed rating in absense of the 91H
15 - height of the "hole in the tire" (for the rim), in inches
91 - load rating. Higher # = ability to support more weight
H - speed rating. Indicator of how fast a speed the tire can safely travel. Normally it will be well over 100MPH.

Tire Sizes
Sedan
LX/LX-P - P21560R16 94H
All EX, EX-L - P225/50R17 93V

Coupe
LX-S - P225/50R17 93V
All EX, EX-L - P235/45R18 94V

Tire Models
Dunlop XP Sport 2000 (All 16" wheels, ie. LX, LX-P only)
Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 (All 17"/18" wheels)

6) Colors
Sedan
White Diamond Pearl (V6 models only)
Taffeta White (not available on V6)
Alabaster Silver Metallic
Polished Metal Metallic
Nighthawk Black Pearl
Bold Beige Metallic
Basque Red Pearl
Royal Blue Pearl
Mystic Green Metallic (not available on LX/LX-P)

Coupe
Taffeta White
Alabaster Silver Metalic
Polished Metal Metallic
Nighthawk Black Pearl
San Marino Red
Belize Blue Pearl

7) Acronyms
ABS - Anti-lock Braking System
ACM - See VCM
ANC - See VCM
CAI - Cold Air Intake, aftermarket modification in hopes of finding more power
CEL - Check Engine Light
CHMSL - Center High Mounted Stop Lamp. The brake light mounted at the back/center of the car, normally on the rear shelf (behind the seat) or on the trunk.
DBW - Drive By Wire (electronic throttle control, no direct linkage on the gas pedal)
DIY - Do It Yourself
DOHC - Dual OverHead Camshaft
DRL - Daytime Running Light
EBD - Electronic Brake Distribution
EGR - Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve/port
EX-L - EX with Leather
EX-VL (uncommon) - EX-L V6
GC - German Castrol
GLC - Grade Logic Control (helps transmission get the proper gear)
i-VTEC - intelligent Variable valve Timing Electronically Controlled
M1 - Mobil 1
MAF - Mass Air Flow sensor
MIL - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (same as CEL)
MMS - Maintenance Minder System
NAVI - Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System
OCI - Oil Change Interval
PCM - Powertrain Control Module (the brain, also called ECU)
PSI - Pounds per Square Inch. Indication of pressure (mainly for the tire).
SOHC - Single OverHead Camshaft
SAB/SCAB - Side Air Bags/Side Curtain Air Bags
SRS - Supplemental Restraint System (Air Bags)
TCS - Traction Control System
VCM - Variable Cylinder Management. Ability to shut off the rear bank of cylinders under low load conditions to maximize fuel mileage. Integrates with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Active Control Engine Mount System (ACM) to make the system transparent to the driver.
VSA - Vehicle Stability Assist (helps curb skidding)
VTEC - Variable valve Timing Electronically Controlled
XM - Satellite Radio

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Once again, Honda took the previously superior Accord and redesigned it to make it even better. A host of new features, new models, and new engines have increases the overall appeal of the Accord across a broader range of buyers. Gone are the DX and VP models, probably due to lackluster sales. The models now include LX, LX-P, LX-S, EX, EX with leather, EX V6 (replaces LX V6), EX V6 with Leather, EX-L Navi, and EX-L V6 Navi models.
Anyone who wants to review the technical aspects of the Honda Accord can go to the following link that describes, in detail, the chassis, body, powertrains, interior, and safety aspects of the vehicle.

http://www.hondanews.com/categories/814

Trim Levels and Features
2008

There are two basic trim levels of the Accord, although each trim level has variations this year.

The LX model is now the entry level Accord. Despite being the base model, there are several very important features that are standard in this model. EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), four wheel disk brakes, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring system), front, side, and side curtain airbags are standard along with VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist). The LX also includes A/C, power door locks/windows, cruise control, 6 speaker stereo with RDS and auxiliary input jack, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, speed sensitive volume control, 16 inch steel wheels with covers, auto off headlights, and keyless entry. The LX model is only available with the 177HP 2.4L I4.

The LX-P (P stands for premium), available only as a sedan, adds to the list of features: 16 inch alloy wheels, a security system, chrome exhaust tip, auto up/down driver/passenger window, illuminated power window switches, and 8 way power driver’s seat. Once again, this model is only available with the 177HP 2.4L I4.

The LX-S (S stands for sport) is only available as a coupe. It will include a more powerful version of the LX/LX-P engines, producing 190HP in this fitment. The 6 speaker audio system will include an in-dash 6 disc CD changer, RDS and an auxiliary input jack. Sportier 17 inch alloys befitting of the Coupe’s demeanor will also be part of the package.

The EX and EX V6 models adds several features to the LX-P model. The most notable feature is the new 190HP I4 or the 268HP 3.5L V6. The EX adds a power one touch moonroof, 17 inch alloy wheels, bigger front brake discs, heated mirrors, power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, blue ambient console lighting, and 160W AM/FM/XM/6CD/MP3/WMA stereo. The V6 model adds chrome door handles, dual exhaust, and fog lights to this list. The Coupe will not be available as in the EX V6 trim level, so ordering a V6 Coupe will require a leather interior.

The EX-L and EX-L V6 models add leather seats/steering wheel, 270W AM/FM/6CD/XM/MP3/WMA stereo, heated seats, and dual zone climate control. The NAVI models add a Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System and Bluetooth hands free technology.

Drivetrain

Honda is offering four variations of their bread-and-butter K24 and J35 for the 8th generation Accord. These engines will be trim level specific in order to complement each model's individual characteristics. All engines will be able to provide full power running on regular fuel, a great boon in the age of ever climbing fuel prices. All engines are tested under the new SAE J1349 testing standards for power and the EPA "5-cycle method" for fuel economy*, and have their maintenance needs taken care of by Honda's MMS.

LX and LX-P models (both available only as sedans) will receive a variant of the venerable K24 engine, codenamed the K24Z2. It utilizes the help of DOHC and i-VTEC systems to help it produce a class leading 177HP and 161LB-FT of torque. More impressively, the engine is able to achieve PZEV emissions status in CARB states when paired with the 5AT; other states and transmissions achieve a respectable ULEV-2 rating. Fuel economy checks in at 21/31 for the 5AT and 22/31 for the 5MT, the two available transmission choices for this particular engine. A no-maintenance timing chain is used to reduce operating costs.

LX-S, EX and EX-L 4 cylinder models get a higher spec K24Z3, complete with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to help quell engine noise. A high flow muffler and reprogrammed ECU will enable this engine to produce 190HP and 162LB-FT of torque, all while retaining the same fuel economy as the Z2 variant. The only fuel economy difference comes into play when this engine is mated to the Coupe 5AT trims, which results in a highway fuel economy drop to 21/30 (down from 21/31 for other applications). This engine obtains the same ULEV-2 or PZEV (5AT and CARB states only) emissions status and pairs up to the same 5MT and 5AT transmissions as the K24Z2.

All V6 models paired to the 5AT receive a high tech version of the workhorse J35 engine, codenamed J35Z2. This engine will include SOHC i-VTEC working in conjunction with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), ANC, and ACM (Active Control [engine] Mounts) to produce more power, sip less fuel, and reduce NVH levels in the cabin. All told, everything will come together to produce 268HP and 248LB-FT of torque. The second generation of VCM allows the engine to run in 6, 4, or 3 cylinder modes, resulting in an impressive 19/29MPG in the sedan and 19/28 in the coupe. States with CARB emissions standards will be receiving the PZEV version of the engine, while other states will get a ULEV-2 rated engine. Unfortunately, since this is not a completely new block, the engine will continue to use a timing belt instead of a chain.

The EX-L V6 6MT Coupe has been given a high performance J35Z3. Unlike other Accord engines, it will not feature i-VTEC; instead relying on a plain VTEC system with a 5000RPM intake lobe switchover. High flow intake and exhaust systems will also help to produce better torque at lower RPM’s. Power remains at 268HP and 248LB-FT of torque, but fuel economy drops to 17/25 due to a lack of VCM and revised gearing.

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*The EPA "5-cycle" fuel economy testing method was implemented on September 1st, 2007 and in most cases, produce significantly lower fuel economy ratings than the previous system. Thus, fuel economy numbers produced using the new testing procedure cannot be directly compared with those obtained under the old testing procedure. The fuel economy numbers on Accords from before the 2008 redesign are the result of a 2-cycle testing procedure consisting of a City and Highway test portion. The new 5-cycle test is used for ALL 2008 cars and consists of the same City and Highway tests, but also includes a mixed City/Highway test with more aggressive driving, a test to account for the usage of air conditioning, and a test conducted at 20 degrees Fahrenheit to test low temperature fuel economy. The EPA has a website set up that estimates how cars tested using the 2-cycle method will perform under the new test, but again these are only estimates (the cars have not actually been put through the new 5-cycle tests): http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calculatorSelectYear.jsp



2011

In addition to giving the Accord a minor redesign/refresh for 2011, Honda also introduced the SE (Special Edition) trim for the sedan. The coupe was only offered in LX-S, EX, EX-L, and EX-L V6 trims.

The SE Accord was essentially identical to the LX-P, except that it added:

- 13 lbs more to curb weight
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Driver's Seat with 10-Way Power Adjustment including Power Lumbar Support
- Leather-Trimmed Seats
- Heated Front Seats

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2011 - 2012 Accord Sedan and Coupe specs

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Maintenance Items (Part #'s)

1) Downloadable service manual (.PDF)
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=69098

2) V6 Accord timing belt tips
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=71321

3) 8th gen Accord paint color codes
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=44920

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Problem Areas

1) Rough Idle with V6
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=17790

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DIY and Modifications

1) Front Bumper Removal DIY
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=18010

2) Build & Install an A/C Condenser Grille Guard DIY
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=18011

3) How to set the doors to unlock when you shut the vehicle down
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=18205

4) Eibach Pro-Kit Springs Install How To
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=19949

5) FAQ - Coilovers, HFP suspension, and springs
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=41541

6) BC Racing Coilover Installation / DIY
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=41858

7) Ingalls Stiffy Engine Torque Damper Install Instructions
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=69342

8) Honda HomeLink Install Instructions
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=13569

9) Reupholster Center Console / Armrest
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=73149
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=61097