Accord EX noise/vibrations.

[randoum]

Hello! I have a 2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr, auto, silver, Purchased last October. Generally, I take care of it very well. Unfortunately though, after driving for nearly a year, I've noticed certain things which give it a cheap feel, which I'm hoping I could solutions on how to fix these problems, or if there are any bulletins available through the dealer.

#1. The CD storage door does not close for the most part. It normally takes about 5-10 tries before the door will latch on. I've tried everything, but can't seem to get it to latch on the first try.

#2. When going over bumps I hear a faint "ding" where it seems like something is hitting a piece of metal under the shifter. Almost like a rock hitting a can. It occurs over nearly every bump in the road, and in Maine - we have many!

#3. When traveling on the interstate going 70-80 (shh!) I notice lots of wind noise from the driver/passenger side windows. I have yet to solve this problem. The dealer tried placing a strip of cloth or somesort on the passenger side, but it did nothing.

#4. When going over bumps, yet again, there is a vibration coming from the back seat/trunk area. As though something is not attached correctly.

#5. When going over bumps, yet again...... The driver side door will vibrate... Even when the door is closed tightly.


I'm hoping someone can help me out!!! Other than those problems the car runs great.! I'm thinking if the dealer can't fix the problems I will take advantage of the Maine Lemon Law and try to get a new car. I purchased it new, yet it had 500mi on the odometer. I always thought that my car was handled a little rough before I got it.

Please try and help me out!...

Also: Does anyone use above Regular Unleaded gas? Anything I could do to boost gas mileage, as I tend to drive a little fast.. Thanks!

[adam1991]

I will say that when I bought my 92 Civic brand new, the cupholder wouldn't stay shut. I took it in; they replaced the cupholder. Then there came out a bulletin about this. Honda recognized the problem and fixed it for everyone who complained, no question.

On my 02 Odyssey purchased brand new, there arose a buzzing in the exhaust. I got a whole new exhaust system out of it. Later, Honda put out a bulletin; it seems that some of the exhaust systems weren't built correctly.

So, be patient on some of the stuff. This is why one doesn't buy the first (or even second) year of a brand-new model like that. It takes Honda awhile to get a handle on the field complaints and figure out what to do.

[Bean]

You may not have much luck w/ your lemon law.
Here in FL, the car has to have been in to the shop at least 3 times for the exact same problem, within a certain timeframe.

Take the car in to your dealer and express your concerns to them.
See what they can do for you before you give up all hope.
Those all sound like very minor problems.

Good luck!

[princess]

Service Bulletin
 2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved ATB 24707-25420 (0306) 1 of 2
CUSTOMER INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,
and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume
this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an
authorized Honda automobile dealer.
June 24, 2003
02-067
Applies To: See VEHICLES AFFECTED
Center Pocket Lid Does Not Work Properly
(Supersedes 02-067, dated December 10, 2002)
SYMPTOM
The center pocket lid either does not open or it opens
but does not stay closed.
PROBABLE CAUSE
The locking pin on the end of the locking arm is bent so
it cannot engage the cam slot.
VEHICLES AFFECTED
2003 Accord L4 2-Door:
From VIN 1HGCM7...3A000001 thru
1HGCM7...3A012892
2003 Accord V6 2-Door:
From VIN 1HGCM8...3A000001 thru
1HGCM8...3A014735
2003 Accord L4 4-Door:
From VIN 1HGCM5...3A000001 thru
1HGCM5...3A053616
From VIN 3HGCM5...3G700001 thru
3HGCM5...3G702864
From VIN JHMCM5...3C000001 thru
JHMCM5...3C035657
2003 Accord V6 4-Door:
From VIN 1HGCM6...3A000001 thru
1HGCM6...3A035436
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the locking arm.
PARTS INFORMATION
Locking Arm (G-Sensor Comp):
P/N 77282-SDA-A00, H/C 7337645
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty: The normal warranty applies.
Operation Number: 841108
Flat Rate Time: 0.2 hour
Failed Part: P/N 77280-SDA-A31ZA
H/C 7146947
Defect Code: 002
Contention Code: B99
Template ID: 02-067A
Skill Level: Repair Technician
Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty
expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by
the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone
Office. You must request consideration, and get a
decision, before starting work.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Open the center pocket lid. If the lid is stuck, force it
open.
2. Remove the center holder (see page 20-107 of the
2003 Accord Service Manual).
3. Remove the center pocket.
Release
these clips.
Remove these screws.
CENTER
POCKET 1
2

[princess]

Service Bulletin
. 2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved ATB 26071 (0309) 1 of 1
CUSTOMER INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,
and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by "do-it-yourselfers," and you should not assume
this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an
authorized Honda automobile dealer.
September 9, 2003
03-057
Applies To: 2003 Accord L4 – From VIN 1HGCM5...3A000075 thru 1HGCM5...3A010500
2003 Accord V6 – From VIN 1HGCM6...3A000072 thru 1HGCM6...3A006800
Wind Noise at the Front Window
SYMPTOM
Wind noise coming from the front of the window by the
outside mirror.
PROBABLE CAUSE
The door glass is not completely sealed in the glass
run channel.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Apply a piece of wool felt behind the glass run channel.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Wool Felt (1T): P/N 06993-SA5-000
H/C 2086676
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty: The normal warranty applies.
Failed Part: P/N 73350-SDA-A10
H/C 7144652
Defect Code: 056
Contention Code: B07
Skill Level: Repair Technician
Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty
expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by
the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone
Office. You must request consideration, and get a
decision, before starting work.
DIAGNOSIS
Test-drive the vehicle at highway speeds to verify the
customer's complaint of wind noise.
• If there is wind noise from the front of the window, go
to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
• If the noise is coming from another location, this
service bulletin does not apply.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Remove the outside mirror (see page 20-41 of the
2003–2004 Accord Service Manual).
2. Pull the glass run channel away from the front
lower channel area. Remove the glass run channel
just enough to access the front lower channel; do
not remove it completely.
3. Cut a 10 mm x 135 mm strip of wool felt.
4. Apply the wool felt along the length of the front
lower channel as shown.
5. Reinstall the glass run channel. Work it around the
front lower channel so it seals properly with the
added thickness. Make sure the glass run channel
does not pinch in the door molding.
6. Install the mirror. Make sure there are no gaps
between the mirror and the run channel.
7. Raise and lower the window. Check that it does not
pinch or pucker the glass run channel or window
seal.
8. Drive the vehicle at highway speeds to make sure
the noise is gone.
OP# Description FRT
826005 Repair driver door 0.3
826006 Repair passenger door 0.3
826092 Test drive 0.3
25 mm
Pull the glass run channel away
from the front lower channel.
10 mm x 135 mm
WOOL FELT
2.5 mm
Wrap around the
outside edge of the
front lower channel.

[princess]

Service Bulletin
. 2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved ATB 24988 (0303) 1 of 1
CUSTOMER INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,
and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by "do-it-yourselfers," and you should not assume
this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an
authorized Honda automobile dealer.
March 4, 2003
03-018
Applies To: 2003 Accord 4-Door – From VIN JHMCM5...3C000001 thru JHMCM5...3C019349
2003 Accord 4-Door – From VIN 1HGCM5...3A000001 thru 1HGCM5...3A054708
2003 Accord 2-Door – From VIN 1HGCM7...3A000001 thru 1HGCM7...3A014092
Rattle From the Rear Shelf
SYMPTOM
A rattle can be heard from the rear shelf area.
PROBABLE CAUSE
The dynamic damper does not fit tightly against the
rear shelf.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Install washers between the dynamic damper and the
rear shelf.
PARTS INFORMATION
6 mm washer (2 required):
P/N 94103-06800, H/C 0629824
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty: The normal warranty applies.
Operation Number: 848302
Flat Rate Time: 0.6 hour
Failed Part: P/N 74799-SDA-A01
H/C 7174741
Defect Code: 043
Contention Code: B07
Template ID: 03-018A
Skill Level: Repair Technician
Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty
expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by
the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone
Office. You must request consideration, and get a
decision, before starting work.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Remove the rear shelf trim (see page 20-95 of the
2003 Accord Service Manual).
2. Remove the dynamic damper.
3. Install two 6 mm washers between the dynamic
damper bracket and the rear shelf.
4. Reinstall the dynamic damper and the rear shelf
trim.
UNDERSIDE OF
THE REAR SHELF DYNAMIC
DAMPER
6 mm WASHERS

[princess]

I found bulletins on 3 of your problems listed. Nothing is listed for the shifter noise or the driver's door. If your VIN is listed, then take it to the dealer & make them fix it.

I hope this is some help! I live my '03 Accord, but no machine is perfect. There's always going to be something annoying.

[CatchMe]

I have the same thump coming from the trunk. Its the cover they put over the spare in the trunk. It flops around when you hit bumps. Thats what I found. Take it out and drive, see if it goes away.