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New 7th Gen Accord owners and new forum members...

211K views 388 replies 247 participants last post by  Rich_SC 
#1 · (Edited)
I’ve been on this forum a little over a year and a half, and in that time I’ve learned an abundance! As of recent, there have been numerous repetitive topics by new Accord owners looking for information. The search function is highly recommended, but hopefully this list will give you a start. If you can’t find it here, search! I hope that this thread can be stickied and other veteran members can post helpful tidbits new Accord owners might find useful. Welcome to the 7G Forum!

Where can I get genuine Honda parts?

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/home.htm
Honda Accessories Online Store | Genuine Honda Accessories
Shop Genuine Honda OEM Parts & Accessories Online - Bernardi Parts Honda
http://www.handa-accessories.com/

Where can I get used parts?

http://www.car-parts.com

I’ve heard some terrible things about Honda automatic transmissions, will mine self destruct?

From the information gathered here, pre 2004 automatic transmissions matted to the V6 seem to be the most problematic. The general consensus here is to be proactive and replace the ATF every 25-30K miles. Use genuine Honda Z1-ATF. Why? Because it is specially formulated for your Honda’s transmission. Also, if your transmission does grenade you will be denied any goodwill coverage by HMC if you have anything other than Z1 in there. It is also suggested that an inline filter be used. You can find DIY instructions here:

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=14714
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=14699
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=13804

What about manual transmission fluid changes?

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=17529

I’m getting poor fuel economy from my 4cyl, what is wrong?

Most likely, your driving habits. Expect to see 19-23 mpg in the city and 25-34 mpg on the highway. Some other things to check are your tires are pressure, air filter condition, throttle body condition and clean the MAF sensor. Here are some threads on the topic:

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=39041
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=20631
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=35763
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=34145

My accessory belt squeals, what to look for?

From experience, the average lifespan for these belts is 50-70K miles. Check the tension and look for cracks, frays, etc. The best solution is to replace it.

Does my Accord have a timing belt or chain?

V6 – Timing belt. Should be changed every 100K along with the water pump, tensioner, etc.

4cyl – Timing chain

Alldata’s V6 timing belt replacement DIY instructions:

http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/A...41746537/34853741/100411974/34853743/34872060

How often should I change my oil, what’s the best oil and filter combination?

The only thing that I can add is what I use. Everyone has a product they swear by with the right combination to make your engine run forever. It is an ongoing debate which will never end. Every 5K miles I use Mobil 1 found in the 5qt jug from Wal-Mart ($22-25), a Bosch 3323 filter and a new crush washer. I suggest getting a Blackstone Lab report on your old oil. It will tell you your magic numbers and interval suggestions. Further reading on this topic can be had here:

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=37470
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=35315
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=37323

Sample of a Blackstone Lab report:

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=38481

When should I change my spark plugs? What brand should I get?

Your plugs should be changed at 110K miles. They are NGK Laser Iridium.

DIY for the 2.4 - http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=20631

I hear a pop, grind or clunk noise when I first drive off at low speeds, what is it?

It is your ABS self test which activates at 7 mph, either forward or reverse. This will happen each time you drive off after shutting off the vehicle.

My brakes are awful, they pulsate, squeak, etc. What can I do?

Honda rotors tend to warp easily and brake fade can be quite evident. Suggested aftermarket replacements are Brembo blank rotors, Napa Premium rotors, EBS pads, or any high quality aftermarket product. I personally have had success with AutoZone brand brake products. Be sure to use anti squeal products or shims on the back of the pads.

How do I get that screw out which is holding on my brake rotor? Do I need to reinstall it?

An impact screwdriver is highly suggested. It is up to you if you want to reinstall the screw, it will not harm it to leave it off. The screw was there to hold the rotor on during assembly.

More info in this thread:

What about my rear disc brakes? How do I replace them?

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=15545

I like the look of cross drilled and slotted rotors; will I see any benefits using this type of setup?

In my personal opinion, no. Brake pads actually last longer with a standard solid rotor setup. The drilled rotors will actually eat away your pads quicker. I only suggest a high quality setup if you track or AutoX your Accord.

How do I adjust my e-brake?

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2168

O2 Sensor, mine has failed!

Again, from what I’ve seen they last anywhere from 50-80K miles. Denso is the manufacturer of our sensors; do not replace them with universal types! From what I’ve heard, and by my own comparison, Bosch sensors for the Accord are made by Denso.

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=36368
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=36927

How do I replace my in cabin air filter?

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1347

How do I replace my Air Filter?

V6 - http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8089
2.4 - http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=11878

I want to replace my speakers, what size are they?

5.25” or 6.5” in the doors. You will need adapters
6X9” in the rear deck

The stock battery in the 2.4 seems weak, what are my options? What size is it?

The stock battery is a 51R group. In stock form, it seems to have very minimal cca, I believe 500. Aftermarket batteries in the 51R group from Napa, etc. have a bit more cca. I personally fit a Duralast 56-DL group battery with no modifications. 590cca / 735ca. Other members have swapped out for the V6 battery which requires some additional parts from Honda:

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=25761

What can I do for better handling?

The Acura TL 17mm or the TL-S 20mm rear sway bar is a direct fit. The Accord V6 6MT has a standard front strut tower bar which can be bolted directly on. HFP shocks, struts and springs are one of the forum favorites, but this is all based on your own preferences.

My doors are creaking/rattling, I have rattles, etc.

There is a know issue with the door seals which requires lubrication. There is a bulletin, here it is:

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/a080200.PDF

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=35431
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=15909

Glove box rattling?

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=6742

I can see light from the top of my glove box at night!

Yes, there is no switch to turn off the glove box lamp. You can be creative and source one from another make/model if you are handy. What happens is the foam is thin and wears. You can strip off the old foam seal at the top and replace it with a thicker one from Home Depot or Lowes. There is also a thread that indicates you can loosen the screws on the bottom of the glove box, push up, then re-tighten. I tried it, it didn’t work. I got new foam, problem solved.

Does the CD player read MP3s?

No.

Can I swap my DX / LX’s single CD for an EX’s 6 Disc, Nav, etc.?

Short answer, yes. You can easily swap your single CD / single climate control unit to a DX 6 disc unit with the single climate control. You will need the four digit security code. Best source is eBay or car-parts.com. You cannot use the dual climate control model, it has to be single. Also, the backlighting is different from the Coupe (red) and Sedan (white); make sure you know what you are getting. For those with an EX with no XM, for XM, you’ll need to get the XM antenna, XM tuner, wiring, etc. For the navigation, better off getting a Garmin or TomTom. It is expensive and not for the faint of heart.

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=16032

Can I add an AUX or iPod adapter to the stock radio?

Yes, see here:
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5399

What if I want to go aftermarket? Where can I install my new head unit?

There are two kits available. One deletes the stock radio and has replacement HVAC knobs and it is made by Metra. In my opinion, it looks cheap and is not very well built. The second replaces your lower cubby hole with a standard DIN size slot.

Can I add illuminated cruise control switches to my steering wheel?

Yes, but you’ll need to run the wires. Here is a DIY from Princess:

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1205

How do I add the EX overhead console with Homelink and Ambient lighting to my LX/DX?

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5964

Please feel free to add!
 
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#5 ·
That is very helpful, but last updated 08/02/08. Since then other topics have surfaced which I tried to bring to light.

More:

Can I swap my 03-05 front bumper with a 06-07 front bumper (sedan)?

Yes, it will require the grille and bumper absorber to work. See here:

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=39256
 
#6 ·
Can I swap my DX / LX’s single CD for an EX’s 6 Disc, Nav, etc.?

For the navigation, better off getting a Garmin or TomTom. It is expensive and not for the faint of heart.
It will run you about $1,500, available on eBay with all the parts and custom wiring. Installation is plug and play with the custom harness. Install DVD-ROM and GPS antenna in the trunk, run wiring up center console, install head unit and upper dash with upper dash sub display.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Acur...113449QQptZCarQ5fAudioQ5fVideo#ht_1309wt_1167

Price will vary depending on climate control, XM-Ready (recommended even if you don't have an XM tuner for better resale if you pull the kit, or iPod Text capability), voice recognition (not needed), or if you want the updated 06-07 model.
 
#15 ·
looks good, almost just like the FAQ. haha. wasnt aware cleaning the MAF sensor helps gas mileage. ive been getting really low gas mileage do you guys think thats the problem? i have 22k miles.
 
#16 ·
Great thread, definite candidate for a sticky, but I have some questions:

1. I thought the 4cyl didn't have an MAF?
2. I've heard some people had issues with fitting the TL 17mm RSB on 4cyl. I think they had to modify the exhaust hangar to sit lower?

Props for taking the time to write this up :thmsup:
 
#23 ·
Thanks so much for the info! I'm new to this forum and I'm getting to change the timing belt on my 03 accord v6. I was wondering if there was a tool made to hold the crank pulley in place so I could remove it by hand and not with an air gun?
 
#24 ·
We're new members here and we really like all the information we can glean from the forum. It's really amazing just how much there is on just one forum. So glad we found you while looking for an answer to a not too small problem. I'm not even sure I'm posting this in the correct thread but here goes...

We have a 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid. We have been taking it to the dealer for regular maintenance but with the economy in it's current state, we've begun doing a lot of the maintenance ourselves. (At least the easier stuff). My husband picked up the iridium spark plugs, lined up all his tools, and began to replace the plugs one at a time until he got to the #1 plug. That's where he ran into an "access problem".

We have searched the internet, online libraries, forums, you-tube videos, etc and haven't been able to get any information on the best/easiest way to access this plug to replace it. Is there anyone out there who can shed some light? We would appreciate ANY information you can share. Thanks...
 
#25 ·
Hi I've got a question in regards to my 05 accord 4dr v6, I'm trying to find what the best thing to do to add to the car. I read up on the tl and tl- s sway bars, I read and not sure if I can can a strut brace for the 05 accord? Does the Acura tl-s front brace fit for the accord? Does the front brace from the 06 accord fit the 05? What do I need to know?

Thanks in advance...
 
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