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Honda Accord (2003-2007) Maintenance and Repair

5868 messages,  Last post on May 07, 2013 at 7:55 PM

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What is this discussion about? Honda Accord, Electrical, Engine, Coupe, Sedan

    
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Messages Page 538 of 587

#5369 of 5868 Re: 2004 Accord front shocks replacement [elroy5] by daveturner

Aug 16, 2010 (6:25 pm)

Replying to: elroy5 (Aug 16, 2010 3:14 pm)
Thanks guys for all the info regarding shocks and the cabin air filter.
 
Based on the messages posted earlier, I will definitely insist on the repair shop using Honda brand shocks.
 
I viewed the Youtube video on how how to replace the cabin air filter and it is indeed a simple procedure; I went ahead and ordered a Fram cabin air filter via Amazon.com--I look forward to changing out the cabin air filter this weekend....

#5370 of 5868 2005 honda accord lx 2.4 Oxygen sensor by fbc2009

Aug 17, 2010 (7:21 pm)

I needs some help as usual. My engine light turned on and the message is P0141, which is related to the oxygen sensor, the rear one.
First question: what is the difference between a primary and the secondary (rear) oxygen sensor?
Second question: how do I know if my engine is a CA standard one? the car was sold originally in NC, it says it is a LEV but under the hood it says also CARB standard. if I install an oxygen sensor not CA standard on CA standard engine, do I risk something?
Thanks for your help!!

#5371 of 5868 Re: 2004 Accord front shocks replacement [jonahdog] by daveturner

Aug 20, 2010 (7:41 pm)

Replying to: jonahdog (Aug 15, 2010 8:09 pm)
I finally got my car to the Honda/Toyota independent repair shop; the technician (who is also the owner of the shop) gave me a quote of $500 (out the door price) to replace the front shocks (using Honda brand shocks), but he wanted to inspect to see if my shocks really needed to be replaced.
 
When he put my car up the lift he could tell for sure my rear shocks were dry (no fluid leak) and he mentioned that it looks like the front shocks could be a little wet; then he lowered the lift to the height of his head and using his flashlight he determined it wasn't wet--it was just the undercoating that looked shiny--he scraped a little bit of the area below the shock and it was dry (we looked at this together). So in the end he said my shocks don't need to be replaced, but I should change my tires soon (his shop doesn't sell tires).
 
So in summary, either the Honda dealer I usually go to tried to rip me off or they had an incompetent or rookie technician misdiagnose that my front shocks were leaking fluid!
 
I think from now on I will use the independent Honda shop to do my maintenance and repairs (they only use Honda factory parts)--the customer waiting area is no where near as good as the Honda dealer...but at least I know I won't get wrong diagnoses and super-inflated repair prices....
 
also, I plan to buy new tires for my Accord from tirerack.com, and based on reviews, it looks like the Michelin Primacy MXV4 ("V" speed series) is one of the best choices. I could order the tires from tirerack.com and have it shipped directly to a local installer to mount and balance the tires (prices are published for each local installer and the prices seem reasonable). Has anyone bought tires directly from tirerack.com and had them installed using a local installer?

#5372 of 5868 Re: 2004 Accord front shocks replacement [daveturner] by lilengineerboy

Aug 20, 2010 (8:27 pm)

Replying to: daveturner (Aug 20, 2010 7:41 pm)
Shocks can wear and fail without leaking. Stock shocks are usually good for ~40-50k before there is noticeable degradation in handling and performance. What really gets affected is nose dive during braking, how composed the car is over poor pavement, and emergency maneuvers. They can be worn out and not be leaking.
Monroe isn't a particularly stellar brand of replacement shock. Tokico is one of the OEM suppliers and is probably a better OEM/aftermarket choice. I have also had good luck with KYB GR-2s on my last Accord.
 
If you like Michelins (and are willing to pay the premium for the brand), you might also check out Costco stores as they have a tire department that carries the brand. You can also usually get Sears to price match Tire Rack. That said, I have had good luck ordering tires (usually r-compound race tires) from tire rack and having them mounted by a local installer. Once I established a relationship, I could have the tires drop-shipped there.

#5373 of 5868 Re: 2004 Accord front shocks replacement [lilengineerboy] by daveturner

Aug 20, 2010 (10:08 pm)

Replying to: lilengineerboy (Aug 20, 2010 8:27 pm)
Thanks for the heads up about Costco; I checked costco.com and they do indeed carry the Michelin Primacy MXV4, but it is actually priced higher than Tire Rack. I live in CA and Tire Rack doesn't charge any sales tax for me, but it does charge $52 for shipping--but sales tax is 9.75% in my area, so I come out ahead. Unfortunately, I don't have membership to Costco so I would have to buy an annual membership just to buy the tires.
 
Actually Tire Rack allows us to order tires and have them shipped directly to many local installers--they even rate the local installers (based on Tire Rack customer ratings). The independent auto shop technician I mentioned in an earlier post advised me that the only problem with ordering from Tire Rack is that if there is anything wrong with my tires, the local installer could blame Tire Rack and vice versa, so he advised me to ask if the local installer can match Tire Rack's prices and buy the tires from the local installer instead--but i doubt that they can match Tire Rack's prices.

#5374 of 5868 tirerack by stickguy

Aug 21, 2010 (8:54 am)

keep in mind that upfront cost is only 1 aspect. Many tire places give you lifetime balance and rotations when you buy from them, and over the years, that can really add up.
 
Plus, if you get a road hazard warranty, you don't have to deal with a mail order place, and wait for replacement tires, etc.
 
I actually go tires once at NTB (which happens to be a TR drop ship place and official installer), and when I showed them the TR price, they agreed to match it. But, what they ended up doing was ordering the tires themselves, and having me come back in a few days when they arrived. I ended up paying the TR price, but got the NTB rotation/balancing and RHW package.

#5375 of 5868 Re: 2004 Accord front shocks replacement [daveturner] by jonahdog

Aug 21, 2010 (7:40 pm)

Replying to: daveturner (Aug 20, 2010 7:41 pm)
I've purchased several sets of tires from tire rack. At first I just had them sent to the house but it's a lot more convenient when they are shipped directly to the installer. I used the tire rack on line installer review option to choose my installer. Good experience for me.
 
Michelins are def $$$. I have your exact tire on my 2007. It is a great tire. I have Kumho KH16s on my 2003. They ride just as nice, but don't handle quite as well (but cost 1/2 as much). I do recommend having your new tires force balanced. Tires make a huge impact on how the car drives and you're going to live with them for quite a few miles. Some installers offer to exchange if you don't like the tires within a specified time/miles (might be a reason to consider local retailer). Doesn't hurt to ask..

#5376 of 5868 Re: 2004 Accord front shocks replacement [daveturner] by blufz1

Aug 22, 2010 (2:38 pm)

Replying to: daveturner (Aug 20, 2010 7:41 pm)
I get my tires at Discount Tire. Lifetime free rotations,balance,and air.

#5377 of 5868 Idle Learn Procedure Request by thegraduate

Aug 23, 2010 (6:13 am)

Would someone with knowledge on the ILP for this model (I have the 2.4L) please post it? I'd be very grateful! I'm still running low on MPG (can't crack 30 when that used to be the norm) and I"m convinced this is the problem.
 
Thanks SO much in advance.

#5378 of 5868 Re: Idle Learn Procedure Request [thegraduate] by alamocity

Aug 23, 2010 (9:03 am)

Replying to: thegraduate (Aug 23, 2010 6:13 am)
Not sure if this is going to help or not but you might try this to see if it helps, it's from a service bulletin dated Oct 2004.
1 Make sure all electrical items (A/C,audio unit,defogger,lights, etc) are turned off.
2 Start the engine,and let it reach its normal operating temperature(cooling fans cycle twice)
3 Let the engine idle (throttle body fully closed and all electrical items off) for 10 minutes

Messages Page 538 of 587

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