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Honda Accord (2003-2007) Maintenance and Repair

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Messages Page 541 of 588

#5396 of 5868 2004 Accord I4 @ 166371 miles (what's happened since 2/2010, what's next) by srizvi1

Sep 05, 2010 (11:45 pm)

Replying to: srizvi1 (Feb 22, 2010 2:45 am)
Replying to the last post I made (back in 2/22/2010) regarding my old (now my sister's) 2004 Accord I4 EX Sedan. At the time, the car was at something over 152,124 miles. I had discussed the oil change I just had done along w/ the tire rotation and balance from walmart. I took it to Firestone w/in a couple weeks after to have the alignment done along with a list of inspections that I pulled ahm-ownerlink.com. They were:
150,000 mi Scheduled Maintenance: Inspect drive belt
140,000 mi Scheduled Maintenance:
Check front and rear brake wear
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Inspect suspension components
Inspect driveshaft boots
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids
Inspect exhaust system
Inspect fuel lines and connections
 
As far as I know, all these things were fine (I took care of all service items/inspections before then). I don't have that write up on me.
 
Today the car was at 166,371 miles. I finally took car of the air filter and cabin air filter (not sure when the last time I took care of them was - I think something in the 120k miles). Not sure when I grabbed the Cabin air filter but the air filter was $23.95 from the dealer after being priced down as low as possible for them to match handa-accessories.com's online price of $20.49.
 
Also today, had taken the car to Firestone to have the alignment done (Have lifetime alignment from them, had the tire rotation and balance done - also free lifetime from walmart - I believe in August. Like to have alignment after rotation and balance). According to the printout, It was taken from -.07 total toe/.02 steer ahead front, .32 total toe/0.0 thrust angle rear to -.05 total toe/.01 steer ahead front and .05 total toe .01 steer ahead. There was something about aftermarket parts for a correction but it wasn't needed? My brother picked it up so I'm not sure. In the paperwork, there's a printout which has the following:
Front camber: Nothing
Front Caster: Nothing
Front Toe: Nothing
Rear Camber: honda/Acura EZ Arm XR - 2 options: 67290 (Specialty Products) / 5.67290k (Eibach)
Fear Toe: Nothing
Ride Heigh: 4.4540 (Eibach) Sportline Performance Lowering Springs
 
Quite of things going on in the car according to Firestone. Will be taking to Honda dealer today for an oil change so I'll hear their opinions. then I'll go with whoever's the better option:
1) Brakes and Rotors - the biggest thing.
- QC537 Ceramic Disc Brake pads PD537 ($69.99) + R Disc brake rotor(2x$105) + $90 labor = $369.99
- QC914 Ceramic Disc Brake Pads PD914 ($59.99) + Brake Rotor (2x$68.99)+$90 labor = $287.97
These are pretty dead. Looking at the visual inspection writeup:
LF: 85% worn/.901 rotor, RF 85% worn/.900 rotor/LR95% .301 Rotor/101?%worn Grooved .290
 
If I go w/ the dealer for the brakes, they'll be Honda OEM. If I go w/ Firestone, I'm not sure who they'll use. I'm torn on what's best, this post from lilengineerboy stood out to me amongst quite a few posts discussing this.
 
2) Battery (Marginal) at $94.99 + $15 labor - My brother mentioned jumps have been needed lately. This I've gotten from Sears I'm not sure how many years back - I want to say in or before '07 because I remember being upset I didn't take the battery to dealer because I thought I read something about a warranty full replacement.
 
3) Brake Fluid flush (test strip failure) - $20 parts, $60 labor, $23 addition labor to bleed ABS - $103. I already knew this because I'm pretty sure last one was around 3 years ago (car's 6 years old so makes sense). I've purchased two bottles of the Honda Brake Fluid so I'm hoping that'll soften the blow of price. At Firestone alone, it would knock off $20 from the parts cost (however, when I brought up, they said it must be parts they acquire - however, for my '07 CR-V brake fluid flush I had done a few months back, they did allow me to bring in my own brake fluid and made the cost $80ish I believe).
 
4) Serpentine/700K7Poly Rib belt - $46.99 parts + $100 labor = $146.99 - not sure what this is all about
 
5) Fuel System Flush suggested- cost? - not sure what this is all about
 
6) Headlight - 9006 halogen capsule $13.99 + $30 labor
 
They also mentioned tires but I'll cover those in a separate post.
 
Seems that's all that was checked, they didn't do a Complete Vehicle Inspection. Usually if I ask for it they will for free instead of the $20 since I'm a gold rewards member.
 
Lastly, there's a mention that the maintenance and ABS lights are on. The ABS light has been on for a while. The maintenance light should go away once the next oil change today. The oil changes I supply my own oil (Mobil 1) and Honda oil filter so it keeps the costs low. I was going to go w/ Mobil 1 5w-20 instead of the 5w-30 based on the discussion that followed from my last post ( lilengineerboy's post and tankbean's post) but I only had the 20 on me. I'll get back to the 5w-20 next time.
 
It's also worth mentioning that I've pushed this oil around 14k miles - usually I aim for not much above 10k miles. I didn't mean to, just lost track
 
I've also mentioned all the things Firestone has pointed out in a letter. And also, as per ahm-ownerlink.com's maintenance schedule: 160,000 mi Inspect idle speed - I've asked them if they can look into it (assuming the costs aren't too bad).
 
Let's see what happens.

#5397 of 5868 Update on the Good Year Tires on 2004 Accord EX I4 by srizvi1

Sep 06, 2010 (12:11 am)

Replying to: srizvi1 (Feb 22, 2010 2:38 am)
Just did a long post on what's going on w/ my 2004 Accord EX I4 at 166,3xx miles. I didn't get into details of the tires though. I have a separate chain of posts going regarding that so I thought I would keep it up. I'm replying to my last post on the tires where I discovered that my dad had put on 4 Goodyear P205/55R16 89H Eagle RS tires.
 
Right now, the tires are seem to be fine - at least according to the Firestone Courtesy Check. The front outer/inner is at 5 and the rear outer/inner is at 6.
 
in lilengineer boy's reply to that post, he mentions the downsides of having the smaller tire. He also mentions the limited options for 16" tires and what I could do with 17" tires (I didn't know that was an option - but wouldn't that also cause problems like the smaller size?). chucko3 also mentions that these tires were downgraded in both: speed rating & load index and that's probably why they wear out faster.
 
I'll start looking into replacement options through this thread

#5398 of 5868 2007 Accord Coupe 4-cyl (i4) maintenance and service up until 9 by srizvi1

Sep 06, 2010 (2:31 am)

Replying to: srizvi1 (Jun 01, 2010 8:58 pm)
I did a pretty detailed post on my old (now my sister's) 2004 Accord a couple hours ago. I mentioned I took care of the air and cabin air filter in it yesterday. At the same time I took care of both filters in my wife's 2007 Accord I4 coupe too. The cabin air filter I grabbed a few days ago at the Dealer for $28.13 - the guy wouldn't match or even reduce the price any to handa-accessories price of $12.45 (at least as of the 6/26/10 printout I brought w/ me). I need to make sure I stock up on the cabin air filters because it's over double the price to get the OEM filter from the dealer. The Air filter I had picked up a while back at a price not too far from handa-accessories.com's price.
 
I posted last back in June about this car (this post is a reply to that). Back then, it was about what my next move was going to be reagarding the oil change and inspection. At the time of that post, the car was at 32,723 miles. Finally 33,611 miles I took care of the oil change from the dealer for $34.09. I really should learn how to do my own oil change so I can save some money, but at least I also got the multi-point inspection which I think addressed all the items which should have been covered according to that Edmunds site.
 
No problem issues. The main items covered and marked satisfactory were battery, fluid levels, external drive belts/radiator hoses, brake lines/hoses/parking brake cable, shock/struts/suspension/tie rod ends/steering gear, exhaust, and drive shaft boots. The tires are still in good shape at 7/32
 
As far as I know, as of then and now, there's nothing else to cover.
 
The other noteworthy thing happened after I was standing through the sunroof one day for something and I messed something up because after that, on the highway, there was a small windnoise coming in. Finally got around to taking it to the dealer on 8/30 at 36,391 miles - AFTER my warranty just expired. So they said they'd meet me halfway on the cost and just charge me $50 to reinstall the sunroof seal.

#5399 of 5868 Re: 2004 Honda Accord EX 4cyl--personal experience after 185,000 miles [edhollow] by srizvi1

Sep 06, 2010 (2:42 am)

Replying to: edhollow (Mar 07, 2010 9:38 pm)
Not too far behind you with my old (now my sister's) 2004 Accord I4 sedan. Today when I did the air filter and cabin air filter change, the car was at 166,371 miles. Been Mobil 1 Fully Synthetic since 30k miles I think or something around there. And I do 10k miles in between oil changes. According to the manual, you can do 10k in between oil changes w/ even just Honda oil. And other "big" items like coolant, transmission fluid didn't even show up til 120k miles.
 
Only unexpected thing so far has been an Internal failure of the Canister Shut valve which occurred in November, 2008. The car was at 122,566 miles at the time and the cost was $300ish or something (I got it lower w/ a $100 off coupon I randomly had for that dealer).

#5400 of 5868 Re: 2007 Accord Coupe 4-cyl (i4) maintenance and service up until 9 [srizvi1] by edhollow

Sep 06, 2010 (8:44 am)

Replying to: srizvi1 (Sep 06, 2010 2:31 am)
With regards to your air & cabin filters; Look for NAPA monthly specials on oil and air and cabin filters. NAPA Gold air filters can be had for free; or $10 to $15 apiece. Oil filters can be bought from free (as in 2nd filter free), to $5 apiece, as in their most recent August '10 monthly special. Cabin filters can be had for $10 apiece, in certain monthly specials, especially since you replace them every 15,000 miles---gives you time to plan & keep more "monies" in your pocket!! Pretty cool--hey? Hope this helps

#5401 of 5868 accord by stickguy

Sep 06, 2010 (8:54 am)

the fuel system item is probably them trying to sell you an overpriced but unneeded (and sometimes bad) fuel system power cleaning.
 
as to the 17" tires, you can go with them, but of course you need new wheels too, so will not be cheap. the V6 model came with 17", so there is a plus 1 size that will get you right about the same overall diameter. the 55 series ones with the same section width will be lower overall, one impact of which is screwing up your speedometer/odometer slightly.
 
not sure I would want the firestone dealer touching the idle speed (since it is no longer a little screw on the side of the carb!). not sure what there is to do other than look at the tach to make sure it is idling at the approriate speed, and evenly.
 
I had brakes done at Mr. Tire. did a nice job, and used upgraded aftermarket pads. and a lot cheaper than the dealer. With 166K on the clock already, I would not worry too much about having the dealer do this!
 
and the serpentine belt, if original, is probably on borrowed time. Look for dry rot/cracks, etc. As noted, not very expensive part, but can be a hassle in labor, but certainly DIY if you want to give it a try!

#5402 of 5868 Re: Maint for 06 Accord lx [intck] by tallman1

Sep 06, 2010 (9:41 am)

Replying to: intck (Sep 05, 2010 7:18 pm)
is there anything which is not alerted by the Maint Minder system?
 
That depends on who you talk to. Some don't like to wait that long for oil changes but that is an ongoing debate for all cars.
 
I think the next two things that I see most around here and elsewhere is changing brake fluid and changing transmission fluid. You may want to seek advice on those items and then decide how you will handle it on your car. Otherwise, I don't think people have any major issues with the Maint. Minder.

#5403 of 5868 Re: Maint for 06 Accord lx [intck] by tallman1

Sep 06, 2010 (9:42 am)

Replying to: intck (Sep 05, 2010 7:18 pm)
is there anything which is not alerted by the Maint Minder system?
 
That depends on who you talk to. Some don't like to wait that long for oil changes but that is an ongoing debate for all cars.
 
I think the next two things that I see most around here and elsewhere is changing brake fluid and changing transmission fluid. You may want to seek advice on those items and then decide how you will handle it on your car. Otherwise, I don't think people have any major issues with the Maint. Minder suggestions. Although some have problems with the system in general and like to do things strictly on time and/or mileage.

#5404 of 5868 2004 Accord I4 service items post 166371 miles by srizvi1

Sep 06, 2010 (11:40 am)

Replying to: srizvi1 (Sep 05, 2010 11:45 pm)
I wanted to post an update on my 2004 Accord I4 sedan and respond to some of the replies I have already gotten (thanks guys!)
 
The car had been left with a Honda Dealer here in Clarksville, MD. They got back to me this morning and the following have been handled.
 
1) Oil Change was $20 since I had my own oil and filter.
 
2) The brake fluid flush was $169.95 but then I told them that I had the fluid already in the trunk which took the price down to $125 for labor only. Then I made them aware of a 15% coupon I had and that made the total $85. I was ok with that, and that was along same lines as firestone's pricing assuming I could even convince them to use a part I didn't get from them (I mentioned they were giving me a hard time about this and they hadn't a few months ago w/ the '07 CR-V brake fluid flush).
 
3) They said with a $129 diagnostic fee they would hook my car to the computer and could take care of the ABS light and inspecting the idle speed in one shot. Luckily, a coupon saved me here also because I had a 50% off engine light check coupon so that took it down to $65.
(Stickguy, you had some concern on only having the dealer handle idling speed in your post. I only intended to have this done at the dealer. )
They just got back to me and said that regarding the ABS, the rear wheel sensor is needed and that's $232.
 
4) Headlight would be $15 and no charge for the labor. I mentioned I may already have a headlight inthe car passenger side that works and they said if it did, there would be no charge for it which I ws happy about because from what I understand, i's not easy to take care of the headlight (haven't done it myself yet on any of the hondas).
 
So all those item are being carried out right now. The total will be $191ish to $205ish depending on the headlight.
 
So here's what's not being handled by them right now which was mentioned earlier
1) Brake light - they said it was $6 but I think I can handle that on my own. Just need to figure out what to grab and how much it would cost. Maybe I can just grab something from dealer when car is picked up.
 
2) The brakes-The verdict was severe on their end too. Replace rear rotors and pads. The front brakework is pads for sure, and they said they may or may not need new rotors but then looked closely and said they should be replaced.
The cost breakdown is:
Rear: $205 rotors + $80 pads + labor = $500ish more or less
Front: rotors are $17 each more + pads and labor similarly priced = $34 + $500ish more or less - or (if the front rotors don't have to be replaced I'd be looking at $325is)
What I don't know is the actual parts, assuming OEM.
 
Compare these costs to Firestone which I will most probably go with:
Rear: wagner therma quietp pads ($69.99) + qualis rotors ($105 each) + $90 labor = $370
Front: same brand pads ($59.99) + same brand rotor ($68.99) + labor ($90) = $290
 
Pretty decent savings in going with Firestone. If the dealer had said the the front rotors didn't need to be replaced and could just be resurfaced. I could then try to see if they would accept another local competitor coupon for a Honda dealer nearby which has a front brake special which includes resurfacing rotors for $189.95 (down from their normal cost of $250 which is still cheaper than this dealer.
 
(Stickguy, you mentioned how Mr Tire put in upgraded after market brake pads in your post. What kind of brake pads were they? Would you recommend I use them in my car?)
 
3) The battery was never brought up but pretty sure there really is an issue there and I want to try to see what sears would do with it anyways
 
4) serpentine belt never brought up so I called and left a message on that to hear the dealer's thoughts (thanks for making me aware of it in your same post stickguy), I don't recall seeing anything in the maintenance guides about it. The dealer got back to me and said it would be $175 to handle.
 
Regarding everything else that was brought up in the replies that I haven't covered:
Stickguy, regarding your posts which I have referred to already, you also mentioned fuel system item, yeah I think it's probably junk too.
 
The only thing remaining is your tire feedback which I'll cover in my tire series of posts.
 
Edhollow, in your post, you gave some advice on cheaping out on the air filter and cabin air filter and oil filters. Thanks for the info, how do these compare to what I get from the dealer or handa-accessories.com? Also you mentioned replacing the air filter and cabin air filter every 15,000 miles but I do it every 30k miles.

#5405 of 5868 info by stickguy

Sep 06, 2010 (3:02 pm)

I forget now if they were wagner or raybestos. But they were a much higher line pad then standard (and claimed to be better than the less than stellar Honda OEM, aka crapola, pads). most of the brake job is labor, so spending $10-$20 extra on much better pads seemed like a smart idea. I just had the rotors redone (this was the back only).
 
dealer is very high for this job.
 
taillight bulbs is simple, but for $6, I would let them do it (then again, I am lazy).
 
The serpentine belt I believe is only listed as an inspect and replace if needed item. 160K, you are pushing your luck most likely, and that baby has given it's all.
 
Do the battery at Walmart. 1/2 the price of the dealer, and free install. They are also top rated by CR. get the higher output one if they have it, for maybe $10 extra.

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