Fix It

You can reset the computer codes on your Honda right from your home garage, saving time and money. The trouble codes are sent to the On-Board Diagnostics computer (OBD) from sensors positioned throughout the car. These codes pinpoint the service needs of the vehicle. Read the codes using a handheld computerized device called an OBD scan tool. Once the codes have been read and the repairs done, clear the codes using the OBD tool. This will reset the computer and shut off the lights.

Instructions

1

Find a port on the underside of the drivers side dash that is the same size and shape as the connective end of the OBD scan tool. Plug the scan tool into this port.

2

Put the key into the Hondas ignition and turn it to the "On" position, taking care not to crank the engine. This will power on the scan tool.

3

Wait while the scan tool reads the codes. Find a command on the scan tool that says "Clear Codes" or something similar. When the main menu reappears, the codes have been cleared.

4

Unplug the scan tool and start the engine. Verify that all warning and service lights have shut off.

Honda introduced the mid-sized complement to its compact Civic -- the Honda Accord in the 1976 model year. The Accord began its life as a feature-packed vehicle for its era sporting high-end elements, such as an AM-FM stereo, rear defroster and a remote hatch release. The 2001 Accord EX came standard with a wide array of features including an AM-FM stereo with a 6-disc CD player. An anti-theft system protected the stereo by locking the stereo from working when it lost power until you entered a five-digit code. If youve lost the code, contact the dealership with the radios serial number to get the code.

Instructions

Entering the Radio Code

1

Insert the key in the Accords ignition and turn it to the "Acc" or "On" position.

2

Turn the radio on by pressing the volume button, if needed.

3

Observe as "Code" appears on the radios display.

4

Enter the five-digit code from the radio code card the dealership provided with the vehicle, by pressing the corresponding preset buttons on the radio. If entered correctly, the radio begins to play. If the radio does not play, turn the Accord off and retry from Step 3. If you do not have the five digit code, see the section titled "Obtaining a Lost Radio Code."

5

Turn the Accord off.

Obtaining a Lost Radio Code

6

Turn the Accords ignition to the "Acc" or "On" position.

7

Press and hold the number 1 and 6 preset buttons and turn on the radio by pressing the volume button on the radio.

8

Observe as four digits appear on the radios screen, make note of these numbers. After five seconds, a second set of four numbers appears on the screen, write down these numbers. All eight numbers make up the radios eight-digit serial number.

9

Take the eight-digit serial number to a Honda dealership to obtain the radio code.

If you notice that your steering wheel is loose and sloppy when you drive down the road, you may have a worn upper ball joint and upper control arm. Unlike the case with lower ball joints, which require specialty tools that are quite expensive, a home mechanic can replace the upper control arm and ball joint in part of an afternoon.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on both of the front tires. Do this before attempting to lift the vehicle off the ground or the tire will spin as you try to loosen them.

2

Raise the vehicle off the ground enough to lift the tires off the ground and place jack stands under the vehicle. Finish removing the tires once the vehicle is secure.

3

Remove the cotter pin from the upper ball joint using a needlenose pliers. You do not need to save the cotter pin; you will use a new one for installation.

4

Use the appropriate wrench to remove the castle nut at the top of the ball joint. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to remove the nut from the ball joint.

5

Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle using a two-jawed puller and remove the upper control arm from the vehicle.

6

Install the new upper control arm assembly into the strut tower and connect the upper ball joint into the steering knuckle.

7

Install the tires onto the front of the vehicle and lower the vehicle to the ground.

8

Torque the nuts on the control arm and front wheels once the car is lowered to the ground. Torque the upper control arm to 47 foot-pounds. Next, tighten the castle nut to 32 foot-pounds and then tighten it enough beyond that point to install the new cotter pin. All of the wheel nuts should be tightened to 80 foot-pounds of pressure.

The Civic SI is a small sports coupe introduced by Honda in 2003. This stylish addition to the Civic line of vehicles came with optional fog lights. One of the joys of owning a sports car is being able to customize it with your own personal touches. If you are a car repair novice, but still want to experiment, a good project is to install new or upgraded aftermarket fog lights. This do-it-yourself undertaking requires nothing more than some basic tools and a fog light kit.

Instructions

1

Park the vehicle on a flat and level surface, turn off the engine and engage the emergency brake.

2

Feel the top of the hood. If it is still hot wait about 20 minutes before beginning the installation.

3

Place a blanket on the ground beneath the front end. Lie on the blanket and slide under the car so that you can see the back of the bumper where one of the fog lights is attached. Locate the wiring harness plugged into the rear of the fog light socket. Squeeze the sides of the harness plug and pull it free.

4

Use an adjustable wrench to remove the three mounting bolts securing the fog light assembly to the front bumper. Slide the assembly out of the bumper.

5

Insert the new fog light and secure it with the bolts that came with the kit. Connect the wiring harness with the socket. Move to the other side of the vehicle and repeat the process to install the other fog light.

The Accord is a mid-size car manufactured by Honda since 1976 and is still in production as of 2010. The 1990 model has a four-cylinder, 2.2L engine with electronic fuel injection. This requires the fuel pump to deliver fuel to the injectors under high pressure. The fuel pump in the 1990 Honda Accord attaches directly to the fuel tank, so you must disconnect the fuel tank to replace the fuel pump.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable to the negative terminal of the battery with a socket wrench, and loosen the filler cap for the fuel tank. Locate the fuel pressure release valve on the fuel rail. Hold the banjo bolt for the release valve with a 6 mm closed wrench. Wrap a shop rag around the service bolt on top of the banjo bolt. Loosen the service bolt by one complete turn with an open-end wrench to relieve the pressure in the fuel system. Tighten the service bolt to 9 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

2

Block the front wheels and raise the rear of the vehicle on jack stands. Loosen the drain bolt of the fuel tank and drain the fuel into a container approved for gasoline. Slide the clamps on the fuel hoses back and disconnect the fuel hoses from the fuel tank. Support the fuel tank with a floor jack and remove the nuts on the fuel tank retaining straps with a socket wrench. Lower the floor jack and remove the fuel tank from the vehicle. Disconnect the mounting bolts for the fuel pump with a socket wrench and remove the fuel pump from the fuel tank.

3

Install the new fuel pump onto the fuel tank ensuring that you seat it into its proper position. Tighten the mounting bolts evenly to a torque of 48 inch-pounds with a torque wrench. Connect the fuel tank and tighten the nuts on the restraining strap to 27 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

4

Remove the service bolt on the fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail. Disconnect the hose from the fuel pressure regulator and plug the open end of the hose. Attach a fuel pressure gauge to the pressure regulator.

5

Start the engine and note the reading on the fuel pressure gauge while the engine is idling. The fuel pressure in a 1990 Honda Accord should be in the range of 36 to 41 psi. Check for a clogged or pinched fuel return hose if the pressure is too high. Look for leaks in the fuel line, a faulty pressure regulator or a clogged fuel filter if the pressure is too low.

6

Wrap a shop rag around the fitting for the pressure gauge. Loosen the fitting slowly, until you can remove the pressure gauge. Place new washers on the service bolt and tighten it to 9 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

There comes a point in time when everyone that owns a car will have to replace the headlights. In most cases, replacing the headlight bulb is as simple as opening the engine compartment and replacing the bulb, but with the 2003 Honda Accord, its a little different. Access to the headlights on this model is through the wheel wells.

Instructions

1

Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the bulb that you want to change. For example, if you want to change the right headlight, turn your wheels to the left.

2

Pull the electrical connection off the old bulb by looking into the wheel well from the outside of the car. The electrical connection resembles a plug.

3

Remove the bulb by rotating it counterclockwise turn.

4

Remove the new bulb from the package but do not touch the glass. Put on gloves to avoid skin oils contacting the bulb.

5

Place the new bulb in the location where you removed the old one and rotate it clockwise turn to lock it in place.

6

Plug the electrical connection back into the bulb and make sure it locks into place.

7

Repeat the process for any other bulb that needs to be changed then turn on the headlights to test them.

Though it may seem unneeded, a change of the exhaust system on your Honda can make a world of difference. Also, exhaust kits can be relatively cost-affective and easy to install. The process of replacing exhaust can be done without any specialized mechanical knowledge.

Instructions

1

Back the vehicle on to blocks, or use a jack to raise the rear end of the vehicle.

2

Use a standard flathead screwdriver to remove the hose clamp from the joint between the muffler and piping. Also, unscrew the mounting clamps that keep the muffler attached to the bottom of the vehicle. Pull the muffler off the piping and away from the vehicle.

3

Remove the hose clamp that attaches the piping to the exhaust port. Remove all of the mounting clamps that keep the piping attached to the vehicle. Remove the piping.

4

Replace the old piping with newly purchased piping. Make sure to place heat-treated silicon around any joints. Attach the hose clamp to the exhaust port joint, and replace all mounting clamps.

5

Replace the old muffler with a new one. Again, place heat-treated silicon around the joint. Attach the hose clamp to the joint between the muffler and the piping, and replace all mounting clamps.

The 2011 Honda CR-V LX is a four-door sport utility vehicle. The CR-V is equipped with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine. It includes many different standard features such as a height adjustable drivers seat, reclining rear seats, remote power door locks, power mirrors, cruise control, 17-inch steel all season wheels, a rear liftgate door, tilt and telescopic steering wheel and 12-volt front and rear outlets. The CR-Vs complex makeup of parts and systems can make it challenging to troubleshoot a problem with the vehicle. One way to locate the problem is by looking over general troubleshooting tips.

Instructions

1

Check the rear brake caliper when the CR-V pulls to the left or right while you are driving. The caliper could be sticking. The hardware mounting brackets could also be stuck. Look also at the brake hoses of the vehicle to see if any of them have collapsed. The front brake caliper that is on the opposite side of the direction the vehicle pulls towards when you are driving may also be faulty or damaged and not working properly. The steering gear may also be worn out or one or more of the coil springs are broken or weak.

2

Find the PCV valve inside the engine of your CR-V and check whether it is plugged or damaged in any way when you see excessive smoke coming from the exhaust of the vehicle while you are driving. The fuel injectors may also be dirty or burned. The amount of fuel being inserted into the combustion chamber by the fuel injectors may also need to be adjusted depending on whether too much fuel or too little is being injected.

3

Examine the power steering hose when it sounds as if an unusual amount of air is being sucked into the engine compartment when you turn the front wheels to the left or right. The power steering hose could have a loose return line clamp or there may be an air leak between the power steering pump and the reservoir. The power steering pump could also be low on power steering fluid.

4

Inspect the fuel line assembly when you smell gas fumes inside the passenger compartment of the CR-V while you are driving. There may be one or more fuel line connectors that are loose or a fuel line may be damaged and leaking gasoline. The fuel filter may also be leaking or the fuel tank could be damaged or punctured. Look also at the carburetor and make sure it is not dirty or broken and check the fuel injectors to ensure that they are clean and still working correctly.

The 2005 Honda Accord uses different light bulbs in each headlight assembly for the low beams and high beams. Changing a low beam bulb involves a different procedure than the high beam bulb. To ensure the correct bulb is being replaced, its best to locate the faulty bulb before purchasing and replacing it in order to obtain the correct part. The bulbs look the same but are intended for different uses. The low beam bulbs are on the outer edge of the headlight assembly, and the high beam bulbs are on the inner edge.

Instructions

Low Beams

1

Start the engine and turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the headlight being replaced. Turn it all the way to the right if replacing the drivers side low beam or all the way to the left if replacing the passengers side low beam. Turn the engine off and ensure the headlight switch is in the "Off" position.

2

Remove the two retaining clips holding the inner fender splash cover with a flat head screwdriver. Pop the center pin of the retaining clip upward then pull the clip assembly out of the fender splash cover.

3

Pull the fender splash cover away from the fender and bumper with one hand and reach in with the other hand to grasp the socket of the low beam headlight bulb.

4

Disconnect the wire harness plug from the headlight bulb by squeezing in on the sides to unlock it then pull it off the socket of the low beam headlight bulb.

5

Rotate the bulb socket a 1/4 turn counterclockwise to align its retaining tabs to the release grooves of the headlight assembly then remove the bulb.

6

Hold the replacement 9006 low beam headlight bulb by its socket to avoid touching the glass bulb. Oils and perspiration in skin will damage the bulb.

7

Align the retaining tabs of the bulb socket to the release grooves in the headlight assembly. Push slightly inward and rotate the socket a 1/4 turn clockwise to lock it in place. Reconnect the wire harness plug and test the headlight before replacing the retaining tabs of the fender splash cover.

High Beams

8

Open the hood and remove the two retaining clips from the air intake cover on the passengers side high beam with the screwdriver as noted in Step 3. For the drivers side high beam replacement, proceed to Step 2.

9

Detach the wire harness connection from the high beam bulb by squeezing the sides to unlock it then pulling it out of the bulb socket.

10

Rotate the socket of the headlight bulb a 1/4 turn counterclockwise to remove it from the headlight assembly.

11

Install the replacement 9006 headlight bulb (again, do not touch the glass bulb section) by reversing the removal procedure.

12

Reconnect the wire harness plug to the headlight bulb socket and test the headlight before replacing the air intake cover and retaining clips for the passengers side.

You can reset the ECU code on your Honda right from your home garage, saving yourself time and money. The ECU generates codes pertaining to the Electronic Control Unit, which governs the engine. When the vehicles computer detects an error, it illuminates it on the vehicles instrument panel in the form of a "Check Engine" light.

In order to properly clear this code and reset it, you will need an OBD scan tool. This can be purchased online or from your local auto parts retailer.

Instructions

1

Find the OBD port just to the left of your Hondas fuse panel. The fuse panel can be found on the drivers side, underneath the steering column.

2

Plug the OBD scan tool into the OBD port.

3

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "II" position. Wait for the scan tool to retrieve the codes from the ECU.

4

Select the "Delete Codes" command or something similar. Wait while the scan tool deletes the codes and resets the computer.

5

Unplug the scan tool and turn on your Hondas engine. Verify that all warning and service lights have shut off of the instrument panel.

The Honda Odyssey comes with a car alarm to protect against car theft. If you want to disable the car alarm from your Honda Odyssey, you need to take the power away from the alarm. The car alarm is wired directly into the cars battery. Disconnecting the negative lead from the Odysseys battery will disable the alarm. You dont have to be a certified mechanic to disable your car alarm. You can easily do it yourself with little hassle.

Instructions

1

Release the hood latch on the inside of the Honda Odyssey to gain access to the motor and the battery.

2

Locate the negative terminal connected to the battery. The negative terminal will be labeled with "-" next to it.

3

Use a socket wrench or a pair of channel locks to loosen the connection to the battery terminal.

4

Remove the negative battery terminal from the battery to disable the car alarm.

The crankshaft in a car rotates rapidly when the engine is running, which could cause vibrations that can damage the crankshaft. The purpose of a harmonic balancer, also known as a crankshaft damper, is to minimize the vibrations the crankshaft produces. The crankshaft damper is essentially a weight on the end of the crankshaft that stabilizes its rotation. The crankshaft damper on the crankshaft of a late-model Honda is also the crankshaft pulley.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack, and safely support it on jack stands.

2

Remove the left front wheel with a lug wrench. Remove the splash shield on the left front fender with a socket wrench.

3

Connect holder handle "07JAB-001020B" to the crankshaft damper, and attach holder attachment "07MAB-PY3010A" to the holder handle. Hold the crankshaft damper in place with the holder handle and attachment assembly.

4

Turn the mounting bolt on the crankshaft damper counterclockwise with a 19mm socket to remove the mounting bolt from the crankshaft. Pull the crankshaft damper from the crankshaft.

5

Clean the damper, guide plate, mounting bolt and crankshaft with a clean cloth. Lubricate these parts with clean engine oil.

6

Mount the crankshaft damper to the crankshaft, and hold it in place with the holder handle and attachment assembly. Fasten the mounting bolt to the crankshaft, and tighten it to 14.5 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Tighten the mounting bolt an additional quarter-turn with a socket wrench.

7

Attach the splash shield to the left front fender with a socket wrench. Install the left front wheel and lower the vehicle.