Hi Guys,

I got a used Honda Accord EX-L Sedan 2.4L with 35k miles a week before. I took it to the dealer couple of days before for the 40-point check (Honda April Road Trip free offer) and they came up with the following suggestions:

1) Cabin air filter replacement - Charge $55
2) Auto Transmission fluid is dirty, so it has to be replaced - Charge $65

My Question is, if I want to do these above changes by myself where can I get the air filter and transmission fluid cheaper (may be Honda genuine or recommended) and do you guys have any instructions or suggestions for how to replace them?

Thanks in advance.

 

1. The cabin air filter is about $20 from any online supplier (handaaccessories.com or hondacuraworld.com). Replcement requires no tools and takes about 42 seconds from start to finish. Instructions can be found in your manual (I think) or by doing a simple search on this site.

2. Given the trans recall on the Gen 7 Accords, it is not a bad idea to change trans fluid every 30k miles or so at the dealer so you have a record of maintenance in case there are future problems.. It is easy enough to do yourself, but considering the cost (fluid, tools, etc.), time, inconvenience, disposal hassle for old fluid, and my preference for documented maintenance, I usually let the dealer do it. If you choose to let someone else do it, DO NOT go to a Jiffy Lube type place - let Honda take care of it.

3. One more thing - research all of the recalls and TSB's for your car before you hit the 36k mark, and make sure the dealer takes care of any that apply to you. Get them done while it is still free.

4. Another thing - since you bought a used Accord, consider getting the HondaCare extended warranty to cover you for major repairs for the next 64,000 miles or so. You can still get it with < 36,000 miles - there may be a modest surcharge ($60 I think?) but it could be worth it. Try collegehillshonda.com for excellent rates.

 

Thank you very much for your detailed reply.

1. I will get it from one of the website and then try to install it by myself.

2. Sure, I will ask my dealer to do it.

3. From where I can find the recall details? Can you please give me a link? BTW I registered through Honda Owner link site and it is not showing any entries when I select Recalls link after I login.

4. Yes, I already got a Honda Care Warranty from JayHonda.com. Till 75k for 680 + 60 surcharge = $740.00 in total.

 

Search here under both "Recalls" and "Service Bulletins" for your particular car model.

You will get a brief recap of all issues, but you will not be able to read the full doument. If it sounds like any apply to you, you can do an internet search for a particular document # or post here for help.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/


Also browse this site, starting with this link:

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=28

Generally speaking, 2003 Accord owners have to watch for brake problems, transmission recall, and various squeaks and rattles.

 

Thanks for the links. There is only one recall it shows for my car:

Results : 1 | All records displayed
Make : HONDA Model : ACCORD Year : 2003
Manufacturer : AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 04V176000 Recall Date : APR 13, 2004
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 1099796

I discussed regarding this recall with the original owner. He is saying that this car had been inspected by the dealer and it was not affected.

BTW, owner also specified as part of the 30,000 mileage service the cabin air filter(micron) is changed just before a month ago. I also got a maintenance record(invoice) to confirm this. My dealer seems to be a liar.

 

If you are talking CABIN POLLEN FILTER, then there are tools involved. And there is no way you can do it in a few minutes. I've done mine 3 times so far, and it's not that easy. You have to remove some trim, and the glove box to do it. Just make sure you put the screws back where they came from. Here's the link to replace it:

Pollen Filter Replacement

Now if you are just talking the intale air filter, piece of cake.

I just did the ATF fluid. Just make SURE you use OEM Honda ATF.

 

He is asking about a 2003 7th gen Accord - there are no tools required for this filter replacement.

I am sure you are referring to your 2001 Accord, which is a 6th gen and is a little more difficult.

 

Yes mine is 2003 (7th gen)

 

Okay, haven't looked into my 7th gen yet. The whole setup made me wonder what the hell they were thinking on my 2001. They could have made it simple to replace the filter by putting a release under the filters. Guess this was a way of getting the dealers a little more cash for something simple.

 

Yes I agree with you. Dealers will always care about profit and the manufacturers are supporting them strongly. Sometime Dealers are Stealers (not all of them but many of them are). Just in my case without seeing the air filter condition my dealer said it is very dirty so needs a replacement.

But just a month before it was replaced as part of 30k service by an other dealer.