Top 5 Problems – 2004 Honda Accord – How to Address Them
Introduction
Owning a 2004 Honda Accord sedan brings with it a sense of reliability and comfort that few other vehicles can match. I know I’ll get comments about this, but I consider the Honda Accord to be more reliable than the same year Toyota Camry.
However, even the most dependable cars can present their fair share of challenges over time. In this article, I delve into the world of the 2004 Honda Accord sedan, uncovering the top five problems that owners may encounter. From electrical glitches to transmission hiccups, I’ll not only discuss the issues but also provide suggestions for rectifying them, ensuring that your Accord remains a steadfast companion for years to come.
A lot of these come from personal experience! I’ve tried to include links to the fixes I’ve done over the years to my 2004 Accord.
1. Electrical System Woes
Description: A common concern among 2004 Honda Accord sedan owners is the occurrence of electrical system malfunctions. This can manifest as issues with the power windows, faulty dashboard lights, or even intermittent problems with the audio system. I’ve resorted to baking my radio, if you can believe that. These problems can stem from wiring degradation, blown fuses, or malfunctioning components within the car’s electrical network.
Fixing the Problem: To address these electrical gremlins, start by inspecting the car’s fuses and replacing any blown ones. The undersized battery in the 2004 Accord is the source of a lot of problems. Consider upgrading to a larger battery from the tiny stock 51R to a much more powerful 24F.
As the Accord gets older electrical system components will start to fail. Replacing the alternator isn’t too bad. Replacing the starter in an Accord is more involved.
I’ve even had issues with the key not turning in the ignition as it gets worn. Luckily a key that won’t turn is a pretty easy fix! Re-programming a new FOB is also straight-forward.
If issues persist, carefully examine the wiring harness for signs of wear or damage. Utilize a multimeter to test the continuity of wires and connections. Replace the battery cable connectors if they start to bend too much and fail.
If the radio fails, consider upgrading to something more modern (so you can watch movies in your car – safely of course). Comprehensive guidance on diagnosing and repairing electrical issues can be found right here at PracticalMechanic.com.
2. Transmission Troubles
Description: A vexing problem that can arise with the 2004 Honda Accord sedan is transmission irregularities. Owners might experience rough shifting, delayed engagement, or even slipping gears. These issues could arise from low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch components, or internal transmission damage.
Fixing the Problem: Begin by checking the transmission fluid level and condition. If it’s low or discolored, perform a transmission fluid flush and refill using Honda-recommended transmission fluid. In the case of worn-out clutch components, replacing the clutch and pressure plate might be necessary. For more intricate transmission issues, consulting a professional mechanic or utilizing detailed repair guides such as Haynes Manual can provide step-by-step instructions.
3. Braking System Quandaries
Description: Brake-related concerns can also arise in the 2004 Honda Accord sedan. Owners may face challenges like squeaking brakes, soft brake pedals, or uneven brake pad wear. These issues might result from worn brake pads, air in the brake lines, or brake caliper problems.
Fixing the Problem: Inspect the brake pads for wear and replace them if necessary. To address air in the brake lines, perform a brake fluid flush and bleeding procedure to ensure optimal brake performance. In the case of brake caliper issues, such as seized caliper sliders, consider disassembly, cleaning, and lubrication.
4. Suspension Snags
Description: Suspension problems can plague 2004 Honda Accord sedan owners, leading to an uncomfortable ride and compromised handling. Symptoms include excessive bouncing, clunking noises, and uneven tire wear. These issues could result from worn-out shock absorbers, damaged struts, or misaligned wheels.
Fixing the Problem: Start by inspecting the shock absorbers and struts for leaks, corrosion, or damage. Replace any worn-out components using quality aftermarket or OEM replacements. For misalignment, consult a trusted local shop for a wheel alignment.
5. Air Conditioning Conundrums
Description: A failing air conditioning system is another challenge faced by 2004 Honda Accord sedan owners. The AC might blow warm air, emit strange odors, or make unusual noises. Common culprits include refrigerant leaks, malfunctioning compressors, or clogged AC filters.
Fixing the Problem: Inspect the AC system for refrigerant leaks using UV dye and a black light. Address leaks and recharge the system with the correct refrigerant type and amount. In cases of compressor failure, replacing the compressor and drier might be necessary. Clean or replace the cabin air filter to eliminate odors.
Conclusion
As a proud owner of a 2004 Honda Accord sedan, familiarity with potential challenges empowers you to keep your vehicle running smoothly. From mastering electrical troubleshooting to conquering transmission tribulations, your journey towards becoming a proficient DIY mechanic is a rewarding one.
By equipping yourself with the knowledge and resources to tackle these common issues, you ensure that your Honda Accord remains a steadfast and reliable companion on the road, even if it starts eating oil.
What problems have you had with your Honda Accord? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
2009 Honda Accord every time I start the engine the valves rattle really loud or approximately three or four seconds. It’s been doing this since about 150,000 miles I have over 250,000. I have also heard several other Honda accord when they start making the same valve noise is this normal or a Honda Accord? Does it take just a second for the oil to pump up to the valves? Thank you
The 2009 Honda Accord has a great engine, rock solid! When I hear rattle at startup, my mind goes to one of the following: VTC actuator bad (might have a DTC P1009), loose timing chain (4-cyl), or belt (6-cyl). Good luck, hope you get it figured out!
I love honda. In my experience they have always been reliable and unbelievably affordable! My first was a 2002 Honda Accord V6 with nearly 400k miles on it. Mostly highway miles and it always recieved proper maintenance so she ran like a champion. I put on another 20k but ended up rolling it. It was upside for .ore than 30 minutes, and I was still able to jump it and drive it a few miles home lol!
Well my new one is a 2003 Honda Accord V6 coupe and it’s not in nearly as good of condition. There’s also a huge dent in the front of the frame where a previous owner had to of crashed into a big landscaping boulder/rock. No doubt about it based on shape and size lol
Anyway my 2003 has far fewer miles on it (currently around 275k) but for the last year I’ve avoided driving much because of the stalling/delays in transmission when accelerating.
The problem began about 2years ago, i had a friend with a shop help my change my tranny fluid and replace it with the recommended in the owners manual honda brand ATF. I had purchased and wanted to change the filter as well but my friend advised me against it. They swore up and down that when a vehicle has an internal ATF filter that the filter is supposed to last a lifetime and never needs to be changed.
I have a hard time believing that to be true, especially considering it literally says how often to change it in my owners manual. But when I contested he got offended feeling like I was calling him dumb…we all know how sensitive a mans ego can be lol.
Well now the problem is starting again. And I haven’t even gone 15k miles since last changing the ATF. Is it possible that this is because the filter was not changed ? Or that I didn’t do the entire drain-fill-drive-repeat process-as usually recommended?
If I do the entire drain-fill-drive-repeat/”flush” process as recommended could it possibly solve the issue or at least buy me more time to get a different vehicle.
And if so should I bring it somewhere else and actually get the filter changed this time or not ?
Thanks for your time, I really value your opinion and I hope to hear back from you soon.
Hi! You’ve had a lot of good luck with Honda Accords (in terms of lifespan)! 400k miles is quite good! (And 275k isn’t too shabby either!)
Concerning the ATF filter. From what I have seen, it is more of a ‘screen’ than a filter. Information from Honda itself does not call changing the ATF filter a “regular maintenance item.” They only say you should “replace the filter only if it is leaking, or contaminated, or when the transmission is being overhauled or replaced.” That being said, it likely isn’t going to hurt anything, after all, maybe it is “contaminated.” So, I’d say feel free to change it if you want to!
If it were my car, I would probably try the drain and fill a few more times first, just because that is what has worked for me in the past. (When I got my 2004 Accord, I was not sure if the ATF had ever been changed.)
Another thing to consider is that if the car is jerking, it might be a clogged VTEC solenoid or VTEC filter screen. I had this problem, where the car would suddenly lurch when I tried to accelerate, and the tachometer went up to 2700. I ended up getting a check engine light from this one (P2647, and related error is P2646). I had to replace the VTEC solenoid. Here’s where I describe that repair, might be worth checking:
https://practicalmechanic.com/2019/10/19/easy-fix-for-p2647-error-code-bucking-and-jerking-honda-accord/
Anyway, good luck and thanks for reading my site!