Honda2003–2008

Accord 2.4: Common faults & known problems

Common faults & known problems

23 known faults documented in workshop bulletins. Of these, nine concern the engine and fuel system and three the electrical and ignition. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Technical specifications

Engine & fuel system

9 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Poor engine performance

Affects All models with VTEC engine.

Symptoms

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Trouble codes stored in engine control module (ECM) fault memory: 22-4.

Cause

Engine oil level incorrect.

Oil supply pressure to variable valve timing (VVT) system too low.

Repair

Top up engine oil to correct level.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated

Affects All models, 2004-05.P1401Fit modified part

Symptoms

Engine stalls. Poor driveability. Trouble code stored: P1401.

Cause

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve sticking.

Repair

Fit modified EGR valve.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates when starting engine immediately after stopping engine

Affects All models with electronic stability program (ESP), 2004, VIN →JHMCN1***4C210527/JHMCN2***4C204212 All models without ESP, 2004, VIN →JHMCN1***4C210467/JHMCN2***4C204339P0344Software update

Symptoms

Possible trouble code stored: P0344.

Cause

Incorrect signal from camshaft position (CMP) sensor.

Repair

Re-program ECM with upgraded software.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 6.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated

Overview

Affects: Accord, 2003-07: VIN →JHMCM1***3C-C7******. VIN →JHMCM2***3C-C7******.
Fault codes: P0135P1172
Remedy: Software update
Parts: 3 parts

Symptoms

Possible trouble codes stored: P2A00, P0135, P1172.

Cause

Faulty heated oxygen sensor (HO2S).

Repair

Renew heated oxygen sensor (HO2S).
Re-program ECM with upgraded software.

Parts3 parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) - Accord	36531-RBB-003	1
Heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) - S2000	06180-PZX-305	1
Heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) - Civic/CR-V	Refer to manufacturer	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 7.

Poor throttle response when accelerating at low speed resulting in body judder

Overview

Affects: All models, 2003-05.
Remedy: Software update
Parts: 9 parts

Cause

Faulty throttle body.

Accelerator cable sticking (LHD).

Repair

Replace throttle body. Use diagnostic equipment to re-program ECM with upgraded software.
If body judder still present: Replace accelerator cable with modified version (LHD). Replace front shock absorbers with modified version. Replace front suspension lower arms with modified version. Replace rear shock absorbers with modified version. Check and adjust front and rear wheel alignment.

Parts9 parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Throttle body - with cruise control	16400-RAC-E11	1
Throttle body - without cruise control	16400-RAC-E01	1
Throttle body gasket	16400-RAA-A01	1
Accelerator cable - with cruise control (LHD)	17910-SEA-305	1
Accelerator cable - without cruise control (LHD)	17910-SEA-306	1
Front shock absorber	51606-SEA-305	2
Front suspension lower arm, RH	51350-SEA-305	1
Front suspension lower arm, LH	51360-SEA-305	1
Rear shock absorber	52611-SEA-305	2

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 9.

Engine pinking when accelerating during medium to heavy engine loads

Overview

Affects: All models with K24Z3 engine code: VIN →JHMCU2***AC202629. VIN →JHMCW2***AC200101.
Remedy: Fit new part
Parts: 2 parts

Cause

Knock sensor (KS) faulty.

Engine control module (ECM) software fault.

Repair

Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
If no fault(s) found: Fit new knock sensor (KS). Re-program engine control module (ECM) with upgraded software.

Parts2 parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Knock sensor (KS)	30530-RL5-A01	1
Gasket	17115-R40-A01	4

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 12.

Trouble code stored in engine control module (ECM) fault memory: P0685

Affects All models with petrol engines.P0685

Cause

Engine control (EC) relay failure.

Repair

Replace engine control (EC) relay located in fascia fuse box/relay plate.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 19.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Trouble code stored: P2647

Affects All models with variable valve timing.P2647Fit new part

Cause

Variable valve lift oil pressure valve stuck or sticking.

Repair

Fit new variable valve lift oil pressure valve.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 21.

Failure to start

Affects All models.P0339

Symptoms

Trouble code stored in engine control module (ECM) fault memory: P0339.

Cause

Faulty crankshaft position (CKP) sensor.

Repair

Replace crankshaft position (CKP) sensor.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 22.

Electrical & ignition

3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Water ingress into front fog lamps

Water ingress through front fog lamp wiring harness. Fix: clean and lubricate.

Overview

Affects: All models.
Remedy: Clean & lubricate

Symptoms

Condensation in front fog lamps.

Repair steps

Remove front fog lamps.
Dry out and clean front fog lamps.
Refit front fog lamps.
Re-route and secure front fog lamp wiring harness.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.

Instrument panel warning lamps illuminated after alternator replacement

Affects All models with K24A3 engine code.

Cause

Aftermarket alternator fitted. Alternator output voltage high.

Repair

Fit original equipment alternator.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 20.

Alarm system siren sounds continuously when vehicle unlocked with key remote control

Overview

Affects: All models, →2007.
Remedy: Software update

Cause

Poor signal to alarm system siren from multifunction control module due to low battery voltage.

Repair

Charge or replace battery. Ensure battery to manufacturer's specifications.
Initialise multifunction control module and alarm system siren: Lock vehicle with remote control. Wait approximately 15 seconds. Indicators flash rapidly. Unlock vehicle with remote control.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 23.

Brakes

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Front brake judder

Overview

Affects: All models, 2005-08.

Cause

Excessive front brake disc runout.

Repair

Check front brake disc runout is less than 0.04 mm. Reface or replace front brake discs as necessary.
Check front brake disc thickness variation is less than 0.015 mm. Reface or replace front brake discs as necessary.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.

Noise from rear wheel bearings

Affects All models.

Cause

Water ingress into rear wheel bearing through ABS wheel speed sensor.

Repair

Fit rear wheel bearing kit and rear ABS wheel speed sensor kit as necessary.

Parts3 parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Rear wheel bearing kit	Refer to manufacturer	As required
ABS wheel speed sensor kit - LH rear wheel	06575-SEA-305	1
ABS wheel speed sensor kit - RH rear wheel	06570-SEA-305	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 11.

Suspension & drivetrain

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Knocking noise from front wheel when pulling away

Overview

Affects: All models, 1982-05.
Remedy: Clean & lubricate

Cause

Contact between driveshaft and front wheel bearing.

Repair

Clean driveshaft and wheel bearing contact surfaces.
Apply grease to contact surfaces of driveshaft and wheel bearing.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 8.

Cruise control distance range/lane departure warning system lamp illuminated

Overview

Affects: All models.
Remedy: Fit new part

Symptoms

Digital multifunction display shows 'ACC Err'. Trouble codes stored: 28, 70.

Cause

Non standard suspension configuration.

Incorrect tyre pressures or mismatched tyres, resulting in incorrect vehicle speed data.

Poor connection between lane departure warning system control module and harness multi-plug.

Lane departure warning system control module faulty.

Repair steps

Erase trouble codes.
Ensure manufacturer standard suspension fitted.
Check suspension components for damage.
Check tyre condition and tyre pressures.
Ensure front and rear wheel alignment check/adjustment carried out.
Carry out steering angle sensor calibration using diagnostic equipment.
Test drive vehicle at a minimum speed of 40 mph (65 kph) for 2 minutes.
If cruise control distance range/lane departure warning system lamp illuminated and trouble code 28 stored: Check electrical connection between lane departure warning system control module and harness multi-plug. If no fault found, fit new lane departure warning system control module.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 10.

Clutch & gearbox

3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Engine stalling on engagement of clutch

Affects All models with electronic stability program (ESP), 2004, VIN→JHMCN1***4C210527/JHMCN2***4C204212 All models without ESP, 2004, VIN→JHMCN1***4C210467/JHMCN2***4C204339Software update

Symptoms

Possible trouble code stored after stalling engine unintentionally: P060B

Cause

Engine control module (ECM) software fault.

Repair

Re-program ECM with upgraded software.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.

Abnormal noise from clutch master cylinder when clutch pedal depressed or released

Affects All models, ?2006.Fit modified part

Cause

Insufficient lubrication of clutch master cylinder at manufacture.

Repair

Fit modified clutch master cylinder.

Parts4 parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Clutch master cylinder - Accord	46920-S7A-A03	1
Clutch master cylinder - Civic	46920-SMG-033	1
Clutch master cylinder - CR-V (LHD)	46920-S7A-A03	1
Clutch master cylinder- CR-V (RHD)	46920-S9A-J05	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 13.

Oil leak from transmission

Unsatisfactory design of RH driveshaft oil seal. Fix: fit a modified part.

Overview

Affects: All models with automatic transmission (AT), 2005-06: VIN →JHMCL7***6C200033. VIN →JHMCL9***6C200024. VIN →JHMCM1***6C200008. VIN →JHMCM2***6C200008.
Remedy: Fit modified part

Symptoms

Harsh and delayed transmission engagement when moving off.

Repair steps

Fit modified RH driveshaft oil seal. Use special tools.
Tools required: Driveshaft oil seal installation tool - 07749-0010000. Installation drift - 07JAD-PH80101.
Fit new circlip to intermediate driveshaft and driveshaft.
Apply a light coating of grease to driveshaft splines.
Refill transmission.
Check front wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.

Parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Driveshaft oil seal	91206-RTC-003	1
Circlip	44319-SOA-300	2

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 17.

Air conditioning & heating

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Headlamp dipped beam flickers intermittently with AC on

Overview

Affects: All models, →2006.
Remedy: Fit modified part
Parts: 1 part

Cause

Alternator output inefficient when high electrical load applied (AC condenser blower motors).

Repair

Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
If no fault(s) found: Fit modified alternator.

Parts1 part

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Alternator	31100-RAA-A05	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 15.

Body & trim

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Creaking noise when opening/closing doors

Affects All models, →2006.Fit modified part

Cause

Door check strap contaminated with dirt.

Repair

Fit modified door check strap.

Parts4 parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Door check strap (LH front door)	72380-SEA-E02	1
Door check strap (RH front door)	72340-SEA-E02	1
Door check strap (LH rear door)	72880-SEA-E02	1
Door check strap (RH rear door)	72840-SEA-E02	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 16.

Squeaking/creaking noise from doors when driving

Affects All models, →2006: VIN →JHMCL7***6C212006. VIN →JHMCL9***6C216485. VIN →JHMCN1***6C210785. VIN →JHMCM1***6C201836. VIN →JHMCM2***6C200771. VIN →JHMCN2***6C204525.Fit modified part

Cause

Unsatisfactory design of door weather seals.

Repair

Fit modified door weather seals as necessary.

Parts6 parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Weather seal - LH front door	72365-SEA-033	1
Weather seal - RH front door	72325-SEA-033	1
Weather seal - LH rear door (saloon)	72865-SEA-033	1
Weather seal - RH rear door (saloon)	72825-SEA-033	1
Weather seal - LH rear door (estate)	72865-SED-033	1
Weather seal - RH rear door (estate)	72825-SED-033	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 18.

Wipers & visibility

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Pop-up headlamp washers not retracting

Affects All models with pop-up headlamp washers, →2008.Fit modified part

Cause

Dirt ingress to pop-up headlamp washers.

Repair

Fit modified pop-up headlamp washers.

Parts6 parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Headlamp washer (LH) - Accord	76885-SEA-S03	1
Headlamp washer (RH) - Accord	76880-SEA-S03	1
Headlamp washer (LH) - Civic	76885-SNB-S02	1
Headlamp washer (RH) - Civic	76880-SNB-S02	1
Headlamp washer (LH) - Legend	76885-SJA-S02	1
Headlamp washer (RH) - Legend	76880-SJA-S02	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 14.

Glossary

Technical terms used in this guide.

MIL: Malfunction indicator lamp — the engine warning light on the dashboard
ECM: Engine control module — the electronic unit that manages the engine
VIN: Vehicle identification number — 17 characters, found at the base of the windscreen and on the V5C logbook
ABS: Anti-lock braking system — stops the wheels locking under hard braking
EGR: Exhaust gas recirculation — feeds some exhaust gas back into the intake to cut emissions
Trouble Codes: Standardised fault codes stored by the engine control module, read with a diagnostic tool
AC: Air conditioning — the system that cools the cabin
CKP: Crankshaft position sensor — tells the engine control module where the crankshaft is in its rotation
CMP: Camshaft position — a sensor that tells the engine control module where the camshaft is
ESP: Electronic stability programme — brakes individual wheels to stop a skid
KS: Knock sensor — listens for engine knock so the engine control module can retard the timing
LHD: Left-hand drive — steering wheel on the left
RH: Right-hand — the right side of the vehicle as you sit in it
Control Module: A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
Crankshaft Position: Where the crankshaft is in its rotation — used for ignition and injection timing
Disc Runout: How much a brake disc wobbles; too much causes vibration or squeal
Driveshaft: The shaft that takes drive from the differential out to a wheel
EGR Valve: The valve that meters exhaust gas back into the intake
Fascia: The dashboard and the surrounding interior panel
Fault Memory: The list of stored trouble codes in a control module
Multi-Plug: A multi-pin electrical connector on a wiring harness
Multifunction Control Module: The control module that runs shared electrical functions (lights, wipers, locking, and so on)
Re-Program: Update the software on a control module using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool
Relay: An electrically operated switch
Steering Angle Sensor: Tells the stability-control system which way the steering wheel is pointing
Trouble Code: A standardised fault code stored by a control module, read with a diagnostic tool
Wheel Speed Sensor: A sensor at each wheel used by ABS and stability control
Wiring Harness: The bundled cables that carry power and signals around the vehicle
Alternator: The unit that charges the battery while the engine is running
Calibration: Setting a sensor or module so its readings match the real world
Initialise: A workshop procedure that teaches a new module or system its starting values
Oil Seal: A rubber seal that keeps oil in and dirt out, typically around a rotating shaft
Recirculation: Air-conditioning mode that recirculates cabin air instead of drawing in outside air

Frequently asked questions

What are the common faults with the Honda Accord 2.4?

This guide contains 23 workshop bulletins for the Honda Accord 2.4. Of these, nine concern the engine and fuel system and three the electrical and ignition. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Does every Honda Accord 2.4 have these faults?

No. These are patterns documented across the model by workshops, not predictions for an individual vehicle. Where a fault applies only to certain vehicles or VIN ranges, that is listed with the fault.

Can I check for Honda Accord 2.4 faults myself?

Many of them. The documented symptoms can be seen, heard or felt during a test drive.