I have a 2004 LX coupe and wanted ask about the recommended service in the book. I know they have a schedule of things to do, but what is really necessary besides oil and filter. Have you followed the schedule? I was in for an oil change the other day and the dealer wanted $110!!! to change the cabin air filter. Now that's a scam. Can you guys differentiate for me what is necessary and what I can skip.

 

I can't think of a whole lot I'd skip. By the way, that cabin filter job will take you maybe an hour if you do it yourself. Search here on HAN or get a helms manual. I think even the Haynes manual tells you how. You don't have to change that filter but it will improve your ac and heater flow and avoid the "my car smells like a wet dog" thread in the future (there are a ton of those threads if you search for them). Anyway, yeah, do most of the maintenance. All the stuff on there (at least on my '99 schedule) is pretty important I think. Spark plugs, brake and tranny fluid, coolent flushes, air filter, etc. You can do it all yourself with a simple maintainance manual.

 

I think
I asked this the wrong way. I just looked at what the owner's guide recommended and also what the dealer recommends. I should have asked 'How much of what the dealer recommends is necessary?"

I also wrote about how I know how easy it is to change the cabin air filter and the dealer wants $108 to do it.

Here is some of the things they are calling and emailing me to do:

Brake Inspection and Adjustment $27.90 Every 10,000 miles.
Battery Service $29.95 Every 10,000 miles.
Replace Cabin Air Filter $108.40 Every 15,000 miles.
Four Wheel Alignment $79.95 Every 15,000 miles.
Four Wheel Tire Balance $70.00 Every 15,000 miles.
Cooling System Inspection $39.95 Every 20,000 miles.
Replace Air Filter $33.40 Every 20,000 miles.
Automatic Transmission Service $95.00 Every 30,000 miles.
Cooling System Service $119.00 Every 60,000 miles.
Throttle Body System $109.00 Every 60,000 miles.

I replaced the tires, changed the oil every 3500, and replaced the air filter.


What about this list?

Thank You,
Andrew

 

1) That's about right, you should check your brakes/pads/rotors after a certain amount of mileage but this is just inspection, not changing. Check your rotors for any abnormal scratches or cuts, check and make sure your brakes have a decent amout of pad remaining. If you hear squeaking, that's also a sign for them to be replaced soon.

2) It's a 2004, your battery is fine. You can check it yourself. Buy a $10 multimeter and check the voltage at battery terminals. Should read somewhere in the 12V area and about ~14V under acceleration. I'm sure your battery is fine though.

3) The cabin air filter can be changed but If you don't have any strange odors or are able to block out unwanted air from the exterior of the car then it should still be fine. Depends on where you live also, air in some areas varies. $108 for that is too much for me, I do the work myself and save some money.

4) Wheel alignment should be checked. I usually check this by driving on a smooth straight road and and let go the steering wheel. The car "should" continue to go straight. If you feel any wobbling or the car steers to the left/right then I would have it checked out. Also, have it checked if any of your wheels were changed/replace to make sure it was put on properly.

5) Read number 4 about the changed/replaced wheels and wobbling.

6) Cooling system should be checked for leaks and such, but I doubt your car would have that trouble now. Make sure you reservior is between the min/max points. You'll also notice a problem with your system if your car begins to overheat but that should be taken to a dealer to diagnose. Usually the thermostat goes, or water pump, broken hose, etc.

7) Yea your airfilter should be replace after a certain amount of mileage. Or you can just check it to see if it's dirty. If so, replace.

8) Change your AT tranny fluid with only HONDA ATF. (never power flush either). 98-02 accord had a AT problem especially the V6 and changing it every 30k will prolong the life of your tranny. 30k mile service sounds about right, make sure they drain/fill it.

9) See #6, 60k is about right and should be changed. Again i'd do it myself to save money.

10) Your throttle body should be inspected. Usually inspect any sensors, make sure they're free of dirt and check your throttle linkages/cable. Make sure everything is moving smoothly and your intake tube is free of dirt (air filter). Your idle should be smooth also.

That's pretty much it, most of it is straight forward. They're right in that these things need to be checked at these interval but im they type to do stuff myself than pay someone to do it for me. But most of the stuff mentioned above, I would consider necessary.

 

Thank you so much. Mine is a lease that I'm considering purchasing.

 

about the air filter, theres a DIY somewhere in here. and when i had my 04 accord coupe i just bought the fliter online (i think it was www.handaaccessories.com) and replaced it myself under 5 mins. filter cost about $20 i believe. definitely worth doing yourself. theres no way in hell id pay anyone $100 to do it for me