Checking fluid levels (Honda Accord 6)

(every 400 km [250 miles] or weekly)

Various fluids act as working fluids in lubrication, cooling, heating and air conditioning, braking, windshield washing, etc. systems. Since all fluids are subject to liquefaction and wear over time, and also gradually become contaminated during normal system operation, it is necessary to periodically replace them completely. Before adjusting the level or replacing, check out the list of recommended fluids for use in your vehicle.

Note: When checking fluid levels, the vehicle must be parked on a level, horizontal surface, preferably with a hard surface.

Engine oil

The engine oil level is checked using a dipstick inserted into the guide tube and lowered into the engine to the bottom of the oil pan. On all models, the dipstick is located at the front of the power unit .

The oil level should be checked before the first trip of the day, or at least 15 minutes after the engine has been stopped. If the check is performed immediately after the engine has been turned off, the results will not adequately reflect the situation, since some of the oil will be distributed throughout the internal galleries and components of the engine.



Remove the dipstick from the guide tube and wipe it dry with a clean rag or paper towel. Insert the dipstick back into the tube until it stops, then remove it again. Inspect the dipstick blade to check the size of the area wetted with oil. The oil level should be between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick blade. If necessary, add the appropriate amount of oil of the required grade to the engine.



To raise the level from the lower mark on the dipstick to the upper mark, about one liter of oil is required. If the level goes beyond the lower limit of the permissible range, the engine will starve to oil, which can lead to serious mechanical damage to the engine. Also, try not to overfill the oil above the upper mark, as this can lead to spark plugs being thrown or failure of the oil seals of the power unit due to excessive pressure increase.



To fill the engine with oil, remove the threaded filler cap. To minimize oil splashing when filling the engine, use a funnel or a long-nosed oiler. After filling the engine with oil, screw on and tighten the filler cap securely, then start the engine and carefully inspect the drain plug and the mating surface of the oil filter for signs of oil leaks. Turn off the engine, wait about 15 minutes for the oil to drain into the pan, and check the level again.

Checking the engine oil level is an important preventative maintenance procedure for the engine. A constant decrease in the level indicates the presence of oil leaks due to failure of seals, damage to sealing gaskets, wear of piston rings or valve guides. If the oil is milky in color or consistency, or if there are drops of water in it, this indicates possible damage to the cylinder head gasket, or the formation of cracks in the body of the head(s) or block. The check must be done without delay. When measuring the oil level, always also check its condition. Use your thumb and forefinger to remove traces of oil from the dipstick blade - if there are small metal particles in it, the oil must be replaced (see Section Changing engine oil and oil filter).

Engine coolant

Warning! Do not allow antifreeze to come into contact with exposed areas of the body or painted surfaces of the vehicle. Wash away accidental splashes immediately with plenty of water. Remember that antifreeze is a highly toxic liquid and its ingestion, even in small quantities, can have the most serious consequences, including death. Never leave antifreeze stored in a loosely closed container; immediately collect any coolant spilled on the floor. Remember that the sweet smell of antifreeze can attract the attention of children and animals. Consult with local authorities about methods of disposal of used coolant. In many regions of the world, special collection points for various types of waste have been set up. Never pour old coolant into the sewer or onto the ground!

In recent years, non-toxic types of antifreeze have been developed, but they must also be disposed of in an organized manner.

All models of cars described in this Manual are equipped with a compensating cooling system operating under excess pressure. The expansion tank of the cooling system, made of translucent plastic, is located in the engine compartment and is connected by an overflow hose to the base of the radiator filler neck. When the engine overheats, the coolant expands, and its excess flows through a valve mounted in the radiator filler cap into the expansion tank. As the liquid cools, it returns through the hose back to the radiator, which allows its level in the system to be constantly maintained at the normal level.





The coolant level in the expansion tank is checked regularly and should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the translucent walls of the tank. It should be remembered that the liquid level depends on its temperature, so when cold it should be only slightly above the lower mark, and after warming up the engine - rise to the MAX mark. If necessary, make the appropriate adjustment by adding the required amount of fresh mixture to the tank through the neck.

Note. Do not remove the radiator cap to check the coolant level when the engine is warm! To adjust the coolant level, use only the required mixture of ethylene glycol and distilled water (approximately 50/50). Remember that frequent use of plain water to adjust the coolant level leads to gradual dilution of the antifreeze and the loss of the mixture's frost resistance and anti-corrosion properties.

A constant drop in coolant level usually indicates that there are developing leaks in the system. Check the radiator, hoses, filler cap, drain plugs and water pump housing for signs of leaks. If no signs of leaks can be found, the radiator cap should be pressure tested at a car service workshop.

Note: Never remove the radiator/expansion tank cap when the engine is hot!

If you need to remove the radiator cap, wait until the engine has cooled down completely, then wrap the neck with a thick layer of rags and slowly unscrew the cap to the first stop. If steam is released, allow the engine to cool down a little more, and only then remove the cap completely.

In addition to the level, also check the condition of the coolant - it should be relatively transparent. If the coolant is a reddish-brown rust color, the cooling system should be drained, flushed and filled with a fresh mixture of antifreeze and water. Even if the liquid does not change in appearance, the corrosion inhibitors in its composition are subject to wear over time, so the coolant should be replaced regularly in accordance with the car's routine maintenance schedule.

Try not to allow antifreeze to come into contact with exposed skin or painted surfaces of body components. If any splashes do occur, immediately wash off with plenty of water.

Windshield and rear window washer fluid

14 Windshield washer fluid is poured into a special reservoir located in the left front corner of the engine compartment of the car. In regions with a moderate climate, clean water can be used as a windshield washer fluid, but the reservoir should not be filled more than 2/3 full to compensate for the expansion of water when it freezes during frosts. When operating the car in severe climatic conditions, only patented windshield wipers should be poured into the reservoir, ensuring an appropriate decrease in the freezing point of the fluid. To avoid freezing of the glass when washing in cold weather, preheat it by blowing air passed through the heater heat exchanger.

Note: Never use antifreeze used in the cooling system to add to the windshield washer fluid - the latter is aggressive towards the paintwork of the body panels!

Hydraulic fluid for brake and clutch systems

The main brake cylinder (MBC) is mounted on the brake booster servo unit. The hydraulic clutch cylinder is used on models with a manual transmission and is mounted next to the MBC directly on the rear bulkhead of the engine compartment. On models equipped with ABS, the reservoir of the hydraulic modulator of the anti-lock system is located on the right side of the engine compartment.

Note: Before checking the ABS modulator fluid level, the vehicle should be driven briefly (for a few minutes) to equalize the pressures. If the fluid level rises significantly above the MAX mark, the vehicle should be taken to a service station for more detailed checks and necessary repairs.

The fluid level inside the reservoirs is clearly visible through the translucent walls of the latter and should be maintained between the two MIN and MAX marks on the walls. If equipped accordingly, do not forget to also check the hydraulic fluid level in the ABS unit reservoir, located on the right side of the engine compartment.

If it is necessary to adjust the fluid level, carefully wipe the cap of the corresponding reservoir and the area around it with a clean cloth to prevent dirt from getting into the system.

When pouring fluid into the reservoir, be careful not to splash it on the surrounding painted surfaces of body elements. Add to each of the systems only fluid of the grade specified by regulatory requirements. Mixing two fluids of different grades is strictly prohibited! When adjusting the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir, do not bring it to the upper mark by approximately 20 mm - after installing the cap, the level will automatically return to normal. Warning: Brake fluid is highly chemically aggressive - do not allow it to come into contact with your eyes or paint on body panels! Do not use hydraulic fluid that has been standing for more than one year or stored in a loosely closed container to add to the system. Remember that brake fluid is very hygroscopic and has the ability to absorb moisture from the air, after which its effectiveness is noticeably reduced!

During the level adjustment stage, the condition of the fluid and the inner walls of the tank should also be carefully checked. If mud deposits, solid foreign particles or water droplets are detected, the system should be emptied and filled with fresh hydraulic fluid (see Chapter Clutch and drive shafts or Brake system).

Once the tank is filled to the required level, place the lid on it tightly.

Remember that the hydraulic fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir slowly drops as the brake pads wear down, but this drop is always very small. If the fluid has to be topped up too often, there is a leak in the system, the source of which must be identified and the cause eliminated without delay. Carefully inspect all brake lines and their nipple connections, including the calipers, wheel cylinders and the vacuum booster servo (for more details, see Section Checking the brake system). A drop in the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder reservoir indicates the presence of leaks in the clutch master cylinder hydraulic drive system (see Chapter Clutch and drive shafts).

If, during the check of the fluid level in the brake master cylinder, it is revealed that its reservoir is almost empty, the brake system must be completely bled (see Chapter Brake system).