Diagnose Common Issues with 1998 to 2002 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular daily driver for many, but it also has its issues. Here are the most common problems owners have experienced with the 6th gen Accord, years 1998 to 2002.
Top 5 Problems 6th Gen 1998-2002 Honda Accord
1. Automatic Transmission Shifting Problems
Symptoms of Automatic Transmission Shifting Problems on the 1998 to 2002 Honda Accord
- The automatic transmission is slipping
- Transmission slams into gear
- P0780 code appears
Causes of Automatic Shifting Transmissions Problems
The 6th gen Accord’s automatic transmission tends to have issues when shifting
How to Fix Automatic Transmission Shifting Problems
Check the Transmission Fluid
Steps for Checking the Transmission Fluid
- Warm Up the Engine and Shift The Transmission Settings
Warm up the engine and shift through each transmission setting
- Park on Level Ground
Park the car on flat, level ground
- Remove the Transmission Dipstick
Find the transmission dipstick with a yellow handle
- Clean the Transmission Dipstick
Clean the transmission dipstick with a cloth
- Reinsert and Remove the Dipstick
Reinsert and remove the dipstick again for a more accurate reading
- Check the Transmission Fluid Level
Confirm there is enough fluid. The fluid should be over the minimum level mark on the dipstick
- Inspect the Transmission Fluid’s Condition
Check for a redder color. A little amount of gray material means the inside is breaking down, which is normal on automatic transmissions. The more gray material the worse condition it is in. If the fluid is brown or black, it needs to be replaced. Fluid that smells burnt, like a camp fire, and not sweet, also needs to be replaced.
If there is an issue with the transmission, since the 6th gen Accord is known to have automatic transmission issues, a Honda dealership will help fix this issue.
Read more about a transmission that’s slipping, jerking, or low on fluid
2. Clogged EGR Parts
Symptoms of Clogged EGR Parts
- Engine stalling
- Lack of engine power
Causes of Clogged EGR Parts
Carbon tends to build up in the exhaust port and clog up the EGR. This issue is so common in Hondas there is a special flex drill tool to fix it.
How to Fix Clogged EGR Parts
- Remove the two bolts from the EGR valve
- Test the EGR and clean the exhaust ports
- There is a flex drill that attaches to an electric drill. Insert it into the exhaust port, bore it out, and use the brush the clean it
3. Motor Mount Failure
Symptoms of Motor Mount Failure
- When shifting the engine jerks
- Loud clunking noise from the front
- Vibrating inside the car
- The engine is capable of moving or shifting around loosely more than usual
Read more about the symptoms of bad motor mounts
Causes of Motor Mount Failure
6th Gen Honda Accord has hydraulic motor mounts that are known to leak. They are made of rubber with hydraulic fluid in the middle. The rubber can rot and tear.
How to Fix Motor Mount Failure
Inspect the motor mounts for rotting or tearing. Replace the motor mount if it is defective.
4. Peeling Paint
Symptoms of Peeling Paint
- Layers of the paint tend to peel
Causes of Peeling Paint Problems on the 1998 to 2002 Honda Accord
Primer, paint, and clear coat tends to fade and peel on the 6th gen Accord
How to Fix Peeling Paint
Clear the paint, sand it, and repaint it
5. Windshield Seal
Symptoms of a Bad Windshield Seal
- Weatherstripping loosens and peels
Causes of a Bad Windshield Seal
The weatherstripping tends to loosen and peel on the 1998 to 2002 6th gen Honda Accord. Water tends to collect in the stripping and it can rot out where the upper part of the window meets the top of the car.
Bonus! Frayed Negative Battery Cable Wires
A common problem on all Hondas, the negative battery cable wire tends to shred and tear apart from part of the cable being exposed to the elements.
Fix Your Own 6th Gen Honda Accord with 1A Auto’s How-to Videos
Learn how to fix many parts on the 6th gen Honda Accord like the window regulator, headlights, side view mirrors, door handles, and more with 1A Auto’s how-to videos.
Shop 6th Gen Honda Accord Parts
Related Content
- Honda Accord Brake Problems – Cause & Solution
- Most Common 9th Gen Honda Accord Problems?
- Is your Transmission Slipping, Jerking, or Low on Fluid?
- Signs of transmission failure and ways to prevent it
- Reddish Fluid Leaking From Your Car?
- What are the Symptoms of Bad Motor Mounts?
- Tips to Make a Weatherstripping Replacement Easier
Honda Accord 6th Generation Model Years
