Service Bulletin

Applies To:

03-034
September 2, 2003

See VEHICLES AFFECTED

Product Update: 199801 Accord 8-Way Power Drivers Seat

(Supersedes 03-034, Product Update: 1998-99 Accord 8-Way Power Drivers Seat, dated June 19, 2003) BACKGROUND On affected vehicles, the height adjustment linkage of the 8-way power drivers seat can cause excessive looseness in the seat-back and the seat cushion. VEHICLES AFFECTED Since affected vehicles are spread throughout the model years for 199801 Accords, a list of affected VINs is not practical in this bulletin. Instead, verify the eligibility of each vehicle by checking at least one of these items: The customer has a notification letter. The vehicle is shown on your campaign responsibility report. The vehicle is shown as eligible on an i N VIN status inquiry. If any affected vehicles are in your used vehicle inventory, repair them as described in this service bulletin. CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION All owners of affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this product update. An example of the customer notification is at the end of this service bulletin. CORRECTIVE ACTION Depending on the condition of the seat linkage, install a seat link support kit, or replace the seat linkage assembly. PARTS INFORMATION Seat Link Support Kit (contains two-piece bracket, shoulder nut, and two Allen-head bolts): P/N 81512-S84-999, H/C 7466022
RECLINE COVER HEIGHT OUTER COVER

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

OP#

Description Install seat link support kit Install seat linkage assembly

FRT 0.6 1.2

851139 851141

Failed Part: Defect Code: Contention Code: Skill Level:

P/N 81512-S84-A21 H/C 5617956 5BD L94 Repair Technician

REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Position the drivers seat for removal: Adjust the seat to the middle of its tracks. Adjust the seat cushion height all the way up at the front and rear. 2. Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the radio, then write down the radio station presets. 3. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery. 4. Remove the drivers seat (see pages 20-99 and 20-101 of the 199802 Accord Service Manual). 5. Carefully pry off the two switch knobs from the seat, then remove the recline cover (three screws) and the height outer cover (three screws).

SWITCH KNOBS

2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved

ATB 25297-25949 (0309)

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CUSTOMER INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,

and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by do-it-yourselfers, and you should not assume this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Honda automobile dealer.

6. Remove and discard the 10 mm flange nut that attaches the front torsion tube to the recline adjuster.
RECLINE ADJUSTER

9. Place the top half of the seat link bracket on the end of the front torsion tube, then attach the bracket to the recline adjuster with the shoulder nut. Center the inner flange of the shoulder nut in the bracket opening, and hand-tighten the nut.

FLANGE NUT

FRONT TORSION TUBE

REAR TORX SCREW (Loosen.)

OUTER SEAT TRACK

SHOULDER NUT

7. Loosen the rear Torx screw that attaches the front torsion tube bracket to the outer seat track. 8. Look for cracks or other damage on the link welded to the front torsion tube. If the link is OK, go to step 9. If the link is cracked or damaged, replace the seat linkage assembly (see page 20-112 or 20-114 of the 199802 Accord Service Manual). - Use the parts catalog for the correct parts information. - Do not return the vehicle to your customer until you have installed a new seat linkage assembly. If your customer does not have alternate transportation, arrange a rental car. - After you replace the seat linkage assembly, go to step 12.
Look for cracks or damage here.
TABS (FACING INWARD) SEAT LINK BRACKET (TOP HALF)

SEAT LINK BRACKET (BOTTOM HALF) 3/16-inch ALLEN-HEAD BOLTS

10. Position the bottom half of the seat link bracket to the top half, with the tabs on the bottom half facing inward. Hand-tighten the 3/16th-inch Allen-head bolts. 11. Torque the screw, nut, and bolts to these specifications: Rear Torx screw: 10 N.m (2.2 lb-ft) Shoulder nut: 8.5 N.m (1.9 lb-ft) Allen-head bolts: 8.5 N.m (1.9 lb-ft) 12. Install the recline cover and the height outer cover. Attach the two switch knobs. 13. Install the seat (see pages 20-99 and 20-101 of the service manual). 14. Reconnect the negative cable to the battery. 15. Verify proper operation of the seat. 16. Enter the anti-theft code for the radio. 17. Enter the radio station presets, and set the clock.

LINK

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03-034

18. Center-punch a completion mark above the 6th character of the engine compartment VIN.
Center-punch here.

1HGCXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Example of Customer Letter

July 2003

Product Update: 199801 Accord Power Drivers Seat

Dear Accord Owner: This notice has been sent to inform you of a potential problem with your vehicle and what you should do to resolve it. What is the problem? The drivers seat height adjustment linkage can cause excessive looseness in the seat-back and the seat cushion. What should you do? Call any authorized Honda dealer, and make an appointment to have your vehicle repaired. The dealer will inspect the drivers seat, and repair or replace parts, as needed. This work will be done free of charge until January 1, 2005. After that, you will be responsible for the charges. When you bring your vehicle in for the repair, please plan to leave it at the dealer for half a day to allow them some flexibility in scheduling. What to do if you feel this notice is in error. Our records show that you are the current owner or lessee of a 199801 Accord involved in this product update. If this is not the case, or the name/address information is incorrect, please fill out and return the included, postage-paid Information Change Card. This will help update our records. If you have questions. If you have questions about this notice, or need assistance with contacting a Honda dealer, please call Automobile Customer Service at (800) 999-1009. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. Sincerely, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Honda Automobile Division

03-034

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