1988 Honda Accord Repair Manual PDF

The 1988 Honda Accord Repair Manual provides comprehensive technical information for maintaining and repairing the third-generation Honda Accord. Covering all models including DX, LX, and LXi trims with 2.0L carbureted and fuel-injected engines, manual and automatic transmissions, this manual includes detailed procedures for engine overhaul, transmission service, brake systems, suspension, electrical systems, and routine maintenance. Below are key sections for specifications, maintenance schedules, repair procedures, troubleshooting, and technical data.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedules 3. Engine Repair 4. Transmission Service 5. Brake Systems 6. Suspension & Steering 7. Electrical Systems 8. Heating & AC 9. Body & Interior 10. Troubleshooting Guide 11. Wiring Diagrams

Vehicle Specifications

Technical specifications for all 1988 Honda Accord models including engine, transmission, dimensions, and capacities.

Specification	Details
Engine Type	2.0L 4-cylinder (EW1, EW2)
Horsepower	98 hp (carbureted) / 110 hp (fuel-injected)
Transmission	5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Fuel System	Keihin carburetor or PGM-FI
Wheelbase	102.4 inches
Curb Weight	2,500-2,700 lbs
Fuel Capacity	15.9 gallons
Oil Capacity	4.2 quarts (with filter)
Coolant Capacity	6.3 quarts
Brake System	Front disc, rear drum

Maintenance Schedules

Recommended maintenance intervals for optimal vehicle performance and longevity.

Oil and filter change: Every 7,500 miles or 6 months
Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles
Air filter replacement: Every 30,000 miles
Spark plugs: Every 30,000 miles
Timing belt: Every 60,000 miles
Coolant flush: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Brake fluid: Every 2 years
Transmission fluid: Every 30,000 miles

WARNING! Always use genuine Honda parts for optimal performance and warranty compliance.

Engine Repair

Comprehensive engine service procedures including tune-up, overhaul, and component replacement.

Valve Adjustment: 0.006-0.007 in (cold)
Compression: 178 psi minimum, 14 psi max variation
Ignition Timing: 16° BTDC (manual), 15° BTDC (automatic)
Idle Speed: 700 ± 50 rpm (manual), 750 ± 50 rpm (automatic)
Fuel Pressure: 33-40 psi (PGM-FI)

CAUTION! Always disconnect battery before working on electrical components.

Transmission Service

Manual and automatic transmission service, adjustment, and repair procedures.

Manual transmission fluid: Honda MTF, 2.2 quarts
Automatic transmission fluid: Honda ATF, 6.9 quarts
Clutch adjustment: 0.4-0.8 inch free play
Shift linkage adjustment: Neutral position alignment
Differential fluid: 1.7 quarts (automatic)

Tip: Check for leaks at axle seals and transmission pan regularly.

Brake Systems

Front disc and rear drum brake service, including pad replacement and system bleeding.

Component	Specification
Front brake pad thickness	Replace at 0.12 inch minimum
Rotor thickness	0.866 inch minimum, 0.906 inch standard
Rear brake shoe	Replace at 0.039 inch minimum
Drum diameter	7.87 inch maximum
Brake fluid	DOT 3 or DOT 4

WARNING! Always bleed brake system after component replacement.

Suspension & Steering

Front MacPherson strut and rear double wishbone suspension service and alignment.

Strut replacement: Support vehicle properly before disassembly
Ball joint inspection: Check for play and boot damage
Tie rod ends: Replace if play exceeds specifications
Wheel alignment: Toe-in 0 ± 2mm, camber -0°30' ± 45'
Power steering fluid: Honda power steering fluid only

Electrical Systems

Complete electrical system diagnosis and repair including charging, starting, and lighting.

Battery: 12V, 45 Ah minimum
Alternator: 70 amp output
Starter: 1.4 kW brush inspection at 100,000 miles
Fuses: Main 80A, Battery 50A
Bulb types: Headlight 60/55W, Brake 21W

CAUTION! Disconnect battery before electrical work to prevent shorts.

Heating & AC

HVAC system service including compressor, blower motor, and control systems.

AC refrigerant: R-12, 2.0 lbs capacity
Compressor oil: Suniso 5GS, 5.4 oz
Blower motor resistance: 0.9-1.2 ohms
Heater core flush: Reverse flow cleaning
AC pressure: Low 25-35 psi, High 200-250 psi

Body & Interior

Body panel repair, interior component replacement, and trim installation.

Door adjustment: Hinge bolt torque 16 ft-lbs
Window regulator: Cable replacement procedure
Seat removal: 14mm bolt, 40 ft-lbs torque
Dashboard: Component access and removal sequence

Tip: Use proper trim tools to avoid damaging plastic components.

Troubleshooting Guide

Common problems and solutions for 1988 Honda Accord.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Hard starting	Fuel pump, ignition	Check fuel pressure, spark plugs, ignition timing
Overheating	Thermostat, radiator	Replace thermostat, flush cooling system
Transmission slipping	Fluid level, bands	Check fluid, adjust bands, replace filter
Brake pulsation	Warped rotors	Resurface or replace front rotors
Electrical issues	Ground connections	Clean and tighten all ground points

Wiring Diagrams

Complete electrical schematics for all systems including engine management, lighting, and accessories.

Engine control unit pinouts and testing
Charging system circuit diagrams
Lighting system wiring colors and connections
Dashboard instrument cluster schematics
Power window and lock wiring

Service Support: Honda Technical Service Bulletins available for common issues