Honda complemented its existing compact Civic with the mid-size Accord in the 1976 model year. In 1994, Honda redesigned the Accord for the fifth time in its lifespan. This time, however, the redesign was drastic, as it gave the Accord a smoother ride, improved handling and better aerodynamics. The 1995 Accord had optional antilock brakes in its LX trim line and standard ABS in the EX trim level. The Accord’s ABS system used a hydraulic unit, which Honda dubbed the ABS modulator unit, to control the fluid pressure to each wheel. Air in this modulator can create havoc in the Accord’s ABS, but bleeding the system at the first sign of problems can prevent any potentially disastrous failures.
Find the antilock brake system modulator unit on the driver’s side of the firewall. Pull the rubber cap from the bleeder valve, the 1/4-inch metal valve, on the top of the unit. Slide a six-point box-end wrench on the bleeder valve and press a 1/4-inch inside diameter clear vinyl hose onto the valve.
Guide the free end of the vinyl hose into a clear container.
Hold the container and hose with one hand and turn the box-end wrench one-eighth to one-quarter of a turn clockwise to start the flow of brake fluid into the container.
Tighten the bleeder valve once the flow of brake fluid stops.
Instruct an assistant to start the engine, and allow the engine to idle for about one minute. Tell the assistant to turn off the engine.
Repeat steps 3 through 5 until no more fluid comes from the vinyl hose. You may need to repeat the steps three or four times to drain all of the fluid.
Unscrew the cap from the brake fluid reservoir and fill the reservoir to the “Max” line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Slowly pour the fluid to avoid bubbles forming in the reservoir.
Repeat steps 3 through 5 two additional times, then top off the brake fluid reservoir with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid.
Turn the box-end wrench one-eighth to one-quarter of a turn, and tell your assistant to start the engine. Listen as the ABS modulator’s pump starts once the engine is running.
Close the bleeder valve once a smooth stream of fluid flows from the vinyl hose. Leave the engine idling until you hear the modulator’s pump shut off, then turn off the engine. If the “ABS” light turns on during this process, shut off the engine and repeat steps 9 and 10.
Check the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir and top it off as needed. Press the rubber cap back onto the bleeder valve.
