While a new battery in a Honda Accord should last you several years, factors like driving conditions and weather can affect its lifespan. If you experience problems with a newly-installed battery in your Honda Accord, it's most likely due to one of three causes: a faulty battery, an improperly-connected battery or a faulty alternator.
Check the condition of the new battery. Pop your Accord's hood and locate the battery, which is positioned behind the headlight on the driver's side of the vehicle. Look at the test indicator window on the battery itself (the exact location of this window will vary based on the make and model of battery installed in the vehicle). If the test indicator gives a poor reading, then the newly-installed battery may be no good; replace it with a new battery.
Clean off any corrosion on the battery. The corrosion will appear as a white or yellowy powder on the battery's terminals. Cover the corroded terminals with a paste made from baking soda and water; wait until the paste stops bubbling, then rinse with water only. Dry it with a clean paper towel.
Disconnect and reconnect the battery to the vehicle. Make sure the vehicle and all its electrical systems are completely turned off, and that the Accord is positioned on a flat surface with the parking brake on. You may choose to place wheel blocks behind the tires to prevent rolling. Disconnect the negative cable first, followed by the positive. Allow the vehicle to rest for a few seconds before reconnecting the cables in the reverse order: positive first, negative last. Try starting your Accord to see if the battery problem is solved.
Increase your vehicle's idling ability by driving your Accord at a slow speed. The website "2 Car Pros" reports that when a battery is disconnected or replaced, your vehicle may lose its "memory" for idling. This can lead to stalling. Begin traveling at a slow speed; try to maintain this speed throughout. "2 Car Pros" suggest that when you feel your vehicle try to stall, gently press on the gas pedal. Continue to do this until your vehicle warms up to its standard operating speed. Once this happens, it should regain its "memory" and work like it did before the battery change.
Look for the "Charging System Indicator" lamp located on your vehicle's dashboard. If this light turns on, it means the alternator is not charging the battery. The 2011 Accord Owner's Guide advises drivers to turn off all non-essential electrical systems (such as your radio or heated seats) and take your car directly to a certified Honda repair shop. Do not turn off your vehicle, as restarting the engine will significantly deplete the battery.
