Hello, I'm spanking brand new here and clueless by way of L.A. (lower Alabama). I have a 2003 Accord, 6-cyl, auto trans with 176,000+ miles. I left work last night (Friday the 13th) and I noticed my brake lights were on. I checked to make sure my lights were off (which they were) and my battery was dead. I couldn't move the trans out of park either to push it into position for a jump.

I received a jump and suddenly my alarm sounded (sorry, I don't have a key fob) and my headlights started blinking on and off. Turned on my lights to stop the flashing and a friend followed me home. They told me my brake lights did not indicate any braking. I had to disconnect my battery when I made it home.

Also, my maintenance required light came on earlier this week. I took it to the local parts store and had it coded. It was a DTC something or other, but since I have actual Honda manuals, I thought I could figure it out and fix it myself.

Now I know I may have been mistaken.

Hanging my head low, what to do...what to do??

 

I've moved this to General Tech for better answers.

 

Are your brake lights on all of the time? If yes, inspect the brake pedal switch. The switch post is pressed closed when your foot is off of the brake pedal. The switch post extends out when you press on the brake pedal.

See if the plastic stop that pushes the post is there.

Here is a video on how to replace one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_-__yTAM5I

 

You will need to have code read again, and post the code (Pnnnn) to the forum to get help.

Maintenance Minder light (wrench symbol) does not indicate a problem, only that maintenance is due.

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL engine symbol) indicates a troube code (DTC) is set requiring some diagnosis and repair.

good luck

 

Thank you for your all your help! It was, indeed, the brake pedal switch. The plastic tab had fallen apart and was the source of the problem. HOWEVER, since a key fob didn't come with my vehicle purchase; the security system was still alarmed and I was unaware of it. Not the parts person at Honda told me, not the Honda maintenance manuals I purchased (absolute gold), not the video I watched. So, I continued to troubleshoot the care as if there was a problem.

After buying the pedal switch itself to the tune of $45 and change and installing it, I still had the same problem...flashing lights and blaring horn. I took it to the parts store and had it coded again, to which he said that there were no codes and he looked as dumb-founded as I was. Long story short, I called a friend who happened to be a former brake and dealer mechanic. I explained my situation and he told me it was the security system and I had to find a way to disarm it. Reading my "Owners Manual" told me to unlock the front door with my key.

Problem solved and I have my car back! This a valuable lesson in over-thinking a problem. I spent an extra $45 and change unnecessarily over a $5 quick fix because I let it get the best of me. In my defense, since I don't have a key fob, I had no idea that it was my security system being alarmed still. Either way, don't I feel a wee bit stupid-

Now, if I can just get some help on turning off the maintenance required light...

 

Resetting the maintenance required indicator is in the owner's manual and done with the select/reset ****.

 

The maintenance required light will come on every 4000 miles or so, just to remind you to do maintenance (oil changes, air filter, etc.). It does not mean there is something wrong with the engine. The check engine light will come on if there is a real problem. To reset the maintenance required light: Get in the car, and close the door, then turn all lights etc. off. With key turned off, hold the trip odometer reset button down with your left hand, then turn the key on (no need to start engine) with your right hand. Continue to hold the button down, till the light goes out. The procedure is in the owner's manual. If you don't have an owner's manual, you can get the information from Honda owner's link online.

 

Thanks for the helpful information guys. Everything is good now with my Accord. The last maintenance issues I'm having are the valve cover gasket replacement and the engine mounts. Saving my pennies and time for that one.
Until then, have a great one!