Description

Honda Accord 1979 Workshop Manual

You’ve got a 1979 Honda Accord 1979 Workshop Manual on the bench, and I’ll tell you right now—this isn’t some aftermarket reprint full of generic torque values. This is the supplement Honda Motor Co. printed in November 1979 (first edition) to cover the 1980 model year changes. 98 pages, factory-bound, with the exact chassis codes and engine serial number breaks you need to tell a 4-speed from a Hondamatic before you pull a single bolt. If you’re working on an Accord from this era and you’ve been guessing on suspension bolts or electrical pinouts, you’ve been wasting time—and risking a tow truck bill.

Engine and Electrical: Two Sections You Can’t Skip

The manual is split into sections you’d expect: General Information, Special Tools, Maintenance, Engine, Engine Electrical, Transaxle, Brakes, Suspension, and Body Electrical. But here’s what matters—the Engine section includes the exact disassembly sequence and the bolt torques that Honda specified at the factory. The Electrical section covers the engine electrical system (starter, alternator, ignition) and the body electrical (lights, gauges, switches). If you’ve ever chased a no-crank on a 1979 Accord because someone swapped a 1.6L with a 1.8L, you know how critical those engine code pages are. Page 1-2 lists the chassis and engine codes—don’t skip it.

3 Real-World Use Cases for This 1979 Accord Manual

First: You’re rebuilding the front suspension on a 1979 Accord hatchback. The manual gives you the thread sizes and bolt torques right there in the exploded view index—no hunting through 50 pages. Second: The engine won’t fire after a head gasket job. The Engine Electrical section walks you through the troubleshooting tree for the ignition system—not a generic “check spark” but the actual test points. Third: You need the special tool list. Page 2-2 lists the newly provided special tools and those common with other models. If you don’t have the right puller for the transaxle output shaft bearing, you’ll damage the case. This manual saves you that headache.

Does This Manual Cover the Fuel System?

Short answer: The main fuel system procedures (carburetor, fuel pump) are in the base Shop Manual (No. 6267102). This supplement only adds information specific to the 1980 Accord—things like the new emissions controls and wiring changes. If you need the full fuel system tear-down, you’ll want the base manual too. But for the engine electrical, suspension, and brakes on a 1979–1980 model year Accord, this is your single source. Don’t trust a third-party PDF that says “covers all years” when it’s missing the 1980 updates. This one is stamped by Honda.

Source Validity: OEM vs Aftermarket Documentation

I’ve seen aftermarket manuals that list the front brake caliper torque as 36 ft-lb when the factory spec is 22–28 ft-lb. That’s a rotor warp waiting to happen—or a caliper that snaps off on the highway. This manual is printed by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Service Publication Office, with the original engineering data. No guesswork. The warning and caution icons are standard: WARNING for severe personal injury, CAUTION for equipment damage. And the manual specifically says it does not include standard workshop safety procedures—so you’d better know how to jack a car safely before you use it. But the data is factory-locked.

Tools and Special Tools (Page 2-2)

Page 2-2 lists three categories: special tools newly provided for this model, special tools common with other models, and general service tools. The manual doesn’t give you part numbers—those are in the back of the base manual—but the tool descriptions (like the flywheel holder or oil seal driver) mean you can cross-reference with Honda’s tool catalog. If you’re a home garage guy, this section tells you whether you can improvise or need to buy the SST. My rule: If Honda says use the special tool for the transaxle oil seal, don’t hammer in a socket—you’ll distort the seal and get a leak in 500 miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this manual cover the carburetor adjustment?

A: The supplement references the base manual for carburetor procedures. The 1980-specific data is mostly engine electrical and emission changes.

Q: What torque specs are included for the suspension?

A: The suspension section lists bolt torques in the exploded view index on the section’s first pages. For example, the strut-to-steering knuckle bolt spec is factory-stamped. No guesswork.

Q: Can I use this manual for a 1978 Accord?

A: This supplement is for the 1980 model year changes applied to the 1979 chassis. If your car is a 1978, you need the earlier base manual. The engine codes and wiring differ.

Q: How do I know which transmission my car has from the manual?

A: Page 1-2 gives the model designation codes: B for Hondamatic, D for 4-speed manual sedan, F for 2-door sedan (manual), E for 5-speed hatchback. Match your VIN or serial number to the code and you’ll get the right shift linkage and fluid specs.

Look, I’ve been turning wrenches since before most of these Accords were built. You want to finish the job without a parts cannon approach? Access the Factory Manual from AutoRepairManuals and keep it next to your torque wrench. Related manuals: Honda Accord 1990-1993 Workshop Manual – Section: Engine Fuel-Injected Engine, Honda Accord 1998-2002 Service Manual, Honda Accord 1994 Service Manual. For background on why factory specs matter, see Automotive Industry Overview and Manual Transmission.