If you’re wondering how to turn off Eco Mode on Honda Accord, you’ve come to the right place. This quick and easy guide will walk you through the simple steps, explain what the system does, and help you decide when you might want to switch it off for a more responsive drive.
Eco Mode is a fuel-saving feature found in many modern Honda Accords. When activated, it adjusts your car’s engine and transmission behavior to prioritize efficiency over power. You’ll notice a green “ECON” light on your dashboard when it’s on. While great for saving gas on long highway trips, you might find the driving feel a bit sluggish in certain situations. Turning it off is straightforward, and we’ll cover every model year and method.
How To Turn Off Eco Mode On Honda Accord
Let’s get straight to the main event. The process for deactivating Eco Mode is almost identical for most Honda Accord models from around 2013 onwards. The primary control is a physical button on your dashboard.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Deactivate Eco Mode
- Start your Honda Accord or turn the ignition to the “ON” position. The engine can be running or not for this to work.
- Locate the ECON button on your dashboard. It is almost always to the left of the steering wheel, near the driver’s side vent or the headlight controls. The button is clearly labeled with the word “ECON” and often has a green leaf symbol.
- Press the ECON button. You should feel it click. If the system was active, the green “ECON” indicator light on your instrument cluster will immediately turn off.
- Confirm the change. Take a quick glance at your dashboard. The absence of the green ECON light confirms that Eco Mode is now off and your car will return to its normal driving settings.
That’s all there is to it! The change takes effect instantly. You can toggle Eco Mode on and off as often as you like, even while driving. There’s no harm in switching it based on your current needs.
What If My Accord Doesn’t Have a Physical Button?
For the newest Honda Accord models (typically 2023 and later), the control might be integrated into the touchscreen infotainment system. Here’s how to manage it:
- On the home screen of your touchscreen, look for a “Settings” or “Vehicle” menu icon.
- Navigate to “Vehicle Settings” and then look for an option related to “Driver Assistance” or “Eco Assist.”
- Within that menu, you should find a toggle switch for the ECON system. Simply tap it to turn the mode off.
- The dashboard indicator light will still be your visual confirmation that the mode has changed state.
Understanding the ECON Button Light
It’s important to understand the button’s own light versus the dashboard indicator. The physical ECON button itself often has a small built-in light that shows whether the system is ready to be activated, not whether it’s currently on. The true status is always shown by the green “ECON” word or symbol within your instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. Don’t get confused by the button’s own illumination.
Why Would You Want to Turn Eco Mode Off?
Eco Mode is beneficial, but it’s not perfect for every driving scenario. Here are common reasons drivers choose to turn it off:
- Increased Acceleration Needs: Merging onto a fast highway, passing a truck, or navigating steep hills. Eco Mode reduces throttle response, which can make these maneuvers feel less confident.
- Driving in Hilly or Mountainous Areas: The system may struggle to find the right gear, causing frequent shifting or a feeling of the transmission “hunting.”
- Better Air Conditioning Performance: Eco Mode can reduce the compressor’s workload to save fuel, leading to slightly less effective cooling on very hot days.
- Preferring a More Responsive Drive: Some drivers simply find the normal driving mode more enjoyable and connected, and are willing to trade a small amount of fuel economy for that feeling.
- When Using Cruise Control: On rolling hills, Eco Mode might allow more speed variation before responding. Turning it off can make cruise control hold a steadier speed.
What Exactly Does Eco Mode Change?
When you press that ECON button, you’re altering several of your car’s systems. Knowing what changes can help you decide when to use it.
Engine and Throttle Response
The most noticeable change is in the throttle mapping. In Eco Mode, pressing the accelerator pedal further results in a slower increase in engine power compared to normal mode. This encourages smoother, more gradual acceleration, which is a key factor in saving fuel. It can feel like there’s a slight delay when you step on the gas.
Transmission Shift Points
For automatic Accords, the transmission will shift to a higher gear (like 5th or 6th) much sooner. It aims to keep the engine revolutions per minute (RPM) as low as possible. While efficient, this can lead to a lack of power if you suddenly need it, as the engine is not in its optimal power band.
Climate Control System
The ECON system modifies the operation of the air conditioning compressor. It may run less frequently or at a reduced capacity. The fan speed might also be automatically managed more aggressively for efficiency. You might feel a bit less cold air on the max A/C setting.
Other Vehicle Systems (on some models)
- Idle Stop Function: This may operate more frequently or under broader conditions.
- Electric Power Steering: Assist levels might be adjusted for lower energy draw.
Fuel Economy Impact: How Much Does Eco Mode Actually Save?
This is the big question. Honda states that the ECON system can improve fuel efficiency, but the actual amount varies dramatically based on:
- Your driving style (it helps aggressive drivers more)
- Road conditions (city vs. highway)
- Traffic patterns
- Weather
In real-world use, most drivers report a modest improvement of 1 to 3 miles per gallon on average. In city driving with lots of stops and starts, the savings can be more noticeable. On a steady highway cruise, the difference might be minimal because your driving is already efficient. The trade-off for that small gain is the reduced performance we discussed. It’s a personal choice whether the trade is worth it for you.
Troubleshooting Common Eco Mode Issues
Sometimes, things don’t work as expected. Here are solutions to frequent problems.
ECON Button or Light Isn’t Working
- Check the Fuse: A blown fuse in the interior fuse box could disable the button. Consult your owner’s manual for the fuse location and amperage.
- Basic Reset: Turn the car off, open and close the driver’s door, wait a minute, and restart. This can reset minor electrical glitches.
- Battery Disconnect: For persistent electrical issues, disconnecting the car battery for 10-15 minutes can perform a full system reset. Remember you may need to reset your clock and radio presets.
Eco Mode Turns Off By Itself
This is usually normal behavior, not a fault. The system will temporarily deactivate under certain conditions to provide full power, such as:
- When you fully depress the accelerator pedal (kick-down).
- If the climate control system determines maximum cooling or heating is urgently needed.
- When the battery charge is low and requires more alternator output.
The green light will typically come back on once the condition normalizes.
Can’t Find the ECON Button in an Older Accord
If you have an older Honda Accord (roughly 2008-2012), you might not have a dedicated ECON button. These models often used an “ECON” position on the automatic transmission’s shift lever (usually a separate gate labeled “D3” or with an ECON light). Shifting into this position enabled an economy-oriented shift pattern. Simply shifting back to the normal “D” position turns it off. Refer to your specific year’s owner’s manual for clarity.
Manual Transmission and Eco Mode
If you drive a manual transmission Honda Accord, the Eco Mode system works a bit differently. Since you control the gear shifts, the system primarily adjusts the throttle response and the climate control system. It may also include an upshift indicator light on the dashboard, suggesting when to shift to a higher gear for optimal efficiency. You can still turn this mode on and off with the same ECON button, and the driving feel will be notably different in terms of accelerator sensitivity.
Making the Decision: On or Off?
There’s no right or wrong answer. The best approach is to be flexible and use the mode according to the situation. Try these strategies:
- Use Eco Mode For: Long highway commutes, stop-and-go traffic where you can’t accelerate quickly anyway, and when you’re consciously trying to maximize your fuel range.
- Turn Eco Mode Off For: Spirited driving on back roads, mountainous terrain, when you need maximum A/C performance, or any time you feel the reduced power is a safety or confidence issue during merging or passing.
Experiment on your regular routes. Drive with it on for a week, then off for a week, and note your fuel economy and your personal satisfaction with the drive. This will give you the best personal data to make your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it bad to drive with Eco Mode off all the time?
No, it is not bad at all. Driving with Eco Mode off simply means your car is operating in its standard, default mode. You will not damage the vehicle. The only difference will be a slight decrease in fuel economy and a more responsive driving experience.
Does Eco Mode affect engine life or cause more wear?
No, Eco Mode is designed by Honda’s engineers to operate well within safe parameters for the engine and transmission. In fact, by promoting smoother acceleration and lower RPMs, it could potentially reduce some types of wear over a very long period. It does not harm your engine.
Why does my Eco Mode light sometimes blink?
A blinking green ECON light is part of Honda’s “Eco Assist” feedback system. It blinks during acceleration when you are pressing the accelerator in a way that uses more fuel. A solid green light means you are driving efficiently. It’s just a guide, not an indication of a problem.
Can I permanently disable the Eco Mode on my Honda Accord?
There is no official “permanent disable” setting in the vehicle menu. The system will default to either on or off based on the last setting when you turned the car off. However, you cannot delete the function entirely without advanced technical modifications, which is not recommended.
What’s the difference between Eco Mode and the “EV” mode in hybrids?
This is important for Accord Hybrid owners. Eco Mode adjusts systems for efficiency. “EV Mode” (if equipped) is a separate button that forces the hybrid system to use only electric power for short distances at low speeds, provided the battery has enough charge. They are two distinct features.
My fuel economy seems worse with Eco Mode on. Why?
This can happen, especially if you subconsciously press the accelerator harder to compensate for the reduced throttle response. If you fight the system by driving more aggressively to get the power you expect, you can negate any fuel savings or even use more fuel. It works best when you adopt a calm, smooth driving style to match it.
We hope this guide has given you a clear, complete understanding of how to turn off Eco Mode on your Honda Accord and how to use the feature intelligently. Remember, that button is there to give you control. Use it to match your car’s behavior to your driving needs, whether you’re prioritizing savings at the pump or a more engaging drive on the road ahead.