How to adjust the clock in a Honda Accord?

Adjusting the clock in a Honda Accord is typically done through the infotainment system or, on older models, a dedicated clock button on the center stack. The exact steps depend on the model year and trim, with newer cars offering on-screen time settings and GPS-based automatic updates.

The following guide covers both modern Accords with Display Audio and older Accords that use a physical clock control. In all cases, start with the ignition on or in ACC/ON position to access the clock settings. If Auto Time is available, you can choose to let GPS update the time automatically, or switch to manual time if you prefer to set it yourself.

Modern Accords with Display Audio (2018–present)

Follow these steps to adjust the clock on newer Honda Accords that use the touchscreen Display Audio system. The exact menu names may vary slightly by trim, but the path generally remains Settings > Clock or Settings > Time.

1. Ensure the car is in Park and the ignition is on or in ACC/ON.


2. On the touchscreen, tap Settings (or the gear/settings icon).


3. Select Clock or Time. If you see Time Zone or 12/24 Hour options, you can adjust those here as well.


4. If Auto Time is enabled, toggle it Off to set the time manually.


5. Use the on-screen controls (or +/- arrows) to set the hours, then the minutes. Some models require you to press a separate button to switch between hour and minute settings.


6. Confirm your selection by selecting Save or OK, or simply wait a moment for the setting to be saved automatically on some systems.


7. If you want the clock to update automatically again, re-enable Auto Time or GPS-based time synchronization.

If your model supports 12-hour or 24-hour formats, you can typically choose your preferred format in the same Clock/Time menu. GPS-enabled models will often reflect time zone changes automatically when you travel across zones.

Older Accords with a physical clock button (pre-2018)

On earlier models, a physical CLOCK button on the center stack is usually used to adjust the time. The procedure can vary slightly by generation, but the general method is similar:

1. Turn the ignition to ON and locate the CLOCK button on the dashboard or center console.


2. Press and hold the CLOCK button until the digits on the display begin to flash.


3. Use the TUNE/SCROLL knob or the +/- controls to set the hours. Some models require tapping dedicated H or M buttons to switch between hours and minutes.


4. Press the CLOCK button again to switch to minutes, then adjust minutes in the same way.


5. Press the CLOCK button one final time (or simply wait a few seconds) to confirm and save the new time.

Note that some trims without a dedicated clock control may require going through the radio or navigation menu to adjust the time. If the clock does not respond as described, consult the owner’s manual for the exact procedure for your year and trim.

Troubleshooting and tips

Timekeeping can fail or reset for a few reasons. Here are common issues and how to handle them:

• Clock resets after battery work: Some Accords remember the clock setting via a memory circuit. If the battery was disconnected, you may need to re-set the clock manually.


• GPS-based time not updating: Ensure GPS is active and that Auto Time (or Auto Update) is enabled in Settings. If driving in an area with poor GPS reception, time may lag temporarily.


• Time zone or DST problems: Manually set the correct time zone if available, and verify DST settings if your model supports automatic DST adjustments.


• Format preferences: If you prefer 12-hour or 24-hour time, check the Clock/Time menu to switch formats.

If timekeeping continues to be inaccurate after checking settings, consider consulting a dealer or checking for any system software updates, as infotainment systems occasionally receive firmware improvements that affect clock behavior.

Summary

Whether you drive a modern Accord with a touchscreen Display Audio system or an older model with a dedicated CLOCK button, adjusting the time is usually straightforward: use the clock or settings menu for modern cars, or the physical clock control on older trims. You can opt for manual time or let GPS auto-update the clock, and you can adjust time zone and format as needed. If anomalies occur, a quick re-set or a firmware update may resolve them.