On older Honda Accords, use the physical clock controls to set the time. On newer models with a touchscreen infotainment system, you set the clock through the display settings. The exact steps can vary by year and trim, but the general approach is straightforward for both interfaces.
Two main approaches depending on radio type
The following sections cover the common methods used across different Accord generations.
Older Accords with a physical clock control
This method applies to many traditional radios found in earlier Honda Accords. You typically use a dedicated CLOCK control and adjust hours and minutes with labeled buttons.
Follow these steps if your Accord uses a non-touch radio with a separate clock button:
- Turn the ignition on and power up the radio.
- Press and hold the CLOCK button until the display starts flashing or you enter clock-setting mode.
- Use the hour and minute controls (often labeled H and M, or a +/- toggle) to set the correct time. Some models require switching from hours to minutes by pressing an H or M button, or by turning a nearby knob.
- Press CLOCK again (or wait a few seconds) to save the time and exit clock-setting mode.
The display should now show the updated time. If nothing changes, consult your owner’s manual for the exact button sequence for your trim, as it can vary by year.
Accords with a touchscreen infotainment system (2018–present)
Newer Honda Accords rely on the vehicle’s touchscreen for clock management. The clock is typically found in the Settings area of the display, and you may have the option to set it manually or enable automatic time update.
Follow these steps for models with a voice-activated or touchscreen interface:
- Turn on the ignition and access the infotainment display.
- From the Home screen, open Settings (often shown as a gear icon) or System Settings.
- Tap Clock or Time. If prompted, choose Manual Time or Auto Time.
- If Manual Time is selected, adjust the hours and minutes using the on-screen controls and save. If Auto Time is available, enable it to sync time automatically (often via GPS or network time).
Modern systems may present slightly different menu names (such as Settings > General > Clock), but the general flow is Settings -> Clock -> Manual/Auto Time.
Troubleshooting and tips
These quick tips help if the clock isn’t updating correctly or if options are hard to find.
- Ensure the correct time zone is selected in the clock settings, especially if Auto Time is enabled.
- If Auto Time isn’t updating, verify that GPS or network time data is available and that Auto Time is turned on.
- On touchscreen models, if the display is unresponsive, try rebooting the infotainment system by cycling the ignition or selecting a soft reset option if available in Settings.
- If the clock keeps resetting after engine restart, check your battery and related fuses, or consult a dealer if the issue persists.
Most clock-related issues are resolved by selecting the correct mode (Manual vs Auto) and ensuring the system is not stuck in a legacy setting.
Summary
In short, identify whether your Honda Accord uses a traditional radio with a CLOCK button or a modern touchscreen. Use the CLOCK control and hour/minute adjustments on older models; use the touchscreen Settings menu to set or auto-sync the time on newer models. If you run into trouble, check the time zone, Auto Time settings, and basic system resets before seeking service.