Before Driving

Driving Guidelines To prevent rollover or loss of a pressure gauge to tell if tires Your Honda has higher ground control: are properly inflated. clearance than a passenger car Take corners at slower speeds 3. Check that all lights work. designed for use only on pave- than you would with a 4. Check for fluid leaks. ment. Higher ground clearance passenger car. has many advantages for off-road Avoid sharp turns and abrupt 5. Be sure everything is properly driving. It allows you to travel stowed. over bumps, obstacles, and rough maneuvers whenever possible. terrain. It also provides good visi- Do not modify your vehicle 6. Check the area behind the bility so you can anticipate prob- in any way that would raise vehicle if you are about to lems earlier. the center of gravity (see back up. page 130). These advantages come at some Before Driving the Vehicle cost. Because your vehicle is Do not carry heavy cargo on taller and rides higher off the the roof (see page 130). 1. Lock all doors. ground, it has a high center of 2. Adjust the seat and any gravity. This means that your For off-road driving guidelines, movable head restraints. vehicle can tip or roll over if you see the Off-Road Driving make abrupt turns. Information booklet that came 3. Adjust the inside and outside with your vehicle. mirrors. Before Entering the Vehicle 4. Check that all the indicator lights work when the key 1. Check that the windows, switch is turned to the "ON" mirrors, lights and reflectors or "START" position. are clean and unobstructed. 5. Check all gauges (including 2. Check the tires to see if they the fuel gauge). are low or flat. You will need

Driving Tips Before Driving

6. Release the parking brake from operating if the shift engine does not start, wait 15 (and make sure the "BRAKE" lever is in any drive position. seconds to let the starter cool light turns off). If it is necessary to restart down. Then crank the engine at the engine with the vehicle wide open throttle for a maximum See related topics in this manual moving, place the shift lever of 10 seconds. If the engine still if you find any problems. in "N" (never in "P"). does not start, wait another 15 Starting the Engine seconds and repeat the entire 3. Release the accelerator pedal procedure. 1. Apply the parking brake. and start the engine by 2. Manual Transmission: turning the ignition switch to Do not crank the engine for more Press the clutch pedal to the "START." than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 30 seconds before trying again. floor and shift the L4-2.6L Engine transmission to the Neutral position. Hold the clutch When the environmental 4. Return the ignition switch to pedal to the floor while you temperature is very high and the the "ON" position as soon as are starting the engine. A engine is still hot, you may have the engine starts. starter safety switch keeps the difficulty restarting the engine. In this situation, engage the starter 5. Apply the regular brakes and starter from operating if the shift into the proper gear. clutch pedal is not fully with the accelerator pedal fully depressed. Release the parking brake and depressed. brake pedal and drive off. V6-3.2L Engine Automatic Transmission: In models with automatic Place the shift lever in "P" or If the engine does not start in transmission, you cannot shift "N" position ("P" is 3 seconds, push the accelerator from "P" (Park) position to preferred). A starter safety pedal to 1/4 throttle and continue any other position unless the switch prevents the starter cranking for 15 seconds. If the brake pedal is applied.

Driving Tips Break-in, Parking

New Vehicle "Break-In" Parking Check to make certain lights are turned off. The buzzer will You may drive your new vehicle When leaving your vehicle remind you. from its very first mile/kilometer unattended: without following a formal If your vehicle is equipped with "break-in" schedule. However, Set the parking brake. a transfer case (4WD), make there are things you can do Place the shift lever in "P" sure the shift lever is in 2H, 4H during the first few hundred (Park) position for automatic or 4L. miles/kilometers of driving transmission. that will add to the future Parking Tips performance and economy of When parking a vehicle your vehicle. equipped with a manual Never drive the vehicle with transmission on an upward the parking brake set. This can It is recommended that your slope, or on a level surface, overheat the rear brakes, speed during the first 500 miles place the shift lever in the reducing their effectiveness (800 kilometers) be limited to a "1st" position. and causing excessive wear or maximum of 55 mph (90 km/h) When parking a vehicle damage. and that you do not drive for long equipped with a manual Always apply the parking brake periods at any one constant transmission on a downward whenever you leave the speed, either fast or slow. During slope, place the shift lever in vehicle, whether it is equipped this period, avoid full-throttle the "R" (Reverse) position. with a manual or automatic starts and, if possible, avoid hard transmission. stops especially during the first Turn the key to the "LOCK" If your vehicle is equipped with 200 miles (320 kilometers) of position. an automatic transmission set driving. Always drive at moderate Remove the key. The buzzer the parking brake before you speed until the engine has will remind you. completely warmed up. leave the driver's seat. If the Close all windows and lock all vehicle is parked on a grade doors. and the transmission shift

Driving Tips Parking, Brakes lever is placed in "P" (Park) Do not park your vehicle over while driving, stop as soon as position before you set the high grass, dry leaves or other possible and turn the key off. parking brake, the weight of combustible materials. The Then start the engine to reset the the vehicle may exert so much catalytic converter gets very system. If it still stays on, or it force on the transmission that hot and could set fire to these comes on again while you're driv- you may have difficulty moving materials. ing, the system requires immedi- the shift lever out of "P" (Park) ate service by your Honda Dealer. position. To prevent this, apply Brakes Until you get it fixed, you will the parking brake BEFORE have normal brakes, but you Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes moving the shift lever to "P" won't have rear anti-lock. (Park). When you want to drive Your vehicle is equipped with away, move the shift lever out rear wheel anti-lock brakes. The You may occasionally feel some of the "P" (Park) position BE- system is designed to minimize pulsation in the pedal while FORE releasing the parking rear wheel lock-up under severe braking. This is the system brake. It is good driving prac- braking conditions or when operating normally. tice to set the parking brake traction is reduced due to first, then place the transmis- slippery roads. Under normal Although your vehicle is sion in "PARK" position, even operation, the vehicle braking equipped with the REAR ANTI- on level surfaces. system will function like a LOCK BRAKE system, you must conventional braking system. If the parking brake does not still take care to safely operate seem to hold the vehicle as your vehicle. Drive according to well as before, have the vehicle Under normal operation, the road conditions, and maintain serviced by your Honda Dealer. "Rr. ANTI-LOCK" light will illumi- safe control of your vehicle. nate for a few seconds while starting the engine, to indicate a functional system. If the "Rr. ANTI-LOCK" light illuminates

Driving Tips Brakes

Refer to "Braking and Steering If you drive through deep water, power assist has been lost, Technique" in this section. apply the brakes lightly to see if except when needed to maintain the water has affected them. To steering control on slippery On 4WD vehicles: when the dry the brakes quickly, press surfaces. four-wheel drive system is lightly on the brake pedal while engaged, the rear wheel anti-lock maintaining the same speed with You can still stop the vehicle brake system cannot prevent the accelerator pedal. Continue without the power assist by mechanical lock-up of the rear this until the brakes operate pushing harder on the brake normally. axle if the front brakes lock up. pedal. However, the stopping The conventional brake system distance may be longer, even will operate as normal. Power Brakes though the brakes themselves remain fully operational. The braking system uses engine Return to two-wheel drive to vacuum to provide power assist. engage the rear wheel anti-lock If the power assist fails because of Self-Adjusting Brakes system. a stalled engine or other reason, The brakes on this vehicle are the reserve vacuum in the system self-adjusting. They have been Driving With Wet Brakes will usually allow you to apply the designed so that periodic brake brakes at least one time. adjustment is not needed. Driving through deep water may get the brakes wet and reduce The reserve vacuum is partly their effectiveness. As a result, The brakes adjust themselves used up each time the brake the vehicle may not slow down each time you firmly apply them. pedal is applied and released. Do normally or may pull in one not pump the brakes when the direction or the other.

Driving Tips Brakes

Thus, if the brake pedal goes reduces their effectiveness, wears a "squeeze" braking technique. down farther than normal due them out faster, and can reduce Press on the brake pedal with to a lack of adjustment, drive fuel mileage. It also causes your steadily increasing pressure. backward and forward a few brake lights to stay on all the times. Apply the brakes time, confusing drivers behind If possible, steer around obstacles intermittently. you. when there is not enough room to stop. Ease up on the brake pedal See your Honda Dealer if the Brake Wear Indicators if the vehicle doesn't respond to brake pedal height does not The front and rear brakes have steering or changes direction return to normal or if there is built-in wear indicators. These when you are not steering. If the a rapid increase in pedal travel. make a high-pitched squealing or front wheels are locked up, you Either is a sign of other brake cricket-like warning sound when cannot control the direction of trouble. Also, see your Honda the brake pads or linings are the vehicle by turning the Dealer if the parking brake needs worn to the point of replacement. steering wheel. adjustment. The sound may come and go or To correct for a skid, ease off the Braking Tips be heard all the time when the vehicle is moving, but may stop accelerator pedal or the brake Control your vehicle's speed on when the brake pedal is pushed and steer to keep the vehicle a steep or long downhill grade by down firmly. Expensive damage pointing where you want it to go. shifting the transmission to a can result if pads or linings are Don't touch the brake. lower gear. Constantly using the not replaced immediately when brakes can cause them to over- needed. Driving on Slippery Surfaces heat and lose effectiveness. Braking and Steering Driving, steering, and braking Resting your foot on the brake Technique traction are reduced when the pedal when you are not intending road is coated with water, snow, to brake ("riding the brakes") can To get maximum braking while ice, gravel, or other materials. cause them to overheat. This maintaining vehicle control, use

Driving Tips Brakes, Tires

Slow down and adjust your driving to such conditions. It is important to slow down when it is slippery because stopping Rapid slowing down or Using tires that are excessively distances will be longer and speeding-up can cause loss of worn or improperly inflated can vehicle control more limited. control on slippery surfaces. If cause a crash in which you can While driving on a surface with you crash, you can be injured. be seriously hurt or killed. reduced traction, avoid maneuvers involving sudden Use extra care when driving Follow all instructions in this steering, acceleration, or braking on slippery surfaces. owner's manual regarding tire (including engine braking due to inflation and maintenance. shifting to lower gear), that could cause the tires to skid. Tires Inflation Drivers may not realize the To safely operate your vehicle, Keeping the tires properly surface is slippery until the your tires must be the proper inflated provides the best vehicle is skidding. type and size, in good condition combination of handling, tread with adequate tread, and life, and riding comfort. Under- Learn to recognize warning correctly inflated. The following inflated tires wear unevenly, clues—such as enough water or pages give more detailed adversely affect handling and fuel ice on the road to make a information on how and when to economy, and are more likely to "mirrored surface" — and slow check air pressure, how to fail from being overheated. Over- down when there is any doubt. inspect your tires for damage, inflated tires can make your Also see "Traction" under "Tires" and what to do when your tires vehicle ride more harshly, are in this section. need to be replaced. more prone to damage from road hazards, and wear unevenly.

Driving Tips Tires

We recommend that you visually If you check the pressure when check your tires every day and the tires are hot (the vehicle has use a gauge to measure the air been driven several miles), you pressure at least once a month. If will see readings 4 to 6 psi (28 to you think a tire might be low, 41 kPa, 0.3 to 0.4 kg/cm2) higher check it immediately. Remember than the cold reading. This is nor- to check the spare tire at the mal. Do not let air out to match same time you check all the other the specified cold pressure. The tires. tire will be underinflated. LABEL Check the pressure in the tires Recommended Tire Pressures for when they are cold. This means Normal Driving the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours. If you have to The following chart shows the recommended cold tire pressures drive the vehicle before checking These pressures are also given on the tire pressure, the tires can for most normal driving conditions and speeds. the tire information label on the still be considered "cold" if you driver's doorjamb. drive less that 1 mile (1.6 km). You should get your own tire pressure gauge and use it at all times. That makes it easier for you to tell if a pressure loss is caused by a tire problem and not a variation between gauges.

Driving Tips Tires

Tubeless tires have some ability Maintenance to self-seal if they are punctured. However, because leakage is often In addition to proper inflation, very slow, you should look closely correct wheel alignment helps to for punctures if a tire starts losing decrease tire wear. You should get pressure. your vehicle's suspension parts inspected often, and aligned when needed. Inspection TREAD Every time you check inflation, WEAR The tires were properly balanced you should also examine the tires INDICATORS at the factory. They may need to for damage, foreign objects, and be rebalanced at some time wear. before they are worn out. Have your dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent vibration while You should look for: Your vehicle's tires have wear indi- driving. A tire should always be cators molded into the tread. Bumps or bulges in the tread rebalanced if it is removed from When the tread wears down to the wheel for repair. or side of the tire. Replace the that point, you will see a 1/2 inch tire if you find either of these (12.7 mm) wide band running conditions. across the tread. This shows that Make sure the installer balances there is less that 1/16 inch (1.6 the wheels when you have new Cuts, splits, or cracks in the tires installed. This increases side of the tire. Replace the tire mm) of tread left on the tire. A tire that is this worn gives very little riding comfort and tire life. Your if you can see fabric. traction on wet roads. You should vehicle's original tires were dynamic or "spin" balanced at the Excessive tread wear. replace the tire if you can see the tread wear indicator in three or factory. For best results, have the more places around the tire. installer perform a dynamic balance.

Driving Tips Tires

Tire Rotation Replacing Tires and Wheels The tires that came with your FRONT vehicle were selected to match its Installing improper tires on your performance capabilities while vehicle can affect handling and providing the best combination of handling, ride comfort, and long stability. This can cause a crash life. You should replace them with in which you can be seriously radial tires of the same size, load hurt or killed. range, speed rating, and maximum cold tire pressure Always use the size and type of rating (as shown on the tire's tires recommended in this sidewall). Mixing radial and owner's manual. 4 WHEEL 5 WHEEL bias-ply tires on your car can reduce its braking ability, traction, and steering accuracy. It is best to replace all four tires To help increase tire life and at the same time. If that is not distribute wear more evenly, you We urge you not to install possible or necessary, then should have the tires rotated oversize tires and wheels that replace the two front tires or the every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). would change your vehicle's two rear tires as a pair. Replacing Move the tires to the positions ride height and possibly affect just one tire can seriously affect shown in the diagram each time handling and stability. your vehicle's handling. they are rotated. If you ever need to replace a wheel, make sure the replacement's specifications match the wheels that originally came on your Honda.

Driving Tips Tires

Replacement wheels are available Traction 3. Replace tires when they are at your Honda dealer. worn to a point where 1/16 A decrease in driving, cornering, inch (1.6 mm) or less tread and braking traction occurs when Wheels and Tires water, snow, ice, gravel, or other remains, or cord or fabric materials are on the road. Vehicle can be seen. Wheels: speed should be adjusted to the Standard road conditions. 4. Keep the tires properly 15 x 6 JJ inflated. Optional When driving on wet or slushy If your vehicle has snow tires, be 16 x 7.5JJ roads, a wedge of water can build up between the tire and road. sure they are the same size, load This is known as hydroplaning range and construction type as Tires: and may cause partial or your other tires. Vehicle speed Standard complete loss of traction, vehicle should be limited to a maximum P225/75R15 control, and stopping ability. To of 75 mph (120 km/h) when equipped with either passenger Optional reduce the chance of traction loss, follow these tips: vehicle-type or truck-type snow P245/70R16 tires. See page 207 for information 1. Slow down during rainstorms about DOT Tire Quality Grading. or when roads are slushy. 2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.

Driving Tips Tires

Tire Chains Wheel Replacement To prevent tire chains from Considerations damaging your vehicle: Damaged wheels must be Install the chains on the rear replaced. For example, replace tires as tightly as possible. wheels if they are bent, cracked Tighten them again after driv- or heavily rusted, or if wheel nuts ing 1/4 to 1/2 mile (0.4 to 0.8 often become loose. Also replace kilometer). Using chains on the wheels that leak air (except some front tires is not recommended. aluminum wheels which can be They may contact the body repaired). See your Honda Dealer. and possibly damage the vehicle. If you intend to use Do not use bent wheels that have chains on the front tires, be been straightened, and do not use sure there is enough clearance. tubes in leaking wheels designed Spare Tire Storage— Do not exceed 45 mph for tubeless tires. Such wheels (70 km/h), or the chain Tailgate Mounted may have structural damage and could fail without warning. manufacturer's suggested A spare tire is installed on the speed limit if it is lower. outside of the tailgate. Maximum loads, maximum Drive in a restrained manner inflation pressures, wheel and avoid large bumps, pot- Make sure the spare tire assembly identification codes, and wheel holes, severe turns or other is securely latched before you sizes are stamped on each wheel. maneuvers that could cause begin driving. Service-tested and approved the vehicle to bounce up and wheels are available from your down. Honda Dealer. Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.

Driving Tips