Cooling System

Checking the Engine Coolant Always use Genuine Honda Anti- Adding Engine Coolant Level freeze/Coolant. The cooling system If the reserve tank is completely contains many aluminum compo- empty, you should also check the RESERVE TANK nents that can corrode if an improper coolant level in the radiator. antifreeze is used. Some antifreeze, even though labeled as safe for aluminum parts, may not provide adequate protection. Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, MAX seriously scalding you.

MIN Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap. Check the level of the engine coolant by looking at the radiator reserve tank near the right headlight. If the 1. Make sure the engine and radiator coolant level in the reserve tank is at are cool. or below the MIN line, add coolant to bring it up to the MAX line. Inspect the cooling system for leaks. This coolant should always be a mixture of 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Never add straight antifreeze or plain water. CONTINUED

Maintenance Cooling System

RADIATOR CAP Do not add any rust inhibitors or other additives to your car's cooling system. They may not be compatible with the coolant or engine compo- nents.

RESERVE TANK

2. Turn the radiator cap counter- 4. The coolant level should be up to clockwise, without pressing down the base of the filler neck. Add on it, until it stops. This relieves coolant if it is low. any pressure remaining in the cooling system. 5. Put the radiator cap back on. Tighten it fully. 3. Remove the radiator cap by pushing down and turning 6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank. counterclockwise. Fill it to halfway between the MAX and MIN marks. Put the cap back on the reserve tank.

Maintenance Cooling System

Replacing Engine Coolant DRAIN PLUG The cooling system should be completely drained and refilled with new coolant according to the time and distance recommendations in the maintenance schedule. Only use recommended antifreeze.

Draining the coolant requires access to the underside of the car. Unless you have the tools and knowledge, you should have this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic. 1. Slide the heater temperature 3. Loosen the drain plug on the control lever to maximum heat. bottom of the radiator. The Open the hood. Make sure the coolant will come out through the engine and radiator are cool to the hole in the splash cover. touch.

2. Remove the radiator cap.

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Maintenance Cooling System

7. DOHC VTEC model only RESERVE TANK RESERVE TANK CAP Apply non-hardening sealant to the drain bolt threads and reinstall the bolt in the engine block. Tighten it securely.

8. Mix the recommended antifreeze with an equal amount of purified or distilled water in a clean container. The cooling system capacity is: DRAIN BOLT HOLDER With manual transmission: 4. DOHC VTEC model only 5. Remove the reserve tank from its (S, Si) Remove the drain bolt from the holder by pulling it straight up. 3.1 (0.82 US gal, 0.68 Imp gal) engine block. Drain the coolant, then put the (VTEC) tank back in its holder. 4.5 (1.19 US gal, 0.99 Imp gal)

6. When the coolant stops draining, With automatic transmission: tighten the drain plug in the (S) bottom of the radiator. 3.0 (0.79 US gal, 0.66 Imp gal) (Si) 3.2 (0.85 US gal, 0.70 Imp gal)

Maintenance Cooling System

FILLER NECK 10. Put the cap on the radiator, only tighten it to the first stop. Start the engine and let it run until it warms up (the radiator cooling fan comes on at least twice).

Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, RESERVE seriously scalding you. Fill up to here TANK 9. Pour coolant into the radiator up Always let the engine and 12.Fill the reserve tank to the MAX to the base of the filler neck. radiator cool down before mark. Install the reserve tank cap. removing the radiator cap.

11.Turn off the engine. Check the level in the radiator, add coolant if needed. Install the radiator cap, tighten it fully.

Maintenance Windshield Washers

Check the level in the windshield NOTICE RESERVOIR washer reservoir at least monthly during normal usage. In bad weather, Do not use engine antifreeze or a when you use the washers often, vinegar/water solution in the wind- check the level every time you stop shield washer reservoir. for fuel. Antifreeze can damage your car's paint, while a vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield washer pump.

Use only commercially-available windshield washer fluid.

The windshield washer reservoir is located behind the left headlight. Check the reservoir's fluid level by removing the cap and looking inside.

Fill the reservoir with a good-quality windshield washer fluid. This increases the cleaning capability and prevents freezing in cold weather.

Maintenance Transmission Fluid

Automatic Transmission 5. If the level is below the lower mark, add fluid into the filler hole DIPSTICK to bring it to the upper mark. Use Honda Premium Formula Auto- matic Transmission Fluid or an equivalent DEXRON® II Auto- matic Transmission Fluid (ATF) only.

UPPER MARK 6. Insert the dipstick all the way back LOWER MARK into the transmission securely as shown in the illustration.

The transmission should be drained Check the fluid level with the engine 3. Insert the dipstick all the way into and refilled with new fluid according at normal operating temperature. the transmission securely as to the time and distance recommen- shown in the illustration. dations in the maintenance schedule. 1. Park the car on level ground. Shut off the engine. 4. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be 2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) between the upper and lower from the transmission and wipe it marks. with a clean cloth.

Maintenance Transmission Fluid

5-speed Manual Transmission If Honda MTF is not available, you may use an API service SG or SH- ratecl motor oil with a viscosity of SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 temporarily. FILLER BOLT Motor oil can cause increased trans- mission wear and higher shifting effort, so you should have the trans- mission drained and refilled with Honda MTF as soon as possible. Correct level The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule. Check the fluid level with the transmission at normal operating temperature and the vehicle sitting on level ground. Remove the transmission filler bolt and carefully feel inside the bolt hole with your finger. The fluid level should be up to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is not, add genuine Honda Manual Transmission Fluid until it starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall the filler bolt and tighten it securely.

Maintenance