1992 Prelude Online Reference Owner's Manual Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference. For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com.

Contents

Owner's Identification Form Introduction ...... i A Few Words About Safety...... ii Driver and Passenger Safety ...... 3 Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System. Instruments and Controls...... 29 Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls. Comfort and Convenience Features ...... 67 How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features. Before Driving...... 97 What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo. Driving ...... 107 The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer. Maintenance...... 127 The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer. Appearance Care...... 175 Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs. Taking Care of the Unexpected...... 183 This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them. Technical Information...... 203 ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information. Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)...... 215 A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us. Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...... 221 How to order manuals and other technical literature. Index...... I Gas Station Information A summary of information you need when you pull up to the gas pump.

Main Menu ▲ ▼ Introduction

Congratulations ! Your selection of a 1992 Honda Prelude was a wise investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure.

To enhance the enjoyment of your new car, take time to study this manual. In it, you will learn about your car's many conveniences and useful features. Following the service interval and maintenance recommendations will help keep your driving trouble-free while preserving your investment.

Keep this owner's manual in your car so you can refer to it at any time. Please make sure the manual stays with the car if you sell it. The next owner will find it just as helpful.

Several other booklets in the glove box explain the warranties that protect your Honda. We suggest you read them carefully so you understand the coverages and the responsibilities of ownership.

When your car needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda dealer's service staff is specially- trained in the service and maintenance of the many systems unique to your Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns.

Best wishes and happy motoring. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Honda Canada Inc.

31SS0604 Main Menu ▲ ▼ Safety Messages

Your safety and the safety of others is very important. We have provided You will also see another important many important safety messages in this manual and on the vehicle. symbol: Please read these messages carefully. NOTICE A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Each safety message is preceded by a safety alert symbol and Your Honda or other property can one of three words, DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION. be damaged if you don't follow These mean: instructions. You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions.

Each safety message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen and what you can do to avoid or reduce injury. Main Menu ▲ ▼ Driver and Passenger Safety

This section gives you important Your Occupant Protection Storing Cargo Safely ...... 17 information about occupant System...... 4 Driving with Pets...... 17 protection. It shows how to use seat The Seat Belt System Child Safety...... 18 belts properly. It explains the and How It Works...... 5 Where Should Children Sit?..... 18 Supplemental Restraint System. Why Wear Seat Belts...... 5 Important Safety Reminders... 19 And it gives useful information Important Safety Reminders..... 5 General Guidelines about how to protect infants and Seat Belt System Components... 6 for Restraining Children children in your car. Lap/Shoulder Belt...... 6 Under 18 kg (40 Ibs)...... 19 Wearing Seat Belts Properly...... 6 Restraining Wearing a Lap/Shoulder an Infant Who Weighs Belt ...... 7 Less Than 9 kg (20 Ibs)...... 20 Advice for Pregnant Women..... 8 Restraining Seat Belt Maintenance...... 9 a Child Who Weighs Between Supplemental Restraint System.. 10 9 and 18 kg (20 and 40 Ibs).... 20 Important Safety Reminder..... 11 Using Child Restraints How the Driver's Airbag with Tethers...... 21 Works...... 12 Using a Seat Belt How the Passenger's Airbag Locking Clip...... 22 Works...... 13 Restraining a Child Who Weighs How the SRS Indicator Light Over 18 kg (40 Ibs)...... 23 Works ...... 14 Storing a Child Seat...... 23 System Service...... 14 Alcohol and Drugs...... 24 System Service Precautions..... 15 Carbon Monoxide Hazard ...... 25 Additional Safety Information .... 16 Reporting Safety Defects Seat-back Position...... 16 (US Cars)...... 26 Door Locks...... 16 Safety Labels ...... 27

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Your Occupant Protection System

Your Honda is equipped with seat Two indicator lights are also part To get the maximum protection belts and other features that work of your safety system. One reminds from your occupant protection together to protect you and your you to make sure you and your system, check the following before passengers during a crash. passengers wear your seat belts. you drive away: The other alerts you to a possible Seat belts are the most important problem with your supplemental Everyone in the car is wearing a part of your occupant protection restraint system (see page 14). seat belt properly (see page 6). system. When worn properly, seat belts can reduce the chance of The seats, head restraints, and door Both doors are closed and locked serious injury or death in a crash. locks also play a role in occupant (see page 16). safety. For example, reclining the For added protection during a seat back can decrease the effec- Seat backs are upright (see page severe frontal collision, all Preludes tiveness of your seat belt. Head 16). sold in the U.S. and the SR and SR restraints can help protect your 4WS models in Canada have a neck and head, especially during There are no loose items that Supplemental Restraint System rear-end impacts. Door locks help could be thrown around and hurt (SRS) with a driver's airbag. The Si keep your doors from being acciden- someone during a crash or 4WS model sold in the U.S also has tally opened during a crash. sudden stop (see page 17). a passenger's airbag. By following these guidelines, you can reduce injuries to yourself and your passengers in many crash situations. Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that can occur in severe crashes.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Why Wear Seat Belts Important Safety Reminders Wearing seat belts, and wearing Seat belts are designed for adults them properly, is fundamental to Not wearing a seat belt in- and larger children. All infants and your safety and the safety of your creases the chance of being small children must be properly passengers. killed or seriously hurt in a restrained in child safety seats (see crash. page 18). During a crash or emergency stop, seat belts can help keep you from Be sure you and your passen- A pregnant woman needs to wear a being thrown against the inside of gers always wear seat belts seat belt to protect herself and her the car, against other occupants, or and wear them properly. unborn child (see page 9). out of the car. Two people should never use the Of course, seat belts cannot same seat belt. If they do, they completely protect you in every could be very seriously injured in a crash. But, in most cases, seat belts crash. reduce your chance of serious injury. They can even save your Do not put shoulder belt pads or life. That is why many states and other accessories on seat belts. all Canadian provinces require you They can reduce the effectiveness to wear seat belts. of the belts and increase the chance of injury.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Seat Belt System Components Lap/Shoulder Belt Wearing Seat Belts Properly Your Honda has lap/shoulder seat You can increase the effectiveness belts in all four seating positions. of your seat belts if you take a little time to read the following pages LATCH Your seat belt system also includes PLATE and make sure you know how to a light on the instrument panel to wear seat belts properly. remind you to fasten your seat belt, and to make sure your passengers fasten theirs. This light comes on when you turn on the ignition if Not wearing a seat belt pro- you have not fastened your seat perly increases the chance of belt. A beeper also sounds for serious injury or death in a several seconds (see page 33). BUCKLE crash.

The following pages cover more This style of seat belt has a single Be sure you and your passen- about the seat belt components and belt that goes over your shoulder, gers always wear seat belts how they work. across your chest, and across your and wear them properly. hips.

Each lap/shoulder belt has an emergency locking retractor. This lets you move freely in your seat while keeping some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop, the retractor automatically locks.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt

Before putting on a front seat belt, 2. Check that the belt is not twisted. 4. Pull up on the shoulder part of be sure your seat is adjusted the belt to remove any slack. forward or backward to a good 3. Position the lap portion of the Make sure the belt goes over driving or riding position and the belt as low as possible across your collarbone and across your back of your seat is upright (see your hips, not across your chest. Do not place the belt under page 51). stomach. This lets your strong your arm or behind your back. pelvic bones take the force of a This could increase your chance 1. Pull the latch plate across your crash. of serious injuries in a crash. body and insert it into the buckle. Tug on the belt to make sure the latch is securely locked. CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Advice for Pregnant Women When using the seat belt, remem- ber to keep the lap portion as low as possible (see page 7).

Each time you have a checkup, ask your doctor if its okay for you to drive and how you should position a lap/shoulder seat belt.

To unlatch the seat belt, push the Protecting the mother is the best red PRESS button on the buckle. way to protect her unborn child. Guide the belt across your body to Therefore, a pregnant woman the door pillar. If the belt doesn't should wear a properly-positioned retract easily, pull it out and check seat belt whenever she drives or for twists or kinks. rides in a car.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Seat Belt Maintenance For safety, you should check the condition of your seat belts regu- larly.

Pull out each belt fully and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check that the latches work smoothly and the lap/shoulder belts retract easily. Any belt not in good condition or not working properly should be replaced.

If a seat belt is worn during a crash, have your dealer replace the belt and check the anchors for damage.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Supplemental Restraint System

All Preludes sold in the U.S. are INDICATOR CONTROL PASSENGER'S equipped with a Supplemental UNIT AIRBAG Restraint System (SRS). (This Not wearing a seat belt in- system also comes on the SR and creases the chance of serious SR 4WS models in Canada.) injury or death in a crash, even if you have an airbag. The supplemental restraint system includes an airbag to help protect Be sure you and your passen- your head and chest during a se- gers always wear seat belts vere frontal collision. This system and wear them properly. does not replace your seat belt. It DRIVER'S supplements, or adds to, the protec- AIRBAG SENSORS tion offered by your seat belt. The main components in your SRS The system on the Si 4WS model in are: the U.S also includes a front An airbag in the steering wheel passenger's airbag. for the driver. (On Si 4WS model) An airbag in the dashboard for the passenger.

A diagnostic system that continu- ally monitors the sensors, control unit, airbag activators and all related wiring while the ignition is ON (II).

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Supplemental Restraint System

An indicator light to warn you of Important Safety Reminder An airbag inflates and deflates a possible problem with the very quickly. It cannot protect system. Frontal collislon range you during any additional impacts that can occur during a Emergency power backup in case crash. your car's electrical system is disconnected in a crash. A seat belt helps keep you in the proper position when an airbag inflates. An airbag opens with considerable force, and it can hurt you if you are not in the proper position.

Even with an airbag, you need to wear a seat belt. The reasons are:

Airbags only inflate in severe frontal collisions. They offer no protection in rear impacts, side impacts, rollovers, or moderate frontal collisions.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Supplemental Restraint System

How the Driver's Airbag To do its job, the airbag inflates Works with considerable force. So, while it can reduce serious injuries and even save your life, the airbag might cause some facial or other abrasions.

If you ever have a severe frontal After the bag completely inflates, it collision, your airbag will instantly immediately starts deflating so it inflate to help protect your head won't interfere with your visibility, and chest. ability to steer, or ability to operate other controls. When the airbag inflates, you may hear a fairly loud noise and you might see smoke and powder. This is normal; it is caused by the inflation of the airbag.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Supplemental Restraint System

The airbag is stored in the center How the Passenger's Airbag This airbag is quite large and of the steering wheel. For your Works inflates with considerable force. It safety, do not attach any items to can seriously hurt an adult who is the steering wheel. They could not in the proper position and interfere with the proper operation wearing the seat belt properly. The of the airbag. Or, if the airbag bag's force could also hurt a small inflates, they could be propelled child who is not properly restrained inside the car and hurt someone. in a child seat.

Because of the airbag, we strongly recommend that you do not put an infant seat in the front passenger's seat. If the airbag inflates, it can dislodge the infant seat and seriously injure the infant. If you ever have a severe frontal collision, the passenger's airbag will inflate at the same time as the driver's airbag.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Supplemental Restraint System

The passenger's airbag is stored SRS How the SRS System Service near the top of the dashboard, Indicator Light Works Your supplemental restraint under a lid marked SRS. Do not The purpose of the SRS light on system is virtually maintenance- place any objects on top of this lid. your instrument panel is to alert free. There are no parts you can If the airbag inflates, those objects you of a potential problem with safely service. can be propelled inside the car and your supplemental restraint system. You must have the system serviced possibly hurt someone. by an authorized Honda dealer in Have the system checked if: the following situations:

The light does not come on when If your airbag ever inflates. The you turn the ignition ON (II). bag must be replaced. Do not try to remove or discard the airbag The light stays on after the by yourself. This must be done engine starts. by a Honda dealer.

The light comes on or flashes If the SRS indicator light alerts while you are driving. you of a problem. Have the supplemental restraint system checked as soon as possible. Otherwise, your airbag might not inflate when you need it.

When the car is ten years old, get the system inspected. The production date is on the driver's door jamb for your convenience.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Supplemental Restraint System

System Service Precautions Scrapping an entire car that has an Do not modify your steering wheel uninflated airbag can be dangerous. or any other part of the supple- Get assistance from a Honda dealer mental restraint system. Modifica- if your car must be scrapped. tions could make the system inef- fective. If you sell your car, please be sure to tell the new owner that the car Do not tamper with the system has a supplemental restraint sys- components or wiring. This could tem. Alert them to the information cause the airbag to inflate inadver- and precautions in this part of the tently, possibly injuring someone owner's manual. very seriously.

Tell anyone who works on your car that you have a supplemental restraint system. Failure to follow the procedures and precautions in the official Honda service manual could result in personal injury or damage to the system.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Additional Safety Information

The seat belts and airbag are obvi- Seat-back Position Door Locks ously important parts of your occu- The seat-backs should be in an It is not safe to leave your car doors pant protection system. upright position for you and your unlocked. A passenger, especially a passengers to get the most protec- child, could open a door and In addition, you should know that tion from the seat belts. accidentally fall out. Also, there is a sitting upright, locking the doors, greater chance of being thrown out and stowing things properly can If you recline a seat-back, you of the car during a crash when the increase your safety and possibly reduce the protective capability of doors are not locked. even save your life. your seat belt. The farther a seat- back is reclined, the greater the risk that you will slide under the belt in a severe crash and be very seriously injured.

For information on how to adjust the seat-back, see page 52.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Additional Safety Information

Storing Cargo Safely Driving with Pets A small dog, cat, or other small Before you drive, make sure you Loose pets can be a hazard while animal will be safest in a rigidly- first securely store or tie down any you are driving. A loose pet can sided pet carrier. Choose a style items that could be thrown around interfere with your ability to drive that allows you to secure it to the the car and hurt someone, or the car. In a crash or sudden stop, car's seat by routing a seat belt interfere with your ability to loose pets or cages can be thrown through the carrier's handle. operate the controls. around inside the car and hurt you or your passengers. It is also for For further information, contact Do not put any items on top of the their safety that pets should be your veterinarian or local animal rear shelf. They can block your properly restrained in your car. protection society. view and they could be thrown about the car in a crash. The recommended way to restrain a medium-sized or larger dog is Be sure to keep compartment doors with a special traveling harness. closed when the car is moving. If a This harness can be secured to the front passenger hits the door of an rear seat with a seat belt. Travel open glove box, for example, he harnesses are available at pet could injure his knees. stores.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Child Safety

Where Should Children Sit? According to accident statistics An infant or child who is not provided to the National Highway properly restrained can be Traffic Safety Administration killed or seriously injured in a (NHTSA), children of all sizes and crash. ages are safer when they are properly restrained in the rear seat Be sure any child too small for rather than the front seat. seat belts is properly secured in a child restraint. We recommend that, whenever possible, you secure your child's infant or toddler seat in the rear seat with the lap/shoulder belt. You Children depend on adults to must use a locking clip with a lap/ protect them. To help make sure shoulder belt. we do, every state and Canadian province has laws requiring infants We also recommend that any child and young children to be properly who is too large to use an infant or restrained whenever they ride in a toddler seat ride in the rear seat. car. The child should then wear the lap/ shoulder belt properly for protec- tion.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Child Safety

Important Safety Reminders General Guidelines for To properly route a seat belt Never hold a baby or child on your Restraining Children Under through a child seat, follow the seat lap when riding in a car. If you are 18 kg (40 Ibs) maker's instructions. Be sure you wearing your seat belt, the violent Use an approved child seat. The install a locking clip on a lap/ forces created during a crash will seat must meet Federal Motor shoulder belt (see page 22). tear the child from your arms. The Vehicle Safety Standard 213 child could be seriously hurt or (FMVSS-213) or Canadian Motor Secure the child in the child seat. killed. Vehicle Safety Standards. Look for Make sure the infant or child is the manufacturer's statement of firmly secured to the child seat. If you are holding a child and not compliance on the box and seat. Use the straps provided, and wearing a seat belt in a crash, you carefully follow the manufacturer's could crush the child against the Use a seat of the right size. Make instructions. car's interior. sure the seat fits your child. Check the seat manufacturer's instruc- Never put your seat belt over tions and labels for height and yourself and a child. During a crash, weight limits. the belt could press deep into the child; causing serious internal Secure the child seat to the car. All injuries. approved child seats are designed to be secured in the car seat by the Two children should never use the lap belt or the lap belt portion of a same seat belt. If they do, they lap/shoulder belt. A child whose could be very seriously injured in a seat is not properly secured to the crash. car can be endangered in a crash.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Child Safety

Restraining an Infant Who We recommend that, whenever Restraining a Child Who Weighs Less Than 9 kg possible, you put the infant seat in Weighs Between 9 and 18 kg (20 Ibs) the rear seat and secure it to the (20 and 40 Ibs) car with a lap/shoulder belt. You must use a locking clip with a lap/ shoulder belt (see page 22). Special Precaution for Si 4 WS model We strongly recommend that you do not put an infant seat in the front passenger's seat. In a severe frontal collision, the inflating airbag can hit the infant seat with considerable force. The infant seat can be dislodged, causing serious injury to the infant. An infant up to about 9 kg (20 Ibs) must be restrained in an infant seat Toddler seats are designed for or a convertible seat designed for a children who weigh between 9 and baby. Because children that size 18 kg (20 and 40 Ibs). must ride in a reclining position, be The preferred place to put a sure the infant seat always faces toddler seat is in the rear seat. Use the REAR of the car as shown. the car's lap/shoulder belt to secure the seat to the car. You must use a locking clip on the car's lap/ shoulder belt (see page 22).

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Child Safety

Using Child Restraints with If you are not sure how to install Tethers the bracket, have it installed by Canadian Cars your authorized Honda dealer. 150 mm (5.9 in) If you need an anchor plate and TOOTHED WASHER mounting hardware, you can obtain them by writing to:

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Consumer Affairs 1919 Torrance Blvd. 230 mm Torrance, CA 90501-2746 (9.1 in)

Your Honda has two attachment The anchor plate and mounting points for tether-style child seats. hardware for a top tether are Use the dimensions in the above supplied with the car. When illustration to locate the attach- installing, make sure the toothed ment point you want to use. Cut a washer is on the bottom of the bolt. 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) diameter hole in the rear shelf, then install the The supplied anchor plate is tether hardware that came with designed only for mounting a child the child seat. restraint. Do not use it for any Tighten the bolt to: other purpose. 22 N.m (2.2 kg-m , 16 Ib-ft)

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Child Safety

Using a Seat Belt Locking 4. Install the locking clip as shown. Clip Position the clip as close as Always use a seat belt locking clip possible to the latch plate. when you secure a child seat to your car with a lap/shoulder belt. 5. Insert the latch plate into the This helps prevent the seat from buckle. Push and pull on the shifting position or overturning. child seat to verify that it is held firmly in place. If it is not, repeat A locking clip is usually included these steps until the restraint is with the child seat. If you need a secure. clip, contact the seat's manufac- turer or a store that sells child restraints. 2. Insert the latch plate into the To install a locking clip, do the buckle. Pull on the shoulder part following: of the belt to make sure there is no slack in the lap portion. 1. Place the child restraint in the desired position. Route the lap/ 3. Tightly grasp the belt near the shoulder belt through the latch plate. Pinch both parts of restraint according to the seat the belt together so they won't manufacturer's instructions. slip through the latch plate. Un- buckle the seat belt.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Child Safety

Restraining a Child Who Put the lap/shoulder belt on your Storing a Child Seat Weighs Over 18 kg (40 Ibs) child and check its fit. The shoul- When you are not using an infant der belt should fit over the collar- seat or other child restraint, either bone and across the chest. The lap remove it or make sure it is belt should sit low on your child's properly secured so it cannot be hips, not across the stomach. thrown around the car during a crash. If the shoulder belt crosses the child's neck, you should use a booster seat.

Several styles of booster seats are available. We recommend a design that allows the child to use the car's lap/shoulder belt. We recommend that, whenever possible, a child who has outgrown Whichever style you select, follow a toddler seat ride in the rear seat the booster seat manufacturer's and use a lap/shoulder belt. instructions.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Alcohol and Drugs

Driving a car requires your full at- The safest thing you can do is If you have no choice but to drive, tention and alertness. Traffic condi- never drink and drive. This can be stop drinking and give yourself lots tions change rapidly. You must be done if you plan ahead. If you know of time to sober up. Time is the able to react just as rapidly. Alcohol you are going to be drinking, make only thing that can make you sober. or drugs directly affect your alert- plans to ride with a friend who will Things like coffee or a cold shower ness and ability to react. Even pre- not be drinking. don't speed up the process. scription and non-prescription medi- cines can have this effect. What if you find that you've been If you see friends trying to get drinking and cannot get a ride from behind the wheel after drinking, There are laws that deal with a friend? Find alternative transpor- stop them. Drive them yourself or drunken driving. These laws define tation. Call a taxi. Take a bus. arrange other transportation. If you how much alcohol it takes in your Many communities have transporta- think you are interfering, remem- system to be legally "drunk." How- tion services devoted to shuttling ber that your interference will keep ever, your judgment and reaction people who have been drinking. them from sharing the road with time get worse with every drink — you. even the first one.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Carbon Monoxide Hazard

Your car's exhaust contains carbon High levels of carbon monoxide can If you must sit in your parked car, monoxide gas. You should have no collect rapidly in enclosed areas, even in an unconfined area, with problem with carbon monoxide such as a garage. Do not run the the engine running, adjust the entering the car in normal driving engine with the garage door closed. heating and cooling system as if you maintain your car properly. Even with the door open, run the follows: Have the exhaust system inspected engine only long enough to move for leaks whenever: the car out of the garage. 1. Select the Fresh Air mode. The car is raised for an oil 2. Select the mode. change. With the trunk lid open, air flow 3. Turn the fan on high speed. You notice a change in the sound can pull exhaust gas into the trunk. 4. Set the temperature control to a of the exhaust. This can get into your car's interior comfortable setting. The car was in an accident that and create a hazardous condition. If may have damaged the under- you must drive with the trunk lid side. open, open all the windows and set the heating and cooling system as shown in the next column. Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause uncon- sciousness and can even kill you.

Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that expose you to carbon monoxide.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Reporting Safety Defects (US Cars)

If you believe that your vehicle has If NHTSA receives similar com- To contact NHTSA, you may a defect which could cause a crash plaints, it may open an investiga- either call the Auto Safety Hotline or could cause injury or death, you tion, and if it finds that a safety toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366- should immediately inform the defect exists in a group of vehicles, 0123 in Washington D.C. area) or National Highway Traffic Safety it may order a recall and remedy write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department Administration (NHTSA) in addi- campaign. However, NHTSA can- of Transportation, Washington, tion to notifying American Honda not become involved in individual D.C. 20590. You can also obtain Motor Co., Inc.. problems between you, your dealer, other information about motor or American Honda Motor Co., Inc.. vehicle safety from the Hotline.

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Safety Labels

These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that could cause serious injury. Read these labels carefully and don't remove them.

If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda RADIATOR CAP dealer for a replacement.

BATTERY

Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu ▲ ▼ Instruments and Controls

This section gives information Control Locations...... 30 Keys and Locks...... 47 about the controls and displays that Indicator Lights...... 31 Keys...... 47 contribute to the daily operation of Gauges...... 37 Ignition Switch...... 47 your Honda. All the essential Speedometer...... 37 Door Locks...... 48 controls are within easy reach. Tachometer...... 37 Power Door Locks ...... 48 Odometer...... 37 Trunk...... 50 Trip Meter...... 37 Seat Adjustments...... 51 Fuel Gauge...... 38 Rear Seat Access...... 52 Temperature Gauge...... 38 Additional Driver's Seat Controls Near the Steering Adjustments...... 53 Wheel...... 39 Seat Heaters...... 54 Headlights...... 40 Folding Rear Seat...... 55 Daytime Running Lights...... 40 Hazard Warning...... 56 Instrument Panel Brightness... 41 Rear Window Defogger ...... 56 Turn Signals...... 41 Power Windows...... 57 Windshield Wipers...... 42 Sunroof ...... 58 Windshield Washers...... 42 Mirrors ...... 59 Steering Wheel Adjustment..... 43 Parking Brake...... 61 Steering Wheel Controls...... 44 Glove Box...... 62 Cruise Control...... 44 Digital Clock...... 63 Horn ...... 47 Center Console Compartment .... 64 Vanity Mirror ...... 64 Cigarette Lighter...... 65 Ashtray...... 65 Interior Lights...... 66

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Control Locations

DOOR LOCK POWER WINDOW DIGITAL CLOCK HEATING/ SWITCH SWITCH (P.63) COOLING (P.49) (P.57) CONTROL (P.68)

MIRROR CONTROLS (P.60) AUDIO SYSTEM (P.75, 84)

FUEL FILLER DOOR RELEASE (P.100)

TRUNK RELEASE HOOD RELEASE HANDLE HANDLE (P.50) (P.101)

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Indicator Lights

The instrument panel has many indicators to give you important information about your car. HIGH BEAM INDICATOR FOUR WHEEL STEERING Lamp Check SYSTEM (4WS) INDICATOR Many of the indicator lights come on when you turn the ignition SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT switch ON (II), allowing you to see SYSTEM INDICATOR that they are working. The instru- ment panel should look like the illustration. If an indicator does not light during this test, it cannot alert you if that system develops a prob- lem. Have the dealer check your car for burned-out bulbs or other problems.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Indicator Lights

* The U.S. instrument panel is CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT* shown. Differences for the Canadi- an model are noted in the text. LOW FUEL INDICATOR BRAKE LAMP INDICATOR

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR

PARKING BRAKE TRUNK-OPEN INDICATOR AND BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT*

SEAT BELT DOOR-OPEN INDICATOR REMINDER LIGHT

CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Indicator Lights

Seat Belt Reminder Charging System US Parking Brake Canada Light Light BRAKE and Brake This indicator lights when you turn This light indicates the battery is System Light the ignition ON (II). It is a reminder not being charged. It should come This light has two functions: to you and your passengers to on when the ignition is ON (II), and protect yourselves by fastening the go out after the engine starts. If 1. It lights as a reminder that you seat belts. A beeper also sounds if this light comes on while driving, have set the parking brake. you have not fastened your seat the battery is not being charged. Driving with the parking brake belt. Turn to page 196 for information set can damage the brakes and about what to do. tires, and cause the Anti-lock If you do not fasten your seat belt, brake system to turn off (see the beeper will stop after a few Low Oil Pressure page 118). seconds but the light stays on until Light you do. Both the light and the This indicator lights when the oil 2. It can indicate the brake fluid beeper stay off if you fasten your pressure in the engine drops low level is low if it remains lit after seat belt before turning on the enough to cause damage. It should you release the parking brake or ignition. light when the ignition is ON (II) comes on while driving. This is and go out after the engine starts. normally due to worn brake pads. If this light comes on when the Have your dealer check the engine is running, there is a possi- braking system for worn pads or bility of serious engine damage. fluid leaks. Safely pull to the side of the road and shut off the engine as soon as you can. Turn to page 195 for in- structions and precautions on checking the engine.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Indicator Lights

Supplemental Anti-lock Brake US Canada

SRS ABS Restraint System System (ABS) Check Engine Indicator Indicator Light Only on cars equipped with SRS Only on cars equipped with ABS (see This light comes on for a few The SRS light normally comes on page 117) seconds when you turn the ignition for a few seconds when you turn This light normally comes on when switch ON (II). If it comes on at any the ignition ON (II). If it doesn't, or you turn the ignition ON (II) and other time, it indicates one of the it stays on after the engine starts, goes off after the engine starts. If it engine's emission control systems something is wrong with the comes on at any other time, there is may have a problem. Turn to page Supplemental Restraint System. It a problem in the ABS. If this 167 for information about what to may also flash on and off to indi- happens, stop the car in a safe place do. cate a problem. and turn off the engine. Reset the system by restarting the engine. BRAKE LAMP Brake Lamp If you see any of these indications, Watch the ABS light. If it does not Indicator the airbag may not work when go off, or comes back on again This light normally comes on for a needed in an accident. Take the car while driving, take the car to your few seconds when you turn the to your dealer promptly for diag- dealer to have it checked. With the ignition switch ON (II). If this light nosis and service. light on, your car still has normal comes on at any other time, it braking ability but no anti-lock. indicates a brake light does not work.

A burned out brake light is a hazard when drivers behind you cannot tell you are braking. Have your brake lights repaired right away.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Indicator Lights

Four Wheel Steering Turn Signal and Low fuel Indicator

4WS System (4WS) Hazard Warning Indicator Indicators This light comes on as a reminder Only on cars equipped with electronic The left or right turn signal light that you must refuel soon. four wheel steering blinks when you signal a lane This light normally comes on when change or turn. If the light does not CRUISE Cruise Control you turn the ignition ON (II) and blink or blinks rapidly, it usually CONTROL Indicator goes off after the engine starts. If it means one of the turn signal bulbs This lights when you set the cruise comes on at any other time, there is is burned out (see page 164). control. See page 44 for informa- a problem in the 4WS. If this Replace it as soon as possible, since tion on operating the cruise control. happens, stop the car in a safe place other drivers cannot see that you and turn off the engine. Reset the are signaling. Trunk-open Indicator system by restarting the engine. Watch the 4WS light. If it does not When you turn on the Hazard This light comes on if the trunk lid go off, or comes back on again Warning switch, both turn signal is not closed tightly. while driving, take the car to your lights blink. All turn signals on the dealer to have the system checked. outside of the car should flash. Door-open Indicator

The 4WS system is disabled with High Beam Indicator This light comes on if either door is this light on. The rear wheels are not closed tightly. locked straight ahead, and your car This light comes on with the high steers like a conventional car beam headlights. See page 40 for without 4WS. information on the headlight controls.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Indicator Lights

"Daytime Running DRL Shift Lever Position Lights" Indicator Indicator Canadian models only (Automatic Transmission only) This indicator lights when you turn the ignition to ON (II) with the headlight switch off and the parking brake set. It should go off if you turn on the headlights or release the parking brake. If it comes on at any other time, it means there is a problem with the DRL. There may also be a problem with the high beam headlights.

This indicator shows which shift position you are in.

If the "D4" indicator light flashes while driving (in any shift position), it indicates a possible problem in the transmission. Avoid rapid acceleration and have the trans- mission checked by an authorized Honda dealer as soon as possible.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Gauges

Odometer ODOMETER TRIP METER TRIP METER RESET BUTTON The odometer shows the total dis- tance your car has been driven. It measures miles in U.S. models and kilometers in Canadian models. It is illegal under federal law (in the U.S.) and provincial regulations (in Canada) to alter the odometer with the intent to change the number of miles or kilometers indicated. Trip Meter TACHOMETER SPEEDOMETER This meter shows the number of miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada) Speedometer Tachometer driven since you last reset it. To U.S. Models The tachometer shows the engine reset it, push the trip meter reset This shows your speed in miles per speed in revolutions per minute button. hour. The smaller inner numbers (rpm). To protect the engine from are the speed in kilometers per damage, never drive with the hour. tachometer needle in the red zone. Canadian Models This shows your speed in kilo- meters per hour. The smaller inner numbers are the speed in miles per hour.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Gauges

Temperature Gauge FUEL GAUGE TEMPERATURE The temperature gauge is fully GAUGE electronic. It uses a series of illuminated indicator bars to show the engine coolant's temperature range. Under normal driving conditions, you will see one of the bars at the display's midpoint. In more severe driving conditions, such as very hot weather or climbing a long hill, the engine may get hot enough to illuminate the white indicator on the right side of the gauge. If the red indicator Fuel Gauge As a test, all the indicator bars in above the H comes on, pull safely This shows how much fuel you the fuel gauge light for several to the side of the road. Turn to have. The fuel gauge is fully seconds when you turn the ignition page 193 for instructions and electronic, lighting one of the to ON (II). precautions on checking the indicator bars to show the current engine's cooling system. fuel level. It is most accurate when you are driving or parked on level As a test, all the indicator bars in ground. The indicated fuel level the temperature gauge illuminate may vary when you are driving on when you turn the ignition ON (II). curved or hilly roads.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Controls Near the Steering Wheel

The two levers on the steering INSTRUMENT PANEL WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS column contain controls for driving BRIGHTNESS features you use most often. The left lever controls the turn signals, headlights, and high beams. The right lever controls the windshield wipers.

The controls on the dashboard to the left of the steering column are for the sunroof, cruise control and instrument panel brightness.

The lever on the underside of the steering column allows you to tilt the steering wheel.

CRUISE CONTROL

HEADLIGHTS/

TURN SIGNALS TILT ADJUSTMENT HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Headlights If you leave the lights on with the To flash the high beams, pull back ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I) and hold the turn signal lever. or LOCK (0), you will hear a Release the lever and the high reminder chime when you open the beams will go off. driver's door. The high beams will stay on for as long as you hold the lever, no matter what position the headlight switch is in. Daytime Running Lights (Canadian Models) With the headlight switch off, the high beam headlights come on with The rotating switch on the left reduced brightness when you turn lever controls the lights. Turning the ignition switch to ON (II) and this switch to the first position release the parking brake. They turns on the parking lights, tail remain on until you turn the lights, instrument panel lights, To change between low beams and ignition off, even if you set the side-marker lights, and rear license high beams, pull back on the turn parking brake. plate lights. Turning the switch to signal lever until you hear a click, the second position turns on then let go. The high beam indica- The headlights revert to normal the headlights. tor will light (see page 35). operation when you turn them on with the switch.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Instrument Panel Brightness the dial up as far as it will go to To signal a lane change, push return the fuel and temperature lightly on the turn signal lever in gauges to their daytime brightness. the proper direction and hold it. The lever will return to the center Turn Signals position as soon as you release it.

The dial on the dashboard to the left of the instrument panel con- trols the brightness of the instru- TURN SIGNAL LEVER ment panel lights. Turn the dial to adjust the brightness. Signal a turn or lane change with this lever. Push down on the lever To reduce glare at night, the fuel to signal a left turn, and up to and temperature gauges dim when signal a right turn. If you push it up you turn on the parking lights or or down all the way, the turn signal headlights. You then adjust their continues to blink even when you brightness when you adjust the release the lever. It shuts off auto- instrument panel brightness. Turn matically as you complete the turn.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Windshield Wipers Windshield Washers

The right lever controls the wind- To operate the wipers in mist mode, To clean the windshield, pull back shield wipers and washers. The push the control lever down. The on the wiper control lever. The rotary switch at the end of the wipers run at high speed until you washers spray until you release the lever has three positions: release the lever. This gives you a lever. INT — intermittent quick way to clear the windshield. LO — low speed The wipers run at low speed while HI — high speed you're pulling the lever, then complete one more sweep of the In intermittent, the wipers operate windshield after you release it. every few seconds. In low speed and high speed, the wipers run continuously.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Steering Wheel Adjustment 3. Move the steering wheel up or You can adjust the steering wheel down to the desired position. height to suit your preference. Do Position the wheel so you can see this before you begin driving. all the instrument panel gauges and warning lights. Push the lever up to lock the steering wheel in that position. Adjusting the steering wheel position while driving may 4. Make sure you have securely cause you to lose control of locked the steering wheel in the car and be seriously injured place by trying to move it up and in a crash. down.

Adjust the steering wheel only 1. Adjust the seat so you are a when the car is stopped. comfortable distance from the pedals.

2. The lever to tilt the steering wheel is under the steering column to the left. Push this lever all the way down.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Steering Wheel Controls

Cruise Control NOTICE Using the Cruise Control Cruise control allows you to maintain a set speed above 25 mph The cruise control, as it operates, (40 km/h) without keeping your moves the accelerator pedal. You foot on the accelerator pedal. It is can damage your car's accelerator for cruising on straight, open mechanism by resting your foot highways. It is not recommended under the pedal and blocking the for conditions such as city driving, movement. winding roads, slippery roads, heavy rain, or bad weather. You should have full control of the car under those conditions.

1. Push in the Cruise Control Improper use of the cruise con- Master Switch to the left of the trol can lead to a crash. steering column. The indicator in the switch will light. Use the cruise control only when traveling on open high- 2. Accelerate to the desired ways in good weather. cruising speed above 25 mph (40 km/h).

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Steering Wheel Controls

Changing the Set Speed You can decrease the set cruising You can increase the set cruising speed in either of two ways: speed in either of two ways: Press and hold the SET/decel Press and hold the accel/ button. The car will decelerate. RESUME button. The car will Release the button when you accelerate slowly. When you reach the desired speed. reach the desired cruising speed, release the button. Tap the brake or clutch pedal lightly with your foot. The accel/ Push on the accelerator pedal. CRUISE CONTROL light on the RESUME Accelerate to the desired instrument panel will go out. SET/decel cruising speed and press the SET When the car slows to the /decel button. desired speed, press the SET/ 3. Press and hold the SET/decel decel button. The car will then button on the steering wheel maintain the desired speed. until the CRUISE CONTROL light on the instrument panel comes on. This shows the system is now activated.

The set speed may vary slightly, particularly on hills.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Steering Wheel Controls

Even with the cruise control turned on. The car will accelerate to the on, you can still use the accelerator same cruising speed as before. pedal to speed up for passing. After completing the pass, take your foot Pressing the Cruise Control Master off the accelerator pedal. The car Switch turns the system completely will return to the set cruising speed. off. This erases the previous cruising speed from memory. To Resting your foot on the brake or use the system again, you must set clutch pedal will cause the cruise the system up as explained in control to cancel. Using the Cruise Control. Turning off the Cruise Control Either of these actions take the car out of cruise control: When you tap the brake or clutch Tap the brake or, if manual trans- pedal, the CRUISE CONTROL mission, clutch pedal. light on the instrument panel will go out and the car will begin to Press the Cruise Control Master slow down. You can use the acceler- Switch. ator pedal in the normal way. The system retains the previously-set cruising speed. To return to that speed, accelerate to above 25 mph (40 km/h) and then press the RESUME/accel button until the CRUISE CONTROL light comes

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Steering Wheel Controls, Keys and Locks

Horn Keys The valet key only works the HORN ignition and the door locks. You VALET KEY MASTER KEY can keep the trunk, trunk release handle, center console compart- ment and rear seat trunk access locked when you leave your car and valet key at a parking facility.

Each key has a number stamped in one side. You will need this number if you have to get a lost key re- placed. Record this number and keep it in a safe place.

Press either of the buttons on the Your car comes with two kinds of steering wheel spokes to sound the keys: a master key and a valet key. horn. The master key fits all locks on your car: Ignition Doors Trunk Trunk release handle Rear seat trunk access Center console compartment

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Keys and Locks

Ignition Switch LOCK (0) — You can insert or ACCESSORY (I) — In this remove the key only in this position. position, you can operate the audio When you turn the key from LOCK system and cigarette lighter. to ACCESSORY, you may have to turn the steering wheel to release ON (II) — This is the normal key the anti-theft lock. To switch from position when driving. All features ACCESSORY to LOCK, you must and accessories on the car are push the key in slightly as you turn usable. Several of the lights on the it. If your car has an automatic instrument panel come on as a test transmission, it must also be in when you turn the ignition switch Park. The anti-theft lock will lock from ACCESSORY to ON (see the steering column when you page 31). remove the key. START (III) — Use this position The ignition switch is on the right only to start the engine. The switch side of the steering column. It has returns to ON when you let go of four positions: LOCK (0), ACCES- Removing the key from the the key. SORY (I), ON(II), and START (III). ignition switch while driving locks the steering. This can You will hear a reminder beeper if cause you to lose control. you open either front door with the key in the LOCK or ACCESSORY Remove the key from the igni- position. Remove the key to turn it tion switch only when parked. off.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Keys and Locks

Door Locks The doors can also be locked and Power Door Locks unlocked from the outside with the key.

Each door has a lock tab next to Available only on Si and Si 4WS the inside door handle. Push the tab models in the U.S., and SR and SR 4WS in to lock the door and pull it out to models in Canada unlock. Each door has a master door lock switch. Either switch locks and To lock the passenger's door when unlocks both doors. Push the getting out of the car, push the lock switch down to lock and up to tab in and close the door. To lock unlock. the driver's door, pull the door handle and push the lock tab in. Release the handle then close the door. CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Keys and Locks

Both doors lock when you push in Trunk the lock tab on the driver's door, or lock the driver's door from the MASTER KEY outside with the key. Only the driver's door unlocks when you use the key or lock tab. To unlock the passenger's door, use the master door lock switch or pull out the lock tab on passenger's door.

Lockout Prevention If you forget and leave the key in TRUNK RELEASE the ignition switch, Lockout HANDLE Prevention will not allow you to lock the driver's door. With either You can open the trunk in two To close the trunk, press down on door open and the key in the ways: the trunk lid. ignition, the master door lock switches are disabled. If you try to Pull the trunk release handle to See page 106 for cargo loading and lock the driver's door by pushing in the left of the driver's seat. weight limit information. Keep the the lock tab, the tabs on both doors trunk lid closed at all times while immediately pop up. Use the master key to open the driving to avoid damaging the lid trunk lock. The valet key does and getting exhaust gas in the not work in this lock. interior. See Carbon Monoxide Hazard on page 25.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Keys and Locks, Seat Adjustments

Seat Adjustments Adjust the seat before you start driving.

MASTER KEY To adjust the seat forward and To protect items in the trunk when backward, pull up on the lever you need to give the key to some- under the seat cushion's front edge. one else, lock the trunk release Move the seat to the desired handle with the master key and position and release the lever. Try give the other person the valet key. to move the seat to make sure it is locked in position.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Seat Adjustments

Rear Seat Access

Reclining the seat-back can decrease the protection you get from your seat belt in a crash.

You can slide under the seat belt and be seriously injured.

Adjust the seat-back to an upright position and sit well back in the seat. To change the angle of the seat- back, pull up on the lever on the To tilt the front seat-back forward, outside of the seat bottom. Move pull up on the release lever. This the seat-back to the desired lever is on the side of each seat- position and release the lever. Let back. You can also tilt the seat- the seat-back latch in the new back forward by pulling up the position. seat-back angle adjustment lever.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Seat Adjustments

Additional Driver's Seat Fine Adjustment of Seat-back Adjustments Lumbar Support Angle The driver's seat in the Si and Si 4WS models in the U. S., and the SR and SR 4WS models in Canada has additional features. They are: lumbar support adjust- ment, fine adjustment of seat-back angle, and seat-back angle memory.

Vary the lumbar support by Adjust the seat-back angle to the moving the lever on the right side desired position with the adjust- of the seat-back. ment lever on the outside of the seat bottom. Then use the fine adjustment lever at the base of the seat-back to change the angle a small amount to suit your prefer- ence. Move the lever forward and backward.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Seat Adjustments, Seat Heaters

Seat Heaters Do not use the seat heaters when Seat-back Angle Memory INDICATORS the engine is off or when idling for a long period of time. They can drain the battery, making your car hard to start.

Available only on SR 4WS model in After you have adjusted the seat- Canada back angle, press the MEMORY Both front seats are equipped with button. This retains the setting so seat heaters. The ignition must be the seat-back will return to that ON (II) to use them. Push the position after you tilt it forward for heater switch to turn the power on rear seat access. If you do not press or off. The pilot lamp lights and the MEMORY button, the seat- remains on while the heaters are on. back will return to about the midpoint of its adjustment range. You will then have to readjust the angle to your preference.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Folding Rear Seat

Make sure all items in the trunk, or items extending through the MASTER KEY RELEASE LOOP opening into the back seat, are tied down. Loose items can fly forward and cause injury if you have to brake hard. See Loading Cargo on page 106.

Never drive with the seat-back folded down and the trunk lid open. See Carbon Monoxide Hazard on page 25.

The back of the right rear seat To release the seat-back from folds down, giving you direct inside the trunk, pull the release access to the trunk. The seat-back loop under the rear shelf. can be released from inside the car or inside the trunk. To lock the seat-back upright, push if firmly against the rear shelf. To fold down the seat-back from Make sure it is latched in place by inside the car, insert the master pulling on the top of the seat. key in the lock on the rear shelf. Turn the key clockwise and pull down the top of the seat-back.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Hazard Warning, Rear Window Defogger

Hazard Warning Rear Window Defogger Make sure the rear window is clear and you have good visibility before starting to drive.

The defogger wires on the inside of the rear window can be acciden- tally damaged. When cleaning the glass, always wipe side to side.

Push the red button on the center The rear window defogger will console to turn on the hazard warn- clear fog, frost, and thin ice from ing lights (four-way flashers). This the window. Push the defogger causes all four outside turn signals button to turn it on and off. The and both indicators in the instru- light in the button lights to show ment panel to flash. Use the hazard the defogger is on. If you do not warning lights if you need to park turn it off, the defogger will shut in a dangerous area near heavy itself off after about 25 minutes. It traffic, or if your car is disabled. also shuts off when you turn off the ignition. You have to turn it on again when you restart the car.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Power Windows

Your car's windows are electri- The master control panel also con- cally-powered. Turn the ignition tains these extra features: switch to ON (II) to raise or lower any window. AUTO — To open the driver's window fully, push the window Each door has a switch that switch firmly down and release it. controls its window. To open the The window automatically goes all window, push the switch down and the way down. To stop the window hold it. Release the switch when from going all the way down, push you want the window to stop. Close the window switch up briefly. the window by pushing the switch MAIN DRIVER'S WINDOW up and holding it. SWITCH SWITCH To open the driver's window only partially, push the window switch The driver's door has a master down lightly and hold it. The power window control panel. To window will stop as soon as you open the passenger's window, push release the switch. down on the switch and hold it down until the window reaches the The AUTO function only works to desired position. To close the lower the driver's window. To raise window, push up on the window the window, you must push the switch. Release the switch when window switch up and hold it until the window gets to the position you the window reaches the desired want. position.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Power Windows, Sunroof

The MAIN switch controls power The power window system has a Sunroof to the passenger's window. With key-off delay function. The win- this switch off, the passenger's dows will still operate for up to ten window cannot be raised or lower- minutes after you turn off the igni- ed. The MAIN switch does not tion. Opening either front door can- affect the driver's window. Keep cels the delay function. You must the MAIN switch off when you turn the ignition on again before have children in the car so they do you can raise or lower the windows. not injure themselves by operating the windows unintentionally. Closing a power window on a child's hands or fingers can cause serious injury. Use the switch on the dashboard to Make sure your children are open and close the sunroof. The away from the windows ignition must be must be ON (II). before closing them. Push and hold the switch to open the sunroof. Release the switch when the sunroof reaches the desired position. To close the sunroof, press and hold the switch.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Sunroof, Mirrors

The sunroof has a key-off delay. Mirrors You can still open and close the sunroof for up to ten minutes after Closing the sunroof on some- you turn off the ignition. The key- one's hands or fingers can off delay cancels as soon as you cause serious injury. open either front door. You must then turn the ignition ON (II) for Make sure passengers are the sunroof to operate. clear of the sunroof before closing it.

NOTICE TAB If you try to open the sunroof in below-freezing temperatures, or Keep the inside and outside mirrors when it is covered with snow or ice, clean and adjusted for best visibili- you can damage the sunroof panel ty. Be sure to adjust the mirrors or motor. before you start driving.

The inside mirror has day and night positions. The night position reduces glare from headlights behind you. Flip the tab on the bottom edge of the mirror to select the day or night position.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Mirrors

Adjusting the Power Mirrors

SELECTOR SWITCH

Adjust the outside mirrors with the 3. Push the appropriate edge of the The outside mirror on the passen- adjustment switch on the driver's adjustment switch to move the ger's side has curved glass. Objects door: mirror right or left, up or down. look farther away than they are. Use this mirror to get a "wide 1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II). 4. When you finish, move the view". Don't use it to judge the dis- selector switch to the center (off) tance of things behind you. 2. Move the selector switch to L position. This turns off the (driver's side ) or R (passenger's adjustment switch so you can't side). move a mirror out of position by accidentally bumping it.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Mirrors, Parking Brake

Parking Brake NOTICE

PARKING BRAKE LEVER Driving the car with the parking brake applied can damage the rear brakes and axles.

Available on all Canadian models To apply the parking brake, pull The outside mirrors are heated to the lever up fully. To release it, pull remove fog and frost. Press the up slightly, push the button, and mirror defroster button to turn on lower the lever. The parking brake the heaters. The light in the button light on the instrument panel comes on as a reminder. Press the should go out when the parking button again to turn the heaters off. brake is fully released (see page 33). If you try to drive the car without releasing the parking brake, the ABS cannot work properly.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Glove Box

KNOB An open glove box can cause serious injury to your passen- ger in a crash, even if the pas- senger is wearing the seat belt.

Always keep the glove box closed while driving.

GLOVE BOX

Open the glove box by turning the knob clockwise. To close, push the lid up and turn the knob counter- clockwise to lock.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Digital Clock

The digital clock displays the time KNOB 3. To set the minutes, turn the with the ignition switch ON (II). knob toward M (clockwise) and hold it until the numbers advance to the desired time.

You can use the same knob to quickly set the time to the nearest hour. If the displayed time is before the half hour, pressing the knob sets the clock back to the previous hour. If the displayed time is after the half hour, pressing the knob sets the clock forward to the To set the clock: beginning of the next hour.

1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II) For example: to display the time. 1:06 would RESET backward to 1:00. 2. To set the hour, turn the knob 1:52 would RESET forward to toward H (counterclockwise) and 2:00. hold it until the hour advances to the desired time.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Center Console Compartment, Vanity Mirror

Center Console Compartment Vanity Mirror

LEVER MASTER KEY

CENTER CONSOLE COMPARTMENT

To open the console compartment, Use the master key to lock the To use the vanity mirror, pull down pull up on the lever on the left front console compartment. Turn the either sunvisor and swing down the corner of the lid. key clockwise to lock, and counter- cover. To close, lower the lid and push it clockwise to unlock. down until it latches.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Cigarette Lighter, Ashtray

Cigarette Lighter Ashtray NOTICE

Use the ashtray only for cigarettes, cigars and other smoking materials. To prevent a possible fire and damage to your car, don't put paper or other things that can burn in the ashtrays.

CIGARETTE LIGHTER ASHTRAY

The ignition switch must be in Open the front ashtray by swinging ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) for the the lid down. To remove it for cigarette lighter to work. To heat emptying, open the lid then pull the up the lighter, push it in. It will pop ashtray straight outward. out when it is ready for use. Do not hold the lighter in while it is heating up, you could cause it to overheat.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Interior Lights

Ceiling Light Ignition Switch Light

DOOR ACTIVATED

The ceiling light has a three- Available on Si and Si 4WS models in position switch. In the OFF (far the U.S., and on SR and SR 4WS left) position, the light does not models in Canada come on. In the center position, the This light comes on whenever you interior light comes on when you open the driver's door. open either front door. In the ON (far right) position, the interior light stays on continuously.

Instruments and Controls Main Menu ▲ ▼ Comfort and Convenience Features

The heating and air conditioning* Heating and Cooling...... 68 Audio System (Si, SR)...... 84 system in your car provides a com- What Each Control Does ...... 70 Adjusting the Sound...... 85 fortable driving environment in all How to Use the System...... 71 Operating the Radio...... 86 weather conditions. Controlling Air Flow Presetting...... 88 Direction...... 71 Radio Frequencies...... 90 The audio sound system is very Ventilation...... 71 Operating the Cassette Player. 91 versatile. To get the most from this To Cool...... 72 Cassette Search Functions...... 92 system, take the time to learn what To Dehumidify and Defog Caring for the Cassettes Player .. 94 the controls do. with A/C...... 73 Theft Protection...... 95 Some models have an anti-theft To Heat...... 74 system that requires a code To Defrost...... 74 number to enable it. To Turn Everything off ...... 74 Audio System (S)...... 75 * Air conditioner is optional on S Adjusting the Sound...... 76 model. Operating the Radio...... 77 Presetting...... 79 Radio Frequencies...... 80 Operating the Cassette Player...... 81 Cassette Search Functions ...... 82

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Heating and Cooling

This system has full heating, ventilation, and air conditioning* CENTER VENT CORNER VENT capabilities. You can adjust the system controls to mix these in various combinations to create the desired environment. The air flows into the interior at three possible levels, which you can select.

(S model only) A Genuine Honda air conditioning system is available from your dealer. It meets Honda's high quality standards and is designed to The direction of airflow from the The heating and cooling system fit your car. If you purchased your vents in the center of the dash- draws air through the exterior car without air conditioning, it can board and the corner vents in each vents at the bottom of the wind- be installed at any time. Please door is adjustable. Move the tab in shield. Keep these vents clear of contact your dealer for more the center of each vent up-and- leaves and other debris. information. down and side-to-side.

* Air conditioner is optional on S The center, corner and side model. defroster vents can be opened and closed with the dials next to them.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Heating and Cooling

SIDE DEFROSTER VENT

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Heating and Cooling

What Each Control Does REAR WINDOW MODE BUTTONS DEFROSTER BUTTON Fan Control Lever RECIRCULATION Sliding this lever to the right BUTTON increases the fan speed, which increases air flow. Temperature Control Lever Sliding this lever to the right increases the temperature of air flowing through the system. Mode Buttons TEMPERATURE FAN CONTROL AIR CONDITIONER These buttons control the direction CONTROL LEVER LEVER ON/OFF SWITCH of air flow. The indicator light shows which button is controlling air flow. Recirculation Button button to change between recircu- Air Conditioner (A/C) Switch This button controls the source of lated and fresh air. This switch turns the air condi- air going into the system. When the tioner ON and OFF. The indicator indicator in this button is lit, the Rear Window Defroster in the switch lights when the A/C is system is recirculating the interior Button ON. air (the Recirculation mode). When This button turns the rear window the indicator is off, fresh air is defroster on and off (see page 56). brought in from outside the car (the Fresh Air mode). Push the

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Heating and Cooling

How to Use the System The engine must be running for the Ventilation This section covers the best way to heater and air conditioner to pro- Your car has a flow-through use the system for ventilation, vide hot and cold air. The heater ventilation system. Air enters the cooling, dehumidifying, defrosting uses engine coolant to warm the air. car through vents in front of the and heating. In most cases, the If the engine is cold, it will be sever- windshield. It circulates through mode and air source selections are al minutes before you feel warm air the interior then exits through only recommendations. You may circulating. vents near the rear window. This prefer different settings. system provides fresh air even The air conditioner does not de- when the car is standing still. To Use the Recirculation mode to heat pend on engine temperature. It can bring in outside air, select the or cool the interior more quickly, or produce cold air almost immedi- Fresh Air mode. Set the fan at a to keep out smoke and dust. ately. comfortable speed. Leaving the system in recirculation mode with the A/C off can cause Controlling Air Flow direction the windows to fog up. Switch to Air flows into the interior at three the Fresh Air mode as soon as the levels: Toward the floor interior reaches a comfortable through the dash vents and temperature or the outside smoky, toward the windshield and side dusty condition clears. windows You select the air flow level or combination of levels with the five mode buttons.

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Heating and Cooling

To Cool To operate the air conditioner,

press the air conditioning button. MODE BUTTONS AIR CONDITIONER BUTTON Set the fan to the desired speed. You can also use the mode button to direct air out of the dash and heater vents.

To cool the interior down rapidly after the car has been sitting in the sun:

1. Start the engine. TEMPERATURE FAN CONTROL 2. Turn on the A/C by pressing the CONTROL LEVER LEVER button. 3. Set the fan to maximum speed. 4. Open the windows partially. Select the Recirculation mode The air conditioner places an extra and load on the engine. Watch the coolant temperature gauge (see When the interior reaches a com- page 38 ) when using the A/C in fortable temperature, close the heavy traffic or driving up long windows and set the system for hills. If the temperature indication cooling as described above. climbs near the H, turn off the air conditioner until the gauge reads normally.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Heating and Cooling

To Dehumidify and Defog with A/C

MODE BUTTONS AIR CONDITIONER An air conditioner removes mois- BUTTON ture from the air as it operates. You can use it to defog the win- dows quickly in cool or damp wea- ther. Used in combination with the heater, it also makes the interior warm and dry. This setting is best for all driving conditions whenever the outside temperature is above 32°F (0°C).

TEMPERATURE FAN CONTROL 1. Set the fan to a medium speed. CONTROL LEVER LEVER 2. Turn on the air conditioner. 3. Select any desired mode button; is usually best. 4. Adjust the temperature control lever so the mixture of heated and cooled air is at a comfortable temperature.

You can defog the side windows more quickly by shutting the corner vents and opening the side defroster vents. CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Heating and Cooling

To Heat To Defrost To Turn Everything Off To warm the interior, press To remove frost or ice from the To shut off the system temporarily, and select the Fresh Air windshield and side windows after slide the fan speed and temperature mode. Set the fan to the desired the car has been sitting out in cold control levers all the way to the left. speed. Adjust the warmth of the air weather. with the temperature control lever. You should only shut the system 1. Start the engine. completely off for the first few To warm the interior rapidly after 2. Select the Recirculation mode minutes of driving in cold weather, the car has been sitting out in cold and until the engine coolant warms up weather. 3. Open the side defroster vents. enough to operate the heater. Keep 4. Set the fan and temperature the fan on at all other times so stale 1. Start the engine. controls to maximum. air does not build up in the interior. 2. Select the Recirculation mode and These settings direct all the air 3. Slide the temperature control flow to the defroster vents at the lever to maximum heat. base of the windshield and the side 4. Leave the fan OFF for the first window defroster vents. The air few minutes. When the tempera- flow will get warmer and clear the ture gauge rises above the bot- windows faster as the engine tom white mark, set the fan to warms up. You can close the corner medium speed. vents with the dial beside each vent. 5. When the interior warms up, That will send more warm air to switch to fresh air mode and the side defroster vents. adjust the temperature control For safety, make sure you have a lever to a comfortable setting. clear view through all the windows before driving away.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (S)

AM/FM/Cassette Stereo CASSETTE SLOT TUNE BAR Audio System The audio system described here is standard equipment on the S model.

Your Honda audio system is easy to use, and will give clear AM/FM reception. The preset buttons allow you to select six stations on each band.

The cassette system uses Dolby B* noise reduction to give excellent sound reproduction. The system ON/VOL KNOB AM/FM also senses when a metal (CrO2) PRESET SEEK/SKIP BUTTON tape is being played and adjusts BUTTONS SWITCH accordingly. * Dolby noise reduction manufac- The cassette player features auto- tured under license from Dolby reverse for continuous play. Laboratories Licensing Corpora- tion. "Dolby" and the symbol are trademarks of Dolby Labora- tories Licensing Corporation.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (S)

Adjusting the sound Use the Balance and Fader controls to adjust the sound "direction". The Balance control moves it left- to-right. The Fader control moves it front-to-back.

To use either control, push on the knob to get it to pop out. Adjust the front-to-back sound to your liking with the outside ring. FADER BALANCE BASS TREBLE CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL Adjust side-to-side sound balance with the knob. Push the knob back The illumination for the radio con- Use the Bass and Treble controls to in when you are done. trols comes on with the instrument adjust the tone quality to your panel lights, even if the radio is off. liking. Push on the knob to get the You can use the Balance control to controls to pop out. Adjust the bass turn off the radio panel illumina- level with the outer ring and the tion even with the radio on. Push treble level with the knob. When the control knob so it pops out, then finished, push the knobs back in so pull it out slightly further. Check there is less chance of accidentally this control if the control panel changing your settings. lights do not come on with the in- strument panel lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (S)

Operating the Radio STEREO INDICATOR The ignition switch must be in AC- CESSORY (I) or ON (II) to operate the audio system. Turn the system on by turning the ON/VOL knob clockwise. The radio comes on and displays the frequency of the station it was last tuned to.

The antenna extends automatically. The system turns off and the anten- na retracts when you turn the igni- tion switch to LOCK (0).

Adjust the volume by turning the ON/VOL KNOB AM/FM BUTTON ON/VOL knob.

Select the band you want to listen ST will be displayed next to the fre- to by pressing the AM/FM button. quency if the station is broadcast- You will see the selected band and ing in FM stereo. The AM stereo the frequency in the display. feature is not available.

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (S)

You can use any of three methods TUNE BAR to find radio stations on the selected band: TUNE, SEEK, or the Preset buttons.

Use the TUNE bar to change the frequency in small increments. Push the right side to tune to a higher frequency, and the left side to tune to a lower frequency. Press and release to change the frequency to the next number.

Press the TUNE bar and hold it to go to a frequency that is far away. SEEK SWITCH The frequency display will begin to count rapidly. It will stop counting when you release the bar. The SEEK function searches the do not want to listen to that station, band for stations with a strong sig- push SEEK again. nal. Depending on which way you push the SEEK switch, the system searches up or down from the current frequency. Push the switch, then release it. The system searches until it finds a station with a strong signal, then stops. If you

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (S)

Presetting TUNE BAR The preset buttons allow you to store radio frequencies for later selection. Each button will store one frequency on the AM band, and one on the FM band. To store a frequency:

1. Select the desired band, AM or FM.

2. Use the TUNE or SEEK func- tion to tune the radio to a desired station. PRESET BUTTONS SEEK SWITCH 3. Pick the Preset button you want for that station. Press the button and hold it until you hear a beep. Once that station's frequency is stored, simply press and release the 4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a proper preset button to tune to it. If total of six stations each on AM you want to change any preset and FM. button's selection, store another fre- quency as described. The frequen- cies you preset will be lost if your car's battery goes dead or is discon- nected.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (S)

Radio Frequencies Your Honda's radio can tune in all frequencies in both the AM and FM bands. Those bands cover these frequen- cies:

AM band: 530 kilohertz to 1,710 kilohertz FM band: 87.7 megahertz to 107.9 megahertz

Radio stations on the AM band are assigned frequencies at least 10 kilohertz apart (530,540,550). Those on the FM band are assigned frequencies at least 0.2 megahertz Stations must use these exact apart (87.9, 88.1, 88.3). frequencies. It is fairly common for stations to round-off the frequency in their advertising, so your radio will show a frequency of 100.9 even though the announcer may call the station "FM101."

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (S)

Operating the Cassette Player TAPE DIRECTION METAL CASSETTE SLOT INDICATOR INDICATOR Turn the system ON. Insert the cassette into the slot with the tape opening to the right. Push the cassette in most of the way. The drive will pull it in the rest of the way and begin to play.

The or will light to show you which side of the cassette is playing. The indicates the side you inserted facing upward is now playing. To play the other side of the tape, press the PROG button. ON/VOL PROG PLAY DOLBY EJECT KNOB BUTTON BUTTON BUTTON BUTTON The system also has an Auto- reverse feature. It will automati- cally reverse direction when it If the tape was recorded with To remove the cassette from the reaches the end of the cassette. Dolby "B" noise reduction, turn it drive, press the EJECT button. The on by pressing the button. system automatically ejects the If the cassette is a metal tape cassette whenever you turn off the (chromium-dioxide or CrO2), you system or the ignition switch. will see "METAL" displayed. The system automatically adjusts for the special frequency character- istics of metal tape.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (S)

Cassette Search Functions PLAY BUTTON Once a cassette is playing, you can use the REW, FF, SKIP or REPEAT function to look for desired songs or passages.

Press the REW button to rewind the cassette. Press the FF button to fast forward. The cassette stops playing and the light in the button flashes. To stop rewind or fast forward, press the PLAY button. If the system reaches the end of the cassette while in fast forward or rewind, it automatically stops that REW BUTTON REPEAT FF BUTTON SKIP SWITCH function, reverses direction, and BUTTON begins to play. Press the REPEAT button to The system will continue repeating replay the current passage. The this passage until you turn off light in the button illuminates as a REPEAT by pressing the button reminder. When the system again. reaches the end of the song or passage that is being played, it automatically goes into rewind. When it senses the beginning of that passage, it goes back to play.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (S)

The SKIP function lets you SKIP over a song or other passage. Push the switch down to skip backward and up to skip forward. When the system senses a silent period on the tape, it goes back to PLAY.

The REPEAT and SKIP functions use silent periods on the tape to find the end of a selection. These features may not work satisfacto- rily on tapes that have almost no gap between songs, a high noise level between songs, or silent peri- ods in the middle of songs. REPEAT BUTTON SKIP SWITCH

Caring For Cassettes Damaged cassettes can jam inside the drive or cause other problems. See page 94 for information on cassette care and protection.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (Si, SR)

AM/FM/Cassette Stereo CASSETTE SLOT ON/OFF/VOL KNOB Audio System The audio system described here is standard equipment on the Si and Si 4WS models in the U. S., and the SR and SR 4WS models in Canada.

Your Honda audio system is easy to use, and will give clear AM/FM reception. The preset buttons allow you to select six stations on AM and twelve stations on FM.

The cassette system uses Dolby B* TUNE/SEEK AM/FM PRESET noise reduction to give excellent FF/REW/TMS BUTTON BUTTONS sound reproduction. The system SWITCH also senses when a metal (CrO2) tape is being played and adjusts * Dolby noise reduction manufac- accordingly. tured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpora- The Anti-theft feature disables the tion. "Dolby" and the symbol system if it disconnected from the are trademarks of Dolby Labora- car's battery. To get the system tories Licensing Corporation. working again, you must enter a code number.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (Si, SR)

Adjusting the sound Use the Balance and Fader controls to adjust the sound "direction". The Balance control moves it left- to-right. The Fader control moves it front-to-back.

To use either control, push on the knob to get it to pop out. Adjust the front-to-back sound to your liking with the outside ring. FADER BALANCE BASS TREBLE CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL Adjust side-to-side sound balance with the knob. Push the knob back The illumination for the radio con- Use the Bass and Treble controls to in when you are done. trols comes on with the instrument adjust the tone quality to your panel lights, even if the radio is off. liking. Push on the knob to get the You can use the Balance control to controls to pop out. Adjust the bass turn off the radio panel illumina- level with the outer ring and the tion even with the radio on. Push treble level with the knob. When the control knob so it pops out, then finished, push the knobs back in so pull it out slightly further. Check there is less chance of accidentally this control if the control panel changing your settings. lights do not come on with the in- strument panel lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (Si, SR)

Operating the Radio ON/OFF/VOL KNOB STEREO INDICATOR The ignition switch must be in AC- CESSORY (I) or ON (II) to operate the audio system. Turn the system on by turning the ON/OFF/VOL knob clockwise. The radio comes on and displays the frequency of the station it was last tuned to.

The antenna extends automatically. The system turns off and the anten- na retracts when you turn the igni- tion switch to LOCK (0). AM/FM BUTTON Adjust the volume by turning the ON/OFF/VOL knob.

Select the band you want to listen ST will be displayed next to the fre- to by pressing the AM or FM1/FM2 quency if the station is broadcast- button. You will see the selected ing in FM stereo. The AM stereo band and the frequency in the feature is not available. display.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (Si, SR)

You can use any of three methods to find radio stations on the selected band: TUNE, SEEK, or the Preset buttons.

The TUNE function lets you find a desired frequency. Push the TUNE /SEEK switch up to change to a higher frequency, and down to change to a lower frequency.

To change the frequency up or down a single increment, push and release the TUNE/SEEK switch. TUNE/SEEK PRESET BUTTONS SWITCH

The SEEK function searches the signal, then stops. If you do not band for stations with a strong sig- want to listen to that station, push nal. Depending on which way you TUNE/SEEK again. push the TUNE/SEEK switch, the system searches up or down from the current frequency. Push the switch until you hear a beep, then release it. The system searches until it finds a station with a strong

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (Si, SR)

Presetting The preset buttons allow you to store radio frequencies for later selection. Each button will store one frequency on the AM band, and two on the FM band by pushing FM1 and FM2. To store a frequency:

1. Select the desired band, AM or FM. FM1 and FM2 lets you store two frequencies with each Preset button.

2. Use the TUNE or SEEK func- TUNE/SEEK AM/FM PRESET BUTTONS tion to tune the radio to a desired SWITCH BUTTON station. Once that station's frequency is 3. Pick the Preset button you want stored, simply press and release the for that station. Press the button proper preset button to tune to it. If and hold it until you hear a beep. you want to change any preset button's selection, store another fre- 4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a quency as described. The frequen- total of six stations on AM and cies you preset will be lost if your twelve on FM. car's battery goes dead or is discon- nected.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (Si, SR)

The AUTO SELECT function AUTO SELECT LIGHT allows you to find stations easily when you are in an unfamiliar area. Press the AUTO SELECT button. The system automatically scans both bands to find six strong stations on AM and twelve on FM, and stores their frequencies in the Preset buttons. You can then use the Preset buttons in the normal manner to select those stations. "AUTO SELECT" stays displayed next to the frequency as a reminder.

If you are in a remote area, AUTO AUTO SELECT BUTTON SELECT may not find enough stations to fill all the available presets. If this is the case, you will AUTO SELECT does not erase the You cannot manually store radio see a "0" displayed when you press stations you have manually preset. station frequencies in the Preset any Preset button that does not Turn off AUTO SELECT when buttons when AUTO SELECT is have a station stored. you return to your normal recep- ON. If you do not like the stations tion area by pressing the button found by AUTO SELECT, you can again. The light goes out and the still use the TUNE or SEEK Preset buttons can then select the function to find other stations. stations you originally set.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (Si, SR)

Radio Frequencies Your Honda's radio can tune in all frequencies in both the AM and FM bands. Those bands cover these frequen- cies:

AM band: 530 kilohertz to 1,710 kilohertz FM band: 87.7 megahertz to 107.9 megahertz

Radio stations on the AM band are assigned frequencies at least 10 kilohertz apart (530, 540, 550). Those on the FM band are assigned frequencies at least 0.2 megahertz Stations must use these exact apart (87.9, 88.1, 88.3). frequencies. It is fairly common for stations to round-off the frequency in their advertising, so your radio will show a frequency of 100.9 even though the announcer may call the station "FM101."

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (Si, SR)

Operating the Cassette Player TAPE DIRECTION METAL CASSETTE SLOT Turn the system ON. Insert the ON/OFF/VOL KNOB INDICATOR INDICATOR cassette into the slot with the tape opening to the right. Push the cassette in most of the way. The drive will pull it in the rest of the way and begin to play.

The or will light to show you which side of the cassette is playing. The indicates the side you inserted facing upward is now playing. To play the other side of the tape, press the PROG/PLAY EJECT PROG/PLAY DOLBY BUTTON button. BUTTON BUTTON

The system also has an Auto- reverse feature. It will automati- If the cassette is a metal tape tape was not recorded with Dolby cally reverse direction when it (chromium-dioxide or CrO2), you "B" noise reduction, turn it off by reaches the end of the cassette. will see "MTL" displayed. The pressing the button. system automatically adjusts for the special frequency character- To remove the cassette from the istics of metal tape. drive, press the EJECT button. The system automatically ejects the Dolby noise reduction turns on cassette whenever you turn off the when you insert a cassette. If the system or the ignition switch.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (Si, SR)

Cassette Search Functions Once a cassette is playing, you can use the FF, REW, TMS, or REPEAT function to look for desired songs or passages.

To rewind the tape, push the FF/ REW/TMS button down then release it. You will see REW in the display. To fast forward the tape, push the button up then release it. You will see FF displayed. To stop rewind or fast forward, press the PROG/PLAY button. If the system FF/REW/TMS PROG/PLAY REPEAT reaches the end of the cassette SWITCH BUTTON BUTTON while in fast forward or rewind, it automatically stops that function, reverses direction, and begins to Press the REPEAT button to The system will continue repeating play. replay the current passage. The this passage until you turn off light in the button illuminates as a REPEAT by pressing the button reminder. When the system again. reaches the end of the song or passage that is being played, it automatically goes into rewind. When it senses the beginning of that passage, it goes back to play.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Audio System (Si, SR)

The TMS function lets you skip to the beginning of a song or other passage. The tape skips forward or backward, depending on which direction you push the FF/REW/ TMS switch.

Activate TMS by pushing the FF/ REW/TMS button and holding it until you hear a beep. If you push the button down, you will see REW blinking in the display as the tape rewinds. If you push the button up, you will see FF blinking in the FF/REW/TMS REPEAT display as the tape fast forwards. SWITCH BUTTON When the system senses a silent period on the tape, it goes back to

PLAY mode. The REPEAT and TMS functions Caring For Cassettes use silent periods on the tape to Damaged cassettes can jam inside find the end of a selection. These the drive or cause other problems. features may not work satisfacto- See page 94 for information on rily on tapes that have almost no cassette care and protection. gap between songs, a high noise level between songs, or silent peri- ods in the middle of songs.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Caring for the Cassette Player

S model To remind you, a small red light Use 100-minute or shorter cas- labelled CLEAN comes on every 30 settes. Cassettes longer than 100 hours of tape use. If you are minutes use thinner tape that may already regularly cleaning the tape break or jam the drive. drive at least every 30 hours, simply push the CLEAN light for Look at a cassette before you insert five seconds to turn it off. it. If the tape is loose, tighten it by turning one of the hubs with a CLEAN LIGHT If you do not clean the cassette pencil or your finger. Si and SR models drive regularly, it may eventually become impossible to remove the If the label is peeling off, do not put deposits with a normal cleaning kit. it in the player. It may cause the cassette to jam in the drive mecha- The cassette player automatically nism when you try to eject it. ejects cassettes that do not play normally. If it ejects a cassette Do not leave cassettes sitting before it begins to play, it is where they are exposed to high The cassette drive picks up dirt probably defective and should not heat or humidity, such as on top of and oxides whenever you play a be inserted again. You may have a the dashboard or in the player. If a tape. This builds up over time and cassette suddenly stop playing, cassette is exposed to extreme heat causes the sound quality to degrade. reverse directions once or twice or cold, let it reach a moderate To prevent this, you should clean and then eject. This is normally an temperature before putting it in the the cassette drive after every 30 indication the tape is wound player. hours of use. Your dealer has a unevenly. It should play normally cleaning kit available for this after being manually rewound. purpose.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Theft Protection

Theft Protection is standard on the If your car's battery is discon- Si and Si 4WS models in the U. S., nected or goes dead, the audio and the SR and SR 4WS models in system will disable itself. The next Canada. time you turn on the radio you will see "Code" in the frequency display. Your audio system is protected by a Use the Preset buttons to enter the code number. The system immedi- five-digit code. If entered correctly, ately disables itself whenever the the radio will start to play. radio/player unit is disconnected from the battery. To make it work You will then have to store your again, you must enter a five-digit favorite stations in the Preset code with the station Preset buttons. Your original settings buttons. were lost when power was discon- nected. Your dealer should have given you two copies of your audio system's code number with your car. Keep one of these copies at home, and the other in your wallet or a con- cealed place in the car.

Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu ▲ ▼ Before Driving

Before you begin driving your Break-in Period ...... 98 Honda, you should know what gaso- Gasoline...... 98 line to use, and that your car is full Oxygenated Fuels...... 98 of oil and other important fluids. Driving in Foreign Countries... 99 You also need to know how to pro- Service Station Procedures...... 100 perly stow luggage or packages. Filling the Gas Tank ...... 100 This section will help you. If you Opening the Hood...... 101 plan to add any accessories to your Fuel Economy...... 104 car, please read the information in Vehicle Condition...... 104 this section first. Driving Habits...... 104 Accessories...... 105 Loading Cargo...... 106

Before Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Break-in Period, Gasoline

Break-in Period Gasoline (All other models) Help assure your car's future Your Honda is designed to operate Use a premium unleaded gasoline reliability and performance by most effectively on unleaded with a pump octane number of 91 paying extra attention to how you gasoline. or higher. drive during the first 1,000 km (600 Using gasoline containing lead will If you are unable to find premium miles). damage your car's emission unleaded, you may substitute an During this period: controls. This contributes to air unleaded regular gasoline. The pollution and can void certain parts engine will compensate for the Avoid full-throttle starts and of your warranty. lower octane, but you may notice a rapid acceleration. slight decrease in power as a result. (S model) If you need to add oil, use the Use an unleaded gasoline with a Oxygenated Fuels engine oil recommended in this pump octane number of 86 or Some conventional gasolines are owner's manual. higher. being blended with alcohol or an Use of a lower octane gasoline can ether compound to increase the Avoid hard braking. New brakes cause a persistent, heavy metallic gasoline's octane. These gasolines need to be broken-in by moderate rapping noise that can lead to are collectively referred to as use for the first 300 km (200 engine damage. oxygenated fuels. Some areas of miles). the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help meet clean You should follow these same re- air standards. commendations with an overhauled or exchanged engine, or when the If you use an oxygenated fuel, be brakes are relined. sure it meets the minimum octane rating requirement as recom- mended.

Before Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Gasoline

ETHANOL (ethyl or grain alcohol) Before using an oxygenated fuel, Driving in Foreign Countries — Gasoline containing more than try to confirm the fuel's contents. Using any type of leaded gasoline 10% ethanol by volume may cause Some states and provinces require in your Honda will affect perform- starting and/or performance this information to be posted on the ance and damage its emission con- problems. Gasoline containing pump. If you notice any undesirable trols. Unleaded gasoline may not be ethanol may be marketed under the operating symptoms, switch to a available in other countries. If you name "Gasohol." conventional unleaded gasoline. are planning to take your car out- Fuel system damage or perform- side the U.S. or Canada, write to METHANOL (methyl or wood ance problems resulting from the Honda at the address shown for alcohol) — Gasoline containing use of an oxygenated fuel are not information about any modifica- methanol must contain cosolvents the responsibility of Honda and are tions your car may need. Be sure to and corrosion inhibitors to protect not covered under warranty. include the year and model of your the fuel system. Gasoline contain- car. ing more than 5% methanol by NOTICE volume may cause starting and/or U.S. Owners: performance problems and may Oxygenated fuels can damage paint American Honda Motor Co., Inc. damage metal, rubber and plastic and plastic. Be careful not to spill Consumer Affairs parts of your fuel system. fuel when filling your fuel tank. 1919 Torrance Blvd. Damage caused by spilled fuel is Torrance, CA 90501-2746 MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl not covered under warranty. Ether) — You may use gasoline Canadian Owners: containing up to 15% MTBE by Honda Canada Inc. volume. 715 Milner Ave. Scarborough, Ontario M1B 2K8

Before Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Service Station Procedures

Filling the Gas Tank 3. Remove the gas cap slowly. You may hear a hissing sound as Pull Handling gasoline improperly pressure inside the tank escapes. can cause it to ignite or ex- Place the gas cap on the inside of plode, causing you to be seri- the door as shown. ously or fatally injured. 4. Stop filling the tank after the gas Always put out cigarettes and pump automatically clicks off. other smoking materials, and Do not try to "top off" the tank, keep all sparks and open leave some room for the fuel to flames away when you are expand with temperature around gasoline. changes.

5. Screw the gas cap back on, 1. The fuel filler is on the driver's tighten it until it clicks. side of the car. Park with that side closest to the service station 6. Push the fuel filler door until it pumps. latches.

2. Open the fuel filler door by pulling on the handle to the left of the driver's seat.

GAS CAP

Before Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Service Station Procedures

Opening the Hood

LATCH

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE CLIP SUPPORT ROD

1. Shift to Park or Neutral and set 2. Standing in front of the car, put 3. Pull the support rod out of its clip the parking brake. Pull the hood your fingers under the front edge and insert the end into the hole release handle, located under the of the hood to the right of center. on the left side of the hood. left lower corner of the dash- Slide your hand to the left until board. The hood will pop up you feel the hood latch handle. To close the hood, lift it up slightly slightly. Push this handle to the left until to remove the support rod from the it releases the hood. Lift the hood. hole. Put the support rod back into its holding clip. Lower the hood to about a foot above the fender, then let it drop.

CONTINUED

Before Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Service Station Procedures

Oil Check

DIPSTICK Check the engine oil level every 2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean 3. Insert it all the way back in its time you fill the car with gas. Wait cloth or paper towel. tube. at least two minutes after turning the engine off before you check the oil.

1. Remove the dipstick (orange handle).

Before Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Service Station Procedures

Coolant Check Refer to Periodic Checks on page 133 for information on check- ing other items in your Honda.

MAX MIN

UPPER MARK LOWER MARK RESERVE TANK

4. Remove it again and check the Look at the coolant level in the level. It should be between the radiator reserve tank. Make sure it upper and lower marks. is between the MAX and MIN lines. If it is below the MIN line, see If it is near or below the lower Adding Coolant on page 139 for mark, see page 135 for information information on adding the proper on the proper oil and how to add it. coolant.

Before Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Fuel Economy

The condition of your car and your Driving Habits The air conditioner puts an extra driving habits are the two most You can improve fuel economy by load on the engine which makes it important things that affect the driving moderately. Rapid acceler- use more fuel. Turn off the A/C to fuel mileage you get. ation, abrupt cornering, and hard cut down on air conditioner use. braking use more fuel. Always Use the flow-through ventilation Vehicle Condition drive in the highest gear that al- when the outside air temperature is Always maintain your car accord- lows the engine to run and acceler- moderate. ing to the maintenance schedule. ate smoothly. Depending on traffic This will keep it in top operating conditions, try to maintain a con- condition. stant speed. Every time you slow down and speed up, your car uses An important part of that mainte- extra fuel. Use the cruise control, nance is the Periodic Checks when appropriate, to increase fuel (see page 133). For example an economy. underinflated tire causes more "rolling resistance," which uses A cold engine uses more fuel than a fuel. It also wears out faster, so warm engine. It is not necessary to check the tire pressure at least "warm-up" a cold engine by letting monthly. In winter, the build-up of it idle for a long time. You can snow on your car's underside adds drive away in about a minute, no weight and rolling resistance. matter how cold it is outside. The Frequent cleaning helps your fuel engine will warm up faster, and you mileage and reduces the chance of get better fuel economy. To cut corrosion. down on the number of "cold starts," try to combine several short trips into one.

Before Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Accessories

Your Honda dealer has many acces- Some non-Honda accessories you Electronic communications equip- sories available to personalize your can buy in the "aftermarket" are ment, such as cellular telephones car. Some of these are audio sys- designed for universal applications. and two-way radios are regulated tems, alloy wheels, air conditioning, Although they may fit your Honda, by the FCC and should not inter- and color-coordinated carpet floor they may not be within factory fere with your car's systems. mats. All Genuine Honda Acces- specifications. For example, after- Improper installation, or using sories have been approved by our market wheels may not meet electrical equipment not intended engineers for installation and use Honda's specifications for width for mobile use may interfere with on your car, and are covered by and offset. They could cause sus- your car's operation. If you want to warranty. For a complete guide to pension problems which would not install a cellular telephone, other the Genuine Honda Accessories be covered by your warranty. Im- mobile communications equipment available, see your dealer for a 1992 properly-designed accessories can or even add-on stereo amplifiers, Accessories brochure. adversely affect your car's han- please discuss it first with your dling and stability. Honda dealer.

Your car has several computer- In many cases, improper instal- controlled systems, including the lation is the real cause of problems SRS system, the engine's fuel with aftermarket accessories. Have injection, and the Anti-lock brake these accessories installed by quali- system. Strong electronic inter- fied technicians who are familiar ference can affect their operation. with your Honda. If possible, have your Honda dealer inspect the final installation.

Before Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Loading Cargo

The maximum load you can carry To figure out how much cargo you Where you store this cargo, and in your Honda is 325 kg (700 Ibs). It can carry: how well you secure it, are just as includes the total weight of all important as how much it weighs. passengers and their belongings, Figure the total "occupant Make sure you load cargo so it will any accessories, and the tongue weight" you will be transporting. not shift while driving. Items weight of a trailer. This 325 kg (700 To do this, multiply the number stored in the trunk should be Ibs) figure is shown as the Vehicle of people (driver and all passen- placed as far forward as possible. Capacity Weight on the tire infor- gers) by 70 kg (150 Ibs). You could store additional items on mation label attached to the driver's Subtract this number from the the floor behind the front seats. door jamb. Vehicle Capacity Weight (325 kg/ Make sure they cannot roll under 700 Ibs). the front seat and interfere with If you are towing a trailer, the pedals. subtract the tongue weight. See Towing a Trailer on page 121. If you must carry large objects that prevent you from closing the trunk This final number is the total lid, be aware that exhaust gas can weight of cargo you can load in or enter the interior. See Carbon on the car. With four occupants Monoxide Hazard on page 25 . (driver and three passengers), the maximum recommended weight Never place items on the shelf for cargo is 45 kg (100 Ibs). behind the back seat. Those items can fly forward and injure you or your passengers if you brake hard or are involved in a collision.

Before Driving Main Menu ▲ ▼ Driving

This section gives you tips on Preparing to Drive ...... 108 starting the engine under various Starting the Engine...... 109 conditions, and how to operate the 5-speed Transmission...... 109 5-speed and automatic transmis- Automatic Transmission...... 109 sions. It also includes important Starting in Cold Weather information on your car's braking at High Altitude...... 110 system and facts you need if you 5-speed Manual Transmission... 111 are planning to tow a trailer. Recommended Shift Points.... 111 Maximum Speeds...... 112 Automatic Transmission...... 112 Shift Lever Positions...... 112 Maximum Speeds...... 115 Shift Lock Release...... 115 The Braking System...... 116 Brake Wear Indicators...... 116 Brake System Design...... 116 Anti-lock Brakes...... 117 Four Wheel Steering...... 118 Driving in Bad Weather...... 119 Towing a Trailer ...... 121

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Preparing to Drive

You should do the following checks 4. Check the adjustment of the seat 9. Turn the ignition ON (II). Check and adjustments every day before (see page 51 ). the indicator lights in the instru- you drive your car. ment panel. 5. Check the adjustment of the 1. Make sure all windows, mirrors, inside and outside mirrors (see 10.Start the engine. and outside lights are clean and page 59 ). unobstructed. Remove frost, 11.Check the gauges and indicator snow, or ice. 6. Check the adjustment of the lights in the instrument panel steering wheel (see page 43 ). (see page 31 ). 2. Check that the hood and trunk are fully closed. 7. Make sure the doors are securely closed and locked. 3. Check that any items you may be carrying with you inside are 8. Fasten your seat belt. Check that stored properly or fastened down your passengers have fastened securely. their seat belts (see page 7 ).

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Starting the Engine

5-Speed Transmission 5. If the engine does not start Automatic Transmission 1. Apply the parking brake. within 15 seconds, or starts but 1. Apply the parking brake. stalls right away, repeat step 4 2. In cold weather, turn off all with the accelerator pedal 2. In cold weather, turn off all electrical accessories to reduce pressed half-way down. If the electrical accessories to reduce the drain on the battery. engine starts, release pressure on the drain on the battery. the accelerator pedal so the 3. Push the clutch pedal down all engine does not race. 3. Make sure the shift lever is in the way. START (III) does not Park. Press on the brake pedal. function unless the clutch pedal 6. If the engine still does not start, is depressed. press the accelerator pedal all the 4. Without touching the accelerator way down and hold it there while pedal, turn the ignition key to the 4. Without touching the accelerator starting in order to clear flooding. START (III) position. If the pedal, turn the ignition key to the As before, keep the ignition key engine does not start right away, START (III) position. If the in the START (III) position for do not hold the key in START engine does not start right away, no more than 15 seconds. Return (III) for more than 15 seconds at do not hold the key in START to step 5 if the engine does not a time. Pause for at least 10 (III) for more than 15 seconds at start. If it starts, lift your foot off seconds before trying again. a time. Pause for at least 10 the accelerator pedal so the seconds before trying again. engine does not race.

CONTINUED

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Starting the Engine

5. If the engine does not start Starting in Cold Weather at 3. If the engine fails to start in step within 15 seconds, or starts but High Altitude (Above 2,400 2, push the accelerator pedal to stalls right away, repeat step 4 meters/8,000 feet) the floor and hold it there while with the accelerator pedal An engine is harder to start in cold you try to start the engine for no pressed half-way down. If the weather. The thinner air found at more than 15 seconds. If the engine starts, release pressure on high altitude above 2,400 meters engine does not start, return to the accelerator pedal so the (8,000 feet) adds to the problem. step 2. engine does not race. Use the following procedure:

6. If the engine still does not start, 1. Turn off all electrical accessories press the accelerator pedal all the to reduce the drain on the way down and hold it there while battery. starting in order to clear flooding. As before, keep the ignition key 2. Push the accelerator pedal half- in the START (III) position for way to the floor and hold it there no more than 15 seconds. Return while starting the engine. Do not to step 5 if the engine does not hold the ignition key in START start. If it starts, lift your foot off (III) for more than 15 seconds. the accelerator pedal so the When the engine starts, release engine does not race. the accelerator pedal gradually as the engine speeds up and smooths out.

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ 5-speed Manual Transmission

Come to a full stop before you shift into reverse. You can damage the transmission by trying to shift into Rapid slowing or speeding-up reverse with the car moving. can cause loss of control on Depress the clutch pedal and pause slippery surfaces. If you crash, for a few seconds before putting it you can be injured. in reverse, or shift into one of the forward gears for a moment. This Use extra care when driving on stops the gears so they won't slippery surfaces. "grind". Recommended Shift Points You can get extra braking from the Drive in the highest gear that lets engine when slowing down by the engine run and accelerate The manual transmission is syn- shifting to a lower gear. This extra smoothly. This will give you the chronized in all forward gears for braking can help you maintain a best fuel economy and effective smooth operation. It has a lockout safe speed and prevent your brakes emissions control. The following so you cannot shift directly from from overheating while going down shift points are recommended: Fifth to Reverse. When shifting up a steep hill. Before downshifting, or down, make sure you push the make sure engine speed will not go clutch pedal down all the way, shift into the red zone in the lower gear. to the next gear, and let the pedal Refer to the Maximum Speeds up gradually. When you are not chart. shifting, do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal. This can cause your clutch to wear out faster. CONTINUED

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ 5-speed Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission

(US: S, Canada: S) Automatic Transmission Your Honda's transmission has four forward speeds, and is electro- nically controlled for smoother shifting. It also has a "lock-up" torque converter for better fuel economy. You may feel what seems like another shift when the con- verter locks. Maximum Speeds The speeds in this table are the Shift Lever Positions maximums for the given gears. If (US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) you exceed these speeds, the engine speed will enter into the tachometer's red zone. If this occurs, you may feel the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter in the engine's computer controls. The engine will run normally when you reduce the RPM below the red zone.

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Automatic Transmission

This display is on the instrument panel. It shows you the position of the shift lever. It also indicates a possible problem in the transmis- sion if the "D4" indicator light flashes.

You must also press the release Park (P) — This position mechani- button to shift into Park. To avoid cally locks the transmission. Use transmission damage, come to a Park whenever you are turning off complete stop before shifting into SHIFT LEVER or starting the engine. To shift out Park. The shift lever must be in of Park, you must press on the Park before you can remove the The shift lever has seven positions. brake pedal and have your foot off key from the ignition switch. It must be in Park or Neutral to the accelerator pedal. Press the start the engine. When you are release button on the side of the If you have done all of the above stopped in D4, D3, 2, 1 or R, press shift lever to move it. and still cannot move the lever out firmly on the brake pedal and keep of Park, see Shift Lock Release on your foot off the accelerator pedal. page 115. CONTINUED

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Automatic Transmission

Reverse (R) — To shift to Re- Drive (D3) — This position is simi- hills. Use second gear when start- verse from Park, see the explana- lar to D4, except only the first three ing out on a slippery surface or in tion under Park. To shift to Re- gears are selected. Use D3 to deep snow. It will help reduce verse from Neutral, come to a com- provide engine braking when going wheelspin. plete stop and then shift. Press the down a steep hill. D3 can also keep release button before shifting into the transmission from cycling Whenever you move the shift lever Reverse from Neutral. between third and fourth gears in to a lower gear, the transmission stop-and-go driving. downshifts only if the engine's Neutral (N) — Use Neutral if you redline will not be exceeded in the need to restart a stalled engine, or For faster acceleration when in D3 lower gear. if it is necessary to stop briefly with or D4, you can get the transmission the engine idling. Shift to Park posi- to automatically downshift by push- First (1) — To shift from Second tion if you need to leave the car for ing the accelerator pedal to the to First, press the release button on any reason. Press on the brake pe- floor. The transmission will shift the side of the shift lever. With the dal when you are moving the shift down one or two gears, depending lever in this position, the transmis- lever from Neutral to another gear. on your speed. sion locks in First gear. By upshift- ing and downshifting through 1,2, Drive (D4) — Use this position for Second (2) — To shift to Second, D3 and D4, you can operate this your normal driving. The transmis- press the release button on the side transmission much like a manual sion automatically selects a suita- of the shift lever. This position transmission without a clutch pedal. ble gear for your speed and acceler- locks the transmission in second ation. You may notice the transmis- gear. It does not downshift to first sion shifting up at higher speeds gear when you come to a stop. when the engine is cold. This helps Second gives you more power when the engine warm up faster. climbing, and increased engine braking when going down steep

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Automatic Transmission

Maximum Speeds Shift Lock Release The speeds in this table are the This allows you to move the shift maximums for the given position. lever out of Park if the normal If you exceed these speeds, the method of pushing on the brake engine speed will enter into the pedal and pressing the release tachometer's red zone. If this button does not work. RELEASE occurs, you will feel the engine cut BUTTON in and out. This is caused by a 1. Set the Parking brake. limiter in the engine's computer controls. The engine will run 2. Remove the key from the SHIFT LOCK normally when you reduce the ignition switch. RELEASE SLOT RPM below the red zone. 3. Insert the key in the Shift Lock (US: S, Canada: S) Release slot next to the shift 5. Remove the key from the Shift lever. Lock Release slot. Depress the brake pedal and restart the 4. Push down on the key while you engine. press the release button and move the shift lever out of Park If you need to use the Shift Lock to Neutral. Release, it could mean your car is (US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) developing a problem. Have the car checked by your Honda dealer.

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ The Braking System

Your Honda is equipped with disc Check your brakes after driving Brake System Design brakes at all four wheels. The through deep water. Apply the The hydraulic system that operates braking system is power-assisted to brakes moderately to see if they the brakes has two separate cir- reduce the effort needed on the feel normal. If not, apply them cuits. Each circuit works diago- brake pedal. gently and frequently until they do. nally across the car (the left-front Since a longer distance is needed to brake is connected with the right- Put your foot on the brake pedal stop with wet brakes, be extra rear brake, etc.). If one circuit only when you intend to brake. cautious and alert in your driving. should develop a problem, you will Resting your foot on the pedal still have braking at two wheels. keeps the brakes applied lightly, Brake Wear Indicators causing them to build up heat. Heat All four brakes have audible brake build-up can reduce how well your wear indicators. brakes work. It also keeps your When the brake pads need re- brake lights on all the time, placing, you will hear a distinctive confusing drivers behind you. metallic "screeching" sound when Front you apply the brakes. If you do not Constant application of the brakes have the brake pads replaced, they when going down a long hill builds will begin screeching all the time. up heat and reduces their effective- ness. Use the engine to assist the Your brakes may sometimes squeal brakes by downshifting to a lower or squeak when you apply them gear and taking your foot off the lightly. Do not confuse this with the accelerator pedal. brake wear indicators. They make a very audible "screeching".

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ The Braking System

If this happens, you will immediate- Anti-lock Brakes The ABS is always "On". It ly notice that the brake pedal goes The Prelude Si and Si 4WS models requires no special effort or driving down much farther and you need to in the U.S. and SR and SR 4WS technique. You will feel a pulsation press on it much harder. A much models in Canada have an Anti- in the brake pedal when the ABS longer distance will be needed to lock Brake System (ABS) as activates. stop the car. standard equipment. Activation varies with the amount Slow the car by downshifting to a ABS helps you maintain steering of traction your tires have. On dry lower gear and removing your foot control. It does this by helping you pavement, you will need to press on from the accelerator pedal. Pull to to prevent the wheels from locking the brake pedal very hard before the side of the road as soon as it is up and skidding. you feel the pedal pulsation that safe. Because of the longer stop- means the ABS has activated. ping distance needed, brake system However, you may feel the ABS failure is very hazardous. It is best activate immediately if you are to have your car towed, but if you trying to stop on snow or ice. Under must drive the car in this condition, all conditions, the ABS is helping to be extremely cautious. Have your prevent the wheels from locking so car repaired as soon as possible. you can retain steering control. You should continue to press on the brake pedal with the same force.

You may feel a slight movement of the brake pedal just after you start the engine. This is the ABS working. CONTINUED

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ The Braking System, Four Wheel Steering

The ABS works by comparing the Four Wheel Steering speed of the wheels. When re- The Si 4WS and SR 4WS models placing tires, use the same size feature an electronically controlled originally supplied with the car. system that steers the rear wheels Tire size and construction can as you steer the front wheels. affect wheel speed and may cause the system to work inconsistently. It uses the car's speed, angle of the front wheels, and the rate that you A car with ABS may require a turn the steering wheel to steer the longer distance to stop on loose or rear wheels in the appropriate uneven surfaces than an equivalent direction and angle. car without Anti-lock. The ABS cannot make up for road conditions The ABS is self-checking. If or bad judgment. It is still your anything goes wrong, the ABS indi- responsibility to drive at reasonable cator on the instrument panel speeds for weather and traffic comes on (see page 34 ). This means conditions, and to leave a margin of the Anti-lock function of the brak- safety. ing system has shut down. The brakes still work like a convention- For a technical description of the al system, providing normal stop- Anti-lock brake system hardware, ping ability. You should have the refer to page 208 . dealer inspect your car as soon as possible.

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Four Wheel Steering, Driving in Bad Weather

At very slow speeds, the rear The rear wheels return to the Driving in Bad Weather wheels steer in the opposite straight ahead position when you direction to the front wheels. This turn off the engine. They also helps in maneuvers such as parallel return to straight ahead if you sit parking and U-turns. still for more than two minutes with the engine running. They At higher speeds, the rear wheels return to steering mode as soon as first steer in the same direction as you move the steering wheel or the front wheels. This aids with start to drive away. changing lanes. As you turn the steering wheel more, the rear The 4WS system is self-checking. wheels return to straight ahead and If it detects a problem anywhere in then steer in the opposite direction the system, it turns on the 4WS to the front wheels. This gives indicator on the instrument panel improved handling when going (see page 35) and points the rear Rain, fog, and snow conditions re- around curves at highway speeds. wheels straight ahead. Your car quire a different driving technique will then drive like a conventional because of reduced traction and car without 4WS. visibility. Keep your car well- maintained and exercise greater caution when you need to drive in bad weather. The cruise control should not be used in these condi- tions.

CONTINUED

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Driving in Bad Weather

Driving Technique — Always Visibility — Being able to see Traction — Check your tires drive slower than you would in dry clearly in all directions and being frequently for wear and proper weather. It takes your car longer to visible to other drivers are impor- pressure. Both are important in react, even in conditions that may tant in all weather conditions. This preventing "hydroplaning" (loss of seem just barely damp. Apply is more difficult in bad weather. To traction on a wet surface). In the smooth, even pressure to all the be seen more clearly during day- winter, mount snow tires on all four controls. Abrupt steering wheel light hours, turn on your headlights. wheels for the best handling. movements or sudden, hard appli- cation of the brakes can cause loss Inspect your windshield wipers and Watch road conditions carefully, of control in wet weather. Be extra washers frequently. Keep the wind- they can change from moment to cautious for the first few miles of shield washer reservoir full of the moment. Wet leaves can be as slip- driving while you adjust to the proper fluid. Replace the wind- pery as ice. "Clear" roads can have change in driving conditions. This shield wiper blades if they start to patches of ice. Driving conditions is especially true in snow. A person streak the windshield or leave parts can be very hazardous when the can forget some snow-driving tech- unwiped. Use the defrosters and air outside temperature is near freez- niques during the summer months. conditioner to keep the windows ing. The road surface can become Practice is needed to relearn those from fogging up on the inside (see covered with areas of water pud- skills. page 73). dles mixed with areas of ice, so your traction can change without Exercise extra caution when warning. driving in rain after a long dry spell. After months of dry weather, the Be careful when downshifting. If first rains bring oil to the surface of traction is low, you can lock up the the roadway, making it slippery. drive wheels for a moment and cause a skid.

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Driving in Bad Weather, Towing a Trailer

Towing a Trailer The total weight of the trailer Your Honda is designed primarily and everything loaded in it must to carry passengers and their cargo. not exceed 450 kg (1,000 Ibs). You can use it to tow a trailer if you carefully observe some general The "tongue load" should never rules. exceed 50 kg (110 Ibs). This is the amount of weight the trailer puts on the hitch when it is fully- loaded. As a rule of thumb, the tongue load should be 10% of the total trailer package. For example, if the trailer and its load weigh 225 kg (500 Ibs), the Be very cautious when passing, or tongue load should be 22.5 kg (50 being passed by, other vehicles. Ibs). Adjust the the trailer's cargo The spray from large vehicles to change the tongue load. Start reduces your visibility, and the by putting approximately 60% of wind buffeting can cause you to the cargo toward the front and lose control. 40% toward the rear. Never load the trailer so the back is heavier than the front. This takes weight off your car's rear axle and reduces traction.

CONTINUED

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Towing a Trailer

The combined weight of the car, Trailer Hitches all passengers and their luggage, Your Honda dealer, or the Honda and tongue load must not exceed Improperly loading your car Customer Relations Zone Office, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. and trailer can seriously affect can give you advice on the proper The GVWR is printed on the its steering and braking per- hitch for your car. Never use a Certification label attached to formance, causing a crash in hitch that mounts only to the rear the driver's door jamb (see page which you can be seriously bumper. The bumper is not 204). injured. designed to handle that type of load. The hitch should bolt to the The combined weight of the car, Check the loading of your car underbody of the car and distribute all passengers and their luggage, and trailer carefully before the load over a wide area. Always and tongue load also must not starting to drive. have a trailer hitch installed by a exceed the Gross Axle Weight qualified technician. Rating. The GAWR is also shown on the Certification label. The best way to confirm that your NOTICE It tells you the maximum load for total towing package is within the front and rear axles. It is these specifications is to get it A trailer hitch that is not adequate possible that your towing pack- weighed. Load the car and trailer for the size of the trailer, or a hitch age does not exceed the GVWR as you normally would while tow- that is improperly installed, can but does exceed the GAWR. ing, and take them to a public scale. cause damage to the underside of Improper trailer loading, and/or Have them check the total weight your car. too much luggage in the trunk and the weight at each axle, then can overload the rear axle. Redis- compare them to the specifications. tribute the load and check the axle weights again.

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Towing a Trailer

Mirrors Connecting the Trailer Before Starting Out Many states and provinces have Most trailers that have a gross As you are preparing to tow your laws requiring special outside weight of 450 kg (1,000 Ibs) do not trailer, do the following: mirrors when you are towing a have their own braking system. If trailer. Check the laws in your area. you are thinking of getting a trailer Measure the trailer's tongue load. You may want to install mirrors, that does have brakes, make sure You can do this with a bathroom even if they are not required. Hook they are electrically-operated. scale. up the trailer and see how much it There are no provisions in your car Verify that the hitch and safety obscures your ability to see behind to tap into its hydraulic braking chain are securely fastened. you with the standard mirrors. If system. Any attempt to attach the Check the condition and air you cannot see directly behind you, trailer's brakes to your car's pressure of all tires on the trailer or have a large blind spot next to hydraulic system, no matter how and your car. Low tire pressure the trailer or the car, you should successful it may seem, will lower can seriously affect the handling. install mirrors intended for towing. braking effectiveness and create a Also check the spare tires. potential hazard. With everything loaded and the trailer connected, check that the Always use a safety chain when rear of the car is not sagging. If towing a trailer. Connect the safety so, redistribute the load in the chain securely at both ends. Make car. sure the chain crosses under the Check that all lights on the car tongue so it will catch the trailer if are working properly. it becomes unhitched. Leave enough slack in the chain so it can't bind in a sharp turn. Do not let it drag on the ground.

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Towing a Trailer

Towing Safety The car/trailer combination is more This extra load is magnified when Your car will not stop as quickly affected by crosswinds and buffet- you are driving in hilly terrain. with a trailer in tow. Leave extra ing. When being passed by a large Watch the temperature gauge distance between your car and vehicle, keep a constant speed and closely when climbing hills. If it other vehicles. Avoid braking or steer straight ahead. If there is too gets near the hot area, turn off the turning suddenly. This could cause much wind buffeting, slow down to air conditioner (if it is on). If this the trailer to jackknife or possibly get out of the other vehicle's air does not reduce the heat, it may be turn over. turbulence. necessary to pull to the side of the road and wait for the engine to cool. Keep in mind that your total Towing a trailer puts an extra load If the automatic transmission shifts vehicle is now much longer. Leave on your car. You should have your frequently between 3rd and 4th more room when making turns. car serviced according to the gears, put it in D3. This will help The trailer tracks a smaller arc "Maintenance schedule under prevent the transmission from than the car and can hit or run over severe driving conditions" on page overheating. Help keep the brakes something that the car misses. 130. from overheating by shifting to a When passing another vehicle, lower gear when going downhill. make sure the trailer is clear before If you have to stop while going up- changing lanes. hill, do not hold the car in place by pressing on the accelerator. This can cause the automatic transmis- sion to overheat. Use the parking brake or footbrake.

Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Towing a Trailer

When parking your car and trailer, especially on a hill, be sure to follow all the normal precautions. Turn your front wheels into the curb, set the parking brake firmly, and put the transmission in 1st or Reverse (5-speed) or Park (auto- matic). In addition, place wheel chocks at each of the trailer's tires.

Backing up with a trailer is diffi- cult and takes practice. Drive slowly, make small movements with the steering wheel, and have someone stand outside to guide you. Grip the steering wheel on the bottom (rather than the usual posi- tion near the top). Move your hand to the left to get the trailer to move to the left, and right to move the trailer right.

Driving Main Menu ▲ ▼ Maintenance

Regularly maintaining your Honda Maintenance Schedule...... 128 Spark Plugs...... 150 is the best way to protect your Maintenance Record...... 131 Replacement...... 150 investment. You will be rewarded Periodic Checks...... 133 Specification...... 152 with safer, more economical, Fluid Locations...... 134 Battery...... 152 trouble-free driving. This section Engine Oil...... 135 Windshield Wipers...... 155 lists items that need to be checked Checking Engine Oil...... 135 Air Conditioner...... 157 regularly and explains how to Adding...... 135 Engine Belts...... 158 check them. It also details some Recommended Oil...... 136 Tires...... 158 simple maintenance tasks you can Additives...... 136 Inflation...... 158 do yourself. The maintenance Oil and Filter Changes ...... 137 Inspection...... 159 schedules for normal and severe Cooling System...... 139 Maintenance...... 160 driving conditions show you when Checking the Coolant Level... 139 Tire Rotation...... 160 these things need to be done. Adding Radiator Coolant...... 139 Replacing Tires ...... 161 Replacing Coolant...... 140 Wheels and Tires...... 161 If you are interested in how to per- Windshield Washers...... 143 DOT Tire Quality Grading..... 161 form more complex maintenance Transmission Oil...... 144 Treadwear...... 161 on your Honda, you can purchase Automatic Transmission...... 144 Traction...... 162 the Service Manual. See page 5-speed Transmission...... 145 Temperature...... 162 221 for information on how to Brake and Clutch Fluid...... 146 Winter Driving...... 163 obtain a copy, or see your Honda Brake System...... 146 Snow Tires...... 163 dealer. Anti-lock Brake System ...... 147 Tire Chains...... 163 Clutch System...... 147 Lights...... 164 Power Steering...... 148 Replacing Bulbs...... 164 Air Filter...... 149 Storing Your Car...... 173 Fuel Filter...... 150

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Maintenance Schedule

The Required Maintenance Always use unleaded gasoline We recommend the use of Genuine Schedule specifies how often you with the proper octane (see page Honda parts and fluids or their should have your car serviced, and 98). equivalent whenever you have what things need attention. It is maintenance done. These are the essential that your car be serviced Your authorized Honda dealer same high-quality items that went as scheduled to retain its high level knows your car best, and can into your car when it was new, so of safety, dependability, and provide competent, efficient you can be sure they fit and emission control performance. service. However, service at a perform flawlessly. dealer is not mandatory to keep The services and time or mileage your warranties in effect. Mainte- U.S. Cars: intervals shown in the maintenance nance may be done by any qualified Maintenance, replacement or schedule assume you will use your service facility or person who is repair of emission control car as normal transportation for skilled in this type of automotive devices and systems may be passengers and their possessions. service. Keep all the receipts as done by any automotive re- You should: proof of completion, and have the pair establishment or indi- person who does the work fill out vidual using parts that are Avoid exceeding your car's load the maintenance record on page "certified" to EPA standards. limit. This puts excess strain on 131. Check your warranty booklet the engine, brakes, and many for more information. Vehicles sold in California have other parts of your car. The load slightly different maintenance limit is shown on the label in the requirements. These are noted in glove box. the Required Maintenance Sche- Operate your car on reasonable dule. Other maintenance operations roads within the legal speed limit. are required by California regula- Drive your car regularly over a tions, and condition the emission distance of several miles. warranty.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Maintenance Schedule

R — Replace I — Inspect After inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary.

Severe Driving Conditions The services are: Items with an or in the chart will need service — Clean the air cleaner element every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 12 months and replace more often, if you drive in some servere conditions. every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months under condition B or E. — Replace engine oil and oil filter every 6,000 km (3,750 miles) or 3 months under condition A, The conditions are: B or F. A. Repeated short distance driving. — Replace transmission oil every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 12 months under condition F. B. Dusty conditions. — Inspect front brake discs and calipers, and rear brake discs, calipers and pads every 12,000 C. Severe cold weather. km (7,500 miles) or 6 months under condition A, B, D, E or F. D. Areas with road salt or other corrosive materials. — Inspect the power steering system every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 6 months under E. Rough or muddy roads. condition B, C or E. F. Towing a trailer.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Required Maintenance Record

Have your servicing dealer record all Required Maintenance below. Keep receipts for all work done on your car.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼

R — Replace I — Inspect After inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary.

: Check oil and coolant level at each fuel stop. * 3 : Thereafter, replace every 2 years or 48,000 km (30,000 miles), which- : Under severe driving conditions, service these items more often. ever comes first. * 1 : For cars sold in California, this service is recommended only: other *4 : For cars with Anti-lock brake system. areas, it is required. (US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) * 2 : Tension adjustment only. Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Non-Scheduled Maintenance Record

Record additional maintenance for severe driving conditions or non-scheduled maintenance on this page (see page 130 ).

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Periodic Checks

You should check the following Engine oil level — Check every Tires — Check the tire pressure items at the specified intervals. If time you fill the gas tank. See monthly. Examine the tread for you are unsure of how to perform page 102. wear and foreign objects. See any check, turn to the page given. page 159. Engine coolant level — Check the radiator reserve tank every Battery — Check its condition time you fill the gas tank. See and the terminals for corrosion page 103. monthly. See page 152.

Windshield washer fluid — Air conditioner — Check its Check the level in the reservoir operation weekly. See page 157. monthly. If weather conditions cause you to use the washers Lights — Check the operation of frequently, check the reservoir the headlights, parking lights, each time you stop for gas. See taillights, high-mount brake light, page 143 . turn signals, brake lights, and license plate lights monthly. See Automatic transmission — page 164. Check the fluid level monthly. See page 144.

Brakes, clutch and power steering — Check the fluid level monthly. See page 146.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Fluid Locations

BRAKE FLUID (Gray cap)

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (5-M/T only) RESERVOIR CLUTCH FLUID (Gray cap) (Gray cap)

ENGINE OIL COOLANT FILLER CAP RESERVOIR

POWER STEERING FLUID (Red cap)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK WASHER FLUID (Yellow loop) (Blue cap)

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK (Orange loop)

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Engine Oil

Checking Engine Oil Adding

DIPSTICK OIL FILLER CAP

UPPER MARK LOWER MARK

Check the engine oil a couple of 3. Pull it out again and look at the To add oil, unscrew and remove the minutes after shutting off the oil level at the end of the dipstick. oil filler cap on top of the valve engine. This will allow the oil to If it is between the upper and cover. Pour in the oil, and replace drain down to the bottom of the lower marks, the level is correct. the filler cap. Tighten it securely. engine. Make sure the car is parked Add oil if the level is at or below Wait a few minutes and recheck on level ground. the lower mark. the oil level. Do not fill above the 1. Pull out the dipstick (orange upper mark; you could damage the loop) and wipe it with a cloth or engine. paper towel.

2. Insert it all the way back in its tube.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Engine Oil

Recommended Oil The numbers in the middle tell you A fuel-efficient oil is recommended Oil is a major contributor to your the oil's SAE viscosity or weight. for your Honda. This is shown on engine's performance and longevity. Select the oil for your car accord- the API Service label by the words Always use a premium-grade deter- ing to this chart: "Energy Conserving II." This oil is gent oil. You can determine an oil's formulated to help your engine use SAE viscosity and Service Classifi- less fuel. cation from the API Service label on the oil container. It should look Ambient Temperature The API Service label also tells you like this: the service classification of the oil. Always use an oil that says "API Service SG." This service rating may also include other designations, such as CD. These additional classifications are not a problem, as long as the label also carries the SG classification. An oil that is only classified SF is not recommended. An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is preferred for improved fuel econo- Additives my and year-round protection in Your Honda does not need any oil your Honda. You may use a 10W-30 additives. Purchasing additives for oil if the temperature in your area the engine or transmission will not never goes below 20°F (—7°C). increase your car's performance or longevity. It only increases the cost of operating your car.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Engine Oil

Oil and Filter Changes Always change the oil and filter OIL FILTER according to the time and mileage recommendations on the mainte- nance schedule. The oil and filter collect contaminants that can dam- age your engine if they are not removed regularly. Changing the oil and filter requires special tools and access from underneath the car. The car should be raised on a service station-type OIL DRAIN BOLT hydraulic lift for this service. Unless you have the knowledge 1. Run the engine until it reaches 2. Open the hood and remove the oil and proper equipment, you should normal operating temperature, filler cap. Remove the oil drain have this maintenance done by a then shut it off. bolt from the bottom of the skilled mechanic. engine. Drain the oil into an appropriate container.

Repeated, prolonged exposure The oil, engine components 3. Remove the oil filter and let the to used motor oil may cause and the exhaust system are remaining oil drain. A special skin cancer. hot and can burn you. wrench (available from your Honda dealer) is required to Wash your hands thoroughly Use caution and wear protec- remove the filter. with strong soap as soon as tive clothing while working in possible after handling used oil. the engine compartment. CONTINUED

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Engine Oil

6. Refill the engine with the recom- NOTICE mended oil. Engine oil capacity If you change your own oil, please (including filter): dispose of the used oil properly. Put (US: S, Canada: S) it in a sealed container and take it 3.8 (4.0 US qt, 3.3 Imp qt) to a recycling center. Do not (US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) discard it in a trash bin or dump it 4.3 (4.5 US qt, 3.8 Imp qt) on the ground.

7. Replace the oil filler cap. Start The oil and filter should be chang- the engine. The oil pressure ed every 6 months or 12,000 km OIL DRAIN BOLT indicator light should go out (7,500 miles), whichever comes first. within five seconds. If it does not, Under severe driving conditions, 4. Install a new oil filter according turn off the engine and reinspect they should be changed every 3 to instructions that come with it. your work. months or 6,000 km (3,750 miles). See page 130 for a description of 5. Put a new washer on the drain 8. Let the engine run for several severe driving conditions. bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt. minutes and check the drain bolt Tighten it to: and oil filter for leaks. 40 N.m (4.0 kg-m , 29 Ib-ft) 9. Turn off the engine, let it sit for several minutes, then check the oil level. If necessary, add oil to bring the level to the upper mark on the dipstick.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Cooling System

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

Always let the engine and RESERVE TANK radiator cool down before Check the level of the engine removing the radiator cap. coolant by looking at the radiator reserve tank next to the battery. If the level is at or below the MIN line, 1. Make sure the engine and add coolant to bring it up to the radiator are cool. MAX line. This coolant should always be a mixture of 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Never add straight antifreeze or plain water.

CONTINUED

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ 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 components. Replacing Coolant The cooling system should be completely drained and refilled with new coolant according to the time and mileage recommendations RESERVE TANK in the maintenance schedule. Only use recommended antifreeze. 2. Turn the radiator cap counter- 4. The coolant level should be up to clockwise, without pressing the base of the filler neck. Add Draining the coolant requires down on it, until it stops. This coolant if it is low. access to the underside of the car. relieves any pressure remaining Unless you have the tools and in the cooling system. 5. Put the radiator cap back on. knowledge, you should have this Tighten it fully. maintenance done by a skilled 3. Remove the radiator cap by mechanic. pushing down and turning 6. Pour coolant into the reserve counterclockwise. tank. Fill it to halfway between the MAX and MIN marks. Put the cap back on the reserve tank.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Cooling System

DRAIN RESERVE TANK PLUG

DRAIN BOLT

RESERVE HOLDER TANK CAP 1. Slide the heater temperature 3. Loosen the drain plug on the 4. Remove the reserve tank from control lever to maximum heat. bottom of the radiator. The its holder by pulling it straight up. Open the hood. Make sure the coolant will drain through the Drain the coolant, then put the engine and radiator are cool to splash guard. Remove the drain tank back in its holder. the touch. bolt from the engine block. 5. When the coolant stops draining, 2. Remove the radiator cap. tighten the drain plug in the bottom of the radiator. Apply non-hardening sealant to the drain bolt threads and reinstall the bolt in the engine block. Tighten it securely. CONTINUED

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Cooling System

With automatic transmission: FILLER NECK BLEEDER (US: S, Canada: S) BOLT 3.4 (0.90 US gal, 0.75 Imp gal) (US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) 3.7 (0.98 US gal, 0.81 Imp gal)

7. Pour coolant into the radiator up to the base of the filler neck.

Fill up to here 6. Mix the recommended antifreeze 8. Loosen the bleeder bolt on top of with an equal amount of purified the engine. Tighten it again or distilled water in a clean when coolant comes out in a container. The cooling system steady stream with no bubbles. capacity is: 9. Refill the radiator to the base of With 5-speed transmission: the filler neck. Put the cap on the (US: S, Canada: S) radiator, only tighten it to the 3.5 (0.92 US gal, 0.77 Imp gal) first stop. Start the engine and (US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) let it run until it warms up (the 3.8 (1.00 US gal, 0.84 Imp gal) radiator cooling fan comes on at least twice).

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Cooling System, Windshield Washers

Windshield Washers of the neck. If the float is at the bottom of the neck, the reservoir is nearly empty.

Fill the reservoir with a good- quality windshield washer fluid. This increases the cleaning capability and prevents freezing in cold weather. FLOAT NOTICE RESERVE TANK Do not use engine antifreeze or a 10.Turn off the engine. Check the vinegar/water solution in the level in the radiator, add coolant Check the level in the windshield windshield washer reservoir. if needed. Install the radiator cap, washer reservoir at least monthly tighten it fully. during normal usage. In bad Antifreeze can damage your car's weather, when you use the washers paint, while a vinegar/water 11.Fill the reserve tank to the MAX often, check the level every time solution can damage the windshield mark. Install the reserve tank you stop for gas. washer pump. cap. The windshield washer reservoir is Use only commercially-available located behind the left headlight. windshield washer fluid. Check the reservoir's fluid level by removing the cap and looking at the float. It should be up to the top

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Transmission Oil

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

6. Insert the dipstick back in the transmission. UPPER MARK LOWER MARK The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid every 24 Check the fluid level with the 3. Insert the dipstick into the months or 48,000 km (30,000 miles), engine at normal operating tempe- transmission. whichever comes first. rature. 4. Remove the dipstick and check 1. Park the car on level ground. the fluid level. It should be Shut off the engine. between the upper and lower marks. 2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Transmission Oil

5-Speed Transmission Only use an SF or SG grade motor oil with a weight of 10W-30 or Correct 10W-40. level The transmission should be drained and refilled with new oil every 24 months or 48,000 km (30,000 miles), whichever comes first.

FILLER BOLT

Check the oil level a couple of mi- nutes after shutting off the engine. Make sure the car is on level ground. Remove the transmission filler bolt. The oil level should be up to the edge of the bolt hole. Feel inside the bolt hole with your finger. If you do not feel any oil, slowly add oil until it starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall the filler bolt and tighten it securely.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Brake and Clutch Fluid

Brake and Clutch Fluid Brake System If you add brake fluid to bring it up Check the fluid level in the reser- to the MAX mark, use Genuine voirs monthly. There are up to Honda Brake Fluid or an equiva- three reservoirs, depending on lent that is marked DOT3 or DOT4 model. They are: only. Brake fluid marked DOT5 is not compatible with your car's Brake fluid reservoir (all models) MAX braking system. Clutch fluid reservoir MIN (5-speed transmission only) ABS reservoir (Si and Si 4WS models in U.S. and SR and SR 4WS models in Canada)

The brake fluid in the brake and The fluid should be between the Anti-lock brake systems should be MIN and MAX marks on the side replaced every 2 years or 48,000 km of the reservoir. If the level is at or (30,000 miles). below the MIN mark, it is an indication that your brake system needs attention. Have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Brake and Clutch Fluid

Anti-lock Brake System If the fluid level is half an inch or Clutch System more above the MAX mark, it may indicate a problem in the ABS. Have your dealer inspect the system as soon as posible.

MAX If you add brake fluid to bring it up to the MAX mark, use the same MIN DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid speci- fied for the brake system. MAX MIN

Check the fluid level in this reser- The fluid should be between the voir after driving the car for at MIN and MAX marks on the side least a few minutes. of the reservoir. If it is not, add It should be between the MIN and brake fluid to bring it up to that MAX marks on the side of the level. Use the same DOT3 or DOT4 reservoir. If it is at or below the brake fluid specified for the brake MIN mark, it may indicate a system. problem in the braking system. Have the dealer inspect your car. Low fluid level can indicate a leak in the clutch system. Have this system inspected as soon as possible.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Power Steering

NOTICE

Using automatic transmission fluid or another brand of power steering fluid will damage the system. Use only genuine Honda power steering fluid. UPPER LEVEL A low power steering fluid level LOWER can indicate a leak in the system. LEVEL Check the fluid level frequently and have the system inspected as You should check the fluid level in soon as possible. the power steering reservoir monthly. Check the level when the engine is cold. Look at the side of the reservoir. The fluid should be between the UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the LOWER LEVEL, add power steering fluid to the UPPER LEVEL.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Air Filter

The air filter element should be CLAMPS replaced every 2 years or 48,000 km (30,000 miles), whichever comes first. Under severe driving condi- tions, it should also be cleaned every 12 months or 24,000 km (15,000 miles), whichever comes first. Cleaning (Severe Conditions) Clean the air cleaner element by blowing compressed air through it FILTER ELEMENT in the opposite direction to normal air flow. If you do not have access The air filter element is inside the 3. Place the new air cleaner ele- to compressed air (such as a gas box on the passenger's side of the ment in the housing. station), ask your Honda dealer to engine compartment. do this service. To replace it: 4. Reinstall the housing cover, snap the four hold-down clamps back Follow the replacement procedure 1. Unsnap the four hold-down into place. for removal and reinstallation. clamps and remove the filter housing cover.

2. Remove the old air filter element. Clean the inside of the filter housing with a damp rag.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Fuel Filter, Spark Plugs

Fuel Filter Spark Plugs Replacement

The fuel filter should be replaced The original spark plugs in your SPARK PLUG CAP every 4 years or 96,000 km (60,000 car need to be replaced every 2 miles), whichever comes first. years or 48,000 km (30,000 miles), whichever comes first. Have a qualified technician change the fuel filter. Since the fuel system is under pressure, gasoline can spray out and create a hazard if all fuel line connections are not han- dled correctly.

The filter may require replacement sooner if you happen to buy one or more tankfuls of contaminated 1. Clean up any dirt and oil that gasoline. Have the filter tested or have collected around the spark replaced if you suspect it has been plug caps. clogged by contaminants. 2. Remove the spark plug cap by pulling it straight out.

3. Remove the spark plug, using a 16 mm (5/8 inch) spark plug socket.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Spark Plugs

NOTICE

Tighten the spark plugs carefully. A spark plug that is too loose can overheat and damage the engine. Overtightening can cause damage to the threads in the cylinder head.

7. Install the spark plug cap.

8. Repeat this procedure for the other three spark plugs.

4. Set the gap on the new spark 6. Torque the spark plug. (If you do plug with a wire-type spark plug not have a torque wrench, tight- gapping tool. Do not use a blade- en the spark plug one-quarter type feeler gauge. turn after it contacts the cylinder Plug gap should be: head.) 1.1 mm (0.04 in) Tightening torque: 18 N.m(1.8 kg-m, 13 Ib-ft) 5. Put the new spark plug into the socket, then thread it into the hole. Screw it in by hand so you do not crossthread it. CONTINUED

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Spark Plugs, Battery

Specifications: Battery Check the condition of your car's (US: S, Canada: S) battery monthly. You should check The battery contains sulfuric Normal driving conditions for proper electrolyte level and acid (electrolyte) which is NGK: ZFR5F-11 corrosion on the terminals. highly corrosive and poisonous. Nippondenso: KJ16CR-L11 Getting electrolyte in your Hot climates, or continuous high eyes or on your skin can cause speed driving The battery gives off explo- serious burns. Wear protective NGK: ZFR6F-11 sive hydrogen gas during nor- clothing and eye protection Nippondenso: KJ20CR-L11 mal operation. A spark or open when working near the battery. flame can cause the battery to (US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) explode with enough force to Swallowing electrolyte can Normal driving conditions kill or seriously hurt you. cause fatal poisoning if immedi- NGK: ZFR6F-11 ate action is not taken. Nippondenso: KJ20CR-L11 Wear protective clothing and a face shield, or have a skilled KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF Hot climates, or continuous high mechanic do the battery main- CHILDREN speed driving tenance. NGK: ZFR7F-11 Nippondenso: KJ22CR-L11

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Battery

Emergency Procedures Check the battery terminals for corrosion (a white or yellowish Eyes — Flush with water from a powder). To remove it, cover the cup or other container for at least terminals with a solution of baking fifteen minutes. (Water under soda and water. It will bubble up pressure can damage the eye.) and turn brown. When this stops, Immediately call a physician or 911. wash it off with plain water. Dry off the battery with a cloth or paper Skin — Remove contaminated towel. Coat the terminals with clothing. Flush the skin with large grease to help prevent future quantities of water. Call a physi- corrosion. cian immediately. TEST INDICATOR WINDOW

Swallowing — Drink water or Check the battery condition by milk. Call your local Poison Control looking at the test indicator Center or a physician immediately. window on the battery: Blue — Good condition Red — Add distilled water White — Charging necessary

CONTINUED

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Battery

If the terminals are severely cor- NOTICE roded, clean them with baking soda and water. Then use a wrench to Charging the battery with the loosen and remove the cables from cables connected can seriously the terminals. Always disconnect damage your car's electronic the negative ( — ) cable first and controls. Detach the battery cables reconnect it last. Clean the battery before connecting the battery to a terminals with a terminal cleaning charger. tool or wire brush. Reconnect and tighten the cables, then coat the terminals with grease.

If you need to connect the battery to a charger, disconnect both cables to prevent damage to the car's electrical system.

If your car's battery is discon- nected or goes dead, the audio system will disable itself. The next time you turn on the radio you will see "Code" in the frequency display. Use the Preset buttons to enter the five-digit code (see page 95 ).

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Windshield Wipers

Check the condition of the wind- WIPER ARMS shield wiper blades at least every six months. Look for signs of crack- ing in the rubber, or areas that are getting hard. Replace the blades if you find these signs, or they leave streaks and unwiped areas when used. LOCK TAB

To replace: 2. Disconnect the blade assembly from the wiper arm by pushing in 1. Raise the wiper arm off the the lock tab. Hold it in while you windshield. push the blade assembly toward the base of the arm.

CONTINUED

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Windshield Wipers

5. Slide the new wiper blade into BLADE BLADE the holder until the tabs lock.

6. Slide the blade assembly onto the wiper arm. Make sure it locks in place.

7. Lower the wiper arm down against the windshield.

REINFORCEMENT

3. Remove the blade from its holder 4. Examine the new wiper blades. If by grasping the tabbed end of the they have no plastic or metal rein- blade. Pull firmly until the tabs forcement along the back edge, come out of the holder. remove the metal reinforcement strips from the old wiper blade and install them in the slots along the edge of the new blade.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Air Conditioner

Optional for S model Periodically check the engine's If the air conditioner does not get Your car's air conditioner is a radiator and air conditioning as cold as before, it is probably sealed system. Any major mainte- condenser for leaves, insects, and because some of the refrigerant has nance, such as recharging, should dirt stuck to the front surface. leaked from the system. Have your be done by a qualified technician. These block the air flow and dealer check the system for leaks There are a couple of things you reduce cooling efficiency. Use a and recharge the system with can do to make sure the air condi- light spray from a hose or a soft Refrigerant 12 (R-12). tioner works efficiently. brush to remove them. Charging quantity: 750 — 800 g (26.5 — 28.3 oz) AIR CONDITIONING NOTICE CONDENSER NOTICE The condenser and radiator fins bend easily. Only use a low- Whenever you have the air condi- pressure spray or soft-bristle brush tioning system serviced, make sure to clean them. the service facility uses a refrige- rant recycling system. This system captures the refrigerant for reuse. Run the air conditioner at least Releasing refrigerant into the at- once a week during the cold mosphere can damage the environ- weather months. Run it for at least ment. ten minutes while you are driving at a steady speed with the engine at normal operating temperature. This circulates the lubricating oil contained in the refrigerant.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Engine Belts, Tires

Engine Belts If you see signs of wear or loose- Tires POWER STEERING BELT ness, have your dealer adjust or Check the inflation and condition replace the belts. Your dealer will of your car's tires at least once a check these belts as part of the month. normal scheduled maintenance. Inflation Check the pressure in the tires when they are cold. This means the car has been parked for at least three hours. If you have to drive the car before checking the tire ALTERNATOR pressure, the tires can still be BELT considered "cold" if you drive less than one mile. Check the condition of the two engine belts. Examine the edges of If you check the pressure when the each belt for cracks or fraying. tires are hot (the car has been Check the tension of each belt by driven several miles), you will see pushing on it with your thumb readings 28 to 41 kPa (0.3 to 0.4 midway between the pulleys. kg/cm2, 4 to 6 psi) higher than the The belts should have the following cold reading. This is normal. Do not "play" or deflection. let air out to match the specified Alternator belt: cold pressure. The tire will be 10.0 — 12.0 mm (0.39 — 0.47 in) underinflated. Power steering belt: 13.5 — 16.5 mm (0.53 — 0.65 in)

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Tires

The correct cold tire pressures are: You should get your own tire Inspection (US: S, Canada: S) pressure gauge and use it at all 2 Every time you check inflation, you 205 kPa (2.1 kg/cm , 30 psi) times. That makes it easier for you should also examine the tires for (US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) to tell if a pressure loss is caused by damage, foreign objects, and wear. 220 kPa (2.2 kg/cm2, 32 psi) a tire problem and not a variation Compact spare: between gauges. You should look for: 415 kPa(4.15 kg/cm2, 60 psi) Keeping the tires properly inflated Bumps or bulges in the tread or provides you with the best combi- side of the tire. Replace the tire if nation of riding comfort, handling you find either of these condi- and tread life. Underinflated tires tions. wear unevenly, reduce you car's handling, and are more likely to fail Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side because of higher temperatures. of the tire. Replace the tire if you Overinflated tires make your car can see fabric or cord. ride more harshly, are more prone to damage from road hazards, and Excessive tread wear. wear unevenly. TIRE INFORMATION LABEL

These pressures are also given on the tire information label on the driver's door jamb. Remember to check the pressure in the spare tire at the same time. CONTINUED

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Tires

INDICATOR Maintenance Tire Rotation LOCATION In addition to proper inflation, MARKS correct wheel alignment helps to Front decrease tire wear. You should get your car's wheel alignment check- ed every 12 months or 24,000 km (15,000 miles).

The tires were properly balanced by the factory. They may need to TREAD WEAR be rebalanced at some time before INDICATORS they are worn out. Have your dealer check the tires if you feel a Your car's tires have wear indica- consistent vibration while driving. tors molded into the tread. When A tire should always be rebalanced To help increase tire life and the tread wears down to that point, if it is removed from the wheel. distribute wear more evenly, you you will see a 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) Make sure the installer balances should have the tires rotated every wide band running across the tread. the wheels when you have new 12,000 km (7,500 miles). Move the This shows there is less than 1.6 tires installed. This increases riding tires to the positions shown in the mm (1/16 inch) of tread left on the comfort and tire life. chart each time they are rotated. tire. A tire that is this worn gives very little traction on wet roads. You should replace the tire if you can see the tread wear indicator in three or more places around the tire.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Tires

Replacing Tires Wheels and Tires Treadwear The tires that came with your The treadwear grade is a compara- Honda were selected to match the Wheel: tive rating based on the wear rate performance capabilities of the car (US: S, Canada: S) of the tire when tested under con- and provide the best combination of 14 x 5.5 JJ trolled conditions on a specified handling, ride comfort, and long life. (US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) government test course. For exam- You should replace them with 15 x 6.5 JJ ple, a tire graded 150 would wear radial tires of the same size, load one and one half (1-1/2) times as range, and speed rating. Mixing Tire: well on the government course as a radial and bias-ply or bias-belted (US: S, Canada: S) tire graded 100. The relative per- tires on your car can reduce its 185/70R14 87H formance of tires depends upon the braking ability, traction, and (US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) actual conditions of their use, how- steering accuracy. 205/55R15 87V ever, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in It is best to replace all four tires at DOT Tire Quality Grading driving habits, service practices the same time. If that is not possi- (US Cars) and differences in road character- ble or necessary, then replace the The tires on your car meet all U.S. istics and climate. two front tires or the two rear tires Federal Safety Requirements. All as a pair. Replacing just one tire tires are also graded for treadwear, can seriously affect your car's han- traction, and temperature perform- dling. ance according to Department of If you ever need to replace a wheel, Transportation (DOT) standards. make sure you use the same wheel The following explains these that originally came on your Honda. gradings. Replacement wheels are available at your Honda dealer. CONTINUED

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Tires

Traction Temperature Warning: The temperature grade The traction grades, from highest The temperature grades are A (the for this tire is established for a tire to lowest, are A, B, and C, and they highest), B, and C, representing the that is properly inflated and not represent the tire's ability to stop tire's resistance to the generation overloaded. Excessive speed, on wet pavement as measured of heat and its ability to dissipate underinflation, or excessive loading. under controlled conditions on heat when tested under controlled either separately or in combination, specified government test surfaces conditions on a specified indoor can cause heat build-up and of asphalt and concrete. A tire laboratory test wheel. Sustained possible tire failure. marked C may have poor traction high temperature can cause the performance. material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive Warning: The traction grade as- temperature can lead to sudden tire signed to this tire is based on brak- failure. The grade C corresponds to ing (straight ahead) traction tests a level of performance which all and does not include cornering passenger car tires must meet (turning) traction. under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Tires

Winter Driving Snow Tires When installing chains, follow the Tires that are marked "M+S" or If you mount snow tires on your manufacturer's instructions and "All Season" on the sidewall have Honda, make sure they are radial mount them as tightly as you can. an all-weather tread design. They tires of the same size and load Drive slowly with chains installed. should be suitable for most winter range as the original tires. Mount If you hear the chains contacting driving conditions. Tires without snow tires on all four wheels to the body or chassis, stop and these markings are designed for balance your car's handling in all tighten them. If they still make optimum traction in dry conditions. weather conditions. Keep in mind contact, slow down until it stops. They may not provide adequate the traction provided by snow tires Remove the chains as soon as you performance in winter driving. on dry roads may not be as high as begin driving on cleared roads. For the best performance in snowy your car's original-equipment tires. or icy conditions, you should install You should drive cautiously even NOTICE snow tires or tire chains. They may when the roads are clear. Check be required by local laws under with the tire dealer for maximum Chains of the wrong size or that are certain conditions. speed recommendations. improperly installed can damage your car's brake lines, suspension, Tire Chains body, and wheels. Stop driving if Mount snow chains on your car you hear the chains hitting any part when warranted by driving condi- of the car. tions or required by local laws. Make sure the chains are the cor- rect size for your tires. Install them only on the front tires. If metal chains are used, they must be SAE class"S". Cable type traction de- vices can also be used.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Lights

Check the operation of your car's Replacing a Headlight Bulb exterior lights at least once a Your car has two bulbs on each month. A burned out bulb can side, four in total. Make sure you create an unsafe condition by are replacing the bulb that is reducing your car's visibility and burned out. Your car uses halogen the ability to signal your intentions headlight bulbs. When replacing a to other drivers. bulb, handle it by its plastic case Check the following: and protect the glass from contact Headlights (low and high beam) with your skin or hard objects. If Parking lights you touch the glass, clean it with Taillights denatured alcohol and a clean cloth. Brake lights High-mount brake light NOTICE Turn signals 1. Open the hood. Back-up lights Halogen headlight bulbs get very If you need to change the high Hazard light function hot when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a beam headlight bulb on the License plate light scratch on the glass can cause the passenger's side, remove the Side marker lights bulb to overheat and shatter. radiator reserve tank by pulling Daytime running lights it straight up. (Canadian cars) 2. To disconnect the bulb from the If you find any bulbs are burned electrical harness, push on the out, replace them as soon as end of the lock tab to release the possible. Refer to the chart on page connector then push the connec- 207 to determine what type of tor straight down. replacement bulb is needed.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Lights

3. Turn the lock ring counterclock- Replacing a Parking Light wise (about one-quarter turn) to Bulb unlock the headlight bulb. 4. Remove the bulb by pulling it SCREW straight out of its recess. 5. Install the new bulb with the electrical connector pointing down. Make sure all three tabs on the bulb are seated in their slots in the headlight. 6. Turn the lock ring clockwise to lock the bulb in place. Do not force the ring. Check the seating of the bulb's tabs if the ring will not return to its original position. 7. Reinstall the harness connector 1. Use a phillips head screwdriver 2. Move the parking light assembly on the bulb connector. Make sure to remove the screw from the top forward until it slides out of the it locks in place. of the fender. body. Turn on the headlights to test the new bulb. 3. Turn the socket one-quarter turn 8. (Passenger's side) counterclockwise to remove it Reinstall the radiator reserve from the lens. tank.

CONTINUED

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Lights

4. Pull the bulb straight out of its Replacing a Front Side socket. Marker Light Bulb Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms. BULB

5. Insert the socket back into the lens. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.

6. Turn on the parking lights to make sure the new bulb works. FRONT SIDE 7. To reinstall the light assembly in SCREW MARKER the fender, line up the fingers on ASSEMBLY BULB HOLDER the light assembly with the holes in the fender. Push the light 1. Use a phillips-head screwdriver 3. Remove the bulb holder from the assembly straight back. to loosen the side marker assem- side marker assembly by turning bly's mounting screw. it one-quarter counterclockwise. 8. Install the mounting screw and tighten it securely. 2. Remove the side marker assem- 4. Pull the bulb straight out of its bly from the bumper. socket. Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Lights

5. Push the bulb holder into the side Replacing a Front Turn marker assembly and turn it Signal Light Bulb clockwise until it locks. TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY 6. Test the side marker to make sure the new bulb is working.

7. Put the side marker assembly into the bumper. Make sure the tab on the side marker assembly fits into the bumper slot. Tighten the mounting screw. BULB SCREW BULB HOLDER 1. Use a phillips-head screwdriver 3. Remove the bulb holder from the to loosen the turn signal assem- turn signal assembly by turning bly's mounting screw. it counterclockwise.

2. Remove the turn signal assembly 4. Remove the burned out bulb from the bumper. from the socket by pushing it in and turning counterclockwise until it unlocks. Install the new bulb.

CONTINUED

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Lights

5. Push the bulb holder into the Replacing a High-mount turn signal assembly and turn it Brake Light Bulb clockwise until it locks.

6. Test the turn signals to make sure the new bulb is working.

7. Put the turn signal assembly into the bumper. Make sure the tab on the turn signal assembly fits into the bumper slot. Tighten the mounting screw.

COVER

1. Remove the cover by pulling it 4. Test the lights to make sure the down and sliding it forward. new bulb is working.

2. Determine which bulb is burned 5. Reinstall the cover by sliding it out. into position and pushing it up.

3. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Lights

Replacing Rear Bulbs 4. Install the new bulb in the socket. Test it to make sure it works. COVER 5. Reinstall the bulb holder assem- bly. Install the two screws and tighten them securely.

1. Open the trunk and the taillight 3. Try the tail/stoplights, rear turn assembly cover. signals and back-up lights to verify which bulb needs replac- 2. Use a phillips head screwdriver ing. Remove that bulb from the to remove the two screws from socket by pushing it in slightly the bulb holder. Remove the and turning it counterclockwise. holder from the taillight assem- bly.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Lights

Replacing a Rear Side Marker 5. Insert the socket in the assembly. Light Bulb Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.

6. Reinstall the side marker assem- bly in the fender. Tighten the mounting screw securely.

SCREW

1. Use a phillips-head screwdriver 3. Remove the socket from the to loosen the side marker assem- light assembly by turning it bly mounting screw. counterclockwise.

2. Remove the assembly from the 4. Remove the bulb from the socket fender by pulling out the back by pulling it straight out. edge and sliding the assembly Install the new bulb. Turn on the backwards. headlights to test the bulb.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Lights

Replacing a Rear License 4. Turn on the parking lights and Replacing Interior and Trunk Bulb check that the new bulb is Light Bulbs working. INTERIOR LIGHT 5. Reinstall the cover and the lens. Put the license light assembly in place. Reinstall the two screws and tighten them securely.

1. Remove the two screws and 1. Remove the lens by carefully remove the license light assem- prying on the edge of the lens in bly. the middle with a fingernail file or a small flat-tip screwdriver. 2. Remove the lens from the rubber Do not pry on the edge of the seal and the metal cover. housing around the lens.

3. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb in until it bottoms in the socket. CONTINUED

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Lights

TRUNK LIGHT

2. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out of its metal tabs.

3. Push the new bulb into the metal tabs. Snap the lens back in place.

Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Storing Your Car

If you need to park your car for an Block the rear wheels. If you store your car for 12 months extended period (more than 1 or longer, have your Honda dealer month), there are several things If the car is to be stored for a perform the inspections called for you should do to prepare it for longer period, it should be in the 24 months/48,000 km (30,000 storage. Proper preparation helps supported on jackstands so the miles) maintenance schedule as prevent deterioration and makes it tires are off the ground. soon as you take it out of storage easier to get your car back on the (see page 133). The replacements road. It is best to store your car Leave one window open slightly called for in the maintenance indoors if at all possible. (if the car is being stored indoors). schedule are not needed unless the car has actually reached that time Fill the gas tank. Disconnect the battery. or mileage.

Change the engine oil and filter Cover the car with a (see page 137). "breathable" car cover, one made from a porous material such as Wash and dry the exterior cotton. Nonporous materials, completely. such as plastic sheeting, trap moisture which can damage the Clean the interior. Make sure the paint. carpeting, floor mats, etc. are completely dry. If possible, run the engine for a while periodically (preferably Leave the parking brake off. Put once a month). the transmission in Reverse (5- speed) or Park (automatic).

Maintenance Main Menu ▲ ▼ Appearance Care

Regular cleaning and polishing of your Honda helps to keep it "new" looking. This section gives you hints on how to clean and preserve your car's appearance: the paint, brightwork, wheels and interior. Also included are several things you can do to help prevent corro- sion.

Exterior Care...... 176 Washing...... 176 Waxing...... 177 Aluminum Wheels...... 177 Paint Touch-up...... 178 Interior Care...... 179 Carpeting...... 179 Fabric...... 179 Vinyl...... 179 Seat Belts...... 179 Windows...... 180 Air Fresheners...... 180 Corrosion Protection...... 180 Body Repairs...... 181

Appearance Care Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Exterior Care

Washing Rinse the car thoroughly with When you have washed and Frequent washing helps preserve cool water to remove loose dirt. rinsed the whole exterior, dry it your car's beauty. Dirt and grit can with a chamois or soft towel. scratch the paint, while tree sap Fill a bucket with cool water. Letting it air-dry will cause and bird droppings can perma- Mix in a mild detergent, such as dulling and water spots. nently ruin the finish. dishwashing liquid or a product made especially for car washing. As you dry the car, inspect it for Wash your car in a shady area, not chips and scratches that could in direct sunlight. If the car is Wash the car, using the water allow corrosion to start. Repair parked in the sun, move it into the and detergent solution and a soft- them with touch-up paint (see page shade and let the exterior cool bristle brush, sponge or soft cloth. 178). down before you start. Start at the top and work your way down. Rinse frequently. NOTICE Check the body for road tar, tree Chemical solvents and strong sap, etc. Remove these stains cleaners can damage the paint, with tar remover or turpentine. metal and plastic on your car. Only Rinse it off immediately so it use the solvents and cleaners does not harm the finish. Remem- recommended in this Owner's ber to re-wax these areas, even if Manual. the rest of the car does not need waxing.

Appearance Care Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Exterior Care

Waxing Polishes — Polishes and cleaner/ Aluminum Wheels Always wash and dry the whole car waxes can restore the shine to Clean your Honda's aluminum alloy before waxing it. You should wax paint that has oxidized and lost wheels as you do the rest of the your car, including the metal trim, some of its shine. They normally exterior. Wash them with the same whenever water sits on the surface contain mild abrasives and solvents solution, and rinse them thoroughly. in large patches. It should form into that remove the top layer of the beads or droplets after waxing. finish. You should use a polish on The wheels have a protective clear- your Honda if the finish does not coat that keeps the aluminum from You should use a quality liquid or have its original shine after using a corroding and tarnishing. Using paste wax. Apply it according to wax. harsh chemicals, including some the instructions on the container. In commercial wheel cleaners, or stiff general, there are two types of Cleaning tar, insects, etc. with brushes can damage this clear-coat. products: removers also takes off the wax. Only use a mild detergent and soft Remember to re-wax those areas, brush or sponge to clean the wheels. Waxes — A wax coats the finish even if the rest of the car does not and protects it from damage by need waxing. exposure to sunlight, air pollution, etc. You should use a wax on your Honda when it is new.

Appearance Care Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Exterior Care

Paint Touch-up Examine the chip or scratch closely Your dealer has touch-up paint to before repairing it. If it does not go match your car's color. The color down to bare metal, clean it with code is printed on a sticker on the soap and water and apply the driver's door jamb. Take this code touch-up paint. If it does go to the to your dealer so you are sure to metal, apply a coat of primer first. get the correct color. After this dries, apply the touch-up paint. Build up the paint in the damaged area to the level of the surrounding paint. Several thin TOUCH-UP coats of paint are better than one PAINT thick coat.

Inspect your car for chipped or scratched paint every time you wash it. Repair it as soon as possible to prevent corrosion. Use the touch-up paint on small chips and scratches. More extensive damage should be repaired by a professional.

Appearance Care Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Interior Care

Carpeting Vinyl Vacuum the carpeting frequently Remove dirt and dust with a to remove dirt. Ground-in dirt will vacuum cleaner. Wipe the vinyl make the carpet wear out faster. with a soft cloth dampened in a Periodically shampoo the carpet to solution of mild soap and water. keep it looking new. Use one of the Use the same solution with a soft- foam-type carpet cleaners on the bristle brush on more difficult spots. market. Follow the instructions You can also use commercially- that come with the cleaner, apply- available spray or foam-type vinyl ing it with a sponge or soft brush. cleaners. Keep the carpeting as dry as possi- ble by not adding water to the foam. Seat Belts METAL LOOP If your seat belts get dirty, you can Fabric use a soft brush to clean them with Dirt build-up in the metal loops of Vacuum dirt and dust out of the a mixture of mild soap and warm the seat belt anchors can cause the material frequently. For general water. Do not use bleach, dye, or belts to retract slowly. Wipe the cleaning, use a solution of mild soap cleaning solvents. They can inside of the loops with a clean and lukewarm water, letting it air weaken the belt material. Let the cloth dampened in isopropyl alcohol. dry. To clean off stubborn spots, belts air-dry before you use the car. use a commercially-available fabric cleaner. Test it on a hidden area of the fabric first, to make sure it does not bleach or stain the fabric. Follow the instructions that come with the cleaner.

Appearance Care Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Interior Care, Corrosion Protection

Windows Air Fresheners Corrosion Protection Clean the windows, inside and out, If you want to use an air freshener/ Two factors normally contribute to with a commercially-available glass deodorizer in the interior of your causing corrosion in your car: cleaner. You can also use a mixture car, it is best to use a solid type. of one part white vinegar to ten Some liquid air fresheners contain 1. Moisture trapped in body cavi- parts water. This will remove the chemicals that may cause parts of ties. Dirt and road salt that col- haze that builds up on the inside of the interior trim and fabric to crack lects in hollows on the underside the windows. Use a soft cloth or or discolor. of the car stays damp, promoting paper towels to clean all glass and corrosion in that area. clear plastic surfaces. If you use a liquid air freshener, make sure you fasten it securely so 2. Removal of paint and protective NOTICE it does not spill as you drive. coatings from the exterior and underside of the car. The rear window defogger wires are bonded to the inside of the glass. Many corrosion-preventive mea- Wiping vigorously up-and-down sures are built into your Honda. can dislodge and break the defog- You can help keep your car from ger wires. When cleaning the rear corroding by performing some window, use gentle pressure and simple periodic maintenance: wipe side-to-side. Repair chips and scratches in the paint as soon as you discover them.

Appearance Care Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Corrosion Protection, Body Repairs

Inspect and clean out the drain Body Repairs When reporting your collision to holes in the bottom of the doors Body repairs affect your car's the insurance company, tell them and body. resistance to corrosion. If your car you want genuine Honda parts needs repairs after a collision, pay used in the repair. Although most Check the floor coverings for close attention to the parts used in insurers recognize the higher dampness. Carpeting and floor the repair and the quality of the quality of original parts, some may mats may remain damp for a long work. try to specify that the repairs be time, especially in winter. This done with the "lowest cost" parts dampness can eventually cause Make sure the repair facility uses available. You should investigate the floor panels to corrode. genuine Honda replacement body this before any repairs are begun. parts. Some companies make Use a high-pressure spray to sheetmetal pieces that seem to Take your car to your authorized clean the underside of your car. duplicate the original Honda body Honda dealer for inspection after This is especially important in parts, but are actually inferior in fit, the repairs are completed. He can areas that use road salt in winter. finish, and quality. Once installed, make sure that quality materials It is also a good idea in humid they do not give the same high- were used, and that corrosion- climates and areas subject to salt quality appearance and level of preventive coatings were applied to air. Cars equipped with ABS corrosion resistance. all repaired and replaced parts. have a sensor and wiring at each wheel. Be careful not to damage them.

Have the corrosion-preventive coatings on the underside of your car inspected and repaired periodically.

Appearance Care Main Menu ▲ ▼ Taking Care of the Unexpected

This section covers the more- Compact Spare Tire...... 184 common problems that motorists Changing a Flat Tire...... 185 experience with their cars. It gives If Your Engine Won't Start...... 190 you information about how to Nothing Happens...... 190 safely evaluate the problem and The Starter Operates what to do to correct it. If the Normally...... 191 problem has stranded you on the Jump Starting...... 191 side of the road, you may be able to If Your Engine Overheats...... 193 get going again. If not, you will also Low Oil Pressure...... 195 find instructions on getting your Charging System Indication ...... 196 car towed. Check Engine Light...... 197 Closing the Sunroof ...... 198 Fuses...... 199 Checking and Replacing...... 200 Towing...... 202

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Compact Spare Tire

Your car has a compact spare tire Follow these precautions whenever INDICATOR that takes up less space. Use this you are using the compact spare LOCATION spare tire as a temporary replace- tire: MARK ment only. Get your regular tire repaired or replaced and put back Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) on your car as soon as you can. under any circumstances.

Check the inflation of the compact This tire gives a harsher ride and spare tire every time you check the less traction on some road sur- other tires. It should be inflated to: faces than the regular tire. Use 415 kPa (4.15 kg/cm2, 60 psi) TREAD WEAR greater caution while driving on INDICATOR this tire. BAR

Do not mount snow chains on the The compact spare tire has a compact spare. shorter tread life than a regular tire. Replace it when you can see The wheel of the compact spare the tread wear indicator bars. The tire is designed especially to fit replacement should be the same your car. Do not use your spare size and design tire, mounted on tire on another car unless it is the the same wheel. The compact spare same make and model. tire is not designed to be mounted on a regular wheel, and the com- pact wheel is not designed for mounting a regular tire.

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Changing a Flat Tire

If you have a flat tire while driving, TRUNK FLOOR JACK 5. Unscrew the wing bolt and take stop in a safe place to change it. the spare tire out of the trunk. Stopping in traffic or on the shoul- der of a busy road is dangerous. Drive slowly along the shoulder until you get to an exit or an area to stop that is far away from the traf- fic lanes.

The car can easily roll off the TOOL KIT SPARE TIRE jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath. 2. Put the transmission in Park (automatic) or Reverse (5-speed). Follow the directions for chang- Set the parking brake. ing a tire exactly, and never get under the car when it is 3. Open the trunk. Raise the trunk supported only by the jack. floor by lifting up on the back edge.

1. Park the car on firm, level 4. Take the tool kit out of the trunk. ground away from traffic. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition to LOCK (0). CONTINUED

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Changing a Flat Tire

HANDLE

COVER JACK

6. The jack is behind a cover in the 7. Turn the jack's end bracket 8. Loosen the four wheel nuts 1/2 right fender. Remove the cover counterclockwise to loosen it, turn with the wheel wrench. by turning the handle clockwise, then remove the jack. then pulling on the cover.

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Changing a Flat Tire

JACKING WHEEL EXTENSION POINT WRENCH

9. Locate the jacking point nearest 10.Use the extension and wheel 11.Remove the wheel nuts and flat the tire you need to change. It is wrench as shown to raise the car tire. Temporarily place the flat pointed to by an arrow molded until the flat tire is off the tire on the ground with the into the underside of the body. ground. outside surface of the wheel Place the jack under the jacking facing up. The outside surface point. Turn the end bracket contacting the ground could clockwise until the top of the damage the wheel surface. jack contacts the jacking point. Make sure the jacking point tab is resting on the jack notch.

CONTINUED

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Changing a Flat Tire

BRAKE HUB

12.Before mounting the spare tire, 13.Put on the spare tire. Put the 14.Lower the car to the ground and wipe any dirt off the mounting wheel nuts back on finger-tight, remove the jack. surface of the wheel and hub then tighten them in a crisscross with a cloth. pattern with the wheel wrench until the wheel is firmly against the hub. Do not try to tighten them fully.

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Changing a Flat Tire

WING BOLT 19.Store the jack in its holder with the end bracket facing to the SPACER CONE rear. Turn the jack's end bracket to lock it in place. Replace the cover. Store the tool kit.

20.Store the wheel cover or center cap in the trunk.

15.Tighten the wheel nuts securely 16.Remove the wheel cover or in the same crisscross pattern. center cap. Have the wheel nut torque check- Place the flat tire face down in ed at the nearest automotive the trunk well. service facility. Tighten the wheel nuts to: 17.Remove the spacer cone from 110 N.m (11 kg-m, 80 Ib-ft) the wing bolt, turn it over, and put it back on the bolt.

18.Secure the flat tire by screwing the wing bolt back into its hole.

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ If Your Engine Won't Start

Diagnosing why your engine won't Nothing Happens or the Turn the ignition switch to start falls into two areas, depending Starter Motor Operates Very START (III). If the headlights do on what you hear when you turn Slowly not dim, check the condition of the key to START (III): When you turn the ignition switch the fuses. If the fuses are OK, to START (III), you do not hear the there is probably something You hear nothing, or almost normal noise of the engine trying to wrong with the electrical circuit nothing. The engine's starter start. You may hear a clicking for the ignition switch or starter motor does not operate at all, or sound or series of clicks, or nothing motor. You will need a qualified operates very slowly. at all. technician to determine the Check these things: problem. (See Towing on page You can hear the starter motor 202.) operating normally, but the Check the transmission interlock. engine does not start up and run. If you have a 5-speed, the clutch If the headlights dim noticeably pedal must be pushed all the way or go out when you try to start to the floor or the starter will not the engine, either the battery is operate. With an automatic discharged or the connections transmission, it must be in Park are corroded. Check the condi- or Neutral. tion of the battery and terminal connections (see page 153 ). You Turn the ignition switch to ON can then try jump starting the (II). Turn on the headlights and car from a booster battery (see check their brightness. If the page 191). headlights are very dim or don't light at all, the battery is dis- charged. See Jump Starting on page 191.

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ If Your Engine Won't Start, Jump Starting

The Starter Operates Jump Starting To jump start your car: Normally If your car's battery has run down, In this case, the starter motor you may be able to start the engine 1. Open the hood and check the sounds normal when you turn the by using a booster battery. physical condition of the battery ignition switch to START (III), but Although this seems like a simple (see page 152 ). In very cold the engine does not run. procedure, there are several precau- weather, check the condition of tions you should take. Follow the the electrolyte. If it seems slushy Are you using the proper starting directions closely. or like ice, do not try jump procedure? Refer to Starting starting until it thaws. the Engine on page 109 . NOTICE Do you have gas? Turn the A battery can explode if you ignition switch to ON (II) for a do not follow the correct If a battery sits in extreme cold, the minute and watch the fuel gauge. procedure, seriously injuring electrolyte inside can freeze. anyone nearby. Attempting to jump start with a There may be an electrical frozen battery can cause it to problem, such as no power to the Keep all sparks, open flames, rupture or explode. fuel pump. Check all the fuses and smoking materials away (see page 199 ). from the battery. 2. Turn off all the electrical acces- sories: heater, A/C, stereo system, If you find nothing wrong, you will lights, etc. need a qualified technician to find You cannot start a Honda with an Put the transmission in Neutral the problem. See Towing on page automatic transmision by pushing or Park and set the parking 202. or pulling it. brake.

CONTINUED

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Jump Starting

BOOSTER BATTERY 3. Connect one jumper cable to the 4. Connect the second jumper cable 6. Start your car. If the starter positive (+) terminal on the to the negative (—) terminal on motor still operates slowly, check booster battery. Connect the the booster battery. Connect the the jumper cable connections to other end to the positive (+) other end to the grounding strap make sure they have good metal- terminal on your Honda's battery. as shown. Do not connect this to-metal contact. jumper cable to any other part of the engine. 7. Once your car is running, disconnect the negative cable 5. If the booster battery is in from your car, then from the another car, have an assistant booster battery. Disconnect the start that car and run it at a fast positive cable from your car, idle. then the booster battery.

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ If Your Engine Overheats

Your car's temperature gauge Your car can overheat for several 2. If you see steam and/or spray should register in the midrange reasons, such as lack of coolant or a coming from under the hood, under most conditions. It may mechanical problem. The only turn off the engine. register higher if you are driving indication may be the temperature up a long steep hill on a very hot gauge illuminating the red marker. 3. If you do not see steam or spray, day. If it illuminates the red Or you may see steam or spray leave the engine running and marker at the right end of the coming from under the hood. In watch the temperature gauge. If gauge, you should determine the either case, you should take the high heat is due to overload- reason. immediate action. ing (climbing a long, steep hill on a hot day with the A/C running, NOTICE for example), the engine should start to cool down almost immedi- Driving with the temperature Steam and spray from an over- ately. If it does, wait until the gauge's red marker lit can cause heated engine can seriously temperature gauge comes down serious damage to your engine. scald you. to the midpoint then continue driving. Do not open the hood if steam is coming out. 4. If the temperature gauge continues to display the red 1. Safely pull to the side of the road. marker, turn off the engine. Put the transmission in neutral or Park and set the parking 5. Wait until you see no more signs brake. Turn off the climate of steam or spray, then open the control and all other accessories. hood. Turn on the hazard warning indicators. CONTINUED

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ If Your Engine Overheats

6. Look for any obvious coolant 10.Start the engine and set the leaks, such as a split radiator heater control lever to maximum. hose. Everything is still extreme- Removing the radiator cap Add coolant to the radiator up to ly hot, so use caution. If you find while the engine is hot can the base of the filler neck. If you a leak, it must be repaired before cause the coolant to spray out, do not have the proper coolant you continue driving (see seriously scalding you. mixture available, you can add Towing on page 202 ). plain water. Remember to have Always let the engine and the cooling system drained and 7. If you don't find an obvious leak, radiator cool down before refilled with the proper mixture check the coolant level in the removing the radiator cap. as soon as you can. radiator reserve tank (see page 139). If the level is below the 11.Put the radiator cap back on MIN mark, add coolant to half- 9. Using gloves or a large heavy tightly. Run the engine and way between the MIN and MAX cloth, turn the radiator cap watch the temperature gauge. If marks. counterclockwise, without it illuminates the red marker pushing down, to the first stop. again, the engine needs repair. 8. If there was no coolant in the This releases any remaining (See Towing on page 202.) reserve tank, you may also have pressure in the cooling system. to add coolant to the radiator. After the pressure releases, push 12.If the temperature stays normal, Let the engine cool down until down on the cap and turn it until check the coolant level in the the temperature gauge registers it comes off. radiator reserve tank. If it has below the midpoint, or lower, gone down, add coolant to the before checking the radiator. MAX mark. Put the cap back on tightly.

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Low Oil Pressure

1. Safely pull off the road and shut 4. Start the engine and watch the off the engine. oil pressure light. If the light does not go out within ten 2. Let the car sit for a minute. Open seconds, turn off the engine. the hood and check the oil level There is a mechanical problem (see page 135). Although oil level that needs to be repaired before and oil pressure are not directly you can continue driving. (See connected, an engine that is very Towing on page 202.) low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT driving maneuvers. 3. If necessary, add oil to bring the The low oil pressure light should level back to the full mark on the never come on when the engine is dipstick (see page 135). running. If this light comes on with the engine running, take immediate action.

NOTICE

Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause serious mechani- cal damage almost immediately. Turn off the engine as soon as you can safely get the car stopped.

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Charging System Indication

Immediately turn off all electrical By eliminating as much of the accessories: radio, heater, A/C, rear electrical load as possible, you can defogger, cruise control, etc. Try drive several miles before the not to use other electrically- battery is too discharged to keep operated controls such as the the engine running. Drive to a power windows. Keep the engine service station or garage where you running and take extra care not to can get technical assistance. stall it. Starting the engine will discharge the battery rapidly.

CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT

The charging system light should go out after the engine starts. If it comes on brightly with the engine running, the alternator is no longer charging the battery.

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Check Engine Light

If this light comes on, safely pull NOTICE off the road and turn off the engine. Restart the engine and watch the If you keep driving with the check check engine light. If it stays on, engine light on, you can damage have your car checked by the your car's emission controls and dealer as soon as possible. You engine. Those repairs are not should also have the dealer inspect covered by your car's warranties. your car if the light comes on frequently, even though it goes off when you do the above procedure. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

If the check engine light comes on while driving, there is a problem with your engine or its emission control systems. Even though you may feel no difference in your car's performance, it can reduce your fuel economy and cause your car to put out excessive emissions. Continued operation may cause serious engine damage.

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Closing the Sunroof

If the electric motor will not close SOCKET the sunroof, do the following:

1. Check the fuse for the sunroof motor (see page 200 ). If the fuse is blown, replace it with one of the same or lower rating.

2. Try closing the sunroof. If the new fuse blows immediately or the sunroof motor still does not operate, you can close the ROUND PLUG sunroof manually. 4. Pry off the round plug in the 5. Insert the sunroof wrench into 3. Get the tool kit out of the trunk. center of the headliner. the socket behind this plug. Turn the wrench until the sunroof is fully closed.

6. Remove the wrench. Replace the round plug.

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Fuses

All the electrical circuits in your UNDERHOOD TAB INTERIOR car have fuses to protect them from a short circuit or overload. These fuses are located in two fuse boxes.

KNOB

The underhood fuse box is located The interior fuse box is underneath in the engine compartment next to the dashboard on the driver's side. the battery. To open, push the tab To open, turn the knob as shown. as shown.

CONTINUED

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Fuses

Checking and Replacing Fuses If something electrical in your car FUSE PULLER stops working, the first thing you should check for is a blown fuse. Determine from the chart on the fuse box cover or inside the fuse box which fuse or fuses control that component. Check those fuses first, but check all the fuses before deciding that is not the cause. BLOWN Replace any blown fuses and check the component's operation. 3. Check each of the large fuses in 4. Check the smaller fuses in the 1. Turn the ignition switch to the underhood fuse box by underhood fuse box and all the LOCK (0). Make sure the head- looking through the top at the fuses in the interior fuse box by lights and all other accessories wire inside. Removing these pulling out each fuse with the are off. fuses requires a phillips-head fuse puller provided in the screwdriver. interior fuse box. 2. Remove the cover from the fuse box.

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Fuses

If you cannot drive the car without NOTICE BLOWN fixing the problem, and you do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse of the Replacing a fuse with one that has same rating or a lower rating from a higher rating greatly increases one of the other circuits. Make sure the chances of damaging the you can do without that circuit electrical system. If you do not temporarily (such as the rear have a replacement fuse with the window defogger, or radio). proper rating for the circuit, install If you replace the burned out fuse one with a lower rating. with a spare fuse that has a lower rating, it might blow out again. This does not indicate anything 6. If the replacement fuse of the wrong. Replace the fuse with one same rating burns out in a short 5. Look for a burned wire inside the of the correct rating as soon as you time, there is probably a serious fuse. If it is burned out, replace it can. electrical problem in your car. with one of the spare fuses of the Leave the burned out fuse in that same rating or lower. circuit and have your car check- ed by a qualified technician.

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Towing

If your car needs to be towed, call a Sling-type Equipment — The tow NOTICE professional towing service or, if truck uses metal cables with hooks you belong to one, an organization on the ends. These hooks go around Improper towing preparation will that provides roadside assistance. parts of the frame or suspension damage the transmission. Follow Never tow your car behind another and the cables lift that end of the the above procedure exactly. If you car with just a rope or chain. It is car off the ground. Your car's sus- cannot shift the transmission or very dangerous. pension and body can be seriously start the engine (automatic trans- damaged if this method of towing mission), your car must be trans- Emergency Towing is attempted. ported on a flat-bed. There are three popular methods of towing a car: If your Honda cannot be trans- It is best to tow the car no far- ported by flat-bed, it should be ther than 80 km (50 miles), and Flat-bed Equipment — The towed with the front wheels off the keep the speed below 35 mph (55 operator loads your car on the back ground. If due to damage, your car km/h). of a truck. This is the best way must be towed with the front of transporting your Honda. wheels on the ground, do the NOTICE following: Wheel Lift Equipment — The tow Trying to lift or tow your car by truck uses two pivoting arms that 5-Speed Transmission the bumpers will cause serious go under the tires (front or rear) Release the parking brake. damage. The bumpers are not and lift them off the ground. The Shift the transmission to Neutral. designed to support the car's other two wheels remain on the Automatic Transmission weight. ground. Release the parking brake. Start the engine. Shift to D4, then to N. Turn off the engine.

Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu ▲ ▼ Technical Information

The diagrams in this section give Identification Numbers...... 204 you the dimensions and capacities Specifications...... 206 of your Honda, and the locations of Anti-lock Brake System ...... 208 the identification numbers. The Supplemental Restraint explanations of several electronic System...... 209 and mechanical systems on your Four Wheel Steering ...... 210 Honda are for the more technically- Emission Controls...... 211 oriented owner. The Clean Air Act...... 211 Crankcase Emission Control System...... 211 Evaporative Emission Control System...... 211 Exhaust Emission Controls.... 212 PGM-FI System...... 212 Ignition Timing Control System...... 212 Exhaust Gas Recirculation...... 212 Catalytic Converter...... 212 Replacement Parts...... 212 Catalytic Converter...... 213

Technical Information Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Identification Numbers

Your car has several identifying numbers located in various places. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the 17-digit number your Honda dealer uses to register your car for warranty purposes. It is also necessary for licensing and insur- ing your car. The easiest place to find the VIN is on a plate fastened to the top of the dashboard. You can see it by looking through the windshield on the driver's side. It is also on the Certification label at- tached to the driver's door jamb, and is stamped on the engine com- partment bulkhead. The VIN is also provided in bar code on the Certification label. CERTIFICATION LABEL

Technical Information Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Identification Numbers

The Engine Number is stamped MANUAL TRANSMISSION NUMBER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NUMBER into the engine block.

The Transmission Number is on a label on top of the transmission.

ENGINE NUMBER

Technical Information Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Specifications

page 152 * 1 : Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine. 1 : US: S, Canada: S Reserve tank capacity: * 2 : US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS 0.6 (0.16 US gal,0.13 Imp gal) * * 2 : US: S, Canada: S * 3 : US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS * 4 : Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.

Technical Information Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Specifications

* 1 : US: S, Canada: S * 2 : US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS

Technical Information Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Anti-lock Brake System

The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Each wheel has a wheel speed unit de-energizes the solenoid. This is standard equipment on the sensor assembly. As the wheel builds hydraulic pressure on the Prelude Si, Si 4WS sold in the U.S. rotates, the sensor sends electrical modulator valve. The pressure in- and SR, SR 4WS sold in Canada. It pulses to the ABS control unit. The creases in the hydraulic line to the is not available on any other models. pulse frequency varies with the wheel. wheel speed. The ABS works by measuring how For the system to react quickly, the fast the wheels are turning during The electrical output of the ABS modulator/solenoid unit must have braking and comparing their speed. control unit is connected to the brake fluid under high pressure. If any wheel is rotating much modulator/solenoid unit. During This is supplied by an accumulator slower than the others (on the braking, the ABS control unit that is pressurized by an electric verge of locking up and skidding), monitors the pulse frequencies pump. A pressure-sensing switch the system reduces hydraulic from the four wheels. When the on the accumulator controls this pressure to that wheel's brake control unit detects a wheel locking pump. caliper. When that wheel's speed up, it energizes the appropriate matches the other wheels, the solenoid in the modulator/solenoid The control unit also contains error system applies normal hydraulic unit. There are three solenoids: one detection circuitry. It monitors the pressure. This can take place for each front wheel, and one for operation of the wheel sensors, several times per second at each the rear wheels. The energized solenoids, pump, and electronics. If wheel. You feel the ABS working solenoid reduces hydraulic pres- the control unit detects any faults, as rapid pulsations in the brake sure to one side of a modulator it shuts off power to the pump pedal. valve. This, in turn, reduces hydrau- motor and solenoids. The light on lic pressure in the brake line going the instrument panel comes on. to the affected wheel. When that The brakes then work like a wheel speeds up because of the re- conventional system without anti- duced braking effort, the control lock capabilities.

Technical Information Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Supplemental Restraint System

The Honda Supplemental Restraint When the control unit receives The airbag unit can inflate only one System (SRS) is standard on all trigger signals from at least two time. After use, your Honda dealer Preludes sold in the U.S. and the sensors, it sends voltage to the must check the complete Supple- SR, SR 4WS sold in Canada. airbag. The control unit stores this mental Restraint System and re- charge in capacitors to insure place the airbag assembly. The SRS includes the steering reliability even if a severe impact wheel airbag assembly, sensors in damages the car's battery or To ensure long-term reliability, the the dashboard, and a control unit electrical connections. SRS uses gold-plated electrical with sensors behind the center connections throughout. Exposed console. The electrical charge sent to the components are sealed with epoxy. (On Si 4WS model) airbag assembly ignites its propel- The control unit monitors the SRS The system also has a dashboard- lant, which burns instantaneously. circuitry whenever the ignition is mounted airbag assembly for the The gas produced by the burning ON (II). If the control unit senses passenger. propellant inflates the airbag in any faults, it turns on the SRS about 40 milliseconds (1/25 of a indicator light on the instrument The sensors are decelerometers, second). panel. Take the car to your Honda set to trigger in a frontal impact dealer to diagnose and repair the that generates more force than a 10 The airbag is vented so it stays system as soon as possible. mile per hour barrier crash. For the inflated for only an instant and SRS to activate, at least two sen- does not block the driver's vision. The SRS needs no regular mainte- sors must trigger. This duplication Smoke from the burned propellant nance other than an inspection by is to prevent accidental activation. comes out of the airbag and into your Honda dealer ten years after the car's interior. This is normal manufacture. and does not mean there is a fire. The airbag collapses onto the driver's lap.

Technical Information Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Four Wheel Steering

The Si 4WS model in the U. S and The 4WS electronic control unit speed increases. This improves the SR 4WS model in Canada are drives an electric motor built into response in lane-changing maneu- equipped with an electronic Four the rear steering box. Sensors for vers. Wheel Steering system. rear wheel angle and speed provide feedback. The electronic control As the driver continues to turn the As inputs, the 4WS system uses a unit uses this feedback to compare steering wheel, the rear wheels are vehicle speed sensor and a sensor the actual rear wheel angle to the steered back to the straight-ahead to measure how far the front desired angle. position and then to countersteer wheels are turned. mode. As with same steer, the When the driver turns the front angle of countersteer varies with The electronic control unit for 4WS wheels with the car traveling less vehicle speed; increasing and then system uses these inputs to deter- than 18 mph (30 km/h), the rear decreasing as the speed rises. This mine which direction to steer the wheels are countersteered. The gives improved handling in low, rear wheels, and at what angle. angle of countersteer increases as medium, and high speed curves. Depending on vehicle speed and the the angle of the front wheels in- angle of the front wheels, the rear creases, to a maximum counter- The 4WS system's electronic wheels will be "countersteered" steer angle of six degrees. This control unit monitors the sensors (steered in the opposite direction of improves response when parallel whenever the ignition is ON. If it the front wheels) or "same-steered" parking or making sharp turns. detects a problem anywhere in the (steered in the same direction as system, it lights the 4WS indicator the front wheels). Above 18 mph (30 km/h), the rear on the instrument panel and turns wheels are same-steered as the the system off. With the system off, driver begins to turn the steering the rear wheels remain pointed wheel. The rear wheel angle for straight ahead. Your car will then any given steering wheel angle is drive like a conventional car not fixed; it increases as vehicle without 4WS.

Technical Information Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Emission Controls

The burning of gasoline in your The Clean Air Act Crankcase Emission Control car's engine produces several by- The United States Clean Air Act* System products. Some of these are carbon sets standards for automobile Your car has a Positive Crankcase monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen emissions. It also requires that Ventilation (PCV) System. This (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC). automobile manufacturers explain keeps gasses that build up in the Gasoline evaporating from the tank to owners how their emission engine's Crankcase from going into also produces hydrocarbons. Con- controls work and what to do to the atmosphere. The PCV valve trolling the production of NOx, CO, maintain them. This section routes them from the crankcase and HC is important to the environ- summarizes how the emission con- back to the intake manifold. They ment. Under certain conditions of trols work. Scheduled maintenance are then drawn into the engine and sunlight and climate, NOx and HC is on page 129 . burned. react to form photochemical "smog." Carbon monoxide does not contri- * In Canada, Honda vehicles Evaporative Emission bute to smog creation, but it is a comply with the Canadian Motor Control System poisonous gas. Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) As gasoline evaporates in the fuel for Emissions valid at the time they tank, a canister filled with charcoal are manufactured. adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this canister while the engine is off. After the engine is started and warmed up, the vapor is drawn into the engine and burned during driving.

Technical Information Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Emission Controls

Exhaust Emission Controls Ignition Timing Control System Replacement Parts The exhaust emission controls This system constantly adjusts the The emission control systems are include four systems: PGM-FI, ignition timing, reducing the designed and certified to work to- Ignition Timing Control, Exhaust amount of HC, CO and NOx gether in reducing emissions to Gas Recirculation and Catalytic produced. levels that comply with the Clean Converter. These four systems Air Act. To make sure the emis- work together to control the Exhaust Gas Recirculation sions remain low, you should use engine's combustion and minimize (EGR) only new genuine Honda replace- the amount of HC, CO, and NOx The EGR system takes some of the ment parts or their equivalent for that comes out the tailpipe. The exhaust gas and routes it back into repairs. Using lower quality parts exhaust emission control systems the intake manifold. Adding ex- may increase the emissions from are separate from the crankcase haust gas to the air/fuel mixture re- your car. and evaporative emission control duces the amount of NOx produced systems. when the fuel is burned. The emissions control systems are covered by warranties separate PGM-FI System Catalytic Converter from the rest of your car. Read The PGM-FI System on your car The catalytic converter is in the your warranty manual for more has three sub systems: Air Intake, exhaust system. Through chemical information. Electronic Control, and Fuel reactions, it converts HC, CO, and Control. The Electronic Control NOx in the engine's exhaust to Unit (ECU) uses various sensors to carbon dioxide (CO2), dinitrogen determine how much air is going (N2), and water vapor. into the engine. It then controls how much fuel to inject under all operating conditions.

Technical Information Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter contains Keep the engine tuned-up. platinum and rhodium. These metals serve as catalysts, pro- Have your car diagnosed and moting chemical reactions to con- repaired if it is misfiring, back- vert the exhaust gasses without firing, continuing to run after affecting the metals. The catalytic you turn off the engine, stalling, converter is referred to as a three- or otherwise not running proper- way catalyst, since it acts on HC, ly. CO, and NOx. A replacement unit must be an original Honda part or its equivalent. CATALYTIC CONVERTER The catalytic converter must ope- rate at a high temperature for the A defective catalytic converter chemical reactions to take place. It contributes to air pollution, and can can set on fire any combustible impair your engine's performance. materials that come near it. Park Follow these guidelines to protect your car away from high grass, dry your car's catalytic converter. leaves, or other flammables. Always use unleaded gasoline. Even a small amount of leaded gasoline can contaminate the catalyst metals, making the converter ineffective.

Technical Information Main Menu ▲ ▼ Warranty and Customer Relations

Warranty Coverages...... 216 Customer Relations Information...... 217 U.S. Zone Office Map...... 218 Canada Zone Office Map ...... 219 Authorized Manuals...... 221

Warranty and Customer Relations Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Warranty Coverages

U.S. Cars Seat Belt Limited Warranty — a Replacement Battery Limited Your new Honda is covered by seat belt that fails to function Warranty — provides coverage for these warranties: properly is covered for the useful up to 36 months, with 100% cover- life of the car. age for the first 12 months. New Car Limited Warranty — provides coverage for defects in Rust Perforation Limited Replacement Muffler Lifetime materials and workmanship for 3 Warranty — body panels that rust Limited Warranty — provides years or 57,600 km (36,000 miles). through from the inside will be coverage for as long as the pur- repaired or replaced for up to 36 chaser of the muffler owns the car. Emission Control Systems De- months. There is no mileage limit. fects Warranty and Emissions There are restrictions and exclu- Performance Warranty — these Accessory Limited Warranty — sions which apply to all these war- two warranties cover your car's Genuine Honda Accessories are ranties. Please read the 1992 Honda emission control systems. Time, covered under this warranty. Time Warranties booklet that came with mileage, and coverage are condi- and mileage limits depend on the your car for precise information on tional. Please read the warranty type of accessory and other factors. warranty coverages. Your Honda's manual for exact information. Please read your warranty manual original tires are covered by their for details. manufacturer. Tire warranty infor- Original Equipment Battery mation is in a separate booklet. Limited Warranty — provides Replacement Parts Limited coverage for 36 months, with 100% Warranty — provides coverage for Canada Cars coverage for the first 24 months. defects in materials and workman- Please refer to the 1992 Warranty ship for 12 months or 19,200 km and Maintenance Guide that came (12,000 miles). with your car.

Warranty and Customer Relations Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Customer Relations Information

Honda dealership personnel are If you are dissatisfied with the When you call or write, please give trained professionals. They should decision made by the dealership's us this information: be able to answer all your questions. management, contact your Honda If you encounter a problem that Customer Relations Zone Office. Vehicle Identification Number your dealership does not solve to Refer to the U.S. and Canadian (see page 204) your satisfaction, please discuss it Zone Office maps on the following Name and address of the dealer with the dealership's management. pages. who services your car The Service Manager or General Date of purchase Manager can help. Almost all Mileage on your car problems are solved in this way. Your name, address, and tele- phone number A detailed description of the problem Name of the dealer who sold the car to you

Warranty and Customer Relations Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ U.S. Zone Office Map

Western Zone Mid-Atlantic Zone P.O. Box 2260 902 Wind River Ln., Suite 200 700 Van Ness Avenue Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878 Torrance, California (301) 990-2020 90509-2260 (310) 781-4565 Southeastern Zone 1500 Morrison Parkway Northwestern Zone Alpharetta, Georgia 30004 P.O. Box 20186 (770) 442-2045 12439 N.E. Airport Way Portland, Oregon 97230 North Central Zone (503) 256-0943 601 Campus Drive, Suite A-9 (also includes Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004 Alaska and Hawaii) (847) 870-5600

South Central Zone New England Zone 4529 Royal Lane 555 Old County Road Irving, Texas 75063 Windsor Locks, Connecticut 06096 (972) 929-5481 (860) 623-3310 Central Zone See Zone 5 for: NYC Metro area and Fairfield County, CT area 101 South Stanfield Road Troy, Ohio 45373 (937) 332-6250 West Central Zone 1600 South Abilene Street, Suite D Northeastern Zone Aurora, Colorado 80012 P.O. Box 337 (303) 696-3935 Eastgate Industrial Park 115 Gaither Drive Puerto Rico and U.S. V.I. Moorestown, New Jersey 08057 Bella International (609) 235-5533 P.O. Box 190816 Includes: NYC Metro area and San Juan, PR 00919-0816 Fairfield County, CT area (787) 250-4318 The above addresses and telephone numbers are subject to change. If you cannot reach your Zone office, ask your Honda dealer for the current information.

Customer Relations Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Canada Zone Office Map

Western Zone Quebec Zone Honda Canada Inc. Honda Canada Inc. 13240 Worster Court 1750 rue Eiffel Richmond, B.C. Boucherville, Quebec V6V 2B8 J4B 7W1 (604) 278-7121 (514) 655-6161 Central Zone Atlantic Zone Honda Canada Inc. Honda Canada Inc. 126 Milner Avenue 800 Windmill Road Scarborough, Ontario Dartmouth, N.S. M1S 3R2 B3B 1L1 (416) 299-3400 (902) 468-4416

Customer Relations Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Authorized Manuals

Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals Valid only for sales within the U.S. Canadian owners should (U.S. only) contact thier authorized Honda dealer. The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be obtained from Helm Incorporated, either by filling out the attached form or, for credit card holders, calling the toll-free phone number on the form. For manuals prior to the year shown below, contact Helm Incorporated, P.O. Box 07280, Detroit, Michigan 48207 or call 1-800-782-4356. By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You can pay by check or money order, or charge to your credit card. Mail to Helm Incorporated at the address shown on the back of the order form.

61SS000

61SS000EL

61SS030

31SS0604 Main Menu Table of Contents ▲ ▼ Authorized Manuals

Service Manual: This manual covers maintenance and recommended procedures for repair to engine and chassis components. It is written for the Journeyman mechanic, but is simple enough for most mechanically-inclined owners to understand. Electrical Troubleshooting Manual: This manual complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth troubleshooting information for each electrical circuit in your car. Body Repair Manual: This manual describes the procedures involved in the replacement of damaged body parts.

These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14 days of delivery On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order

P.O. BOX 07280 DETROIT MICHIGAN 48207 (313) 883-1430 Main Menu ▲ ▼ Index

Airbag (SRS)...... 10 Air Conditioning...... 68 Accessories Maintenance...... 157 Battery Installation...... 105 Usage...... 68 Charging System Light...... 33 ACCESSORY Air Filter...... 149 Jump Starting...... 191 (Ignition Key Position)...... 48 Air Outlets (Vents)...... 68 Maintenance...... 152 Adding Air Pressure, Tires ...... 159 Specifications...... 207 Automatic Transmission Alcohol and Drugs...... 24 Before Driving...... 97 Fluid...... 144 Alcohol in Gasoline...... 98 Belts, Seat ...... 4 Brake Fluid...... 146 Antifreeze...... 139 Body Repair ...... 181 Clutch Fluid...... 147 Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Brakes Engine Oil...:...... 135 Description...... 208 Anti-lock System (ABS)...... 117 Manual Transmission Fluid... 145 Indicator Light...... 34, 118 Break-in, New Linings...... 98 Power Steering Fluid...... 148 Operation...... 117 Fluid...... 146 Radiator Coolant...... 139 Anti-theft Steering Column Light, Burned-out...... 169 Windshield Washer fluid ...... 143 Lock...... 48 Parking...... 61 Additional Safety Information .... 16 Appearance Care...... 175 System Light...... 33 Door Locks...... 16 Ashtray...... 65 Wear Indicators...... 116 Driving with Pets...... 17 Audio System...... 75 Brakes, ABS Seat-back Position...... 16 Automatic Speed Control...... 44 Description...... 208 Storing Cargo Safely...... 17 Automatic Transmission...... 112 Operation...... 117 Additives, Engine Oil...... 136 Capacity, Fluid...... 206 System Indicator...... 34, 118 Adjustments Checking Fluid Level...... 144 Braking System...... 116 Mirrors...... 59 Shifting...... 113 Break-in, New Car ...... 98 Seats...... 51 Shift Lever Positions...... 112 Steering Wheel...... 43 Shift Lock Release...... 115 CONTINUED Main Menu ▲ ▼ Index

Brightness Control, CAUTION, Explanation of...... ii Cleaner, Air...... 149 Instruments...... 41 Center Console Compartment..... 64 Cleaning Brights, Headlights...... 40 Certification Label...... 204 Exterior...... 176 Bulb Replacement Chains...... 163 Interior...... 179 Back-up Lights...... 169 Change Oil Seat Belts...... 179 Brake Lights...... 169 How to...... 137 Vinyl...... 179 Front Parking Lights ...... 165 When to...... 129 CLEAN Light...... 94 Front Side Marker Lights...... 166 Changing a Flat Tire...... 185 Clock, Setting the...... 63 Headlights...... 164 Changing Engine Coolant...... 140 Clutch Fluid...... 147 High-mount Brake Light...... 168 Charging System Light...... 33, 196 CO in the Exhaust...... 211 License Plate Lights...... 171 Check Engine Light...... 34, 197 Cold Weather, Starting in...... 110 Rear Side Marker Lights...... 170 Checking Compact Spare...... 184 Specifications...... 207 Automatic Transmission Consumer Information...... 217 Turn Signal Lights ...... 167 Fluid...... 144 Controls, Instruments and...... 29 Bulbs, Halogen...... 164 Battery Condition...... 152 Coolant Brake Fluid ...... 146 Adding...... 139 Clutch Fluid...... 147 Checking...... 139 Engine Belts...... 158 Proper Solution...... 139 Cables, Jump Starting With...... 191 Engine Oil...... 135 Temperature Gauge...... 38 Capacities Chart...... 206 Fuses...... 199 Corrosion Protection...... 180 Carbon Monoxide Hazard ...... 25 Manual Transmission Fluid... 145 Crankcase Emission Control Cargo, Loading...... 106 Power Steering Fluid...... 148 System...... 211 Cassette Player Radiator Coolant...... 139 Cruise Control Operation ...... 44 Care...... 94 Checklist, Before Driving...... 108 Customer Relations Office...... 217 Operation...... 81, 91 Child Safety...... 18 Catalytic Converter...... 213 Cigarette Lighter...... 65 Main Menu ▲ ▼ Index

Driving ...... 107 Specifications...... 206 Economy...... 104 Ethanol in Gasoline...... 98 DANGER, Explanation of...... ii In Bad Weather...... 119 Evaporative Emission Dashboard...... 30 In Foreign Countries...... 99 Controls...... 211 Daytime Running Lights...... 40 Exhaust Fumes...... 25 Dead Battery, What to Do...... 191 Expectant Mothers, Use of Defects, Reporting Safety ...... 26 Seat Belts by...... 8 Defogger, Rear Window ...... 56 Economy, Fuel...... 104 Exterior, Cleaning the...... 176 Defrosting the Windows...... 74 Emergencies on the Road...... 183 DEXRON® II Automatic Battery, Jump Starting...... 191 Transmission Fluid...... 144 Changing a Flat Tire...... 185 Dimensions...... 206 Charging System Light...... 196 Fabric, Cleaning...... 179 Dimming the Headlights ...... 40 Check Engine Light...... 197 Fan, Interior...... 68 Dipstick Checking the Fuses...... 200 Fan, Radiator...... 27 Automatic Transmission...... 144 Low Oil Pressure Light...... 195 Features, Comfort Engine Oil...... 135 Manually Closing Sunroof...... 198 and Convenience...... 67 Directional Signals...... 41 Overheated Engine...... 193 Filling the Gas Tank...... 100 Disabled, Towing Your Car If ... 202 Emergency Brake ...... 61 Filters Disc Brake Wear Indicators...... 116 Emergency Flashers...... 56 Air...... 149 Disposal of Used Oil...... 138 Emission Controls...... 211 Fuel...... 150 Doors Engine Oil ...... 137 Locking and Unlocking ...... 48 Check Light...... 34, 197 First Gear, Shifting...... 111 Power Door Locks ...... 48 Coolant Temperature Gauge... 38 5-Speed Transmission DOT Tire Quality Grading...... 161 Oil Pressure Light...... 33, 195 Checking Fluid Level...... 145 Downshifting, Oil, What Kind to Use ...... 135 5-speed Transmission...... 111 Overheating...... 193 CONTINUED Main Menu ▲ ▼ Index

5-Speed Transmission, Octane Requirement...... 98 Shifting the ...... 111 Oxygenated...... 98 Flashers, Hazard Warning ...... 56 Tank, Filling the ...... 100 Halogen Headlight Bulbs...... 164 Flat Tire, Changing a...... 185 Fuses, Checking the ...... 200 Hazard Warning Flashers ...... 56 Fluids Headlights Automatic Transmission...... 144 Daytime Running Lights...... 40 Brake...... 146 High Beam Indicator...... 35 Clutch...... 147 Gas Mileage, Improving...... 104 High Beams, Turning on...... 40 Manual Transmission...... 145 Gasohol...... 98 Low Beams, Turning on...... 40 Power Steering...... 148 Gasoline...... 98 Reminder Chime...... 40 Windshield Washer...... 155 Filter...... 150 Replacing Halogen Bulbs ...... 164 FM Stereo Radio Gauge...... 38 Turning on...... 40 Reception...... 75, 84 Octane Requirement...... 98 Heating and Cooling...... 68 Folding Rear Seat...... 55 Tank, Filling the ...... 100 High Altitude, Starting at...... 110 Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 99 Gas Station Procedures...... 100 High-Low Beam Switch ...... 40 Four-way Flashers...... 56 Gauges Hood, Opening the...... 101 Four Wheel Steering (4WS) Engine Coolant Temperature.. 38 Horn...... 47 Description...... 210 Fuel...... 38 Hot Coolant, Warning about...... 139 Indicator Light...... 35 Gearshift Lever Positions Hydraulic Clutch...... 147 Operation...... 118 Automatic Transmission...... 112 Hydroplaning...... 119 Front End, Towing by Emergency 5-speed Transmission...... 111 Wrecker...... 202 Glass Cleaning...... 180 Fuel...... 98 Glove Box...... 62 Filler Door and Cap...... 100 Identification Number, Filter...... 150 Vehicle...... 204 Gauge...... 38 If Your Car Has to be Towed .... 202 Main Menu ▲ ▼ Index

Ignition Keys...... 47 Switch...... 47 Label, Certification...... 204 Maintenance...... 127 Timing Control System...... 212 Lane Change, Signaling...... 41 Periodic Items...... 133 Indicator Lights, Instrument Lap/Shoulder Belts...... 6 Record...... 131-132 Panel...... 31 Leaking of Exhaust into Car...... 25 Schedule ...... 128-129 Infant Restraint...... 19 Lighter, Cigarette...... 65 Manual Transmission...... 111 Inflation, Proper Tire...... 158 Lights Manual Transmission Fluid...... 145 Inside Mirror...... 59 Bulb Replacement...... 164 Maximum Shift Speeds...... 112, 115 Inspection, Tire...... 159 Indicator...... 31 Meters, Gauges...... 37 Instrument Panel...... 30 Parking...... 40 Methanol in Gasoline...... 98 Instrument Panel Brightness...... 41 Turn Signal...... 41 Mirrors, Adjusting...... 59 Interior Cleaning...... 179 Loading Cargo...... 106 Interior Lights...... 66 LOCK (Ignition Key Position)..... 47 Introduction...... i Locks Anti-theft Steering Column..... 47 Neutral Gear Position...... 114 Fuel Filler Door...... 100 New Vehicle Break-in...... 98 Glove Box...... 62 Normal Shift Speeds...... 111 Jacking up the Car...... 185 Power Door...... 48 NOTICE, Explanation of...... ii Jack, Tire...... 185 Trunk...... 50 Numbers, Identification...... 204 Jump Starting...... 191 Low Coolant Level...... 139 Lower Gear, Downshifting to a . 112 Low Oil Pressure Light...... 33, 195 Lubricant Specifications Chart. 206 Occupant Protection System ...... 4 Keys...... 47 Luggage...... 106 CONTINUED Main Menu ▲ ▼ Index

Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 98 Polishing and Waxing...... 177 Fuel Filter...... 150 Odometer...... 37 Power Fuses...... 200 Odometer, Trip...... 37 Door Locks...... 48 Light Bulbs...... 164 Oil Mirrors...... 60 Schedule...... 129 Change, How to...... 137 Steering...... 148 Spark Plugs...... 150 Change, When to ...... 129 Windows...... 57 Tires...... 161 Checking Engine...... 135 Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts...... 8 Wiper Blades...... 155 Pressure Light...... 33 Proper Seat Belt Usage...... 6 Replacing Seat Belts Selecting Proper Viscosity After a Crash...... 9 Chart...... 136 Reserve Tank, Coolant...... 139 ON (Ignition Key Position)...... 47 Restraint, Child...... 18 Opening the Hood...... 101 Radiator Overheating...... 193 Reverse Gear Position...... 114 Opening the Trunk ...... 50 Radio/Cassette Sound System..... 75 Rotation, Tire...... 160 Operation in Foreign Countries... 99 Rear End Towing...... 202 Outside Mirrors...... 60 Rear Lights, Bulb Overheating, Engine...... 193 Replacement...... 169 Rear Seat, Folding ...... 55 Safety Belts...... 5 Rear View Mirror ...... 59 Safety Defects, Reporting...... 26 Rear Window Defogger ...... 56 Safety Labels, Location of...... 27 Panel Brightness Control...... 41 Reclining the Seat Backs...... 52 Safety Messages...... ii Park Gear Position...... 113 Recommended Shift Speeds...... 111 Seat Belts...... 5 Parking Brake...... 61 Reminder Lights...... 31 Advice for Pregnant Women..... 8 Parking Lights...... 40 Replacement Information Child Seat Anchor Plate ...... 21 Parking Over Things that Air Filter...... 149 Cleaning...... 179 Burn...... 213 Coolant...... 140 Frayed or Torn...... 9 PGM-FI System...... 212 Engine Oil and Filter...... 137 Maintenance...... 9 Main Menu ▲ ▼ Index

Reminder Light and Beeper..... 33 Specifications...... 207 Replacement...... 9 Spark Plugs, Replacing...... 150 System Components...... 6 Specifications Charts...... 206 Tachometer...... 37 Tether Attachment Points...... 21 Speed Control...... 44 Taillights, Changing Bulbs in.... 169 Use During Pregnancy...... 8 Speedometer...... 37 Taking Care of the Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt.... 7 SRS Indicator...... 14, 34 Unexpected ...... 183 Seats, Adjusting the...... 51 START (Ignition Key Position).. 47 Tape Player...... 81 Serial Number...... 204 Starting the Engine...... 109 Technical Descriptions Service Intervals...... 129 In Cold Weather Anti-lock Brake System ...... 208 Service Manual...... 221 at High Altitude...... 110 Catalytic Converter...... 213 Service Station Procedures...... 100 With a Dead Battery...... 191 Emission Control Systems...... 211 Setting the Clock...... 63 Steam Coming from Engine...... 193 Four Wheel Steering ...... 210 Shifting Steering Wheel Supplemental Restraint The Automatic Transmission Adjustment...... 43 System...... 209 ...... 112 Anti-theft Column Lock...... 47 Temperature Gauge...... 38 The 5-Speed Transmission..... 111 Stereo Sound System...... 75 Tether Attachment Points...... 21 Shift Lever Position Storing Your Car...... 173 Time, Setting the ...... 63 Indicator...... 36, 112 Sunroof...... 58 Tire Chains...... 163 Side Marker Lights, Bulb Closing Manually...... 198 Tire, How to Change a Flat...... 185 Replacement in...... 166 Operation...... 58 Tires...... 158 Signaling Turns...... 41 Supplemental Restraint System Air Pressure...... 158 Snow Tires...... 163 Service Precautions...... 15 Checking Wear...... 159 Solvent-type Cleaners...... 176 Servicing...... 14 Compact Spare...... 184 Sound System ...... 75 SRS Indicator...... 14, 34 DOT Tire Quality Grading..... 161 Spare Tire System Components...... 10 Inflating ...... 184 Technical Description...... 209 CONTINUED Main Menu ▲ ▼ Index

Inflation...... 158 Seat Belts...... 33 Inspection...... 159 WARNING, Explanation of...... ii Replacing...... 161 Underside, Cleaning...... 176 Warning Labels, Location of...... 27 Rotating...... 160 Unexpected, Taking Care Warranty Coverages...... 216 Snow...... 163 of the...... 183 Washer, Windshield Specifications...... 207 Uniform Tire Quality Grading.. 161 Checking the Fluid Level...... 155 Tools, Tire Changing ...... 185 Unleaded Gasoline...... 98 Operation...... 42 Torn Seat Belts...... 9 Upholstery Cleaning...... 179 Washing...... 176 Towing Used Oil, How to Dispose of...... 138 Waxing and Polishing...... 177 A Trailer...... 121 Wheels Emergency Wrecher...... 202 Adjusting the Steering...... 43 Transmission Alignment and Balance...... 161 Checking Fluid Level, Vanity Mirror...... 64 Compact Spare...... 184 Automatic...... 144 Vehicle Capacity Load...... 106 Wrench...... 185 Checking Fluid Level, Vehicle Dimensions...... 206 Windows 5-speed...... 145 Vehicle Identification Number.. 204 Cleaning...... 180 Fluid Selection...... 144 Vehicle Storage...... 173 Operating the Power...... 57 Identification Number...... 204 Ventilation...... 71 Rear, Defogger...... 56 Shifting the Automatic ...... 112 VIN...... 204 Windshield Shifting the 5-speed...... 111 Vinyl Cleaning...... 179 Cleaning...... 42 Treadwear...... 161 Viscosity, Oil...... 136 Defroster...... 74 Trip Meter...... 37 Wipers, Windshield Trunk...... 50 Changing Blades...... 155 Opening the...... 50 Operation...... 42 Open Monitor Light...... 35 Warning Beepers Worn Tires...... 159 Turn Signals...... 41 Key in Ignition...... 47 Wrecker, Emergency Towing... 202 Main Menu ▲ ▼ Gas Station Information

Gasoline: Tire Pressure (measured cold): 5 Speed Transmission Oil: (US: S, Canada: S) (US: S, Canada: S) SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 viscosity UNLEADED gasoline 205 kPa (2.1 kg/cm2, 30 psi) API SF or SG grade recommended Pump octane of 86 or higher (US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) 2 (US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) 220 kPa (2.2 kg/cm , 32 psi) Capacity: Premium UNLEADED gasoline 1.9 l (2.0 US qt,1.7 Imp qt) Pump octane of 91 or higher Spare Tire Pressure: 415 kPa (4.15 kg/cm2, 60 psi) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Gas Tank Capacity: Honda Premium Formula Automatic 60 l (15.9 US gal, 13.2 Imp gal) Tire Size (Front and Rear): Transmission Fluid or an equivalent (US: S, Canada: S) DEXRON® II type Automatic Trans- Recommended Engine Oil: 185/70R14 87H mission Fluid (ATF) API SG grade (US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) "Energy Conserving II" oil 205/55R15 87V Capacity: SAE 5W-30 viscosity 2.4 l (2.5 US qt, 2.1 Imp qt) Spare Tire: Engine Oil Capacity: (US: S, Canada: S) including filter T125/70D15 (US: S, Canada: S) (US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) 3.8 l (4.0 US qt, 3.3 Imp qt) T135/80D15 (US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) 4.3 l (4.5 US qt, 3.8 Imp qt) Other Tire Information: without filter See label on the driver's door jamb (US: S, Canada: S) 3.5 l (3.7 US qt, 3.1 Imp qt) (US: Si, Si 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) 4.0 l (4.2 US qt, 3.5 Imp qt)