2000 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 Your Vehicle at a Glance.....................................................................................................................2 Driver and Passenger Safety ..............................................................................................................5 Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System. Instruments and Controls.................................................................................................................51 Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls. Comfort and Convenience Features ................................................................................................97 How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features. Before Driving..................................................................................................................................125 What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo. Driving ..............................................................................................................................................139 The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer. Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................167 The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer. Appearance Care..............................................................................................................................227 Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs. Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................235 This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them. Technical Information.....................................................................................................................261 ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information. Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................273 A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us. Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................279 How to order manuals and other technical literature. Index...................................................................................................................................................... I Service Information Summary A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump. Owner's Identification This Owner's Manual should be considered OWNER a permanent part of the car, and should remain with the car when it is sold. The information and specifications included ADDRESS in this publication were in affect at the time STREET of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE / design at any time without notice and POSTAL CODE with out incurring any obligation whatsoever. V. I. N. DELIVERY DATE (Date sold to original retail purchaser) DEALER NAME DEALER NO. ADDRESS STREET CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/ POSTAL CODE OWNERS' SIGNATURE DEALER'S SIGNATURE Introduction Congratulations ! Your selection of a 2000 Honda Prelude was a wise As you read this manual, you will investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure. find information that is preceded by a NOTICE symbol. This One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Honda is to information is intended to help you read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and avoid damage to your Honda, other convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner's manual in your car so you property, or the environment. can refer to it at any time. Several warranties protect your new Honda. Read the warranty booklet thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities. Maintaining your car according to the schedules given in this manual helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. When your car needs maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda dealer's staff is specially trained in servicing 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. A Few Words About Safety Your safety, and the safety of others, You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, is very important. And operating this including: car safely is an important Safety Labels — on the car. responsibility. Safety Messages — preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. To help you make informed These signal words mean: decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY other information on labels and in HURT if you don't follow instructions. this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY hurt you or others. HURT if you don't follow instructions. Of course, it is not practical or You CAN be HURT if you don't follow possible to warn you about all the instructions. hazards associated with operating or maintaining your car. You must use Safety Headings — such as Important Safety Reminders or Important your own good judgement. Safety Precautions. Safety Section — such as Driver and Passenger Safety. Instructions — how to use this car correctly and safely. This entire book is filled with important safety information — please read it carefully. Your Car at a Glance DOOR LOCK DIGITAL CLOCK HEATING/ SWITCHES (P.90) COOLING (P.74) CONTROLS (P.98) MIRROR CONTROLS (P.88) POWER AUDIO SYSTEM WINDOW (P.106) SWITCHES (P.85) FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE (P.127) TRUNK RELEASE HOOD RELEASE HANDLE HANDLE (P.78) (P.128) Your Car at a Glance CRUISE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAZARD WARNING WINDSHIELD CONTROL BRIGHTNESS LIGHTS WIPERS/WASHERS (P. 67) (P. 63) (P. 65) (P. 64) MOONROOF REAR WINDOW (P. 87) HEADLIGHTS/ TILT HORN DEFOGGER TURN SIGNALS ADJUSTMENT BUTTONS (P. 65) (P. 62) (P. 66) 4 Driver and Passenger Safety This section gives you important Airbags............................................ 9 If a Child Requires Close information about how to protect Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10 Attention...................................24 yourself and your passengers. It Head Restraints........................... 10 Additional Safety Precaution...... 24 shows you how to use seat belts Door Locks................................... 11 General Guidelines for Using properly. It explains your Supple- Pre-Drive Safety Checklist......... 11 Child Seats................................25 mental Restraint System. And it tells Protecting Adults............................. 12 Protecting Infants........................ 29 you how to properly restrain infants 1. Close and Lock the Doors...... 12 Protecting Small Children.......... 33 and children in your car. 2. Adjust the Front Seats............ 13 Protecting Larger Children........ 36 3. Adjust the Seat-Backs............. 14 Using Child Seats with 4. Adjust the Head Restraints.... 15 Tethers......................................40 5. Fasten and Position the Seat Additional Information About Your Belts...................................... 16 Seat Belts.................................. 42 6. Adjust the Steering Wheel..... 17 Seat Belt System Components... 42 7. Maintain a Proper Sitting Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42 Position................................. 18 Seat Belt Maintenance................ 44 Advice for Pregnant Women...... 19 Additional Information About Your Additional Safety Precautions.... 19 SRS............................................45 Protecting Children......................... 21 SRS Components......................... 45 All Children Must Be How Your Airbags Work............ 45 Restrained................................ 21 How the SRS Indicator Light Children Should Sit in the Back Works........................................47 Seat............................................22 SRS Service................................... 47 The Passenger's Airbag Poses Additional Safety Precautions.... 48 Important Safety Precautions .......... 6 Serious Risks to Children....... 22 Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49 Your Car's Safety Features .............. 7 If You Must Drive with Several Safety Labels.................................... 50 Seat Belts........................................8 Children.................................... 24 Driver and Passenger Safety Important Safety Precautions You'll find many safety Be Aware of Airbag