1994 Civic Coupe

1994 Civic Coupe 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
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety ......................................................................................................................... ii
Driver and Passenger Safety ...................................................................................................................... 3
Proper use and care of your car's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls.......................................................................................................................... 27
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features........................................................................................................ 61
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving .............................................................................................................................................. 81
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new car, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving............................................................................................................................................................ 91
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance................................................................................................................................................ 107
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your car to the dealer.
Appearance Care........................................................................................................................................ 153
Tips on cleaning and protecting your car. Things to look for if your car ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected.............................................................................................................. 161
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information.............................................................................................................................. 183
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada) ..................................................................... 197
A summary of the warranties covering your new Honda, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only).............................................................................................................. 203
How to order manuals and other technical literature.
Index ................................................................................................................................................................. I
Gas Station Information
Information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump
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Main Menu
Introduction
Congratulations! Your selection of a 1994 Honda Civic 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.

Main Menu
Safety Messages
Your safety and the safety of others is very important. We have provided You will also see another
many important safety messages in this manual and on the vehicle. Please important symbol:
read these messages carefully.
A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or NOTICE
others. Each safety message is preceded by a safety alert symbol and one Your Honda or other
of three words, DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION. These mean: property can be damaged if
you don't follow
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 Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Important Safety
information about occupant Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
protection. It shows how to use Wearing the Lap Belt . . . . . . . . 9 General Guidelines for
seat belts properly. It explains the Advice for Pregnant Women 10 Restraining Children
Supplemental Restraint System Seat Belt Maintenance . . . . . 10 Under 40 Ib (18 kg) . . . . . . 19
that is standard in Civics. And it Restraining an Infant
gives useful information about Supplemental Restraint System 11
Who Weighs Less Than
how to protect infants and Important Safety Reminder . 12 20 Ib (9 kg) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
children in your car. How the Driver's Restraining a Child Who
Airbag Works . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Weighs Between 20 and
How the Passenger's 40 Ib (9 and 18 kg) . . . . . . . 20
Your Occupant Protection Airbag Works . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Restraining a Child Who
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 How the SRS Weighs Over 40 Ib
The Seat Belt System Indicator Light Works . . . . 14 (18kg) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
and How It Works . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 System Service . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Using a Seat Belt
Why Wear Seat Belts . . . . . . . . 5 System Service Precautions 15 Locking Clip . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Important Safety Reminders . 5 Additional Safety Information . 16 Using Child Restraints
Seat Belt System Seat-Back Position . . . . . . . . . 16 With Tethers . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Storing a Child Seat . . . . . . . . 23
Lap/Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . 6 Storing Cargo Safely . . . . . . . 17
Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Alcohol and Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Driving With Pets . . . . . . . . . . 17
Wearing Seat Belts Carbon Monoxide Hazard . . . . . 25
Child Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Safety Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Where Should Children Sit? . 18

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 from your occupant protection
together to protect you and your reminds you to make sure you system, check the following
passengers during a crash. and your passengers wear your before you drive away:
seat belts. The other alerts you to
a possible problem with your Everyone in the car is wearing
Seat belts are the most important a seat belt properly (see
part of your occupant protection supplemental restraint system
(see page 14). page 7).
system. When worn properly, seat
belts can reduce the chance of Infants or small children are
serious injury or death in a crash. The seats, head restraints, and properly secured in a child
door locks also play a role in safety seat (see page 18).
For added protection during a occupant safety. For example, Both doors are closed and
severe frontal collision, your reclining the seat-back can locked (see page 16).
Honda has a Supplemental decrease the effectiveness of your Seat-backs are upright (see
Restraint System (SRS) with a seat belt. Head restraints can help page 16).
driver's airbag and an airbag for protect your neck and head,
especially during rear-end There are no loose items that
the front-seat passenger.
impacts. Door locks help keep could be thrown around and
your doors from being hurt someone during a crash
accidentally opened during a or sudden stop (see page 17).
crash.
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.

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Why Wear Seat Belts A pregnant woman needs to wear
Wearing seat belts and wearing a seat belt to protect herself and
them properly is fundamental to her unborn child (see page 10).
your safety and the safety of your Not wearing a seat belt
passengers. increases the chance of being Two people should never use the
killed or seriously hurt in a crash. same seat belt. If they do, they
During a crash or emergency could be very seriously injured in
stop, seat belts can help keep you Be sure you and your a crash.
from being thrown against the passengers always wear seat
inside of the car, against other belts and wear them properly. Do not place the shoulder portion
occupants, or out of the car. of a lap/shoulder belt under your
arm or behind your back. This
Of course, seat belts cannot could increase the chance of
completely protect you in every Important Safety Reminders serious injuries in a crash.
crash. But, in most cases, seat Seat belts are designed for adults
belts reduce your chance of and larger children. All infants Do not put shoulder belt pads or
serious injury. They can even and small children must be other accessories on seat belts.
save your life. That is why many properly restrained in child safety They can reduce the effectiveness
states and all Canadian provinces seats (see page 18). of the belts and increase the
require you to wear seat belts. chance of injury.


Seat Belt System Components Lap/Shoulder Belt Lap Belt
Your Honda has seat belts in all
five seating positions. The front SHOULDER UPPER
seats and the outside positions of PORTION SEAT BELT
the rear seat have lap/shoulder ANCHOR
belts. The center position of the LATCH BUCKLE
rear seat has a lap belt. PLATE To
Retractor
Your seat belt system also LAP

PORTION
includes a light on the instrument
panel to remind you to fasten LATCH
your seat belt and to make sure BUCKLE PLATE
your passengers fasten theirs.
This light comes on when you
turn on the ignition if you have This style of seat belt has a single The lap belt has one manually
not fastened your seat belt. A belt that goes over your shoulder, adjusted belt that fits across the
beeper also sounds for several across your chest and across hips. It is similar to safety belts
seconds (see page 30). your hips. used in airplanes.
Each lap/shoulder belt has an
The following pages cover more
emergency locking retractor. In
about the seat belt components
normal driving, the retractor lets
and how they work.
you move freely in your seat
while it keeps some tension on
the belt. During a collision or
sudden stop, the retractor
automatically locks the belt to
help restrain your body.


Wearing Seat Belts Properly Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt
You can increase the effective-
ness of your seat belts if you take
a little time to read the following
pages and make sure you know
how to wear seat belts properly.
Not wearing a seat belt properly

increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash.
Be sure you and your Before putting on a front seat belt, 3. Position the lap portion of the
passengers always wear seat be sure your seat is adjusted belt as low as possible across
forward or backward to a good your hips, not across your
belts and wear them properly. driving or riding position and the stomach. This lets your strong
back of your seat is upright (see pelvic bones take the force of
page 49). a crash.
1. Pull the latch plate across
your body, and insert it into
the buckle. Tug on the belt to
make sure the latch is
securely locked.
2. Check to see that the belt is
not twisted. continued


5. If the shoulder belt crosses
your neck while you are
sitting in one of the outside
rear seating positions, you
need to adjust your seating
position. Move toward the
center of the seat until the
belt fits over your collarbone.
4. Pull up on the shoulder part of To unlatch the seat belt, push the
the belt to remove any slack. red PRESS button on the buckle.
Make sure the belt goes over Guide the belt across your body
your collarbone and across to the door pillar. If the belt
your chest. doesn't retract easily, pull it out
and check for twists or kinks.

The Seat Belt Svstem and How It Works

Wearing the Lap Belt
1. Pull the latch plate across 2. Position the belt so it fits as To unlatch the belt, push the red
your hips, and insert it into low as possible across your PRESS button on the buckle.
the buckle marked CENTER. hips and pelvic bones, not
across your stomach. Pull the
If the belt is too short, hold loose end of the belt to adjust
the latch plate at a right angle for a snug but comfortable fit.
and pull to extend the belt.
Insert the latch plate into the
buckle.


Advice for Pregnant Women If possible, use the lap/shoulder Seat Belt Maintenance
seat belt, remembering to keep For safety, you should check the
the lap portion as low as possible condition of your seat belts
(see page 7). regularly.
Each time you have a check-up, Pull out each belt fully and look
ask your doctor if its okay for you for frays, cuts, burns and wear.
to drive and how you should Check to see that the latches
position a lap/shoulder seat belt. work smoothly and the
lap/shoulder belts retract easily.
Any belt not in good condition or
not working properly should be
replaced.
Protecting the mother is the best If a seat belt is worn during a

way to protect her unborn child. crash, have your dealer replace
Therefore, a pregnant woman the belt and check the anchors
should wear a properly for damage.
positioned seat belt whenever
she drives or rides in a car. For information on how to clean
your seat belts, see page 157.

Supplemental Restraint System

Your Civic is equipped with a INDICATOR
PASSENGER'S A diagnostic system that, when
Supplemental Restraint System AIRBAG the ignition is ON (II), continu-
(SRS) to help protect your head DRIVER'S CONTROL
AIRBAG UNIT ally monitors the control unit
and chest during a severe frontal (including sensors), airbag acti-
collision. This system does not vator and all related wiring.
replace your seat belt. It An indicator light to warn you
supplements, or adds to, the of a possible problem with the
protection offered by your seat system.
belt.
Emergency power backup in
case your car's electrical
system is disconnected in a
crash.
Not wearing a seat belt The main components in your
increases the chance of SRS are:
serious injury or death in a One airbag in the steering
crash, even if you have wheel for the driver and
airbags. another in the dashboard for
the front passenger.
Be sure you and your
passengers always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.


An airbag inflates and deflates How the Driver's
FRONTAL COLLISION RANGE very quickly. It cannot protect Airbag Works
you during any additional
impacts that can occur during
a crash.
A seat belt helps keep you in
the proper position when an
airbag inflates. An airbag opens
with considerable force and
can hurt you if you are not in
the proper position.
Important Safety Reminder

Even with an airbag, you need to
wear a seat belt. The reasons are: If you ever have a severe frontal
Airbags only inflate in severe collision, your airbag will
frontal collisions. They offer no instantly inflate to help protect
protection in rear impacts, side your head and chest.
impacts, rollovers or moderate When the airbag inflates, you may
frontal collisions. hear a fairly loud noise and you
might see smoke or powder. This
is normal; it is caused by the
inflation of the airbag.


To do its job, the airbag inflates After the bag completely inflates, How the Passenger's
with considerable force. So, while it immediately starts deflating so Airbag Works
it can reduce serious injuries and it won't interfere with your
even save your life, the airbag visibility, ability to steer, or ability
might cause some facial to operate other controls.
abrasions or other injuries. For
this reason, you should always sit The total time for inflating and
as far back from the steering deflation takes less than a
wheel as comfortable while still fraction of a second. You may not
maintaining control. even be aware that the airbag has
been fully inflated.
The airbag is stored in the center

of the steering wheel. For safety,
do not attach any items to the
steering wheel. They could
interfere with the proper opera- If you have a severe frontal
tion of the airbag. Or, if the airbag collision, the passenger's airbag
inflates, the items could be will inflate at the same time as the
propelled inside the car and hurt driver's airbag.
someone.
continued


The airbag is quite large and Because of the airbag, we strongly How the SRS Indicator
inflates with considerable force. It recommend that you do not put S R S Light Works
can seriously hurt a front seat an infant seat in the front
The purpose of the SRS light
passenger who is not in the passenger's seat. If the airbag
on your instrument panel is
proper position and wearing the inflates, it can dislodge the infant
to alert you to a potential
seat belt properly. seat and seriously injure the
problem with your supplemental
infant.
restraint system.
Front seat passengers should
move the seat as far back as The passenger's airbag is stored Have the system checked if:
practical and sit well back in the near the top of the dashboard,
seat. under a lid marked SRS (see The light does not come on
page 11). Do not place any when you turn the ignition
If a toddler seat is used in the objects on top of this lid. If the ON (II).
front passenger's seat, the vehicle airbag inflates, those objects can The light stays on after the
seat should be moved as far back be propelled inside the car and engine starts.
as possible. If the passenger bag possibly hurt someone.
The light comes on or flashes
inflates, it could seriously hurt a
while you are driving.
toddler who is not in the proper
position or properly restrained.


System Service System Service Precautions Scrapping an entire car that has
Your supplemental restraint Do not modify your steering uninflated airbags can be danger-
system is virtually maintenance- wheel or any other part of the ous. Get assistance from a
free. There are no parts you can supplemental restraint system. Honda dealer if your car must
safely service. Modifications could make the be scrapped.
system ineffective.
You must have the system If you sell your car, please be sure
serviced by an authorized Honda to tell the new owner that the car
dealer: Do not tamper with the system
components or wiring. This could has a supplemental restraint
If your airbags ever inflate. The cause the airbags to inflate system. Alert them to the
airbags and control unit must inadvertently, possibly injuring information and precautions in
be replaced. Do not try to someone very seriously. this part of the Owner's Manual.
remove or discard the airbags
by yourself. This must be done Tell anyone who works on your
by a Honda dealer. car that you have a supplemental
If the SRS indicator light alerts restraint system. Failure to follow
you of a problem. Have the the procedures and precautions
supplemental restraint system in the official Honda service
checked as soon as possible. manual could result in personal
Otherwise, your airbags might injury or damage to the system.
not inflate when you need
them.
When the car is 10 years old
Have the dealer inspect the
system. The production date is
on the driver's doorjamb for
your convenience.

Additional Safety Information

The seat belts and airbags are Seat-Back Position Door Locks
obviously important parts of your The seat-backs should be in an It is not safe to leave your car
occupant protection system. upright position for you and your doors unlocked. A passenger,
passengers to get the most especially a child, could open a
In addition, you should know that protection from the seat belts. door and accidentally fall out.
sitting upright, locking the doors, Also, there is a greater chance of
and stowing things properly can If you recline a seat-back, you being thrown out of the car
also increase your safety and reduce the protective capability during a crash when the doors
possibly even save your life. of your seat belt. The farther a are not locked.
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 49.

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

Child Safety
We strongly recommend that you
do not put an infant seat in the
front passenger seat. If the airbag
An infant or child who is not inflates, it can hit the seat with
properly restrained can be killed great force. The infant seat can be
or seriously injured in a crash. dislodged and the baby seriously
injured.
Be sure any child too small for
seat belts is properly secured in If a toddler seat is used in the
a child restraint. front passenger's seat, the vehicle
seat should be moved as far back
as possible. If the passenger bag
inflates, it could seriously hurt a
Children depend on adults to toddler who is not in the proper
protect them. To help make sure position or properly restrained.
we do, every state and Canadian Where Should Children Sit?
province has laws requiring According to accident statistics, We also recommend that any
infants and young children to be children of all sizes and ages are child who is too large to use an
properly restrained whenever safer when they are properly infant or toddler seat ride in one
they ride in a car. restrained in the rear seat rather of the outside positions of the
than the front seat. rear seat. The child should then
wear the lap/shoulder belt
We recommend that, whenever properly for protection.
possible, you secure your child's
infant or toddler seat in the
center position of the rear seat
with the lap belt.

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

Child Safety
Restraining an Intent We recommend that, whenever Restraining a Child Who
Who Weighs Less Than possible, you put the infant seat Weighs Between 20 and
in the center position of the rear 40 Ib (9 and 18 kg)
20lb(9kg) seat and secure it to the car with
the lap belt.
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.
If you decide to put an infant seat

in an outside position of the rear Toddler seats are designed for
An infant up to about 20 Ib (9 kg) seat, you must use a locking clip
must be restrained in an infant children who weigh between 20
seat or a convertible seat on the car's lap/shoulder belt and 40 Ib (9 and 18 kg).
designed for a baby. Because (see page 22).
infants of that size must ride in a
reclining position, be sure the
infant seat always faces the REAR
of the car as shown.

Child Safety
The preferred place to put a Restraining a Child Who Put the lap/shoulder belt on your
toddler seat is in the center Weighs Over 40 Ib (18 kg) child and check its fit. The
position of the rear seat. Use the shoulder belt should fit over
car's lap belt to secure the seat to the collarbone and across the
the car. chest. The lap belt should sit low
on your child's hips, not across
If a toddler seat is used in the the stomach.
front passenger's seat, the vehicle
seat should be moved as far back If the shoulder belt crosses the
as possible. If the passenger bag neck, have your child move
inflates, it could seriously hurt a toward the center of the rear seat
toddler who is not in the proper until the belt fits properly. If the
position or properly restrained. belt still crosses the child's neck,
you should use a booster seat.
If you decide to put a toddler seat
in an outside position of the rear We recommend that, whenever Several styles of booster seats are
seat, you must use a locking clip possible, a child who has available. We recommend a
on the car's lap/shoulder belt outgrown a toddler seat ride in design that allows the child to use
(see page 22). one of the outside positions of the the car's lap/shoulder belt.
rear seat and use a lap/shoulder
belt. Whichever style you select, follow
the booster seat manufacturer's
instructions.

Child Safety
Using a Seat Belt 3. Tightly grasp the belt near the held firmly in place. If it is not,
Locking Clip latch plate. Pinch both parts repeat these steps until the
Always use a seat belt locking clip of the belt together so they restraint is secure.
when you secure a child seat to won't slip through the latch
your car with a lap/shoulder belt. plate. Unbuckle the seat belt.
This helps prevent the seat from Using Child Restraints
shifting position or overturning. With Tethers
A locking clip is usually included
with the child seat. If you need a 4.2 in
clip, contact the seat's (106.0mm)
manufacturer or a store that sells 3.3 in
child restraints. (85.0 mm)
To install a locking clip, do the

following:
1. Place the child restraint in the 10.4 in 4.2 in
desired position. Route the (264.0 mm) (106.0 mm)
lap/shoulder belt through the 4. Install the locking clip as
restraint according to the seat shown. Position the clip as
manufacturer's instructions. close as possible to the Your Honda has three attachment
2. Insert the latch plate into the latch plate. points for tether-style child seats.
buckle. Pull on the shoulder 5. Insert the latch plate into the Use the dimensions in the above
part of the belt to make sure buckle. Push and pull on the illustration to locate the
there is no slack in the lap child seat to verify that it is attachment point you want to use.
portion.

Child Safety
Cut a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) diameter Canadian Cars Storing a Child Seat
hole in the rear shelf, then install When you are not using an infant
the tether hardware that came seat or other child restraint,
with the child seat. Tighten the TOOTHED WASHER either remove it or make sure it is
bolt to: 16 Ib-ft (2.2 kg-m, 22 N.m). properly secured so it cannot be
thrown around the car during
If you are not sure how to install a crash.
the bracket, have it installed by
your authorized Honda dealer.
If you need an anchor plate and

mounting hardware, you can
obtain them by writing to:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. The anchor plate and mounting
Consumer Affairs hardware for a top tether are
1919 Torrance Blvd. supplied with the car. When
Torrance, CA 90501-2746 installing, make sure the toothed
washer is on the bottom of the
bolt.
The supplied anchor plate is

designed only for mounting a
child restraint. Do not use it for
any other purpose.

Alcohol and Drugs

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

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

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

a comfortable setting.

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
dealer for a replacement.

Main Menu
Instruments and Controls

This section gives information Control Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
about the controls and displays Indicator Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
that contribute to the daily Ignition Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
operation of your Honda. All the Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
essential controls are within easy Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 47
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
reach. Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Trip Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Seat Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Front Seat Adjustments . . . . 49
Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . 35 Folding Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . 50
Controls Near the Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Moonroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Sunshade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Daytime Running Lights . . . . 37
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Instrument Panel Brightness 38
Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . . 39 Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Windshield Washers . . . . . . . 39 Digital C l o c k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Beverage Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Rear Window Defogger . . . . . 40
Vanity Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Steering Wheel Adjustment . 41
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 42
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Interior Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Control Locations
HEATING/
MIRROR COOLING AUDIO SYSTEM
CONTROLS CONTROL
DOOR LOCK
SWITCH DIGITAL CLOCK
POWER
WINDOW
SWITCH
FUEL
FILL DOOR
RELEASE
TRUNK RELEASE
HANDLE

Indicator Lights
The instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important PARKING BRAKE AND
information about your car. HIGH BEAM INDICATOR BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT*
CHARGING SYSTEM
INDICATOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM INDICATOR
Lamp Check LOW OIL
Many of the indicator lights PRESSURE
come on when you turn the INDICATOR CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR
ignition switch ON (II), allowing
you to see that they are
working. The instrument panel
should look like the illustration.
If an indicator does not light
during this test, it cannot alert
you if that system develops a
problem. Have the dealer check
your car for burned-out bulbs or
other problems.
* The U.S. EX with ABS option

instrument panel is shown.
Differences for the Canadian MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR
model are noted in the text. SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT LAMP* TRUNK-OPEN
SYSTEM INDICATOR INDICATOR
SEAT BELT REMINDER LIGHT

Automatic Transmission Shown

Indicator Lights
Seat Belt Reminder
PARKING BRAKE AND Light
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT* This indicator lights when you
CHARGING SYSTEM turn the ignition ON (II). It is a
INDICATOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE reminder to you and your
SYSTEM INDICATOR
LOW OIL passengers to protect yourselves
PRESSURE by fastening the seat belts. A
INDICATOR CRUISE CONTROL beeper also sounds if you have
INDICATOR not fastened your seat belt.
If you do not fasten your seat belt,

the beeper will stop after a few
seconds but the light stays on
until you do. Both the light and
the beeper stay off if you fasten
your seat belt before turning on
the ignition.
* The U.S. EX with ABS option

instrument panel is shown.
Differences for the Canadian
MALFUNCTION model are noted in the text.
INDICATOR
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT LAMP* TRUNK-OPEN
INDICATOR
SYSTEM INDICATOR
SEAT BELT REMINDER LIGHT

Indicator Lights
Charging Low Oil U.S. Canada Parking Brake
System Indicator Pressure Indicator and Brake
BRAKE
This light indicates the battery This indicator lights when the System
is not being charged. It should oil pressure in the engine drops Indicator Light
come on when the ignition is low enough to cause damage. It
ON (II), and go out after the should light when the ignition is This light has two functions:
engine starts. If this light comes ON (II) and go out after the
on while driving, the battery is engine starts. If this light comes 1. It lights as a reminder that
not being charged. Turn to on when the engine is running, you have set the parking
page 174 for information about there is a possibility of serious brake. Driving with the
what to do. engine damage. Safely pull to parking brake set can
the side of the road and shut off damage the brakes and tires.
the engine as soon as you can. It will also cause the anti-lock
Turn to page 173 for brake system to turn off on
instructions and precautions on cars with the ABS option.
checking the engine. (See page 102).
2. It can indicate the brake fluid

level is low if it remains lit
after you release the parking
brake or comes on while
driving. This is normally due
to worn brake pads. Have
your dealer check the
braking system for worn pads
or fluid leaks.

Indicator Lights
Supplemental Anti-Lock Brake U.S.: Malfunction
S R S Restraint System A B S System (ABS) Indicator Lamp
Indicator Indicator Canada: Check
The SRS light normally comes on On U.S. EX with option package
for a few seconds when you turn (see page 188)
Engine Light
the ignition ON (II). If it doesn't, This light comes on for a few
or it stays on after the engine seconds when you turn the
This light normally comes on
starts, something is wrong with ignition switch ON (II). If it
when you turn the ignition
the Supplemental Restraint comes on at any other time, it
ON (II) and goes off after the
System. It may also flash on and indicates one of the engine's
engine starts. If it comes on at
off to indicate a problem. emissions control systems may
any other time, there is a
have a problem. Turn to
problem in the ABS. If this
page 175 for information about
If you see any of these happens, stop the car in a safe
what to do.
indications, the airbags may not place and turn off the engine.
work when needed in an accident. Reset the system by restarting
Take the car to your dealer the engine. Watch the ABS light.
promptly for diagnosis and If it does not go off, or comes Trunk-Open Indicator
service. back on again while driving, take This light comes on if the trunk
the car to your dealer to have it lid is not closed tightly.
checked. With the light on, your
car still has normal braking
ability but no anti-lock.

Indicator Lights
Turn Signal and High Beam Indicator Shift Lever Position Indicator
Hazard (Automatic Transmission
Warning This light comes on with the only)
high beam headlights. See page 37
Indicators for information on the headlight
The left or right turn signal light controls.
blinks when you signal a lane
change or turn. If the light does Canada
not blink or blinks rapidly, it
Daytime Running
usually means one of the turn DRL Lights (DRL) Indicator
signal bulbs is burned out (see
page 146). Replace it as soon as On Canadian models, this indicator
possible, since other drivers comes on with reduced brightness
cannot see that you are signaling. when the Daytime Running Lights
(DRL) are on. (See page 37).
When you turn on the Hazard
Warning switch, both turn signal
lights blink. All turn signals on the CRUISE Cruise Control
outside of the car should flash. CONTROL This indicator shows which shift
Indicator
position the lever is in.
Only on cars equipped with cruise
control system
This lights when you set the
cruise control. See page 42 for
information on operating the
cruise control.

Gauges
TACHOMETER
Odometer
SPEEDOMETER FUEL GAUGE TEMPERATURE
GAUGE The odometer shows the total
distance 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 disconnect, reset, or alter the
odometer with the intent to
change the number of miles or
kilometers indicated.
TRIP METER
ODOMETER TRIP METER
RESET BUTTON
Trip Meter
Speedometer Tachometer This meter shows the number of
U.S. Models On U.S. EX and Canada Si models miles (U.S.) or kilometers
This shows your speed in miles The tachometer shows the engine (Canada) driven since you last
per hour. The smaller inner speed in revolutions per minute reset it. To reset it, push the trip
numbers are the speed in (rpm). To protect the engine from meter reset button.
kilometers per hour. damage, never drive with the
Canadian Models tachometer needle in the red
This shows your speed in zone.
kilometers per hour. The smaller
inner numbers are the speed in
miles per hour.

Gauges
Temperature Gauge
TACHOMETER SPEEDOMETER FUEL GAUGE TEMPERATURE
GAUGE This shows the temperature of
the engine's coolant. During
normal operation, the pointer
should rise from the bottom white
mark to about the middle of the
gauge. In severe driving
conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill
driving, the pointer may rise to
the upper white mark. If it
reaches the red (Hot) mark, pull
TRIP METER safely to the side of the road.
ODOMETER TRIP METER RESET BUTTON
Turn to page 120 for instructions
Automatic Transmission Shown and precautions on checking the
Fuel Gauge The gauge stays at the same fuel engine's cooling system.
This shows how much fuel you level reading after you turn off
have. It is most accurate when the the ignition. When you add fuel,
car is on level ground. It may the gauge slowly changes to the
show slightly more or less than new reading after you turn the
the actual amount when you are ignition back ON (II).
driving on curvy or hilly roads.

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

The two levers on the steering
column contain controls for
driving features you use most HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS REAR WINDOW
CRUISE DEFOGGER
often. The left lever controls the CONTROL
turn signals, headlights, and high
beams. The right lever controls INSTRUMENT PANEL
the windshield wipers. BRIGHTNESS
The rear window defogger switch

is on the dashboard to the right of
the steering column.
MOONROOF
The controls under the left air
vent are for the moonroof,
mirrors, cruise control and
instrument panel brightness.
The lever on the underside of the MIRROR

steering column allows you to tilt CONTROLS
the steering wheel.
HEADLIGHTS/ TILT ADJUSTMENT WINDSHIELD

TURN SIGNALS WIPERS/WASHERS


Headlights 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 reduced brightness
when you turn the ignition
switch to ON (II) and release the
parking brake. They remain on
The rotating switch on the left To change between low beams until you turn the ignition off,
lever controls the lights. Turning and high beams, pull the turn even if you set the parking
this switch to the first position " " signal lever toward you until you brake.
turns on the parking lights, tail hear a click, then let go. The high
lights, instrument panel lights, beam indicator will light (see
side-marker lights, and rear page 33). The headlights revert to normal
license plate lights. Turning the operation when you turn them on
switch to the second position with the switch.
To flash the high beams, pull back
" " turns on the headlights. and hold the turn signal lever.
Release the lever and the high
beams will go off.


Instrument Panel Brightness Turn Signals To signal a lane change, push
lightly on the turn signal lever in
the proper direction and hold it.
The lever will return to the center
position as soon as you release it.
TURN SIGNAL LEVER
The dial on the dashboard to the Signal a turn or lane change with
left of the instrument panel this lever. Push down on the lever
controls the brightness of the to signal a left turn, and up to
instrument panel lights. Turn the signal a right turn. If you push it
dial to adjust the brightness. up or down all the way, the turn
signal continues to blink even
when you release the lever. It
shuts off automatically as you
complete the turn.


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


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


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
this before you begin driving. see 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 cause 4. Make sure you have securely
you to lose control of the car and locked the steering wheel in
be seriously injured in a crash. place by trying to move it up
and down.
Adjust the steering wheel when 1. Adjust the seat so you are a
the car is stopped. comfortable distance from the
pedals and can operate them
safely.
2. The lever to tilt the steering

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

Steering Wheel Controls

Cruise Control NOTICE Using the Cruise Control
Available only on EX in the U.S.,
and Si model in Canada The cruise control, as it operates,
moves the accelerator pedal. You
Cruise control allows you to can damage your car's
maintain a set speed above accelerator mechanism by resting
25 mph (40 km/h) without your foot under the pedal and
keeping your foot on the blocking the movement.
accelerator pedal. It is for
cruising on straight, open
highways. It is not recommended
for conditions such as city
driving, 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
Master Switch to the left of
the steering column. The
indicator in the switch will
light.
Improper use of the cruise
2. Accelerate to the desired
control can lead to a crash. cruising speed above 25 mph
Use the cruise control only when (40 km/h).
traveling on open highways in
good weather.


Changing the Set Speed Tap the brake or clutch pedal
You can increase the set cruising lightly with your foot. The
speed in either of two ways: CRUISE CONTROL light on the
instrument panel will go out.
Press and hold the
When the car slows to the
RESUME/accel button. The car
desired speed, press the
will accelerate slowly. When
SET/decel button. The car will
you reach the desired cruising then maintain the desired
speed, release the button. speed.
Push on the accelerator pedal.
RESUME/
accel Accelerate to the desired
Even with the cruise control
cruising speed and press the turned on, you can still use the
SET/decel SET/decel button. accelerator pedal to speed up for
3. Press and hold the SET/decel passing. After completing the
button on the steering wheel You can decrease the set cruising pass, take your foot off the
until the CRUISE CONTROL speed in either of two ways: accelerator pedal. The car will
light on the instrument panel Press and hold the SET/decel return to the set cruising speed.
comes on. This shows the button. The car will decelerate.
system is now activated. Release the button when you Resting your foot on the brake or
reach the desired speed. clutch pedal will cause the cruise
The set speed may vary control to cancel.
slightly, particularly on hills.


Canceling the Cruise Control speed, accelerate to above 25
Any of these actions cause the mph (40 km/h) and press the
cruise control to cancel. RESUME/accel button until the
CRUISE CONTROL light comes on.
Tap the brake or clutch pedal. The car will accelerate to the
Press the SET/decel and same cruising speed as before.
RESUME/accel buttons at the
same time. If you cancel cruise control by
Press the Cruise Control pressing the SET and RESUME
Master Switch. BUTTONS at the same time, the
previously set cruising speed is
erased. To use the cruise control,
accelerate to the desired cruising
speed and press the SET/decel
When you tap the brake or clutch
button.
pedal (manual transmission cars),
or press the SET and RESUME
buttons at the same time, the Pressing the Cruise Control
CRUISE CONTROL light on the Master Switch turns the system
instrument panel will go out and completely off and erases the
the car will begin to slow down. previous cruising speed from
You can use the accelerator pedal memory. To use the system again,
in the normal way. refer to Using the Cruise
Control.
If you use the brake or clutch
pedal to cancel cruise control, the
system retains the previously set
cruising speed. To return to that

Steering Wheel Controls, Keys and Locks

Horn Keys The valet key only works the
ignition and the door locks. You
HORN BUTTONS can keep the trunk, trunk release
handle and rear seat trunk access
locked when you leave your car
and valet key at a parking facility.
(See Trunk, page 48.)
You should have received a key

number plate with your set of keys.
You will need this number if you
KEY have to get a lost key replaced.
NUMBER VALET MASTER Record this number and keep the
PLATE KEY KEY plate in a safe place. When
replacing keys, use only Honda-
Press either of the buttons on the Your car comes with two kinds of approved key blanks.
steering wheel spokes to sound keys: a master key and a valet
the horn. key. The master key fits all locks
on your car.
Ignition
Doors
Trunk
Trunk release handle
Rear seat trunk access

Keys and Locks

Ignition Switch LOCK (0) You can insert or ACCESSORY (I) In this position,
remove the key only in this you can operate the audio system
position. When you turn the key and cigarette lighter.
from LOCK to ACCESSORY, you
may have to turn the steering ON (II) This is the normal key
wheel to release the anti-theft position when driving. All
lock. To switch from ACCESSORY features and accessories on the
to LOCK, you must push the key car are usable. Several of the
in slightly as you turn it. If your lights on the instrument panel
car has an automatic come on as a test when you
transmission, it must also be in turn the ignition switch from
Park. The anti-theft lock will lock ACCESSORY to ON (see
the steering column when you page 29).
remove the key.
The ignition switch is on the right START (III) Use this position
side of the steering column. It has only to start the engine. The
four positions: switch returns to ON when you
let go of the key.
LOCK (0) Removing the key from the
ACCESSORY (I) ignition switch while driving locks You will hear a reminder beeper if
ON (II) the steering. This can cause you you open either front door with
START (III) to lose control. the key in the LOCK or
ACCESSORY position. Remove the
Remove the key from the key to turn it off.
ignition switch only when
parked.

Keys and Locks

Door Locks Power Door Locks Both doors lock when you push
the lock tab on the driver's door.
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
the lock tab on each door.
Each door has a lock tab next to Available on U.S. EX model

the inside door handle. Push the
This allows control of both door
tab forward to lock the door, and
locks from the driver's door. Push
pull it backward to unlock.
the master door lock switch down
To lock the passenger's door to lock both doors and up to
when getting out of the car, push unlock them.
the lock tab forward and close the The doors can also be locked and
door. To lock the driver's door, unlocked from the outside with
pull the outside door handle and the key.
push the lock tab forward.
Release the handle; then, close
the door.

Keys and Locks

Trunk
TRUNK
RELEASE MASTER KEY
HANDLE
You can open the trunk in two To close the trunk, press down on To protect items in the trunk
ways: the trunk lid. when you need to give the key to
Pull the trunk release handle to someone else, lock the trunk
the left of the driver's seat. See page 90 for cargo loading and release handle with the master
weight-limit information. Keep the key and give the other person the
Use the master key to open the valet key.
trunk lock. The valet key does trunk lid closed at all times while
driving to avoid damaging the lid
not work in this lock. and getting exhaust gas in the
interior. See Carbon Monoxide
Hazard on page 25.

Seat Adjustments
Adjust the seat before you start To adjust the seat forward and To change the angle of the seat-
driving. backward, pull up on the lever back, pull up on the lever on the
under the seat cushion's front outside of the seat bottom. Move
edge. Move the seat to the the seat-back to the desired
Front Seat Adjustments desired position and release the position and release the lever.
lever. Try to move the seat to Let the seat-back latch in the
make sure it is locked in position. new position.
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.

Folding Rear Seat

Rear Seat Access Folding Rear Seat
Passenger side only The back of the rear seat folds To release the seat-back from
To get in or out of the rear seat, down, giving you direct access to inside the trunk, pull the release
pull up on the lever at the side of the trunk. The seat-back can be loop under the rear shelf. Push
the front passenger's seat. The released from inside the car or the seat-back down; then, let go of
seat-back will fold down and the inside the trunk. the loop.
front passenger's seat will move
forward. To fold down the seat-back from To lock the seat-back upright,
inside the car, insert the master push it firmly against the rear
The seat will lock in place when it key in the lock on the rear shelf. shelf. Make sure it is latched in
is pushed back. Turn the key clockwise, pull down place by pulling on the top of the
the top of the seat-back; then, seat.
release the key.

Folding Rear Seat, Power Windows

Make sure all items in the trunk, The master control panel also
or items extending through the contains these extra features:
opening into the back seat, are DRIVER'S WINDOW
tied down. Loose items can fly SWITCH
AUTO - To open the driver's
forward and cause injury if you window fully, push the window
have to brake hard. See Loading switch firmly down and release it.
Cargo on page 90. The window automatically goes
all the way down. To stop the
Never drive with the seat-back window from going all the way
MAIN
folded down and the trunk lid SWITCH down, push the window switch up
open. See Carbon Monoxide briefly.
Hazard on page 25.
To open the driver's window only
The driver's armrest has a master partially, push the window switch
Power Windows power window control panel. To down lightly and hold it. The
On U.S. EX model open the passenger's window, window will stop as soon as you
Your car's windows are electrically push down on the appropriate release the switch.
powered. Turn the ignition switch switch and hold it down until the
to ON (II) to raise or lower window reaches the desired The AUTO function only works to
a window. position. To close the window, lower the driver's window. To
push up on the window switch. raise the window, you must push
Each door has a switch that Release the switch when the the window switch up and hold it
controls its window. To open the window gets to the position until the window reaches the
window, push the switch down and you want. desired position.
hold it. Release the switch when
you want the window to stop.
Close the window by pushing the
switch up and holding it.

Power Windows, Moonroof

The MAIN switch controls power Moonroof desired position, then release the
to the passenger's windows. With switch.
this switch off, the passenger's
window cannot be raised or To close the moonroof, press and
lowered. The MAIN switch does
hold the switch.
not affect the driver's window.
Keep the MAIN switch off when
you have children in the car so
they do not injure themselves by
operating the window Closing the moonroof on
unintentionally.
someone's hands or fingers can
cause serious injury.
Make sure passengers are clear
Only on EX in the U.S. and of the moonroof before closing it.
Closing a power window on a Si model in Canada
child's hands or fingers can Use the switches on the dash-
cause serious injury. board under the left vent to NOTICE
operate the moonroof. The
Make sure children are away If you try to open the moonroof in
ignition must be ON (II).
from the windows before closing below-freezing temperatures, or
them. when it is covered with snow or
To lift the rear of the moonroof ice, you can damage the
for ventilation, push the moonroof panel or motor.
button. To slide the moonroof
back, push the switch. Hold
it until the moonroof reaches the

Sunshade, Mirrors
Sunshade Mirrors Manual Door Mirrors
TAB
You can slide the sunshade to any Keep the inside and outside Only on DX models
position when the moonroof is mirrors clean and adjusted for The outside mirrors can be
closed. The sunshade slides open best visibility. Be sure to adjust adjusted by moving the knob on
with the moonroof. You must the mirrors before you start the inside of the door.
close it manually. 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.

Power Mirrors
Adjusting the Power Mirrors
SELECTOR SWITCH
On the EX in the U.S. and 3. Push the appropriate edge of The outside mirror on the
Si in Canada the adjustment switch to passenger's side has curved
Adjust the outside mirrors with move the mirror right, left, up, glass. Objects look farther away
the adjustment switch on the left or down. than they are. Use this mirror to
side of the dashboard: get a "wide view." Don't use it to
4. When you finish, move the judge the distance of things
selector switch to the center behind you.
1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
(OFF) position. This turns off
2. Move the selector switch to L the adjustment switch so you
(driver's side) or can't move a mirror out of
R (passenger's side). position by accidentally
bumping it.

Parking Brake, Glove Box

Parking Brake Glove Box
An open glove box can cause

serious injury to your passenger
in a crash, even if the passenger
is wearing the seat belt.
Always keep the glove box
closed while driving.
GLOVE BOX
To apply the parking brake, pull Open the glove box by pulling the
the lever up fully. To release it, pull handle. Close it with a firm push.
up slightly, push the button, and
lower the lever. The parking brake
light on the instrument panel
should go out when the parking
brake is fully released (see
page 31).
NOTICE
Driving the car with the parking
brake applied can damage the
rear brakes and axles.

Digital Clock
Digital Clock 3. Press and hold the HOUR
H M RESET button until the hour
advances to the desired time.
4. Press and hold the MIN.

button until the numbers
advance to the desired time.
You can use the RESET button to

quickly set the time to the nearest
hour. If the displayed time is
before the half hour, pressing
RESET sets the clock back to the
previous hour. If the displayed
EX models in the U.S. and Si To set the clock: time is after the half hour,
models in Canada 1. Turn the ignition switch pressing RESET sets the clock
The digital clock displays the ON (II) to display the time. forward to the beginning of the
time with the ignition switch next hour.
ON (II). To see the time with the 2. Swing down the front cover of
ignition off, press and hold the the wide button under the For example:
wide button under the clock. clock display. You will see H, 1:06 would RESET backward
M, and RESET buttons. to 1:00.
1:52 would RESET forward
to 2:00.

Beverage Holder, Vanity Mirror

Beverage Holder Vanity Mirror
To open the beverage holder, Use the beverage holder only when Only on EX in the U.S. and
push on the top. The beverage the car is parked. If you place cups Si model in Canada
holder lid is spring-loaded and in the holder while driving, the To use the vanity mirror, pull
will pop open. To close it, push it liquid may spill when you go over down the sun visor and swing
down until it latches. bumps or around corners. down the cover.
Be careful when you are using the

beverage holder. Spilled liquids can
damage the upholstery, carpeting,
and electrical components in the
interior. If the liquid is very hot, it
can scald you or your passengers.

Cigarette Lighter, Ashtrays

Cigarette Lighter Ashtrays
The rear ashtray is at the rear end

The ignition switch must be in Open the front ashtray by pulling of the center console. Open the
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) for on the bottom edge. Push it in to ashtray by swinging the upper
the cigarette lighter to work. To close it. edge of the lid down. To remove
heat up the lighter, push it in. It the ashtray for emptying, open it
will pop out when it is ready for To remove the ashtray for empty- then lift up and out.
use. Do not hold the lighter in ing, push down on the metal plate
while it is heating up, you could inside, then pull the ashtray out NOTICE
cause it to overheat. completely. Use the ashtray only for ciga-
rettes, 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.

Interior Light
Interior Light
DOOR ACTIVATED
The interior light has a three-

position switch. In the OFF
(forward) position, the light does
not come on. In the center
position, the interior light comes
on when you open either front
door. In the ON (rearward)
position, the interior light stays
on continuously.

Main Menu
Comfort and Convenience Features

The heating/ventilation system in Heating and Cooling . . . . . . . . . . 62
your car, when combined with the What Each Control Does . . . 64
optional air conditioner, provides How to Use the System . . . . . 65
a comfortable driving Controlling Air
environment in all weather Flow Direction . . . . . . . . 65
conditions. Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
To Cool with A/C . . . . . . . 66
U.S. EX and Canada Si models To Heat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
The standard audio system is To Heat and Dehumidify
very versatile. To get the most with Air Conditioning . 67
benefit from this system, read its To Defog and Defrost . . . 68
description in this manual. To Turn Everything Off . 68
Audio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
The anti-theft feature on your Operating the Radio . . . . . . . 69
radio disables the system. To get Presetting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
the system working again you Adjusting the Sound . . . . . . . 71
must enter a code number as
Radio Frequencies . . . . . . . . . 72
described in this manual.
Operating the
Cassette Player . . . . . . . . . . 73
For other models Cassette Player Care . . . . . . . 75
Refer to the operating Operating the
instructions that came with the CD Player/Changer . . . . . . 76
optional audio system you
selected.

Heating and Cooling

This system has full heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning CENTER VENT SIDE VENT
(optional) capabilities. You can
adjust the system controls to mix
these in various combinations.
The air flows into the interior at
three possible levels that you can
select.
A Genuine Honda air conditioning

system is available from your
dealer. It meets Honda's high
quality standards and is designed
to fit your car. If you purchased The direction of air flow from the The heating and cooling system
your car without air conditioning, vents in the center and each side draws air through the exterior
it can be installed at a later time. of the dashboard is adjustable. vents at the bottom of the wind-
Please contact your dealer for Move the tab in the center of each shield. Keep these vents clear of
more information. vent up and down and side to leaves and other debris.
side.
The side and upper vents can be

opened and closed with the dials
next to them.

Heating and Cooling
UPPER VENT
OPEN
CLOSE

Heating and Cooling

What Each Control Does MODE BUTTONS RECIRCULATED AIR
AIR CONDITIONING
ON/OFF SWITCH
Fan Control Lever FRESH AIR
Sliding this lever to the right
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

CONTROL LEVER FAN CONTROL LEVER
These buttons control the
direction of air flow. The indicator
light shows which button is
controlling air flow. Fresh Air and
Recirculation Buttons
Air Conditioning (A/C) Switch These two buttons control the
source of air going into the
This switch turns the air system. In Fresh Air mode, air
conditioner ON and OFF. The comes from outside the car. In
indicator in the switch lights Recirculation mode, the interior
when the A/C is ON. air recycles through the system.

Heating and Cooling

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

Heating and Cooling

To Cool with A/C
MODE BUTTONS AIR CONDITIONING
To operate the air conditioning ON/OFF SWITCH
system, press the air conditioning
switch. 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

2. Turn on the A/C by pressing
the switch.
When the interior reaches a The air conditioning places an
3. Set the fan to maximum comfortable temperature, close extra load on the engine. Watch
speed. the windows and set the system the coolant temperature gauge
for cooling as described above. (see page 35) when using the A/C
in heavy traffic or driving up long
4. Open the windows partially. hills. If it moves near the red
Select and zone, turn off the air conditioning
until the gauge reads normally.

Heating and Cooling

To Heat
To warm the interior. MODE BUTTONS AIR CONDITIONING

ON/OFF SWITCH
1. Start the engine.
2. Select and
3. Switch the fan to the desired
speed.
4. Adjust the warmth of the air
with the temperature control
lever.
To Heat and Dehumidify

with Air Conditioning TEMPERATURE
Air conditioning removes
moisture from the air as it
operates. When used in
combination with the heater, it 4. Adjust the temperature control
makes the interior warm and dry. lever so the mixture of heated
and cooled air feels
1. Switch the fan on. comfortable.
2. Turn on the air conditioning.
This setting is suitable for all
3. Select and press any driving conditions whenever the
desired mode button. outside temperature is above
32F (0C).

Heating and Cooling

To Defog and Defrost 3. Switch the fan and temperature To Turn Everything Off
To remove fog from the inside of controls to maximum. To shut off the system
the windows: temporarily, slide the fan speed
To rapidly remove exterior frost and temperature control levers all
1. Switch the fan on. or ice from the windshield (on the way to the left.
very cold days), first select
2. Turn on the air conditioning.
Once the windshield is You should only shut the system
clear, select to avoid completely off for the first few
3. Select and minutes of driving in cold
fogging the windows.
weather, until the engine coolant
4. Adjust the temperature control warms up enough to operate the
lever so the airflow from the These settings direct all the air
flow to the defroster vents at the heater. Keep the fan on at all
defroster vents feels warm. other times so stale air does not
base of the windshield and each
front door window. The air flow build up in the interior.
5. Turn on the rear window
defogger to help clear the rear will get warmer and clear the
window. windows faster as the engine
warms up. You can close the side
To remove exterior frost or ice vents with the dial beside each
from the windshield and side vent. This will send more warm
windows after the car has been air to the windshield defroster
sitting out in cold weather: vents.
1. Start the engine.
For safety, make sure you have
clear view through all the
2. Select and windows before driving away.

Audio System
AM/FM/Cassette Stereo Audio
ON/OFF/VOL STEREO
System KNOB AM BUTTON INDICATOR
U.S. EX and Canada Si
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 12 stations on FM.
The anti-theft feature disables the
system if it is disconnected from
the car's battery. To get the TUNE/SEEK BAR PRESET FM BUTTON
system working again, you must BUTTONS
enter a code number. See page 79.
The cassette system uses *Dolby noise reduction manufac- Operating the Radio
Dolby B* noise reduction to give tured under license from Dolby The ignition switch must be in
excellent sound reproduction. Laboratories Licensing Corpora- ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to
The system also senses when a tion. "Dolby" and the symbol operate the audio system. Turn
metal or a chromium dioxide are trademarks of Dolby Labora- the system on by turning the
(CrO2) tape is being played and tories Licensing Corporation. ON/OFF/VOL knob clockwise.
adjusts accordingly. The radio comes on and
displays the frequency of the
station it was last tuned to.
Adjust the volume by turning the
ON/OFF/VOL knob.

Audio System
Select the band you want to listen
to by pressing the AM or FM1/ ON/OFF/VOL STEREO
KNOB AM BUTTON INDICATOR
FM2 button. You will see the
selected band and the frequency
in the display.
ST will be displayed next to the
frequency if the station is
broadcasting in FM stereo. The
AM stereo feature is not available.
You can use any of three methods

to find radio stations on the TUNE/SEEK BAR PRESET FM1 / FM2
selected band: TUNE, SEEK, or BUTTONS
the Preset buttons.
The SEEK function searches the Presetting
The TUNE function lets you find a band for a station with a strong
desired frequency. Push the right The preset buttons allow you to
signal. Depending on which way store radio frequencies for later
side ( ) of the TUNE/SEEK bar to you push the TUNE/SEEK bar, the
change to a higher frequency, and selection. Each button will store
system searches up or down from one frequency on the AM band,
the left side ( ) of the bar to the current frequency. Push the
change to a lower frequency. and two on the FM band. To store
bar until you hear a beep, then a frequency:
release it. The system searches
To change the frequency up or until it finds a station with a 1. Select the desired band, AM
down a single increment, push strong signal, then stops. or FM. FM1 and FM2 allow you
and release the TUNE/SEEK bar. to store two frequencies with
each Preset button.

Audio System
2. Use the TUNE or SEEK
function to tune the radio to a ON/OFF/VOL STEREO
desired station.
3. Pick the Preset button you
want for that station. Press
the button and hold it until
you hear a beep. The light in
the indicator will come on and
the station selected will show
in the display.
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a TUNE/SEEK BAR PRESET FM1/ BASS/ BALANCER/
total of six stations on AM and BUTTONS FM2 TREBLE FADER
12 on FM.
Adjusting the Sound Adjust the side-to-side sound
Once that station's frequency is balance with the knob. Push the
stored, simply press and release Use the Balance and Fader
controls to adjust the sound knob back in when you are done.
the proper Preset button to tune
to it. If you want to change any "direction." The Balance control
Preset button's selection, store moves sound left to right. The
another frequency as described. Fader control moves it front to
The frequencies you preset will back.
be lost if your car's battery goes
To use either control, push on the
dead or is disconnected.
knob to get it to pop out. Adjust
the front-to-back sound to your
liking with the outside ring.

Audio System
The illumination for the radio
controls comes on with the ON/OFF/VOL STEREO
instrument panel lights, even if the
radio is off. You can use the
Balance control to turn off the
radio panel illumination even with
the radio on. Push the control
knob so it pops out, then pull it out
slightly further. Check this control
if the control panel lights do not
come on with the instrument panel
lights.
TUNE/SEEK BAR PRESET FM1/ BASS/ BALANCER/
BUTTONS FM2 TREBLE FADER
Use the Bass and Treble controls
to adjust the tone quality to your
liking. Push on the knob to get the Radio Frequencies Radio stations on the AM band
controls to pop out. Adjust the are assigned frequencies at least
Your Honda's radio can tune in all
bass level with the outer ring and 10 kilohertz apart (530, 540, 550).
frequencies in both the AM and
the treble level with the knob. Those on the FM band are
FM bands. Those bands cover
When finished, push the knobs assigned frequencies at least 0.2
these frequencies:
back in so there is less chance of megahertz apart (87.9, 88.1, 88.3).
accidentally changing your AM band
settings. 530 to l710 kilohertz
FM band
87.7 to 107.9 megahertz

Audio System
Stations must use these exact
frequencies. It is fairly common EJECT REWIND CASSETTE FAST FORWARD TAPE
DIRECTION
BUTTON BUTTON SLOT BUTTON INDICATOR
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."
Operating the Cassette Player

Turn the system ON. Insert the PROGRAM PLAY TMS DOLBY
cassette into the slot with the BUTTON BUTTON BUTTON BUTTON
tape opening to the right. Push
the cassette in most of the way.
The drive will pull it in the rest of The system also has an auto- To remove the cassette from the
the way and begin to play. reverse feature. It will automati- drive, press the EJECT button.
cally reverse direction when it The system automatically ejects
The or will light to show reaches the end of the cassette. the cassette whenever you turn
you which side of the cassette is off the system or the ignition
playing. The indicates the side If the tape was recorded with switch.
you inserted facing upward is Dolby "B" noise reduction, turn it
now playing. To play the other on by pressing the button.
side of the tape, press the PROG
button.

Audio System
Cassette Search Functions TAPE
EJECT REWIND CASSETTE FAST FORWARD DIRECTION
Once a cassette is playing, you BUTTON BUTTON SLOT BUTTON INDICATOR
can use the FF, REW, or TMS
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 will
stop playing and will rewind or
fast forward. To stop rewind or
fast forward, press the PLAY PROGRAM PLAY TMS DOLBY
button. If the system reaches the BUTTON BUTTON BUTTON BUTTON
end of the cassette while in fast
forward or rewind, it auto-
matically stops that function, Press the TMS button and then The TMS function uses silent
reverses direction, and begins to the FF button or REW button. The periods on the tape to find the
play. tape will automatically advance to end of a selection. This feature
the beginning of the next song, or may not work satisfactorily on
The TMS function lets you skip to return to the beginning of the tapes that have almost no gap
the beginning of a song or other song just played. When the between songs, a high noise level
passage. system senses a silent period on between songs, or silent periods
the tape, it goes back to PLAY in the middle of songs.
mode.

Audio System
Caring for Cassettes Caring for the Cassette Player If you do not clean the cassette
Damaged cassettes can jam inside The cassette drive picks up dirt drive regularly, it may eventually
the drive or cause other and oxides whenever you play a become impossible to remove
problems. See page 76 for tape. This builds up over time the deposits with a normal
information on cassette care and and causes the sound quality to cleaning kit.
protection. degrade. To prevent this, you
should clean the cassette drive The cassette player automatically
after every 30 hours of use. Your ejects cassettes that do not play
Honda dealer has a cleaning kit normally. If it ejects a cassette
available for this purpose. before it begins to play, it is
probably defective and should
After 30 hours of tape use, you not be inserted again. You may
will see CLEAN flashing for have a cassette suddenly stop
5 seconds in the display when playing, reverse directions once
you insert a tape into the tape or twice and then eject. This is
slot. If you are already regularly normally an indication the tape is
cleaning the tape drive at least wound unevenly. It should play
every 30 hours, reset the normally after being manually
indicator by pressing the FM1 rewound.
button while the system is in
the tape operation mode. Hold Use 100-minute or shorter
the button until you hear a beep cassettes. Cassettes longer than
and the CLEAN indicator goes 100 minutes use thinner tape that
out. may break or jam the drive.

Audio System
Look at a cassette before you Operating the CD Player/ CD Player
insert it. If the tape is loose, Changer (Optional) Insert the disc in the player. Push
tighten it by turning one of the the CD button on the player, "CD"
Your dealer has an in-dash Honda
hubs with a pencil or your finger. will show in the display and the
Compact Disc player or a
disc will start to play.
trunk-mounted changer available
If the label is peeling off, do not for your car. The changer holds
put it in the player. It may cause up to six discs, providing several CD Changer
the cassette to jam in the drive hours of continuous pro- Push the CD button on the radio,
mechanism when you try to gramming. You operate the CD the display will show "CD" and
eject it. player and the changer with the the track last listened to will play.
same controls used for the radio. When that disc ends, the next
Do not leave cassettes sitting disc in the magazine is loaded
where they are exposed to high and played.
Loading the CD Changer
heat or humidity, such as on top Load the CDs in the magazine and
of the dashboard or in the player. load the magazine into the After disc 6 has completed the
If a cassette is exposed to changer according to the system will return to disc 1. To
extreme heat or cold, let it reach instructions that came with the make your own disc selection,
a moderate temperature before changer unit. push one of the corresponding
putting it in the player. preset buttons. Your selection will
appear in the display and start
To operate the CD player or
playing.
changer, the ignition key must
be in the ACCESSORY (I) or
ON (II). If you were listening to a If you try to select an empty
cassette tape, eject it before slot in the magazine, the
listening to a CD. system will select and play the
first track of the next disc in
the magazine.

Audio System
You can use the TUNE/SEEK bar
while a disc is playing to select
passages and change tracks. To
move rapidly forward within a
track, press and hold the side
of the TUNE/SEEK bar. Press and
hold the side to move rapidly
backward within a track. You will
hear a beep a half second after
you press either side of the bar.
Keep pressing the bar until you
think the track has advanced or
TUNE/SEEK BAR CD BUTTON
returned to the desired position.
The disc will start playing when
you release the bar.
If you change modes to radio If you turn off the system while
If you press the side and or tape while a CD is playing, a CD is playing, either with the
release it before you hear a beep, then change back to CD mode, ON/OFF/VOL knob or by
the system will skip forward to the same disc and track will turning off the ignition, the
the beginning of the next track on play. system will begin playing the
the CD. It will skip backward to same disc and track when you
the beginning of the current track turn it back on.
if you press the side and
release it. To return to the radio function,
press the AM/FM button.

Audio System
CD Error Indications
If you see an error indication on
the display, find the cause in the
chart to the right. If you cannot
clear the error indication, take
the car to your Honda dealer.

Audio System
On U.S. EX and Canadian Si having your Honda dealer contact You will have to store your
models American Honda. To do this, he favorite stations in the Preset
Your car's audio system will will need the system's serial buttons after the system begins
disable itself if it is disconnected number. working. Your original settings
from electrical power for any were lost when power was
reason. To make it work again, the If your car's battery is disconnected.
user must enter a specific disconnected or goes dead, the
five-digit code in the Preset audio system will disable itself. If
buttons. Because there are this happens, you will see "Code"
hundreds of number in the frequency display the next
combinations possible from five time you turn on the system. Use
digits, making the system work the Preset buttons to enter the
without knowing the exact code is five-digit code. If it is entered
nearly impossible. correctly, the radio will start
playing.
You should have received two
copies of a card that lists your If you make a mistake entering the
audio system's code number and code, do not start over or try to
serial number. It is best to store correct your mistake. Complete
one of these cards in a safe place the five-digit sequence, then enter
at home, and to keep the other in the correct code. You have three
your wallet or purse. In addition, tries to enter the correct code. If
you should write the audio you are unsuccessful in three
system's serial number in this attempts, you must then leave the
Owner's Manual. If you should system on for one hour before
happen to lose both cards, you trying again.
must obtain the code number by

Main Menu
Before Driving
Before you begin driving your Break-in Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Honda, you should know what Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
gasoline to use, and how to check Oxygenated Fuels . . . . . . . . 82
the levels of important fluids. You Driving in Foreign
also need to know how to Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
properly stow luggage or Service Station Procedures . . . 84
packages. This section will help Filling the Fuel Tank . . . . . . 84
you. If you plan to add any Opening the Hood . . . . . . . 85
accessories to your car, please Oil Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
read the information in this
Engine Coolant Check . . 87
section first.
Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Vehicle Condition . . . . . . . . 88
Driving Habits . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Loading Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Before Driving

Break-in Period, Gasoline

Break-in Period Gasoline Oxygenated Fuels
Help assure your car's future Your Honda is designed to Some conventional gasolines are
reliability and performance by operate most effectively on being blended with alcohol or an
paying extra attention to how you unleaded gasoline. Use an ether compound. These gasolines
drive during the first 600 miles unleaded gasoline with a pump are collectively referred to as
(1,000 km). During this period: octane number of 86 or higher. oxygenated fuels. To meet clean
Use of a lower octane gasoline air standards, some areas of the
can cause a persistent, heavy United States and Canada use
Avoid full-throttle starts and
metallic rapping noise in the oxygenated fuels to help reduce
rapid acceleration.
engine that can lead to emissions.
If you need to add oil, use the mechanical damage.
engine oil recommended in this If you use an oxygenated fuel, be
owner's manual. Gasolines containing detergent
sure it is unleaded and meets the
Avoid hard braking. New additives designed to help
minimum octane rating
brakes need to be broken-in by prevent fuel system and engine
requirement.
moderate use for the first deposits are recommended. Using
200 miles (300 km). gasoline containing lead will
damage your car's emission Before using an oxygenated fuel,
You should follow these same re- try to confirm the fuel's contents.
controls. This contributes to air
commendations with an Some states/provinces require
pollution and can void certain
overhauled or exchanged engine, parts of your warranty. this information to be posted on
or when the brakes are relined. the pump.
Before Driving

Gasoline
The following are the If you notice any undesirable Driving in Foreign Countries
EPA-approved percentages of operating symptoms, try another Using any type of leaded gasoline
oxygenates: service station or switch to in your Honda will affect
another brand of gasoline. performance and damage its
ETHANOL (ethyl or grain emission controls. Unleaded
alcohol) You may use gasoline gasoline may not be available in
Fuel system damage or
containing up to 10% ethanol by
performance problems resulting other countries. If you are
volume. Gasoline containing
from the use of an oxygenated planning to take your car outside
ethanol may be marketed under
fuel containing more than the the U.S. or Canada, write to
the name "Gasohol."
percentages of oxygenates given Honda at the address shown for
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl previously are not covered information about any
Ether) You may use gasoline under warranty. modifications your car may need.
containing up to 15% MTBE by Be sure to include the year and
volume. model of your car.
METHANOL (methyl or wood

alcohol) You may use gasoline
U.S. Owners:
containing up to 5% methanol by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
volume as long as it also contains Consumer Affairs
cosolvents and corrosion 1919 Torrance Blvd.
inhibitors to protect the fuel Torrance, CA 90501-2746
system. Gasoline containing more
than 5% methanol by volume may Canadian Owners:
cause starting and/or
Honda Canada Inc.
performance problems. It may
715 Milner Ave.
also damage metal, rubber, and
Scarborough, Ontario M1B 2K8
plastic parts of your fuel system.
Before Driving

Service Station Procedures

Filling the Fuel Tank 3. Remove the fuel fill cap
slowly. You may hear a hissing
sound as pressure inside the
Handling gasoline improperly tank escapes.
can cause it to ignite or explode,
causing you to be seriously or 4. Stop filling the tank after the
Pull. fatally injured. gas pump automatically clicks
Always put out cigarettes and off. Do not try to "top off" the
other smoking materials, and tank, leave some room for the
keep all sparks and open flames fuel to expand with
away when you are around temperature changes.
gasoline.
5. Screw the fuel fill cap back on,
tighten it until it clicks.
1. The fuel fill is on the driver's FUEL FILL CAP
side of the car. Park with that 6. Push the fuel fill door until it
side closest to the service latches.
station pumps.
2. Open the fuel fill door by

pulling on the handle to the
left of the driver's seat.
Before Driving


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


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 fuel. 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


Engine Coolant Check Refer to Periodic Checks on
page 113 for information on
RESERVE TANK checking other items in your
Honda.
UPPER MARK MAX
LOWER MARK MIN
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
upper and lower marks. it is between the MAX and MIN
lines. If it is below the MIN line,
5. If it is near or below the lower see Adding Coolant on page 120
mark, see page 115 for for information on adding the
information on the proper oil proper coolant.
and how to add it.
Before Driving

Fuel Economy
The condition of your car and Driving Habits Air conditioning puts an extra
your driving habits are the two You can improve fuel economy by load on the engine which makes it
most important things that affect driving moderately. Rapid use more fuel. Turn off the A/C to
the fuel mileage you get. acceleration, cornering, and hard cut down on air conditioning use.
braking use more fuel. Always Use the flow-through ventilation
drive in the highest gear that when the outside air temperature
allows the engine to run and is moderate.
Vehicle Condition
accelerate smoothly. Maintain a
Always maintain your car constant speed while cruising,
according to the maintenance depending on traffic conditions.
schedule. This will keep it in top Every time you slow down and
operating condition. speed up, your car uses extra
fuel. Use the cruise control, when
An important part of that appropriate, to increase fuel
maintenance is the Periodic economy.
Checks (see page 113). For
example an underinflated tire
causes more "rolling resistance," A cold engine uses more fuel than
which uses fuel. It also wears out a warm engine. It is not necessary
faster, so check the tire pressure to "warm-up" a cold engine by
at least monthly. In winter the letting it idle for a long time. You
build-up of snow on your car's can drive away within 30 seconds,
underside adds weight and rolling no matter how cold it is outside.
resistance. Frequent cleaning The engine will warm up faster,
helps your fuel mileage and and you get better fuel economy.
reduces the chance of corrosion. To cut down on the number of
"cold starts," try to combine
several short trips into one.
Before Driving

Accessories
Your Honda dealer has many Some non-Honda accessories you Electronic communications
accessories available to can buy in the "aftermarket" are equipment, such as cellular
personalize your car. Some of designed for universal telephones and two-way radios
these are audio systems, alloy applications. Although they may are regulated by the FCC (DOC in
wheels, air conditioning, and fit your Honda, they may not be Canada) and should not interfere
color-coordinated carpet floor within factory specifications. For with your car's systems. Improper
mats. All Genuine Honda example, aftermarket wheels may installation, or using electrical
Accessories have been approved not meet Honda's specifications equipment not intended for
by our engineers for installation for width and offset. They could mobile use may interfere with
cause suspension problems your car's operation. If you want
and use on your car, and are
which would not be covered by to install a cellular telephone,
covered by warranty.
your warranty. Improperly other mobile communications
designed accessories can equipment, or even add-on stereo
adversely affect your car's amplifiers, please discuss it first
handling and stability. with your Honda dealer.
Your car has several computer- In many cases, improper

controlled systems, including the installation is the real cause of
SRS system, the anti-lock brake problems with aftermarket
system, and the engine's fuel accessories. Have these
injection system. Strong electronic accessories installed by qualified
interference can affect their technicians who are familiar
operation. with your Honda. If possible, have
your Honda dealer inspect the
final installation.
Before Driving

Loading Cargo
The maximum load you can carry This final number is the total If you must carry large objects
in your Honda is 850 Ib (385 kg). weight of cargo you can load in or that prevent you from closing the
It includes the total weight of all on the car. With five occupants trunk lid, be aware that exhaust
passengers and their belongings, (driver and four passengers), the gas can enter the interior. See
and any accessories. This 850 Ib maximum recommended weight Carbon Monoxide Hazard on
(385 kg) figure is shown as the for cargo is 100 Ib (45 kg). page 25.
Vehicle Capacity Weight on the
tire information label attached to Where you store this cargo, and Never place items on the shelf
the inside of the glove box. how well you secure it are just as behind the back seat. Those items
important as how much it weighs. can fly forward and injure you or
To figure out how much cargo you Make sure you load cargo so it your passengers if you brake hard
can carry: will not shift while driving. Items or are involved in a collision.
stored in the trunk should be
Figure the total "occupant placed as far forward as possible.
weight" you will be You could store additional items
transporting. To do this, on the floor behind the front
multiply the number of people seats. Make sure they cannot roll
(driver and all passengers) by under the front seat and interfere
150 Ib (70 kg). with the pedals.
Subtract this number from the
Vehicle Capacity Weight
(850 lb/385 kg).
Before Driving

Main Menu
Driving
This section gives you tips on Preparing to Drive . . . . . . . . . . . 92
starting the engine under various Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 93
conditions and how to operate 5-Speed Manual
the 5-speed manual and Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . 93
automatic transmissions. It also Automatic Transmission . . . 93
includes important information Starting in Cold Weather at
on your car's braking system.
High Altitude . . . . . . . . . . . 94
5-Speed Manual
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Recommended Shift
Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Maximum Speeds . . . . . . . . . . 96
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 97
Shift Lever Positions . . . . . . . 97
Maximum Speeds . . . . . . . . . 100
Shift Lock Release . . . . . . . . 100
The Braking System . . . . . . . . . 101
Brake Wear Indicators . . . . 101
Brake System Design . . . . . . 102
Anti-Lock Brakes . . . . . . . . . 102
Driving in Bad Weather . . . . . . 104
Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Driving

Preparing to Drive
You should do the following 4. Check that any items you may 9. Fasten your seat belt. Check
checks and adjustments every be carrying with you inside that your passengers have
day before you drive your car. are stored properly or fastened their seat belts (see
fastened down securely. page 7).
1. Make sure all windows,
mirrors, and outside lights are 5. Check the adjustment of the 10. Turn the ignition ON (II).
clean and unobstructed. seat (see page 49). Check the indicator lights in
Remove frost, snow, or ice. the instrument panel.
6. Check the adjustment of the
2. Check that the hood and trunk inside and outside mirrors 11. Start the engine (see page 93).
are fully closed. (see pages 53 and 54).
12. Check the gauges and
3. Visually check the tires. If a 7. Check the adjustment of the indicator lights in the
tire looks low, use a gauge to steering wheel (see page 41). instrument panel
check its pressure. (see page 29).
8. Make sure the doors are
securely closed and locked.
Driving

Starting the Engine

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

Starting the Engine

5. If the engine does not start Starting in Cold Weather 3. If the engine fails to start in
within 15 seconds, or starts at High Altitude (Above step 2, push the accelerator
but stalls right away, repeat 8,000 feet/2,400 meters) pedal to the floor and hold it
step 4 with the accelerator there while you try to start
An engine is harder to start in
pedal pressed half-way down. If the engine for no more than
cold weather. The thinner air 15 seconds. If the engine does
the engine starts, release
pressure on the accelerator found at high altitude above not start, return to step 2.
pedal so the engine does not 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) adds to
race. the problem. Use the following
procedure:
6. If the engine still does not 1. Turn off all electrical
start, press the accelerator accessories to reduce the
pedal all the way down and drain on the battery.
hold it there while starting in
order to clear flooding. As 2. Push the accelerator pedal
before, keep the ignition key half-way to the floor and hold
in the START (III) position for it there while starting the
no more than 15 seconds. engine. Do not hold the
Return to step 5 if the engine ignition key in START (III) for
does not start. If it starts, lift more than 15 seconds. When
your foot off the accelerator the engine starts, release the
pedal so the engine does not accelerator pedal gradually as
race. the engine speeds up and
smooths out.
Driving

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Come to a full stop before you
shift into reverse. You can
damage the transmission by
trying to shift into reverse with Rapid slowing or speeding up
the car moving. Depress the can cause loss of control on
clutch pedal and pause for a few slippery surfaces. If you crash,
seconds before putting it in you can be injured.
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."
You can get extra braking from

The manual transmission is the engine when slowing down by
synchronized in all forward gears shifting to a lower gear. This extra
for smooth operation. It has a braking can help you maintain a
lockout so you cannot shift safe speed and prevent your
directly from Fifth to Reverse. brakes from overheating while
When shifting up or down, make going down a steep hill. Before
sure you push the clutch pedal downshifting, make sure engine
down all the way, shift to the next speed will not go into the red
gear, and let the pedal up zone in the lower gear. Refer to
gradually. When you are not the Maximum Speeds chart.
shifting, do not rest your foot on
the clutch pedal. This can cause
your clutch to wear out faster.
Driving

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Recommended Shift Points Maximum Speeds DX
Drive in the highest gear that lets The speeds in these tables are the
the engine run and accelerate maximums for the given gears. If
smoothly. This will give you the you exceed these speeds, the
best fuel economy and effective engine speed will enter into the
emissions control. The following tachometer's red zone. If this
shift points are recommended: 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. U.S.: EX, Canada: Si
Driving

Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission Shift Lever Shift Lever Positions
Your Honda's transmission has Position Indicator
four forward speeds. It has a
"lock-up" torque converter for SHIFT LEVER
better fuel economy. You may feel
what seems like another shift
when the converter locks.
RELEASE
BUTTON
This display is on the instrument The shift lever has seven

panel. It shows you the position positions. It must be in Park or
of the shift lever. Neutral to start the engine. When
you are stopped in D4, D3, 2, 1 or
R, press firmly on the brake pedal
and keep your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Driving

Reverse (R) To shift to Reverse
from Park, see the explanation
under Park. To shift to Reverse
from Neutral, come to a complete
stop and then shift. Press the
release button before shifting into
Reverse from Neutral.
Neutral (N) Use Neutral if you

need to restart a stalled engine,
or if it is necessary to stop briefly
with the engine idling. Shift to
Park position if you need to leave
the car for any reason. Press on
You must also press the release the brake pedal when you are
button to shift into Park. To avoid moving the shift lever from
transmission damage, come to a Neutral to another gear.
complete stop before shifting into
Park (P) - This position mechani- Park. The shift lever must be in Drive (D4) Use this position for
cally locks the transmission. Use Park before you can remove the your normal driving. The
Park whenever you are turning off key from the ignition switch. transmission automatically
or starting the engine. To shift out selects a suitable gear for your
of Park, you must press on the If you have done all of the above speed and acceleration. You may
brake pedal and have your foot and still cannot move the lever notice the transmission shifting
off the accelerator pedal. Press out of Park, see Shift Lock Release up at higher speeds when the
the release button on the side of on page 100. engine is cold. This helps the
the shift lever to move it. engine warm up faster.
Driving

Drive (D3) This position is Second (2) To shift to Second, First (1) To shift from Second to
similar to D4, except only the first press the release button on the First, press the release button on
three gears are selected. Use D3 to side of the shift lever. This the side of the shift lever. With
provide engine braking when position locks the transmission in the lever in this position, the
going down a steep hill. D3 can second gear. It does not downshift transmission locks in First gear.
also keep the transmission from By upshifting and downshifting
cycling between third and fourth stop. Second gives you more through 1, 2, D3, and D4, you can
gears in stop-and-go driving. power when climbing, and operate this transmission much
increased engine braking when like a manual transmission
For faster acceleration when in D3 going down steep hills. Use without a clutch pedal.
or D4, you can get the second gear when starting out on
transmission to automatically a slippery surface or in deep
downshift by pushing the snow. It will help reduce wheel
accelerator pedal to the floor. The spin.
transmission will shift down one
or two gears, depending on your Whenever you move the shift
speed. lever to a lower gear, the
transmission downshifts only if
the engine's redline will not be
exceeded in the lower gear.
Driving

Maximum Speeds U.S.: EX, Canada: Si move the shift lever out of
The speeds in these tables are the Park to Neutral.
maximums for the given position.
If you exceed these speeds, the
engine speed will enter into the
tachometer's red zone. If this
occurs, you will 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
Shift Lock Release
rpm below the red zone. This allows you to move the shift
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
DX pedal and pressing the release SHIFT LOCK
button does not work. RELEASE BUTTON RELEASE SLOT
1. Set the Parking brake. 5. Remove the key from the Shift
Lock Release slot. Return the
2. Remove the key from the key to the ignition switch,
ignition switch. depress the brake pedal, and
restart the engine.
3. Insert the key in the Shift Lock
Release slot next to the shift If you need to use the Shift Lock
lever. Release, it could mean your car is
developing a problem. Have the
4. Push down on the key while you car checked by your Honda
press the release button and dealer.
Driving

The Braking System

All Civics are equipped with front Check your brakes after driving Your brakes may sometimes
disc brakes. The brakes on the through deep water. Apply the squeal or squeak when you apply
rear wheels may be disc or drum, brakes moderately to see if they them lightly. Do not confuse this
depending on the model. The feel normal. If not, apply them with the brake wear indicators.
braking system is power assisted gently and frequently until they They make a very audible
to reduce the effort needed on do. Since a longer distance is "screeching."
the brake pedal. needed to stop with wet brakes,
be extra cautious and alert in
Put your foot on the brake pedal your driving.
only when you intend to brake.
Resting your foot on the pedal
keeps the brakes applied lightly, Brake Wear Indicators
causing them to build up heat. The front disc brakes on all cars
Heat build up can reduce how have audible brake wear
well your brakes work. It also indicators. They are also on the
keeps your brake lights on all the rear brakes of cars with ABS.
time, confusing drivers behind When the brake pads need
you. replacing, you will hear a
distinctive metallic "screeching"
Constant application of the sound when you apply the
brakes when going down a long brakes. If you do not have the
hill builds up heat and reduces brake pads replaced, they will
their effectiveness. Use the engine begin screeching all the time.
to assist the brakes by
downshifting to a lower gear and
taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Driving

The Braking System

Brake System Design If this happens, you will notice Anti-Lock Brakes
that the brake pedal goes down For U.S. EX with ABS option
The hydraulic system that
much farther and you need to
operates the brakes has two Your car has an Anti-lock Brake
press on it much harder. A much
separate circuits. Each circuit System (ABS). ABS helps you to
longer distance will be needed to
works diagonally across the car maintain steering control. It does
stop the car.
(the left-front brake is connected this by helping prevent the
with the right-rear brake, etc.). If wheels from locking up and
one circuit should develop a Slow the car by downshifting to a skidding.
problem, you will still have lower gear and removing your
braking at two wheels. foot from the accelerator pedal.
The ABS is always "ON." It
Pull to the side of the road as
requires no special effort or
soon as it is safe. Because of the
driving technique. You will feel a
longer stopping distance needed,
pulsation in the brake pedal when
brake system failure is very haz-
the ABS activates.
ardous. It is best to have your car
towed, but if you must drive the
car in this condition, be extremely Activation varies with the amount
cautious. Have your car repaired as of traction your tires have. On dry
soon as possible. pavement, you will need to press
on the brake pedal very hard
before you feel the pedal
pulsation that means the ABS has
activated. However, you may feel
the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or
ice. Under all conditions, the ABS
is helping to prevent the wheels
from locking so you can retain
Driving

The Braking System

steering control. You should The ABS works by comparing the
continue to press on the brake ABS INDICATOR LIGHT speed of the wheels. When
pedal with the same force. replacing tires, use the same size
originally supplied with the car.
You may feel a slight movement of Tire size and construction can
the brake pedal just after you affect wheel speed and may cause
start the engine. This is the ABS the system to work inconsistently.
working.
A car with ABS may require a
longer distance to stop on loose
or uneven surfaces than an
equivalent car without Anti-lock.
The ABS cannot make up for road
The ABS is self-checking. If conditions or bad judgment. It is
anything goes wrong, the ABS still your responsibility to drive at
indicator on the instrument panel reasonable speeds for weather
comes on (see page 32). This and traffic conditions, and to
means the Anti-lock function of leave a margin of safety.
the braking system has shut
down. The brakes still work like a For a technical description of the
conventional system, providing ABS hardware, refer to page 188.
normal stopping ability. You
should have the dealer inspect
your car as soon as possible.
Driving

Driving in Bad Weather

Driving Technique Always drive Visibility Being able to see
slower than you would in dry clearly in all directions and being
weather. It takes your car longer visible to other drivers are
to react, even in conditions that important in all weather
may seem just barely damp. conditions. This is more difficult
Apply smooth, even pressure to in bad weather. To be seen more
all the controls. Abrupt steering clearly during daylight hours,
wheel movements or sudden, turn on your headlights.
hard application of the brakes can
cause loss of control in wet Inspect your windshield wipers
weather. Be extra cautious for the and washers frequently. Keep the
first few miles of driving while windshield washer reservoir full
you adjust to the change in of the proper fluid. Have the
driving conditions. This is windshield wiper blades replaced
Rain, fog, and snow conditions especially true in snow. A person if they start to streak the
require a different driving can forget some snow driving windshield or leave parts
technique because of reduced techniques during the summer unwiped. Use the defrosters and
traction and visibility. Keep your months. Practice is needed to air conditioning to keep the
car well maintained and exercise relearn those skills. windows from fogging up on the
greater caution when you need to
inside (see page 67).
drive in bad weather. The cruise
control should not be used in Exercise extra caution when
these conditions. driving in rain after a long dry
spell. After months of dry
weather, the first rains bring oil to
the surface of the roadway,
making it slippery.
Driving

Driving in Bad Weather, Towing a Trailer

Traction Check your tires Towing a Trailer
frequently for wear and proper Your car is not designed to tow a
pressure. Both are important in trailer. Attempting to do so can
preventing "hydroplaning" (loss void your warranties.
of traction on a wet surface). In
the winter, mount snow tires on
all four wheels for the best
handling.
Watch road conditions carefully,

they can change from moment to
moment. Wet leaves can be as
slippery as ice. "Clear" roads can
have patches of ice. Driving
Be very cautious when passing, or
conditions can be very hazardous
being passed by, other vehicles.
when the outside temperature is
The spray from large vehicles
near freezing. The road surface
reduces your visibility, and the
can become covered with areas of
wind buffeting can cause you to
water puddles mixed with areas
lose control.
of ice, so your traction can
change without warning.
Be careful when downshifting. If

traction is low, you can lock up
the drive wheels for a moment
and cause a skid.
Driving

Main Menu
Maintenance
Regularly maintaining your Honda Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . 108 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
is the best way to protect your Maintenance Record . . . . . . . . 111 Air Cleaner Element . . . . . . . . . 130
investment. You will be rewarded
with safer, more economical, Periodic Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
trouble-free driving. This section Fluid Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Spark Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
lists items that need to be Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
checked regularly and explains Checking Engine Oil . . . . . . 115 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
how to check them. It also details
Adding Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
some simple maintenance tasks
you can do yourself. The Recommended Oil . . . . . . . . 116 Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . . . . 136
maintenance schedules for Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
normal and severe driving Oil and Filter Changes . . . . . 117
conditions show you when these Engine Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
things need to be done. Checking the Engine Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . 120 Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
If you are interested in how to Adding Engine Coolant . . . . 120 Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
perform more complex Replacing Coolant . . . . . . . . 121 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
maintenance on your Honda, you Windshield Washers . . . . . . . . . 124 Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
can purchase the Service Manual. Replacing Tires
Transmission Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
See page 203 for information on
how to obtain a copy, or see your Automatic Transmission ..125 Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . 143
Honda dealer. 5-Speed Manual Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . 126 Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Brake and Clutch Fluid . . . . . . 127
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Anti-Lock Brake System . . . 128 Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Clutch System . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Replacing Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Storing Your Car . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule
The Required Maintenance Drive your car regularly over a We recommend the use of
Schedule specifies how often you distance of several miles Genuine Honda parts and fluids
should have your car serviced (kilometers). or their equivalent whenever you
and what things need attention. It Always use unleaded gasoline have maintenance done. These
is essential that your car be with a pump octane number of are the same high-quality items
serviced as scheduled to retain that went into your car when it
86 or higher.
its high level of safety, was new, so you can be sure they
dependability, and emission fit and perform flawlessly.
control performance. Your authorized Honda dealer
knows your car best, and can
provide competent, efficient U.S. Cars:
The services and time or mileage service. However, service at a Maintenance, replacement or re-
intervals shown in the dealer is not mandatory to keep pair of emission control devices
maintenance schedule assume your warranties in effect. and systems may be done by any
you will use your car as normal Maintenance may be done by any automotive repair establishment
transportation for passengers and qualified service facility or person or individual using parts that are
their possessions. You should: who is skilled in this type of "certified" to EPA standards.
automotive service. Keep all the
Avoid exceeding your car's receipts as proof of completion, Vehicles sold in California have
load limit. This puts excess and have the person who does slightly different maintenance
strain on the engine, brakes, the work fill out the maintenance requirements. These are noted in
and many other parts of your record on page 111. Check your the Required Maintenance
car. The load limit is shown on warranty booklet for more Schedule. Other maintenance
the label in the glove box. information. operations are required by
Operate your car on California regulations, and
reasonable roads within the condition the emission warranty.
legal speed limit.
Maintenance

R Replace I Inspect After inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary.
: Check oil and coolant level at each fuel stop. *2:1 : Thereafter,
For cars sold in California, this service is recommended only: other areas, it is required.
: Under severe driving conditions, service these items more often. *3: This servicereplace every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first,
*4: For cars withisABS.recommended only.
*5: For cars without ABS.
*
Maintenance

R Replace I Inspect After inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary.
see page 15).

Severe Driving Conditions: The services are:
- Clean the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Items marked or an in the chart indicate you will need some
and replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months under
services more frequently in certain severe driving conditions.
conditions B or C.
The conditions are: - Replace engine oil and oil filter every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months
A. Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip, or, in freezing temperatures, under conditions A, B, C, or D.
driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per trip. - Replace transmission oil every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months under
B. Driving on rough or muddy roads, or de-iced roads. condition D.
C. Driving in extremely dusty conditions. - Inspect front brake discs and calipers, and rear brake discs, calipers and pads
D. Extensive idling or driving long periods at slow speeds, such every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months under conditions B, C, or D.
as a delivery vehicle. - Inspect the power steering system every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
under condtions A, B, or C.
Maintenance

Required Maintenance Record

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

Non-Scheduled Maintenance Record

Record additional maintenance for severe driving conditions or non-scheduled maintenance on this page (see page 108).
Maintenance

Periodic Checks
You should check the following Engine oil level Check every Brakes, clutch and power
items at the specified intervals. If time you fill the fuel tank. See steering Check the fluid level
you are unsure of how to perform page 86. monthly. See pages 127
any check, turn to the page given. through 129.
Engine coolant level Check
the radiator reserve tank every Tires Check the tire pressure
time you fill the fuel tank. See monthly. Examine the tread for
page 87. wear and foreign objects. See
page 141.
Windshield washer fluid
Check the level in the reservoir Battery Check its condition
monthly. If weather conditions and the terminals for corrosion
cause you to use the washers monthly. See page 133.
frequently, check the reservoir
each time you stop for fuel. See Air conditioning Check its
page 124. operation weekly. See page 138.
Lights Check the operation of
Automatic transmission
the headlights, parking lights,
Check the fluid level monthly.
taillights, high-mount brake
See page 125.
light, turn signals, brake lights,
and license plate lights
monthly. See page 145.
Maintenance

Fluid Locations
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE CLUTCH FLUID

RESERVOIR (Gray cap)
(Grey cap) (5-Speed Manual
(For cars equipped Transmission only)
with ABS)
ENGINE OIL
AUTOMATIC FILLER CAP
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
COOLANT
RESERVOIR WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK

(Orange loop)
Maintenance

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

Engine Oil
Recommended Oil label also carries the SG or SH The oil container may also dis-
Oil is a major contributor to your classification. An oil that is only play the API Certification seal
engine's performance and longev- classified SF is not recommended. shown below. Make sure it says
ity. Always use a premium-grade "For Gasoline Engines."
detergent oil.
You can determine an oil's SAE

viscosity and Service Classifica-
tion from the API Service label on
the oil container.
A fuel-efficient oil is
recommended for your Honda.
This is shown on the API Service
label by the words "Energy
Conserving II." This oil is API CERTIFICATION SEAL
formulated to help your engine
use less fuel.
The API Service label also tells
you the service classification of
the oil. Always use an oil that
says "API Service SG or SH." This
service rating may also include
other designations, such as CD.
These additional classifications
are not a problem, as long as the
Maintenance

Engine Oil
The SAE numbers tell you the oil's Additives equipment, you should have this
viscosity or weight. Select the oil Your Honda does not need any oil maintenance done by a skilled
for your car according to this additives. Purchasing additives mechanic.
chart: for the engine or transmission will
not increase your car's perfor-
mance or longevity. It only
increases the cost of operating
your car. Repeated, prolonged exposure
to used motor oil may cause
Ambient Temperature
skin cancer.
Oil and Filter Changes Wash your hands thoroughly
Always change the oil and filter with strong soap as soon as
according to the time and distance
possible after handling used
(miles/kilometers) recommen-
oil.
dations on the maintenance
schedule. The oil and filter collect
contaminants that can damage
your engine if they are not
An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is removed regularly.
preferred for improved fuel
economy and year-round protec- Changing the oil and filter
tion in your Honda. You may use a requires special tools and access
10W-30 oil if the temperature in from underneath the car. The car
your area never goes below 20F should be raised on a service
(-7C). station-type hydraulic lift for this
service. Unless you have the
knowledge and proper
Maintenance

Engine Oil
1. Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating OIL FILTER
temperature, then shut it off.
The oil, engine components and

the exhaust system are hot and
can burn you.
Use caution and wear protective OIL DRAIN BOLT
clothing while working in the AND WASHER
engine compartment.
2. Open the hood and remove 3. Remove the oil filter and let
the oil fill cap. Remove the oil the remaining oil drain. A
drain bolt and washer from special wrench (available from
the bottom of the engine. your Honda dealer) is
Drain the oil into an required to remove the filter.
appropriate container.
4. Install a new oil filter
according to the instructions
that come with it.
Maintenance

Engine Oil
5. Put a new washer on the drain 9. Turn off the engine, let It sit The oil and filter should be
bolt, then reinstall the drain for several minutes, then changed every 6 months or 7,500
bolt. Tighten it to 40 N.m check the oil level. If miles (12,000 km), whichever
(4.0 kg-m, 29 Ib-ft). necessary, add oil to bring the conies first. Under severe driving
level to the upper mark on the conditions, they should be
6. Refill the engine with the changed every 3 months or 3,750
dipstick.
recommended oil. Engine oil miles (6,000 km). See page 110 for
capacity (including filter): a description of severe driving
3.5 U.S. qt (2.9 Imp. q t , 3.3 ). NOTICE conditions.
7. Replace the oil fill cap. Start If you change your own oil, please
the engine. The indicator light dispose of the used oil properly.
should go out within five se- Put it in a sealed container and
conds. If it does not, turn off take it to a recycling center. Do
the engine and inspect your not discard it in a waste bin or
work. dump it on the ground.
8. Let the engine run for several
minutes and check the drain
bolt and washer, and oil filter
for leaks.
Maintenance

Cooling System
Checking the Engine Always use Genuine Honda Adding Engine Coolant
Coolant Level Antifreeze/Coolant. The cooling If the reserve tank is completely
system contains many aluminum empty, you should also check the
RESERVE TANK components that can corrode if coolant level in the radiator.
an improper antifreeze is used.
Some antifreeze, even though
labeled as safe for aluminum
parts, may not provide adequate
protection.
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
MAX seriously scalding you.
MIN
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
Check the level of the engine removing the radiator cap.
coolant by looking at the radiator
reserve tank next to the air
cleaner element box. If the level is 1. Make sure the engine and
at or below the MIN line, add radiator are cool.
coolant to bring it up to the MAX
line. This coolant should always
be a mixture of 50% antifreeze
and 50% water. Never add straight
antifreeze or plain water.
Maintenance

Cooling System
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 Engine Coolant

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

Cooling System
DRAIN PLUG RESERVE TANK
RESERVE
TANK CAP
DRAIN BOLT HOLDER

1. Slide the heater temperature 3. Loosen the drain plug in the 4. Remove the reserve tank from
control lever to maximum bottom of the radiator. The its holder by pulling it straight
heat. Open the hood. Make coolant will drain through the up. Drain the coolant, then
sure the engine and radiator splash guard. Remove the drain put the tank back in its holder.
are cool to the touch. bolt from the engine block.
5. When the coolant stops
2. Remove the radiator cap. draining, 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.
Maintenance

Cooling System
BLEEDER BOLT
RESERVE TANK
6. Mix the recommended 7. Pour coolant into the radiator 10. Turn off the engine. Check the
antifreeze with an equal up to the base of the filler neck. level in the radiator, add
amount of purified or distilled coolant if needed. Install the
water in a clean container. The 8. Loosen the bleeder bolt on top
of the engine. Tighten it again radiator cap, tighten it fully.
cooling system capacity is:
when coolant comes out in a 11. Fill the reserve tank to the
With 5-speed manual steady stream with no MAX mark. Install the reserve
transmission: bubbles. tank cap.
0.95 U.S. gal (0.79 Imp. gal, 3.6 ) 9. Refill the radiator to the base of
With automatic transmission: the filler neck. Put the cap on
DX: the radiator, only tighten it to
0.92 U.S. gal (0.77 Imp. gal, 3.5 ) the first stop. Start the engine
U.S.: EX, EX w/ABS option, and let it run until it warms
Canada: Si up (the radiator cooling fan
comes on at least twice).
1.00 U.S. gal (0.84 Imp. gal, 3.8 )
Maintenance

Windshield Washers
Check the level in the windshield WINDSHIELD Antifreeze can damage your car's
washer reservoir at least monthly WASHER paint, while a vinegar/water
RESERVOIR
during normal usage. In bad solution can damage the
weather, when you use the windshield washer pump.
washers often, check the level
every time you stop for gas. Use only commercially available
windshield washer fluid.
The windshield washer reservoir
is located behind the left
headlight. Check the reservoir's
fluid level by removing the cap
and looking inside.
Fill the reservoir with a good-

quality windshield washer fluid. NOTICE
This increases the cleaning Do not use engine antifreeze or a
capability and prevents freezing vinegar/water solution in the
in cold weather. windshield washer reservoir.
Maintenance

Transmission Oil
Automatic Transmission 5. If the level is below the lower
DIPSTICK mark, add fluid into the tube
to 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 all the way
back in the transmission.
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK The transmission should be
drained and refilled with new fluid
every 24 months or 30,000 miles
Check the fluid level with the 3. Insert the dipstick into the (48,000 km), whichever comes
engine at normal operating transmission. first.
temperature.
4. Remove the dipstick and check
1. Park the car on level ground. the fluid level. It should be Shorten this to every 12 months or
Shut off the engine. between the upper and lower 24,000 km (15,000 miles) under
marks. severe driving conditions (see
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow page 110.)
loop) from the transmission
and wipe it with a clean cloth.
Maintenance

Transmission Oil
5-Speed Manual Transmission Check the oil level a couple of Only use an API Service SF or SG
minutes after shutting off the grade motor oil with a viscosity of
engine. Make sure the car is on SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40.
FILLER level ground. Remove the
BOLT
transmission filler bolt. The oil The transmission should be
level should be up to the edge of drained and refilled with new oil
the bolt hole. Feel inside the bolt every 24 months or 30,000 miles
hole with your finger. If you do (48,000 km), whichever comes first.
not feel any oil, slowly add oil
until it starts to run out of the Shorten the service interval to
hole. Reinstall the filler bolt and every 12 months or 24,000 km
tighten it securely. (15,000 miles) under severe
driving conditions (see page 110.)
Correct level
Maintenance

Brake and Clutch Fluid

Brake and Clutch Fluid Brake System If you add brake fluid to bring it
Check the fluid level in the up to the MAX mark, use Genuine
MAX Honda Brake Fluid or an equivalent
reservoirs monthly. There are up
to three reservoirs, depending on from a sealed container that is
which model. They are: marked DOT 3 or DOT 4 only.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
Brake fluid reservoir (all compatible with your car's braking
models). system.
Clutch fluid reservoir (5-speed
manual transmission only).
ABS reservoir for cars with ABS
option.
MIN
The brake fluid in the brake and
anti-lock brake systems should be The fluid level should be between
replaced every 2 years or 30,000 the MIN and MAX marks on the
miles (48,000 km), whichever side of the reservoir. If the level is
comes first. at or 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

Brake and Clutch Fluid

Anti-Lock Brake System If you add brake fluid to bring it Clutch System
up to the MAX mark, use the
MAX
same DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
from a sealed container specified
for the brake system.
MIN
The fluid should be between the The fluid level should be between
MIN and MAX marks on the side the MIN and MAX marks on the
of the reservoir. If it is at or below side of the reservoir. If it is not,
the MIN mark, it may indicate a add brake fluid to bring it up to
problem in the braking system. that level. Use the same DOT 3 or
Have the dealer inspect your car. DOT 4 brake fluid specified for
the brake system.
If the fluid level is half an inch or
more above the MAX mark, it may Low fluid level can indicate a leak
indicate a problem in the ABS. in the clutch system. Have this
have your dealer inspect the system inspected as soon as
system as soon as possible. possible.
Maintenance

Power Steering
NOTICE
Using automatic transmission
fluid or another brand of power
UPPER steering fluid will damage the
LEVEL system. Use only Genuine Honda
Power Steering Fluid-V.
A low power steering fluid level

can indicate a leak in the system.
LOWER
LEVEL Check the fluid level frequently
and have the system inspected as
soon as possible.
You should check the fluid level in
the power steering reservoir NOTICE
monthly. Check the level when
the engine is cold. Look at the Turning the steering wheel to full
side of the reservoir. The fluid left or right lock and holding it
should be between the UPPER there can damage the power
LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. If it is steering pump.
below the LOWER LEVEL, add
power steering fluid to the UPPER
LEVEL.
Maintenance

Air Cleaner Element

The air cleaner element should be
replaced every 2 years or 30,000
miles (48,000 km), whichever
comes first. Under severe driving
conditions, it should be replaced
every 12 months or 15,000 miles
(24,000 km), whichever comes
first.
Follow the replacement

procedure for removal and
reinstallation. BOLTS
The air cleaner element is inside 3. Place the new air cleaner
the air cleaner housing on the element in the housing.
passenger's side of the engine
4. Reinstall the housing cover,
compartment. To replace it:
tighten the four bolts.
1. Loosen the four bolts and
remove the air cleaner housing
cover.
2. Remove the old air cleaner
element. Clean the inside of the
housing with a damp rag.
Maintenance

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 60,000 miles car need to be replaced every 2
(96,000 km), whichever comes years or 48,000 km (30,000 miles),
first. 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 handled
correctly.
The filter may require 1. Clean up any dirt and oil that
replacement sooner if you happen have collected around the
to buy one or more tankfuls of spark plug caps.
contaminated gasoline. Have the
filter tested or replaced if you 2. Remove the spark plug cap by
suspect it has been clogged by pulling it straight out.
contaminants. 3. Remove the spark plug, using
a 16 mm (5/8 inch) spark
plug socket.
4. Install the spark plug cap.
continued
Maintenance

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.
5. Put the new spark plug into 6. Torque the spark plug. (If you
the socket, then thread it into do not have a torque wrench,
the hole. Screw it in by hand tighten the spark plug turn
so you do not crossthread it. two-thirds after it contacts the
cylinder head.) Tightening
torque: 13 Ib-ft (18 N.m,
1.8 kg-m).
Maintenance

Spark Plugs, Battery

Spark Plugs Specifications: Battery
DX Check the condition of your car's
battery monthly. You should
Normal driving conditions The battery contains sulfuric
check for proper electrolyte level
NGK: ZFR5F-11 acid (electrolyte), which is
and corrosion on the terminals.
Nippondenso: KJ16CR-L11 highly corrosive and
poisonous.
Hot climates, or continuous high
speed driving Getting electrolyte in your eyes
NGK: ZFR6F-11 or on your skin can cause
Nippondenso: KJ20CR-L11 The battery gives off serious burns. Wear protective
explosive hydrogen gas clothing and eye protection
U.S.: EX, EX w/ABS option during normal operation. A when working near the battery.
Canada: Si spark or open flame can
Normal driving conditions cause the battery to explode Swallowing electrolyte can
NGK: ZFR5J-11 with enough force to kill or cause fatal poisoning if
Nippondenso: KJ16CR-L11 seriously hurt you. immediate action is not taken.
Wear protective clothing and a KEEP OUT OF THE REACH
Hot climates, or continuous high OF CHILDREN.
speed driving face shield, or have a skilled
NGK: ZFR6J-11 mechanic do the battery
Nippondenso: KJ20CR-L11 maintenance.
Spark plug gap

0.04 in. (1.1 mm)
Maintenance

Battery
Emergency Procedures TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
Check the battery terminals for
Eyes Flush with water from a corrosion (a white or yellowish
cup or other container for at powder). To remove it, cover the
least 15 minutes. (Water under terminals with a solution of baking
pressure can damage the eye.) soda and water. It will bubble up
Immediately call a physician and turn brown. When this stops,
or 911. wash it off with plain water. Dry off
the battery with a cloth or paper
towel. Coat the terminals with
Skin Remove contaminated grease to help prevent future
clothing. Flush the skin with large corrosion.
quantities of water. Call a
physician immediately.
Swallowing Drink water or milk. Check the battery condition by

Call your local Poison Control looking at the test indicator
Center or a physician window on the battery.
immediately.
The label on the battery explains
the test indicator's colors.
Maintenance

Battery
If the terminals are severely If your car's battery is
corroded, clean them with baking disconnected or goes dead, the
soda and water. Then use a audio system will disable itself.
wrench to loosen and remove the The next time you turn on the
cables from the terminals. Always radio you will see "Code" in the
disconnect the negative ( ) cable frequency display. Use the Preset
first and reconnect it last. Clean buttons to enter the five-digit
the battery terminals with a code (see page 79).
terminal cleaning tool or wire
brush. Reconnect and tighten the
cables, then coat the terminals NOTICE
with grease. Charging the battery with the
cables connected can seriously
If you need to connect the battery damage your car's electronic
to a charger, disconnect both controls. Detach the battery
cables to prevent damage to the cables before connecting the
car's electrical system. battery to a charger.
Maintenance

Windshield Wipers
Check the condition of the
windshield wiper blades at least
every six months. Look for signs
of cracking 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

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

Windshield Wipers
6. Slide the blade assembly onto
METAL SUPPORT the wiper arm. Make sure it
locks in place.
Pull out 7. Lower the wiper arm down
against the windshield.
RETAINERS
TABS
3. Remove the blade from its 4. Examine the new wiper

holder by grasping the tabbed blades. If they have no plastic
end of the blade. Pull firmly or metal reinforcement along
until the tabs come out of the the back edge, remove the
holder. metal reinforcement strips
from the old wiper blade and
install them in the slots along
the edge of the new blade.
5. Slide the new wiper blade into
the holder until the tabs lock.
Maintenance

Air Conditioning System (Optional)

Your car's air conditioning is a dirt stuck to the front surface. If the air conditioning does not
sealed system. Any major These block the air flow and get as cold as before, have your
maintenance, such as recharging, reduce cooling efficiency. Use a dealer check the system.
should be done by a qualified light spray from a hose or a soft Recharge the system with
technician. There are a couple of brush to remove them. Refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a).
things you can do to make sure See Specifications on page 187.
the air conditioning works
efficiently. NOTICE NOTICE
AIR CONDITIONING The condenser and radiator fins Whenever you have the air
CONDENSER bend easily. Only use a low- conditioning system serviced,
pressure spray or soft-bristle make sure the service facility
brush to clean them. uses a refrigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
Run the air conditioning at least refrigerant for reuse. Releasing
once a week during the cold refrigerant into the atmosphere
weather months. Run it for at can damage the environment.
least 10 minutes while you are
driving at a steady speed with the
engine at normal operating
temperature. This circulates the
lubricating oil contained in the
Periodically check the engine's refrigerant.
radiator and air conditioning
condenser for leaves, insects, and
Maintenance

Engine Belts, Tires

Engine Belts The belts should have the
following "play" or deflection.
ALTERNAT0R BELT
Alternator belt: Using tires that are excessively
0.28-0.41 in. (7.0-10.5 mm) worn or improperly inflated can
Power steering belt: cause a crash in which you can
0.31-0.47 in. (8.0-12.0 mm) be seriously hurt or killed.
If you see signs of wear or Follow all instructions in this

looseness, have your dealer owner's manual regarding tire
adjust or replace the belts. inflation and maintenance.
POWER STEERING BELT Tires Inflation

To safely operate your car, your Keeping the tires properly-
Check the condition of the two tires must be the proper type and inflated provides the best
engine belts. Examine the edges size, in good condition with combination of handling, tread
of each belt for cracks or fraying. adequate tread, and correctly life and riding comfort.
Check the tension of each belt by inflated. The following pages give Underinflated tires wear
pushing on it with your thumb more detailed information on how unevenly, adversely affect
midway between the pulleys. and when to check air pressure, handling and fuel economy, and
how to inspect your tires for are more likely to fail from being
damage, and what to do when overheated. Overinflated tires can
your tires need to be replaced. make your car ride more harshly,
are more prone to damage from
road hazards, and wear unevenly.
Maintenance

Tires
We recommend that you visually Recommended Tire Pressures TIRE INFORMATION LABEL
check your tires every day and for Normal Driving U. S. cars
use a gauge to measure the air
The following chart shows the
pressure at least once a month.
recommended cold tire pressures
If you think a tire might be low,
for most normal driving
check it immediately. Remember
conditions and speeds. Tire
to check the spare tire at the
pressures for high speed driving
same time you check all the other
are shown on page 191.
tires.
DX
Check the pressure in the tires
when they are cold. This means TIRE INFORMATION LABEL
Canada cars
the car has been parked for at
least three hours. If you have to These pressures are also given on
drive the car before checking the the tire information label in the
tire pressure, the tires can still be glove box.
considered "cold" if you drive less
than one mile (1.6 km). U.S.: EX, Canada: Si
You should get your own tire
If you check the pressure when pressure gauge and use it
the tires are hot (the car has been whenever you check your tire
driven several miles), you will see pressures. This will make it easier
readings four to six PSI higher for you to tell if a pressure loss is
than the cold reading. This is due to a tire problem and not due
normal. Do not let air out to to a variation between gauges.
The compact spare tire pressure
match the specified cold
is 60 psi (415 kPa, 4.15 kg/cm 2 )
pressure. The tire will be
underinflated.
Maintenance

Tires
Tubeless tires have some ability Maintenance
to self-seal if they are punctured. In addition to proper inflation,
However, because leakage is often correct wheel alignment helps to
very slow, you should look closely decrease tire wear. You should get
for punctures if a tire starts losing your car's wheel alignment
pressure. checked every 12 months or
INDICATOR TREAD WEAR
LOCATION INDICATORS 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
MARKS
Inspection The tires were properly balanced
Every time you check inflation, by the factory. They may need to
you should also examine the tires be rebalanced at some time
for damage, foreign objects, and before they are worn out. Have
wear. your dealer check the tires if you
Your car's tires have wear feel a consistent vibration while
You should look for: indicators molded into the tread. driving. A tire should always be
When the tread wears down to rebalanced if it is removed from
Bumps or bulges in the tread the wheel for repair.
that point, you will see a 1/2 inch
or side of the tire. Replace
(12.7 mm) wide band running
the tire if you find either of across the tread. This shows
these conditions. there is less than 1/16 inch
Cuts, splits, or cracks in the (1.6 mm) of tread left on the tire.
side of the tire. Replace the tire A tire that is this worn gives very
if you can see fabric or cord. little traction on wet roads. You
Excessive tread wear. should replace the tire if you can
see the tread wear indicator in
three or more places around the
tire.
Maintenance

Tires
Make sure the installer balances Tire Rotation Replacing Tires and Wheels
the wheels when you have new The tires that came with your car
FRONT
tires installed. This increases were selected to match the
riding comfort and tire life. Your performance capabilities of the
car's original tires were dynamic car and provide the best
or "spin" balanced at the factory. combination of handling, ride
For best results, have the installer comfort, and long life. You should
perform a dynamic balance. replace them with radial tires of
the same size, load range, and
speed rating. Mixing radial and
NOTICE
bias-ply or bias-belted tires on
Improper wheel weights can your car can reduce its braking
damage your car's aluminum ability, traction, and steering
wheels. Use only genuine Honda accuracy.
wheel weights for balancing.
To help increase tire life and
distribute wear more evenly, you
should have the tires rotated
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Move the tires to the positions
shown in the chart each time they
are rotated.
Maintenance

Tires
Wheels and Tires Winter Driving
Wheel: Tires that are marked "M + S" or
(DX) "All Season" on the sidewall have
Installing improper tires on your an all-weather tread design. They
car can affect handling and 13 x 5J
should be suitable for most
stability. This can cause a crash winter driving conditions. Tires
(U.S.: EX, Canada: Si)
in which you can be seriously without these markings are
14x5J
hurt or killed. designed for optimum traction in
dry conditions. They may not
Always use the size and type of Tire: provide adequate performance in
tires recommended in this (DX) winter driving. For the best
owner's manual. P175/70 R13 82S performance in snowy or icy
conditions, you should install snow
(U.S.: EX, Canada: Si) tires or tire chains. They may be
It is best to replace all four tires required by local laws under
P185/60 R14 82H
at the same time. If that is not certain conditions.
possible or necessary, then
replace the two front tires or the See Tire Information on page 190
two rear tires as a pair. Replacing for additional information about
just one tire can seriously affect tire and wheel size designations.
your car's handling. See page 191 for information
about DOT Tire Quality Grading.
If you ever need to replace a
wheel, make sure the wheel's
specifications match those of the
original wheel that came on your
car. Replacement wheels are
available at your Honda dealer.
Maintenance

Tires
Snow Tires Tire Chains NOTICE
If you mount snow tires on your Mount snow chains on your car
Honda, make sure they are radial when warranted by driving Chains of the wrong size or that
tires of the same size and load conditions or required by local are improperly installed can
range as the original tires. Mount laws. Make sure the chains are damage your car's brake lines,
snow tires on all four wheels to the correct size for your tires. suspension, body, and wheels.
balance your car's handling in Install them only on the front Stop driving if you hear the
all weather conditions. Keep in tires. If metal chains are used, chains hitting any part of the car.
mind the traction provided by they must be SAE class "S." Cable
snow tires on dry roads may not type traction devices can also be
be as high as your car's original used.
equipment tires. You should drive
cautiously even when the roads When installing chains, follow the
are clear. Check with the tire manufacturer's instructions and
dealer for maximum speed mount them as tightly as you can.
recommendations. Drive slowly with chains installed.
If you hear the chains contacting
the body or chassis, stop and
tighten them. If they still make
contact, slow down until it stops.
Remove the chains as soon as you
begin driving on cleared roads.
Maintenance

Lights
Check the operation of your car's If you find any bulbs are burned BULB
exterior lights at least once a out, replace them as soon as
month. A burned out bulb can possible. Refer to the chart on
create an unsafe condition by page 187 to determine what type
reducing your car's visibility and of replacement bulb is needed.
the ability to signal your
intentions to other drivers. Check
the following:
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Headlights (low and high Your car has halogen headlight
beam) bulbs, one on each side. When
Parking lights replacing a bulb, handle it by its
steel base and protect the glass
Taillights from contact with your skin or
Brake lights hard objects. If you touch the 1. Open the hood. If you need to
glass, clean it with denatured change the headlight bulb on
Turn signals alcohol and a clean cloth. the passenger's side, remove
Back-up lights the air intake tube by pulling
Hazard light function it straight up.
NOTICE
License plate light Halogen headlight bulbs get very
Side marker lights hot when lit. Oil, perspiration, or
a scratch on the glass can cause
Daytime running lights the bulb to overheat and shatter.
(Canada cars)
continued
Maintenance

Lights
2. Remove the electrical 7. Push the electrical connector Replacing the Front Side
connector from the bulb by onto the tabs of the new bulb. Marker/Turn Signal and
squeezing the connector to Turn on the headlights to test Parking Light Bulb
unlock the tab on each side. the new bulb.
Pull the connector straight SCREW
back. 8. (Passenger's side)
Reinstall the air intake tube.
3. Remove the rubber weather
seal by pulling on the tab.
4. Unclip the end of the

hold-down wire from its slot.
Pivot it out of the way and
remove the bulb.
5. Insert the new bulb into the

hole, making sure the tabs are 1. Use a Phillips head screw-
in their slots. Pivot the driver to remove the screw
hold-down wire back in place from the top of the fender.
and clip the end into the slot.
6. Push the rubber weather seal

over the bulb. Make sure the
tab is on the top.
Maintenance

Lights
6. Insert the socket back into the Replacing Rear Bulbs
lens. Turn it clockwise to lock (in Fenders)
it in place.
7. Turn on the parking lights to
make sure the new bulb
works. COVER
8. To reinstall the light assembly
in the fender, line up the guide
on the assembly with the
metal tab next to the
headlight and line up the
fingers on the light assembly
2. Move the side marker light with the holes in the fender. LOCK TABS
assembly forward until it Push the light assembly
slides out of the body. straight back.
1. Open the trunk.
3. Turn the socket one-quarter 9. Install the mounting screw
2. Remove the cover from the
turn counterclockwise to and tighten it securely.
inside of the taillight assembly
remove it from the lens. by pushing on the tab.
4. Remove the bulb by pushing it 3. Determine which of the three

in slightly and turning it bulbs is burned out:
tail/stoplight, turn signal, or
counterclockwise.
side marker. Remove the
5. Install the new bulb in the socket for that bulb by turning
socket. Turn it clockwise to it counterclockwise.
lock it in place.
Maintenance

Lights
4. To remove either the Replacing Rear Bulbs 3. Use a Phillips head screw-
tail/stoplight bulb or the turn (in Trunk Lid) driver to remove the two
signal bulb, push it in slightly screws from the bulb holder.
and turn it counterclockwise. Remove the holder from the
To remove the side marker taillight assembly.
bulb, pull it straight out of
4. Try the taillights and back-up
the socket.
lights to verify which bulb
5. Install the new bulb in the needs replacing. Remove that
socket. Insert the socket back bulb from the socket by
in the taillight assembly and pushing it in slightly and
turn it clockwise to lock it turning it counterclockwise.
in place.
5. Install the new bulb in the
6. Test the new bulb. Reinstall socket. Test it to make sure it
the cover over the taillight works.
assembly.
1. Open the trunk. 6. Reinstall the bulb holder
assembly. Install the two
2. Remove the electrical screws and tighten them
connector from its hold-down securely.
clip by sliding it sideways
toward the center of the car.
Maintenance

Lights
High-Mount Brake Light Replacing a Rear Replacing Interior and Trunk
License Bulb Light Bulbs
INTERIOR LIGHT
1. Open the trunk and remove

the socket from the light 1. Remove the two screws and 1. Remove the lens by carefully
assembly by turning it remove the lens. prying on the edge of the lens
one-quarter turn 2. Pull the bulb straight out of its in the middle with a fingernail
counterclockwise. socket. Push the new bulb in file or a small flat-tip screw-
2. Remove the bulb by turning it until it bottoms in the socket. driver. Do not pry on the edge
one-quarter turn counter- of the housing around the
3. Turn on the parking lights and
clockwise. check that the new bulb is lens.
3. Install the new bulb and working.
reinstall the socket. Make sure 4. Reinstall the lens. Reinstall
the new bulb is working. the two screws and tighten
them securely.
Maintenance

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.
Maintenance

Storing Your Car

If you need to park your car for an If the car is to be stored for a To minimize the seal sticking,
extended period (more than longer period, it should be apply a silicone spray lubricant
1 month), there are several things supported on jackstands so the to all door and trunk seals.
you should do to prepare it for tires are off the ground. Also, apply a car body wax to
storage. Proper preparation helps Leave one window open the painted surfaces that mate
prevent deterioration and makes slightly (if the car is being with the door and trunk seals.
it easier to get your car back on
the road. It is best to store your stored indoors).
Disconnect the battery. If you store your car for 12
car indoors if at all possible. months or longer, have your
Cover the car with a
"breathable" car cover, one Honda dealer perform the
Fill the fuel tank.
made from a porous material inspections called for in the 24
Change the engine oil and filter months/30,000 miles (48,000 km)
(see page 115). such as cotton. Nonporous maintenance schedule as soon as
Wash and dry the exterior materials, such as plastic you take it out of storage (see
completely. sheeting, trap moisture which pages 108-110). The replace-
can damage the paint. ments called for in the
Clean the interior. Make sure
the carpeting, floor mats, etc. If possible, run the engine for a maintenance schedule are not
while periodically (preferably needed unless the car has
are completely dry.
once a month). actually reached that time or
Leave the parking brake off. mileage.
Put the transmission in Support the front and rear
Reverse (5-speed manual) or wiper blade arms with a folded
Park (automatic). towel or rag so they do not
touch the windshield.
Block the rear wheels.
Maintenance

Main Menu
Appearance Care
Regular cleaning and polishing of Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
your Honda helps to keep it "new" Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
looking. This section gives you Waxing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
hints on how to clean and Touch-Up P a i n t . . . . . . . . . . . 155
preserve your car's appearance:
the paint, brightwork, wheels and Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
interior. Also included are several Carpeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
things you can do to help prevent Fabric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
corrosion. Vinyl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Air Fresheners . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Corrosion Protection . . . . . . . . 158
Body Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Appearance Care

Exterior Care
Washing Rinse the car thoroughly with When you have washed and
Frequent washing helps preserve cool water to remove loose rinsed the whole exterior, dry
your car's beauty. Dirt and grit dirt. it with a chamois or soft towel.
can scratch the paint, while tree Fill a bucket with cool water. Letting it air-dry will cause
sap and bird droppings can Mix in a mild detergent, such dulling and water spots.
permanently ruin the finish. as dishwashing liquid or a As you dry the car, inspect it for
product made especially for chips and scratches that could
Wash your car in a shady area, car washing. allow corrosion to start. Repair
not in direct sunlight. If the car is them with touch-up paint (see
Wash the car, using the water
parked in the sun, move it into page 155).
and detergent solution and a
the shade and let the exterior soft-bristle brush, sponge or
cool down before you start. soft cloth. Start at the top and
work your way down. Rinse
NOTICE frequently.
Check the body for road tar,
Chemical solvents and strong
cleaners can damage the paint, tree sap, etc. Remove these
metal and plastic on your car. stains with tar remover or
Only use the solvents and turpentine. Rinse it off
cleaners recommended in this immediately so it does not
Owner's Manual. harm the finish. Remember to
rewax these areas, even if the
rest of the car does not need
waxing.
Appearance Care

Exterior Care
Waxing Polishes - Polishes and cleaner/ Touch-Up Paint
Always wash and dry the whole waxes can restore the shine to Your dealer has touch-up paint to
car before waxing it. You should paint that has oxidized and lost match your car's color. The color
wax your car, including the metal some of its shine. They normally code is printed on a sticker on the
trim, whenever water sits on the contain mild abrasives and driver's doorjamb. Take this code
surface in large patches. It should solvents that remove the top to your dealer so you are sure to
form into beads or droplets after layer of the finish. You should use get the correct color.
waxing. a polish on your Honda if the
finish does not have its original
shine after using a wax.
You should use a quality liquid or
paste wax. Apply it according to
the instructions on the container. Cleaning tar, insects, etc. with
In general, there are two types of removers also takes off the wax.
products: Remember to rewax those areas,
even if the rest of the car does not
Waxes - A wax coats the finish need waxing.
and protects it from damage by
exposure to sunlight, air
pollution, etc. You should use a
wax on your Honda when it is
new.
Appearance Care

Exterior Care
Examine the chip or scratch
closely before repairing it. If it
does not go down to bare metal,
clean it with soap and water and
apply the touch-up paint. If it
does go to the metal, apply a coat
of primer first. After this dries,
apply the touch-up paint. Build up
the paint in the damaged area to
TOUCH-UP the level of the surrounding paint.
PAINT Several thin coats of paint are
better than one 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

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

Interior Care, Corrosion Protection

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

Corrosion Protection, Body Repairs

Check the floor coverings for Body Repairs When reporting your collision to
dampness. Carpeting and floor Body repairs can affect your car's the insurance company, tell them
mats may remain damp for a resistance to corrosion. If your car you want genuine Honda parts
long time, especially in winter. needs repairs after a collision, pay used in the repair. Although most
This dampness can eventually close attention to the parts used insurers recognize the quality of
cause the floor panels to in the repair and the quality of the original parts, some may try to
corrode. work. specify that the repairs be done
with other available parts. You
Use a high-pressure spray to should investigate this before any
Make sure the repair facility uses repairs are begun.
clean the underside of your
genuine Honda replacement body
car. This is especially
parts. Some companies make
important in areas that use sheetmetal pieces that seem to Take your car to your authorized
road salt in winter. It is also a duplicate the original Honda body Honda dealer for inspection after
good idea in humid climates parts, but are actually inferior in the repairs are completed. He can
and areas subject to salt air. fit, finish, and corrosion make sure that quality materials
Cars with ABS have a sensor resistance. Once installed, they were used, and that corrosion-
and wiring at each wheel. Be do not give the same high-quality preventive coatings were applied
careful not to damage them. appearance. to all repaired and replaced parts.
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 . . . . . . . . . 162
common problems that motorists Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . 163
experience with their cars. It If Your Engine Won't Start . . . . 168
gives you information about how Nothing Happens . . . . . . . . . 168
to safely evaluate the problem
The Starter Operates
and what to do to correct it. If the
Normally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
problem has stranded you on the
side of the road, you may be able Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
to get going again. If not, you will If Your Engine Overheats . . . . . 171
also find instructions on getting Low Oil Pressure Indicator . . . 173
your car towed.
Charging System Indicator . . . 174
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 175
Closing the Moonroof . . . . . . . 176
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Checking and Replacing . . . 178
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

Compact Spare Tire

Your car has a compact spare tire Follow these precautions INDICATOR
that takes up less space. Use this whenever you are using the LOCATION
MARK
spare tire as a temporary replace- compact spare tire:
ment only. Get your regular tire
repaired or replaced and put back Do not exceed 50 mph
on your car as soon as you can. (80 km/h) under any
circumstances.
Check the inflation of the This tire gives a harsher ride
compact spare tire every time and less traction on some road
you check the other tires. It surfaces than the regular tire.
should be inflated to: Use greater caution while TREAD WEAR
60 psi (4.15 kg/cm 2 , 415 kPa). driving on this tire. INDICATOR
BAR
Do not mount snow chains on
the compact spare. The compact spare tire has a
The wheel of the compact shorter tread life than a regular
spare tire is designed tire. Replace it when you can see
especially to fit your car. Do the tread wear indicator bars. The
not use your spare tire on replacement should be the same
another car unless it is the size and design tire, mounted on
same make and model. the same wheel. The compact
spare tire is not designed to be
mounted on a regular wheel, and
the compact wheel is not
designed for mounting a regular
tire.

Changing a Flat Tire

If you have a flat tire while SPARE TIRE TRUNK FLOOR
driving, stop in a safe place to JACK
change it. Stopping in traffic or on
the shoulder of a busy road is
dangerous. Drive slowly along the
shoulder until you get to an exit TOOL
or an area to stop that is far away KIT
from the traffic lanes.
JACK
The car can easily roll off the
jack, seriously injuring anyone 6. Turn the jack's end bracket
2. Put the transmission in Park
underneath. counterclockwise to loosen it,
(automatic) or Reverse
then remove the jack.
(5-speed). Set the parking
Follow the directions for brake.
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the car when it 3. Open the trunk. Raise the
is supported only by the jack. trunk floor by lifting up on the
back edge.
4. Take the tool kit out of the
1. Park the car on firm, level trunk.
ground away from traffic. Turn
on the hazard warning lights 5. Unscrew the wing bolt and
and turn the ignition to take the spare tire out of
LOCK (0). the trunk.
continued


EXTENSION
JACKING
POINT
WHEEL WRENCH
7. Loosen the four wheel nuts 8. Locate the jacking point 9. Use the extension and wheel
1/2 turn with the wheel nearest the tire you need to wrench as shown to raise the
wrench. change. It is pointed to by an car until the flat tire is off
arrow molded into the under- the ground.
side of the body. Place the
jack under the jacking point.
Turn the end bracket clock-
wise until the top of the jack
contacts the jacking point.
Make sure the jacking point
tab is resting in the jack
notch.

BRAKE HUB
10. Remove the wheel nuts and 11. Before mounting the spare 12. Put on the spare tire. Put the
flat tire. Temporarily place the tire, wipe any dirt off the wheel nuts back on finger-
flat tire on the ground. mounting surface of the wheel tight, then tighten them in a
and hub with a cloth. crisscross pattern with the
wheel wrench until the wheel
is firmly against the hub. Do
not try to tighten them fully.
continued

WING BOLT
SPACER
CONE
13. Lower the car to the ground 14. Tighten the wheel nuts 15. Remove the wheel cover or
and remove the jack. securely in the same center cap. Place the flat tire
crisscross pattern. Have the face down in the trunk well.
wheel nut torque checked at
the nearest automotive 16. Remove the spacer cone from
service facility. Tighten the the wing bolt, turn it over, and
wheel nuts to: put it back on the bolt.
110 N.m (11 kg-m,80 Ib-ft).
17. Secure the flat tire by
screwing the wing bolt back
into its hole.


18. Store the jack in the trunk
with the end bracket on the
right side. Turn the jack's end
bracket to lock it in place.
Store the tool kit.
19. Store the wheel cover or

center cap in the trunk.

If Your Engine Won't Start

Diagnosing why your engine Nothing Happens or the Turn the ignition switch to
won't start falls into two areas, Starter Motor Operates START (III). If the headlights do
depending on what you hear not dim, check the condition of
when you turn the key to Very Slowly
the fuses. If the fuses are OK,
START (III): When you turn the ignition
there is probably something
switch to START (III), you do
wrong with the electrical circuit
You hear nothing, or almost not hear the normal noise of the
engine trying to start. You may for the ignition switch or
nothing. The engine's starter
hear a clicking sound or series starter motor. You will need a
motor does not operate at all,
of clicks, or nothing at all. qualified technician to deter-
or operates very slowly.
Check these things: mine the problem. (See Towing
You can hear the starter motor on page 182.)
operating normally, but the Check the transmission inter-
engine does not start up and lock. If you have a 5-speed, If the headlights dim noticeably
run. the clutch pedal must be or go out when you try to start
pushed all the way to the floor the engine, either the battery is
or the starter will not operate. discharged or the connections are
With an automatic transmis- corroded. Check the condition of
sion, it must be in Park or the battery and terminal connec-
Neutral. tions (see page 134). You can then
Turn the ignition switch to try jump starting the car from a
booster battery (see page 169).
ON (II). Turn on the
headlights and check their
brightness. If the headlights
are very dim or don't light at
all, the battery is discharged.
See Jump Starting on
page 169.

If Your Engine Won't Start, Jump Starting

The Starter Operates Normally Jump Starting To jump start your car:
In this case, the starter motor If your car's battery has run 1. Open the hood and check the
sounds normal when you turn down, you may be able to start
the engine by using a booster physical condition of the
the ignition switch to START (III),
battery. Although this seems like battery (see page 133). In
but the engine does not run.
a simple procedure, there are very cold weather, check the
Are you using the proper several precautions you should condition of the electrolyte.
starting procedure? Refer to take. Follow the directions If it seems slushy or like ice,
Starting the Engine on page 93. closely. do not try jump starting until
Do you have gas? Turn the it thaws.
ignition switch to ON (II) for
a minute and watch the fuel NOTICE
gauge.
There may be an electrical A battery can explode if you If a battery sits in extreme
problem, such as no power to do not follow the correct cold, the electrolyte inside
the fuel pump. Check all the procedure, seriously injuring can freeze. Attempting to
fuses (see page 177). anyone nearby. jump start with a frozen
battery can cause it to rupture
If you find nothing wrong, you will or explode.
need a qualified technician to Keep all sparks, open flames,
find the problem. See Towing on and smoking materials away
page 182. from the battery. 2. Turn off all the electrical
accessories: heater, A/C,
stereo system, lights, etc. Put
You cannot start a Honda with an the transmission in Neutral or
automatic transmission by Park and set the parking
pushing or pulling it. brake.
continued

Jump Starting
BOOSTER BATTERY
3. Connect one jumper cable to 4. Connect the second jumper 6. Start your car. If the starter
the positive (+) terminal on cable to the negative (-) motor still operates slowly,
the booster battery. Connect terminal on the booster check the jumper cable
the other end to the positive battery. Connect the other connections to make sure they
terminal on your Honda's end to the grounding strap as have good metal-to-metal
battery. shown. Do not connect this contact.
jumper cable to any other
7. Once your car is running,
part of the engine.
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 positive cable from your car,
fast idle. then the booster battery.

If Your Engine Overheats

The pointer of your car's heat is due to overloading
temperature gauge should stay in (climbing a long, steep hill on
the midrange under most a hot day with the A/C
conditions. It may go higher if you Steam and spray from an running, for example), the
are driving up a long steep hill on overheated engine can engine should start to cool
a very hot day. If it climbs to the seriously scald you. down almost immediately. If it
red mark, you should determine does, wait until the
the reason. Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out. temperature gauge comes
down to the midpoint then
NOTICE continue driving.
Driving with the temperature 4. If the temperature gauge stays

gauge pointer at the red mark can 1. Safely pull to the side of the
road. Put the transmission in at the red mark, turn off the
cause serious damage to your engine.
engine. Neutral or Park and set the
parking brake. Turn off the
5. Wait until you see no more sign:
Your car can overheat for several climate control and all other
of steam or spray, then open the
reasons, such as lack of coolant accessories. Turn on the
hood.
or a mechanical problem. The hazard warning indicators.
only indication may be the 2. If you see steam and/or spray
temperature gauge climbing to or coming from under the hood,
above the red mark. Or you may turn off the engine.
see steam or spray coming from
under the hood. In either case, 3. If you do not see steam or
you should take immediate spray, leave the engine
action. running and watch the
temperature gauge. If the high
continued

If Your Engine Overheats

6. Look for any obvious the proper coolant mixture
coolant leaks, such as a split available, you can add plain
radiator hose. Everything is still water. Remember to have the
extremely hot, so use caution. If Removing the radiator cap cooling system drained and
you find a leak, it must be while the engine is hot can refilled with the proper
repaired before you continue cause the coolant to spray out, mixture as soon as you can.
driving (see Towing on seriously scalding you.
page 182). 11. Put the radiator cap back on
Always let the engine and tightly. Run the engine and
radiator cool down before watch the temperature gauge.
7. If you don't find an obvious
leak, check the coolant level in removing the radiator cap. If it goes back to the red
the radiator reserve tank (see mark, the engine needs repair.
page 120), If the level is below 9. Using gloves or a large heavy (See Towing on page 182.)
the MIN mark, add coolant to cloth, turn the radiator cap
half way between the MIN and counterclockwise, without 12. If the temperature stays
MAX marks. pushing down, to the first stop. normal, check the coolant
This releases any remaining level in the radiator reserve
8. If there was no coolant in the pressure in the cooling system. tank. If it has gone down, add
reserve tank, you may also have After the pressure releases, coolant to the MAX mark. Put
to add coolant to the radiator. push down on the cap and turn the cap back on tightly.
Let the engine cool down until it until it comes off.
the pointer reaches the
middle of the temperature 10. Start the engine and set the
gauge, or lower, before heater control lever to
checking the radiator. maximum. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the
fill neck. If you do not have

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

3. If necessary, add oil to bring
NOTICE the level back to the full mark
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
Running the engine with low oil on the dipstick (see page 115).
pressure can cause serious 4. Start the engine and watch the
mechanical damage almost
oil pressure indicator. If the
immediately. Turn off the engine
as soon as you can safely get the indicator does not go out within
car stopped. 10 seconds, turn off the engine.
There is a mechanical problem
1. Safely pull off the road and that needs to be repaired before
shut off the engine. you can continue driving. (See
2. Let the car sit for a minute. Towing on page 182.)
Open the hood and check the
oil level (see page 115).
The low oil pressure indicator Although oil level and oil
should never come on when the pressure are not directly
engine is running. If this indicator connected, an engine that is
comes on with the engine very low on oil can lose
running, take immediate action. pressure during cornering and
other driving maneuvers.

Charging System Indicator

Immediately turn off all electrical By eliminating as much of the
accessories: radio, heater, A/C, electrical load as possible, you
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR can drive several miles before the
rear defogger, cruise control, etc.
Try 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
running and take extra care not to you can get technical assistance.
stall it. Starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
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.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp, Check Engine Light

If this indicator comes on safely
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP* NOTICE
pull off the road and turn off the
engine. Restart the engine and If you keep driving with the
watch the indicator. If it stays on, malfunction indicator lamp/check
have your car checked by the engine light on, you can damage
dealer as soon as possible. Drive your car's emission controls and
moderately until the dealer has engine. Those repairs may not be
inspected the problem. Avoid covered by your car's warranties.
full-throttle acceleration and
driving at high speed.
You should also have the dealer

inspect your car if the indicator
If this indicator comes on while comes on frequently, even though
driving, there is a problem with it goes off when you follow the
your engine or its emission above procedure.
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 damage.
* The U.S. instrument panel is
shown. Differences for the Cana-
dian model are noted in the text.

Closing the Moonroof

If the electric motor will not close
the moonroof, do the following: ROUND PLUG
1. Check the fuse for the
moonroof motor (see
page 177). If the fuse is blown,
replace it with one of the
same or lower rating.
2. Try closing the moonroof. If
the new fuse blows immedi-
ately or the moonroof motor
still does not operate, you can
close the moonroof manually.
4. Use a screwdriver or coin to 5. Insert the moonroof wrench
3. Get the tool kit out of the trunk. remove the round plug into the socket behind this
between the sun visors. plug. Turn the wrench until
the moonroof is fully closed.
6. Remove the wrench. Replace
the round plug.

Fuses
All the electrical circuits in your UNDER-HOOD INTERIOR
car have fuses to protect them
from a short circuit or overload.
These fuses are located in two
or three fuse boxes.
The under-hood fuse box is The interior fuse box is

located in the engine underneath the dashboard on the
compartment next to the battery. driver's side. Remove the fuse
To open, push the tab as shown. box lid by swinging the lid down
and pulling it straight out of its
hinges.

Fuses
Checking and Replacing
If something electrical in your car
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. Replace any blown fuses BLOWN
and check the component's
operation.
Cars equipped with ABS have a 3. Check each of the large fuses
third fuse box for the ABS. It is in 1. Turn the ignition switch to
LOCK (0). Make sure the in the underhood fuse box by
the front of the engine
headlights and all other looking through the top at the
compartment on the passenger's
side. accessories are off. wire inside. Removing these
fuses requires a Phillips
2. Remove the cover from the head screwdriver.
fuse box.

Fuses
If you replace the burned out fuse
FUSE PULLER BLOWN with a spare fuse that has a lower
rating, it might blow out again.
This does not indicate anything
wrong. Replace the fuse with one
of the correct rating as soon as
you can.
NOTICE
Replacing a fuse with one that has
a higher rating greatly increases
the chances of damaging the
4. Check the smaller fuses in the 5. Look for a burned wire inside electrical system. If you do not
under-hood fuse box and all the fuse. If it is burned out, have a replacement fuse with the
the fuses in the interior fuse replace it with one of the proper rating for the circuit,
box by pulling out each fuse spare fuses of the same rating install one with a lower rating.
with the fuse puller provided or lower.
in the interior fuse box. 6. If the replacement fuse of the
If you cannot drive the car same rating burns out in a
without fixing the problem, and short time, there is probably a
you do not have a spare fuse, take serious electrical problem in
a fuse of the same rating or a your car. Leave the burned
lower rating from one of the other out fuse in that circuit and
circuits. Make sure you can do have your car checked by a
without that circuit temporarily
qualified technician.
(such as the cigarette lighter or
radio).

Fuses
*1 Optional for Canadian LX model

*2 On Canadian cars

Fuses
For cars equipped with ABS

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

Main Menu
Technical Information
The diagrams in this section give Identification Numbers . . . . . . 184 Exhaust Emission
you the dimensions and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
capacities of your Honda and the PGM-FI System . . . . . . . . . 194
locations of the identification Anti-Lock Brake System . . . . . 188 Ignition Timing
numbers. The explanations of Supplemental Restraint Control System . . . . . . 194
several electronic and mechanical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Three-Way Catalytic
systems on your Honda are for Tire Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 Converter . . . . . . . . . . 194
the more technically oriented Tire Size Designation . . . . . . 190 Replacement Parts . . . . . 194
owner. Wheel Size Designation . . . 190 Three-Way Catalytic
Tire Speed Ratings . . . . . . . . 190 Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Tire Pressure Adjustment
for High Speed Driving .. 191
DOT Tire Quality Grading
U.S. Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . 192
Emission Controls . . . . . . . . . . 193
The Clean Air A c t . . . . . . . . . 193
Crankcase Emission
Control System . . . . . . . . 193
Evaporative Emission
Control System . . . . . . . . 193

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
insuring 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 attached to
the driver's doorjamb, and is
stamped on the engine compart-
ment bulkhead. The VIN is also
provided in bar code on the
Certification Label.
CERTIFICATION LABEL

Identification Numbers
The Engine Number is stamped
into the engine block.
TRANSMISSION NUMBER
The Transmission Number is on a
label on top of the transmission.
ENGINE NUMBER

Specifications
page 131.
*1 Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
*1 DX engine. Reserve tank capacity: 0.4 (0.11 U.S. gal, 0.09 Imp gal)
*2 U.S.: EX, EX w/ABS option *2 DX
*3 U.S.: EX, EX w/ABS option, Canada: Si
*4 Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.

Specifications
*1 DX
*2Canada:
U.S.: EX,
Si

Anti-Lock Brake System

On U.S. EX with ABS option The electrical output of the ABS For the system to react quickly,
control unit is connected to the the modulator/solenoid unit must
The ABS works by measuring how modulator/solenoid unit. During have brake fluid under high
fast the wheels are turning during braking, the ABS control unit pressure. This is supplied by a
braking and comparing their monitors the pulse frequencies diaphragm-type accumulator that
speed. If any wheel is rotating from the four wheels. When the is pressurized by an electric
much slower than the others (on control unit detects a wheel pump. A pressure-sensing switch
the verge of locking up and locking up, it energizes the on the accumulator controls this
skidding), the system reduces appropriate solenoid in the pump.
hydraulic pressure to that wheel's modulator/solenoid unit. There
brake caliper. When that wheel's are three solenoids: one for each
speed matches the other wheels, The control unit also contains
front wheel, and one for the rear error detection circuitry. It
the system applies normal wheels. The energized solenoid
hydraulic pressure. This can take monitors the operation of the
reduces hydraulic pressure to one wheel sensors, solenoids, pump,
place several times per second at side of a modulator valve. This, in
each wheel. You feel the ABS and electronics. If the control unit
turn, reduces hydraulic pressure detects any faults, it shuts off
working as rapid pulsations in the in the brake line going to the
brake pedal. power to the pump motor and
affected wheel. When that wheel solenoids. The light on the
speeds up because of the reduced instrument panel comes on. The
Each wheel has a wheel speed braking effort, the control unit brakes then work like a
sensor assembly. As the wheel de-energizes the solenoid. This conventional system without
rotates, the sensor sends builds hydraulic pressure on the anti-lock capabilities.
electrical pulses to the ABS modulator valve. The pressure
control unit. The pulse frequency increases in the hydraulic line to
varies with the wheel speed. the wheel.


The Honda Supplemental When the control unit receives The airbags and control unit must
Restraint System (SRS) is trigger signals from both sensors, be replaced after the system is
standard on all Civic Coupes sold it sends voltage to the airbags. activated. After use, your Honda
in the U.S. and Canada. The control unit stores this dealer must check the complete
charge in capacitors to ensure Supplemental Restraint System
reliability even if a severe impact and replace the airbag
The SRS includes the steering damages the car's battery or assemblies.
wheel airbag assembly for the electrical connections.
driver, a dashboard-mounted
airbag assembly for the front seat To ensure long-term reliability,
passenger, and a control unit with The electrical charge sent to the the SRS uses gold-plated
sensors behind the center airbag assembly ignites its electrical connections
console. propellant, which burns throughout. Exposed components
instantaneously. The gas are sealed with epoxy. The
produced by the burning control unit monitors the SRS
The sensors are decelerometers, propellant inflates the airbag circuitry whenever the ignition is
set to trigger in a severe frontal instantly. ON (II). If the control unit senses
impact that generates more force any faults, it turns on the SRS
than a 25 mile per hour crash into indicator light on the instrument
a parked vehicle of similar size. The airbags are vented so they
stay inflated for only an instant panel. Take the car to your Honda
For the SRS to activate, both dealer to diagnose and repair the
sensors must trigger. This and do not block the driver's
vision. Smoke from the burned system as soon as possible.
duplication is to prevent
accidental activation. propellant comes out of the
airbag and into the car's interior. The SRS needs no regular
This is normal and does not mean maintenance other than an
there is a fire. The airbags inspection by your Honda dealer
collapse onto the driver's and 10 years after manufacture.
passenger's laps.

Tire Information
Tire Size Designation 14 Rim diameter in inches. J Rim contour designation.
A tire's sidewall is marked with a
tire size designation. You will 81 Load Index, a numerical code
need this information when associated with the maximum
Tire Speed Ratings
selecting replacement tires for load the tire can carry.
The chart below shows many of
your car. The following explains the different speed ratings
what the letters and numbers in H Speed Rating Symbol. See the
speed rating chart in this section currently being used for
the tire size designation mean. passenger car tires. The speed
for additional information.
rating symbol is part of the tire
(Example tire size designation) size designation on the sidewall of
P175/65R1481H the tire. This symbol corresponds
Wheel Size Designation to that tire's designed maximum
P Applicable vehicle type (tires Wheels are also marked with safe operating speed.
marked with the prefix "P" are important information that you
intended for use on passenger need if you ever have to replace
cars; however, not all tires have one. The following explains what
this marking). the letters and numbers in the
wheel size designation mean.
175 Tire width in millimeters.
(Example wheel size designation)
65 Aspect ratio. The tire's 14 x 5J
section height as a percentage of
its width. 14 Rim diameter in inches.
R Tire construction code 5 Rim width in inches.

(Radial).

Tire Information
Tire Pressure Adjustment for Be sure to readjust the pressure times as well on the government
for normal driving speeds. You course as a tire graded 100. The
High Speed Driving should wait until the tires are relative performance of tires
Honda strongly recommends that cold before adjusting the tire depends upon the actual
you not drive faster than posted pressure (see page 140). conditions of their use, however,
speed limits and conditions allow. and may depart significantly from
If you decide it is safe to drive at the norm due to variations in
high speeds, be sure to adjust the DOT Tire Quality Grading driving habits, service practices
cold tire pressures as shown (U.S. Cars) and differences in road
below. If you do not adjust the tire characteristics and climate.
The tires on your car meet all U.S.
pressure, excessive heat can Federal Safety Requirements. All
build up and cause sudden tire tires are also graded for
failure. treadwear, traction, and
DX temperature performance
according to Department of
Transportation (DOT) standards.
The following explains these
gradings.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
U.S.: EX, Canada: Si comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one-and-one-half (1-1/2)

Tire Information
Traction Temperature Warning: The temperature grade
The traction grades, from highest The temperature grades are A for this tire is established for a
to lowest, are A, B, and C, and (the highest), B, and C, tire that is properly inflated and
they represent the tire's ability to representing the tire's resistance not overloaded. Excessive speed,
stop on wet pavement as to the generation of heat and its underinflation, or excessive
measured under controlled ability to dissipate heat when loading, either separately or in
conditions on specified tested under controlled combination, can cause heat
government test surfaces of conditions on a specified indoor build-up and possible tire failure.
asphalt and concrete. A tire laboratory test wheel. Sustained
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 temperature can lead to sudden
assigned to this tire is based on tire failure. The grade C
braking (straight ahead) traction corresponds to a level of
tests and does not include performance which all passenger
cornering (turning) traction. car tires must meet 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.

Emissions Controls
The burning of gasoline in your The Clean Air Act Crankcase Emission
car's engine produces several by- The Clean Air Act* sets standards Control System
products. Some of these are for automobile emissions. It also Your car has a Positive Crankcase
carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of requires that automobile Ventilation (PCV) System. This
nitrogen (NOx), and manufacturers explain to owners keeps gasses that build up in the
hydrocarbons (HC). Gasoline how their emissions controls engine's crankcase from going
evaporating from the tank also work and what to do to maintain into the atmosphere. The PCV
produces hydrocarbons. them. This section summarizes valve routes them from the
Controlling the production of how the emissions controls work. crankcase back to the intake
NOx, CO, and HC is important to Scheduled maintenance is on manifold. They are then drawn
the environment. Under certain page 108. into the engine and burned.
conditions of sunlight and
climate, NOx and HC react to form * In Canada, Honda vehicles
photochemical "smog." Carbon comply with the Canadian Motor
monoxide does not contribute to Evaporative Emission
Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS)
smog creation, but it is a for Emissions valid at the time Control System
poisonous gas. they are manufactured. As fuel evaporates in the fuel tank,
an evaporative emission control
canister filled with charcoal adsorb*
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.

Emissions Controls
Exhaust Emission Controls Ignition Timing Control System Replacement Parts
The exhaust emission controls This system constantly adjusts The emissions control systems
include three systems: PGM-FI, the ignition timing, reducing are designed and certified to work
Ignition Timing Control, and the amount of HC, CO and together in reducing emissions to
Three-Way Catalytic Converter. NOx produced. levels that comply with the Clean
These three systems work Air Act. To make sure the
together to control the engine's Three-Way Catalytic Converter emissions remain low, you should
combustion and minimize the use only new Genuine Honda
amount of HC, CO, and NOx that The Three-Way Catalytic replacement parts or their
comes out the tailpipe. The Converter is in the exhaust equivalent for repairs. Using
exhaust emission control systems system. Through chemical lower quality parts may increase
are separate from the crankcase reactions, it converts HC, CO, and the emissions from your car.
and evaporative emission control NOx in the engine's exhaust to
systems. carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), dinitrogen
(N 2 ), and water vapor. The emissions control systems
are covered by warranties
PGM-FI System separate from the rest of your
The PGM-FI System uses a car. Read your warranty manual
sequential multiport fuel for more information.
injection. It has three
sub-systems: Air Intake, Engine
Control, and Fuel Control. The
Engine Control Module (ECM)
uses various sensors to
determine how much air is going
into the engine. It then controls
how much fuel to inject under all
operating conditions.

Three-Way Catalytic Converter

The Three-Way Catalytic Always use unleaded gasoline.
Converter contains precious Even a small amount of leaded
metals that serve as catalysts, gasoline can contaminate the
promoting chemical reactions to catalyst metals, making the
convert the exhaust gasses converter ineffective.
without affecting the metals. The Keep the engine tuned-up.
catalytic converter is referred to Have your car diagnosed and
as a three-way catalyst, since it repaired if it is misfiring, back-
acts on HC, CO, and NOx. A firing, continuing to run after
replacement unit must be an you turn off the engine,
original Honda part or its stalling, or otherwise not
equivalent. CATALYTIC CONVERTER running properly.
The Three-Way Catalytic A defective catalytic converter

Converter must operate at a high contributes to air pollution, and
temperature for the chemical can impair your engine's
reactions to take place. It can set performance. Follow these
on fire any combustible materials guidelines to protect your car's
that come near it. Park your car catalytic converter.
away from high grass, dry leaves,
or other flammables.

Main Menu
Warranty and Customer Relations

Warranty Coverages . . . . . . . . . 198
Customer Relations
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . 200
U.S. Zone Office Map . . . . . . . . 201
Canada Zone Office Map . . . . . 202
Authorized Manuals . . . . . . . . . 203

Warranty Coverages
U.S. Cars Seat Belt Limited Warranty- Replacement Battery Limited
Your new Honda is covered by A seat belt that fails to function Warranty Provides prorated
these warranties: properly is covered for the coverage for a replacement
useful life of the car. battery purchased from a Honda
New Car Limited Warranty dealer.
Rust Perforation Limited
Covers your new car, except for
Warranty All exterior body Replacement Muffler Lifetime
the battery, emissions control
panels are covered for Limited Warranty Provides
systems and accessories, against
rust-through from the inside for coverage for as long as the
defects in materials and
the specified time period with purchaser of the muffler owns
workmanship.
no mileage limit. the car.
Emission Control Systems Restrictions and exclusions apply
Defects Warranty and Accessory Limited Warranty
Genuine Honda Accessories are to all these warranties. Please
Emissions Performance read the 1994 Honda Warranty
Warranty These two warranties covered under this warranty.
booklet that came with your car
cover your car's emission control Time and mileage limits depend
for precise information on
systems. Time, mileage, and on the type of accessory and warranty coverages. Your Honda's
coverage are conditional. Please other factors. Please read your original tires are covered by their
read the warranty manual for warranty manual for details. manufacturer. Tire warranty
exact information. information is in a separate
Replacement Parts Limited booklet.
Original Equipment Battery Warranty Covers all Genuine
Limited Warranty This Honda replacement parts
warranty gives up to 100% credit against defects in materials and Canada Cars
toward a replacement battery. workmanship. Please refer to the 1994 Warranty
and Maintenance Guide that came
with your car.

Customer Relations Information

Honda dealership personnel are If you are dissatisfied with the When you call or write, please
trained professionals. They decision made by the dealership's give us this information:
should be able to answer all your management, contact your Honda
questions. If you encounter a Customer Relations Zone Office. Vehicle Identification Number
problem that your dealership Refer to the U.S. and Canada Zone (see page 184).
does not solve to your Office maps on the following
Name and address of the
satisfaction, please discuss it with pages.
dealer who services your car.
the dealership's management.
Date of purchase.
The Service Manager or General
Manager can help. Almost all Mileage on your car.
problems are solved in this way. Your name, address, and
telephone number.
A detailed description of the
problem.
Name of the dealer who sold
the car to you.

Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Cars)

If you believe that your vehicle If NHTSA receives similar To contact NHTSA, you may
has a defect that could cause a complaints, it may open an either call the Auto Safety Hotline
crash or could cause injury or investigation, and if it finds that a toll-free at (800) 424-9393 (or
death, you should immediately safety defect exists in a group of (202) 366-0123 in Washington D.C.
inform the National Highway vehicles, it may order a recall and area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S.
Traffic Safety Administration remedy campaign. However, Department of Transportation,
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying NHTSA cannot become involved Washington, D.C. 20590. You can
American Honda Motor Co.. Inc. in individual problems between also obtain other information
you, your dealer, or American about motor vehicle safety from
Honda Motor Co., inc. the Hotline.

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
Northwestern Zone 1500 Morrison Parkway
P.O. Box 20186 Alpharetta, Georgia 30201
12439 N.E. Airport Way (404) 442-2045
Portland, Oregon 97220
(503) 256-0943 North Central Zone
(also includes 601 Campus Drive, Suite A-9
Alaska and Hawaii) Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004
(708) 870-5600
South Central Zone
4529 Royal Lane New England Zone
Irving, Texas 75063 555 Old County Road
(214)929-5481 Windsor Locks, Connecticut 06096
(203)623-3310
Central Zone See Zone 5 for: NYC Metro area
101 South Stanfield Road and Fairfield County, CT area
Troy, Ohio 45373
(513)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 (809) 250-8070
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.

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

Main Menu
Index
Additives, Engine Oil . . . . . . . . 117 Anti-Lock Brakes
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
ABS. See Anti-Lock Brakes Adjustments
Indicator Light . . . . . . . 32, 103
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38, 53
Accessories, Installation . . . . . . 89 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
ACCESSORY Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . 36, 41 Anti-Theft Steering
(Ignition Key Position) . . . . . 46 Air Cleaner Element . . . . . . . . . 130 Column Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Adding Air Conditioning Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Automatic Transmission Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Clutch Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Air Filter. See Air Cleaner Element Audio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Air Outlets (Vents) . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Manual Transmission Automatic Cruise Control . . . . . 42
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Air Pressure, Tires . . . . . . 187, XIII Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 97
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . 129 Airbag (SRS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Capacity, Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Radiator Coolant . . . . . . . . . 120 Checking Fluid Level . . . . . . 125
Alcohol and Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Windshield Washer Fluid .. 124 Shift Lever Position
Additional Safety Alcohol in Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . 82 Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Alternator Belt. See Engine Belts Shift Lever Positions . . . . . . . 97
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Shift Lock Release . . . . . . . . 100
Anchor Plate, Child Seat . . . . . . 23
Driving With Pets . . . . . . . . . . 17 Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Seat-Back Position . . . . . . . . . 16
Storing Cargo Safely . . . . . . . 17

Main Menu
Index
Brightness Control Cassette Player
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Brights, Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Charging System
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Bulb Replacement Catalytic Converter,
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 Back-up Lights . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Three-Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Brake Lights . . . . . . . . 147, 148 CAUTION, Explanation of Preface ii
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 Front Parking Lights . . . . . . 146
Front Side Marker Lights .. 146 Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . 184
Before Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Belts, S e a t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 High-Mount Brake Light . . . 149
License Plate Lights . . . . . . 149 Change Oil
Beverage Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Rear Side Marker Lights . . . 147 How to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Body Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 When . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Brakes Turn Signal Lights . . . . . . . . 146 Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . 163
Anti-Lock Brake System . . . 103
Bulbs, Halogen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 Changing Engine Coolant . . . . 121
Break-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Charging System Indicator . . . . 31
Light, Burned out . . . . . . . . . 145
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 174
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
System Indicator . . . . . . . . . . 31 Cables, Jump Starting With .. 169 Check Engine Light
Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . 101 Capacities Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 (Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Braking System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . . . . . 25
Break-in, New Car . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Cargo, Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Main Menu
Index
Checking Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Instrument Panel
Automatic Transmission Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
CLEAN light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Rear Window Defogger . . . . . 40
Battery Condition . . . . . . . . 133 Cleaner, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 Steering Wheel
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Cleaning Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Clutch Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Engine Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Windshield Washers . . . . . . . 39
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . . 39
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Vinyl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Controls, Instruments and . . . . 27
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Manual Transmission Clock, Setting the . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Coolant
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Clutch Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . 129 Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
CO in the Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Radiator Coolant . . . . . . . . . 120
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Cold Weather, Starting in . . . . . 94 Proper Solution . . . . . . . . . . 120
Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . 136 Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . 35
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Checklist, Before Driving . . . . . 92 Corrosion Protection . . . . . . . . 158
Consumer Information . . . . . . 199
Child Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Crankcase Emission Control
Control Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Guidlines for Restraining System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Infants/Children . . . . . . . . 19 Controls Near the Steering
Important Safety Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Cruise Control Operation . . . . . 42
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Daytime Running Lights . . . . 37 Cup Holder. See Beverage Holder
Where Should Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Customer Relations
Children S i t . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Information* . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199

Main Menu
Index
Customer Relations Office* .. 199 Disabled, Towing Your Car If . 182 Charging System
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .. 101
Check Engine Light
Disposal of Used Oil . . . . . . . . . 119 (Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Doors Checking the Fuses . . . . . . . 178
DANGER, Explanation of Preface ii Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Locking and Unlocking . . . . . 47
Dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 (U.S.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 47
Manually Closing
Daytime Running Lights . . . . . . 37 DOT Tire Quality Grading . . . . 191 Moonroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Dead Battery, What to Do . . . . 169 Downshifting, 5-Speed Manual Oil Pressure Indicator . . . . . . 31
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Overheated Engine . . . . . . . 171
Defects, Reporting Safety . . . . 200
Driving Emergency Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Defogger, Rear Window . . . . . . . 40
Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Emergency Flashers . . . . . . . . . . 33
Defrosting the Windows . . . . . . 68 In Bad Weather . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Emissions Control . . . . . . . . . . 193
DEXRON II Automatic In Foreign Countries . . . . . . . 83
Engine
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . 125
Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Check Light(Canada) . . . . . . 32
Dimming the Headlights . . . . . . 37 Coolant Temperature
Economy, Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Dipstick Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Automatic Transmission .. 125 Emergencies on the Road . . . . 161 Identification Number . . . . . 185
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Battery, Jump Starting . . . . 169 Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . 163 (U.S.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Directional Signals . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Main Menu
Index
Oil Filters FM Stereo Radio Reception . . . 69
Capacity . . . . . . . . . . 186, XIII Air. See Air Cleaner Element Folding Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
What Kind to Use . . . . . . XIII Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Oil Pressure Indicator . . . . . . 31 Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Foreign Countries, Driving in .. 83
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Four-Way Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . 40
First Gear, Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
5-Speed Manual Transmission Front End, Towing by Emergency
Ethanol in Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . 83 Wrecker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Checking Fluid Level . . . . . . 126
Evaporative Emission Shifting the . . . . . . . . . . . . 95, 96 Fuel
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . 33 Fill Door and Cap . . . . . . . . . . 84
Filling the Fuel Tank . . . . . . . 84
Exhaust Fumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Flat Tire, Changing a . . . . . . . . 163 Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Expectant Mothers Fluids Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Use of Seat Belts by . . . . . . . . 10 5-Speed Manual Octane Requirement . . . . . . . 82
Exterior, Cleaning the . . . . . . . 154 Transmission . . . . . . 126, XIII Oxygenated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Tank, Capacity . . . . . . . 186, XIII
Automatic Fuses, Checking the . . . . . . . . . 178
Transmission . . . . . . 125, XIII
Capacity . . . . . . . . . . 186, XIII
Fabric, Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Fan, Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Features, Comfort and Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Gas Mileage, Improving . . . . . . . 88
Convenience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Windshield Washer . . . . . . . 124
Gas Station Procedures . . . . . . . 84
Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Filling the Fuel Tank . . . . . . . . . . 84 G a s o h o l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Main Menu
Index
Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82, XIII High Beam Indicator . . . . . . . 33 S w i t c h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
See also Fuel High Beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Timing Control System . . . . 194
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Low Beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Indicator Lights, Instrument
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Replacing Halogen Bulbs .. 145
Octane Requirement . . . . . . XIII Turning on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Tank, Filling the . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Heating and Cooling . . . . . . . . . . 62 Infant Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Gauges High Altitude, Starting a t . . . . . . 94 Inflation, Proper Tire . . . . . . . . 140
Engine Coolant
High-Low Beam Switch . . . . . . . 33 Inside Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Hood, Opening the . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Inspection, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Gearshift Lever Positions Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
5-Speed Transmission . . . . . . 96 Instrument Panel Brightness .. 38
Automatic Transmission . . . 97 Hot Coolant, Warning About.. 120
Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Glass Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Interior Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . Preface i
Identification Number
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . . . . . 145 Jack, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
If Your Car Has to Be
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . 40 Towed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 Jacking up the Car . . . . . . . . . . 164
Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Ignition Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Daytime Running Lights . . . . 37 Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Main Menu
Index
Locking Clip, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . 22 Manually Closing Moonroof ..176
Locks Maximum Shift Speeds . . . . . . . 96
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Anti-Theft Steering Meters, Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Fuel Filler Door . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Methanol in Gasoline . . . . . . . . . 83
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Mirror, V a n i t y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Label, Certification . . . . . . . . . . 184 Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Mirrors, Adjusting the . . . . . . . . 53
Labels, Safety, Location of . . . . 26 Low Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . 120
Moonroof
Lane Change, Signaling . . . . . . . 38 Lower Gear Closing Manually . . . . . . . . . 176
Downshifting to a . . . . . . . . . . 95 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Lap B e l t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Lubricant Specifications
Lap/Shoulder Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Leaking of Exhaust Into Car . . . 25
Luggage, Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Lighter, Cigarette . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Neutral Gear Position . . . . . . . . 98
Lights New Vehicle Break-in . . . . . . . . . 82
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . 145
Normal Shift Speeds . . . . . . . . . . 96
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Periodic Items . . . . . . . . . . . 113 NOTICE, Explanation of . Preface ii
Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111-112 Numbers, Identification . . . . . . 184
Loading Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . 109-110
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) .. 46 Malfunction Indicator Lamp

(U.S.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Main Menu
Index
Occupant Protection System . . . 4 Panel Brightness Control . . . . . 38 Radiator Overheating . . . . . . . 171

Octane Requirement Park Gear Position . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Radio/Cassette Sound
Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82, XIII Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Parking Brake and Brake System Rear End Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Odometer, Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Rear Lights
Oil Parking Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . 147
Change, How to . . . . . . . . . . 118 Parking Over Things Rear Seat, Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Change, When to . . . . . . . . . 109 That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Checking Engine . . . . . . . . . . 115 Rear View Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Pressure Indicator . . . . . . . . . 31 PGM-FI S y s t e m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Rear Window Defogger . . . . . . . 40
Selecting Proper Viscosity Polishing and Waxing . . . . . . . . 155
Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Reclining the Seat-Backs . . . . . . 16
Power Recommended Shift Speeds . . . 96
ON (Ignition Key Position) . . . . 46
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Opening the Hood . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Replacement Information
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Air Cleaner Element . . . . . . 130
Opening the Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 C o o l a n t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Outside Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Power Steering Belt. See Engine Engine Oil and Filter . . . . . . 117
Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . 171 Belts Fuel F i l t e r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . 10
Light Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Proper Seat Belt Usage . . . . . . . . 7 Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . 109-110

Main Menu
Index
Spark Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Seat Belts Shift Lever Position
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142, XIII Advice for Pregnant Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33, 97
Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Shifting
Child Seat Anchor Plate . . . . 23 The 5-Speed Transmission .. 95
Replacing Seat Belts
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 The Automatic
After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Frayed or Torn . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Transmission . . . . . . . . 97, 98
Reporting Safety Defects* . . . . 200 Locking Clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Side Marker Lights
Reserve Tank, Coolant . . . . . . . 120
Reminder Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Bulb Replacement in . . . . . . 146
Restraint, Child . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Signaling Turns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Reverse Gear Position . . . . . . . . 98 System Components . . . . . . . . 6
Tether Attachment Points .. 22 Snow Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Rotation, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 Use During Pregnancy . . . . . 10 Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt . 7
Solvent-Type Cleaners . . . . . . . 154
Wearing the Lap Belt . . . . . . . . 9
Sound System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Seats, Adjusting the . . . . . . . . . . 49
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Spare Tire
Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Safety Defects, Reporting* . . . 200 Inflating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Service Intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Inflating (Pressure) . . . . . . . XIII
Safety Labels, Location of . . . . . 26
Service Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 Specifications . . . . . . . . 187, XIII
Safety Messages . . . . . . . Preface ii Spark Plugs
Service Station Procedures . . . 84
Replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Setting the Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Specifications Charts . . . . . . . . 186

Main Menu
Index
Speed Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Service Precautions . . . . . . . . 15 Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 35
Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Tether Attachment Points . . . . . 22
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
SRS Indicator . . . . . . . . . . 14, 32
S R S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 System Components . . . . . . . 11 Time, Setting the . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
START Technical Description . . . . . 189 Tire, How to Change a Flat . . . 163
(Ignition Key Position) . . . . . 46 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
In Cold Weather at
See also label in glove box
High Altitude . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Air Pressure . . . . . . . . . 187, XIII
With a Dead Battery . . . . . . 169 Taillights Checking Wear . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Steam Coming From Engine .. 171 Changing Bulbs in . . . . . . . . 147 Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Taking Care of the DOT Tire Quality Grading .191
Steering Wheel
Unexpected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139, XIII
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Anti-Theft Column Lock . . . . 46 Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . 142, XIII
Steering Wheel Controls Technical Descriptions Rotating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Anti-Lock Brake System . . . 188 Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Emission Control Systems . 193 Specifications . . . . . . . . 186, XIII
Stereo Sound System . . . . . . . . . 69
Supplemental Restraint
Tools, Tire Changing . . . . . . . . 163
Storing Your Car . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Three-Way Catalytic Torn Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Sunshade (Moonroof) . . . . . . . . 53
Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Towing
Supplemental Restraint Tire Information . . . . . . . . . . 191 A Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Main Menu
Index
Emergency Wrecker (Tow Unexpected Viscosity, Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Truck) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 Taking Care of the . . . . . . . . 161
Transmission Uniform Tire Quality
Checking Fluid Level Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
5-Speed Manual Warning Beepers
Transmission . . . . . . . . 126 Unleaded Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Key in Ignition . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Automatic Upholstery Cleaning . . . . . . . . 157 Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Transmission . . . . . . . . 125
Fluid Selection . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Used Oil WARNING, Explanation of Preface ii
Identification Number . . . . . 185 How to Dispose of . . . . . . . . 119
Warning Labels, Location of . . . 26
Shifting the
5-Speed Manual . . . . . . . . . 95 Warranty Coverages* . . . 197, 198
Shifting the Automatic . . . . . 97 Washer, Windshield
Vanity Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Checking the Fluid Level .. 124
Treadwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Vehicle Capacity Load . . . . . . . . 90 Checking the Fluid
Trip Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Vehicle Dimensions . . . . . . . . . 186
Trunk-Open Indicator Light . . . 32 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Vehicle Identification
Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Waxing and Polishing . . . . . . . . 155
Vehicle Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Wheels
Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Adjusting the Steering . . . . . 41
Underside, Cleaning . . . . . . . . . 154 VIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 Alignment and Balance . . . . 141
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Vinyl Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

Main Menu
Index
Wrench 164
Windows
Cleaning 158
Operating the Power 51
Rear, Defogger 40
Windshield
Cleaning 39
Defroster 68
Wipers, Windshield
Changing Blades 136
Operation 39
Worn Tires 141
Wrecker
Emergency Towing 182
*U.S. and Canada only

Main Menu
Gas Station Information

Gasoline Tire Pressure Other Tire Size Information
UNLEADED gasoline (measured cold): See label in the glove box.
Pump octane of 86 or higher DX: 32 psi (2.2 kg/cm2,220 kPa)
Fuel Tank Capacity U.S.: EX, Canada: Si 5 Speed Manual

11.9 U.S. gal (45 l, 9.9 Imp gal) 29 psi (2.0 kg/cm 2 , 200 kPa) Transmission Oil:
Spare Tire Pressure SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 viscosity
Recommended Engine Oil API SF or SG grade recommended
60 psi (4.15 kg/cm 2 , 415 kPa)
API SG or SH grade
"Energy Conserving II" oil Capacity:
Tire Size (Front and Rear): 1.9 U.S. qt (1.8 l, 1.6 Imp qt)
SAE 5W-30 viscosity DX: P175/70R13 82S
Engine Oil Capacity U.S.: EX, Canada: Si
P185/60R14 82H Automatic
including filter
Transmission Fluid:
3.5 U.S. qt (3.3 l, 2.9 Imp qt) Spare Tire: Honda Premium Formula
without filter DX:T105/80D13 Automatic Transmission Fluid or
3.2 U.S. qt (3.0 l, 2.6 Imp qt) U.S.: EX, Canada: Si an equivalent DEXTRON II type
T105/70D14 Automatic Transmission Fluid
(ATF)
U.S.: EX with ABS option
T135/70 D 15 Capacity:
2.9 U.S. qt (2.7 l, 2.4 Imp qt)

1994 Civic Coupe

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1994 Civic Coupe Online Reference Owner's Manual

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YOU CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY

You CAN be HURT if you don't follow

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Your Occupant Protection System

Driver and Passenger Safety

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Driver and Passenger Safety

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Your seat belt system also LAP

Driver and Passenger Safety

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Not wearing a seat belt properly

Driver and Passenger Safety

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Driver and Passenger Safety

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The Seat Belt Svstem and How It Works

Driver and Passenger Safety

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Protecting the mother is the best If a seat belt is worn during a

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Supplemental Restraint System

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Supplemental Restraint System

Important Safety Reminder

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Supplemental Restraint System

The airbag is stored in the center

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Supplemental Restraint System

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Supplemental Restraint System

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Additional Safety Information

For information on how to adjust

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Additional Safety Information

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We strongly recommend that you

If you decide to put an infant seat

Driver and Passenger Safety