1997 Civic Sedan Online Reference Owner's Manual

1997 Civic Sedan 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 vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls................................................................................................................. 31
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features .............................................................................................. 67
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving.................................................................................................................................. 89
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving .............................................................................................................................................. 99
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance ..................................................................................................................................... 117
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer.
Appearance Care.............................................................................................................................. 171
Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected ...................................................................................................... 177
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information..................................................................................................................... 199
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada) ................................................................ 211
A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...................................................................................................... 217
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 1997 Honda Civic was a wise As you read this manual, you will
investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure. find information that is preceded by
a NOTICE symbol. This
One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Honda is to information is intended to help you
read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and avoid damage to your Honda, other
convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner's manual in your vehicle so property, or the environment.
you can refer to it at any time.
Several warranties protect your new Honda. Read the warranty booklet
thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights
and responsibilities.
Maintaining your vehicle according to the schedules given in this manual

helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment.
When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda
dealer's staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to
your Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be
pleased to answer any questions and concerns.

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Main Menu
A Few Words About Safety
Your safety, and the safety of others, You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms,
is very important. And operating this including:
vehicle safely is an important
responsibility. Safety Labels — on the vehicle.
Safety Messages — preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of
To help you make informed three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
decisions about safety, we have These signal words mean:
provided operating procedures and
other information on labels and in You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you
this manual. do not follow instructions.
This information alerts you to
potential hazards that could hurt you You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you
or others. do not follow instructions.
Of course, it is not practical or You CAN be HURT if you do not follow instructions.
possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or Safety Headings — such as Important Safety Reminders or Important
maintaining your vehicle. You must Safety Precautions.
use your own good judgement. Safety Section — such as Driver and Passenger Safety.
Instructions — how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information — please read it
carefully.

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Main Menu
Driver and Passenger Safety
This section gives you important Why Wear Seat Belts.................... 5 Door Locks................................... 19
information about occupant protec- Important Safety Reminders........ 5 Storing Cargo Safely................... 19
tion. It shows how to use seat belts Seat Belt System Components..... 6 Driving with Pets......................... 19
properly. It explains the Supple- Lap/Shoulder Belt......................... 6 Child Safety...................................... 20
mental Restraint System. And it Lap Belt........................................... 7 Where Should Children Sit?....... 20
gives useful information about how Wearing Seat Belts Properly........ 7 Important Safety Reminders...... 21
to protect infants and children in Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt...... 7 General Guidelines
your car. Wearing the Lap Belt.................. 10 for Restraining Children
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 11 Under 40 Ibs (18 kg)............... 22
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 11 Restraining
Supplemental Restraint System..... 12 an Infant Who Weighs
SRS Components......................... 12 Less Than 20 Ibs (9 kg).......... 22
What Happens In a Crash........... 12 Restraining
Important Facts About a Child Who Weighs Between
Airbags...................................... 13 20 and 40 Ibs (9 and 18 kg)..... 23
How the Driver's Airbag Restraining a Child Who Weighs
Works........................................14 Over 40 Ibs (18 kg).................. 24
How the Passenger's Airbag Securing a Child Seat with a Lap/
Works........................................15 Shoulder Belt........................... 24
How the SRS Indicator Light Using Child Restraints
Works........................................ 16 with Tethers............................. 25
System Service............................. 16 Storing a Child Seat..................... 26
System Service Precautions....... 17 Alcohol and Drugs........................... 27
Your Occupant Protection System.. 4 Additional Safety Information........ 18 Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 28
The Seat Belt System Seat-back Position........................ 18 Safety Labels.................................... 29
and How It Works...................... 5 Head Restraint Position.............. 18

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Main Menu Table of Contents
Your Occupant Protection System
Your Honda is equipped with seat Two indicator lights are also part of To get the maximum protection from
belts and other features that work your safety system. One reminds you your occupant protection system,
together to protect you and your to make sure you and your passen- check the following before you drive
passengers during a crash. gers wear seat belts. The other away:
alerts you to a possible problem with Everyone in the car is wearing a
Seat belts are the most important your supplemental restraint system seat belt properly (see page 7).
part of your occupant protection (see page 16). Infants and small children are
system. When worn properly, seat properly secured in child safety
belts can reduce the chance of The seats, head restraints and door seats (see page 20).
serious injury or death in a crash. locks also play a role in occupant All doors are closed and locked
safety. For example, reclining the (see page 19).
For added protection during a severe seat-back can decrease the effec- Seat-backs are upright and head
frontal collision, your Honda has a tiveness of your seat belt. Head restraints are properly adjusted
Supplemental Restraint System restraints can help protect your neck (see pages 18 and 57).
(SRS) with airbags for the driver and and head, especially during rear-end There are no loose items that
a front seat passenger. impacts. Door locks help keep your could be thrown around and hurt
doors from being accidentally someone during a crash or sudden
opened during a crash. stop (see page 19).
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.

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works
Why Wear Seat Belts Two people should never use the
Wearing seat belts, and wearing same seat belt. If they do, they could
them properly, is fundamental to Not wearing a seat belt be very seriously injured in a crash.
your safety and the safety of your increases the chance of serious
passengers. injury or death in a crash. Do not place the shoulder portion of
a lap/shoulder belt under your arm
During a crash or emergency stop, Be sure you and your or behind your back. This could
seat belts can help keep you from passengers always wear seat increase the chance of serious
being thrown against the inside of belts and wear them properly. injuries in a crash.
the car, against other occupants, or
out of the car. Do not put shoulder belt pads or
Important Safety Reminders other accessories on seat belts. They
Of course, seat belts cannot com- Seat belts are designed for adults can reduce the effectiveness of the
pletely protect you in every crash. and larger children. All infants and belts and increase the chance of
But, in most cases, seat belts reduce small children must be properly injury.
your chance of serious injury. They restrained in child safely seats (see
can even save your life. That is why page 20).
many states and all Canadian pro-
vinces require you to wear seat belts. A pregnant woman needs to wear a
seat belt to protect herself and her
unborn child (see page 11).

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Seat Belt System Components Lap/Shoulder Belt The lap/shoulder belt retractor in
Your Honda has seat belts in all five each passenger seating position has
seating positions. The front seats SHOULDER UPPER an additional locking mechanism
PORTION SEAT BELT
and the outside positions of the rear ANCHOR
intended to secure a child seat (see
seat have lap/shoulder belts. The page 24). If the shoulder part of the
center position of the rear seat has a belt is pulled all the way out, this
lap belt. To retractor mechanism will engage. The belt will
retract, but it will not allow the
Your seat belt system also includes a LAP passenger to move freely. If the belt
PORTION feels too tight, unlatch it, let it retract
light on the instrument panel to
remind you to fasten your seat belt, fully, then pull it out as far as needed.
and to make sure your passengers
fasten theirs. This light comes on BUCKLE LATCH PLATE
when you turn on the ignition if you
have not fastened your seat belt. A This style of seat belt has a single
beeper also sounds for several belt that goes over your shoulder,
seconds (see page 34). across your chest, and across your
hips.
The following pages cover more Each lap/shoulder belt has an
about the seat belt components and emergency locking retractor. In
how they work. normal driving, the retractor lets 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.

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Lap Belt Wearing Seat Belts Properly Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt

You can increase the effectiveness of Before putting on the seat belt, move
BELT END BUCKLE your seat belts if you take a little the driver's seat as far back as is
time to read the following pages and practical while still allowing you to
make sure you know how to wear maintain full control of the vehicle.
seat belts properly. Make sure the seat-back is upright
(see page 18 ). The front seat
passenger should move the seat as
far back as possible.
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash.
LATCH PLATE
Be sure you and your
The lap belt has one manually- passengers always wear seat
adjusted belt that fits across the hips. belts and wear them properly.
It is similar to safety belts used in
airplanes.
CONTINUED

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1. Pull the latch plate across your 2. Check that the belt is not twisted. 4. Pull up on the shoulder part of the
body and insert it into the buckle. belt to remove any slack. Make
Tug on the belt to make sure the 3. Position the lap portion of the belt sure the belt goes over your
latch is securely locked. as low as possible across your hips, collarbone and across your chest.
not across your stomach. This lets
your strong pelvic bones take the
force of a crash.

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RELEASE Front seats:

BUTTON Adjust the belt anchor by squeezing
the two buttons and sliding the
anchor downward (it has four posi-
tions).
Rear seat.
Move toward the center of the seat
until the belt fits over your collar-
bone.
RELEASE
BUTTON
5. If the belt crosses your neck, you To unlatch the seat belt, push the
need to adjust the belt anchor red PRESS button on the buckle.
height or your seating position. Guide the belt across your body to
the door pillar.
After you exit the vehicle, make sure

the seat belt is out of the way and
will not get closed in the door.

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

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

have your dealer replace the belt and
inspect the anchors for damage.
Protecting the mother is the best
way to protect her unborn child. For information on how to clean your
Therefore, a pregnant woman should seat belts, see page 174.
wear a properly-positioned seat belt
whenever she drives or rides in a car.

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Supplemental Restraint System
Your car is equipped with a Supple- SRS Components What Happens In a Crash
mental Restraint System (SRS) to Your supplemental restraint system If you ever have a severe frontal
help protect the head and chest of includes: collision, the sensors will detect
the driver and front seat passenger rapid deceleration and signal the
during a severe frontal collision. One airbag in the steering wheel control unit to instantly inflate the
for the driver and another in the airbags.
This system does not replace your seat dashboard for the passenger.
belts. It supplements, or adds to, the During a crash, your seat belts will
protection offered by seat belts and Sensors that can detect a severe help to restrain your lower body and
other occupant protection features. frontal collision. torso. The airbags will provide a
cushion to absorb crash energy and
A sophisticated electronic system help keep the head and chest of the
that continually monitors the driver and front passenger from
Not wearing a seat belt sensors, control unit, airbag striking the interior of the car.
increases the chance of serious activators, and all related wiring
injury or death in a crash, even when the ignition is ON (II). After inflating, the airbags will
if you have airbags. immediately deflate. The entire
An indicator light on the instru- process, from detection to deflation,
Be sure you and your ment panel to alert you to a possi- takes a fraction of a second. This
passengers always wear seat ble problem with the system. process occurs so quickly that you
belts and wear them properly. may not hear the loud noise created
Emergency backup power in case by the airbag inflators, or realize
your car's electrical system is what has happened.
disconnected in a crash.

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After the crash, you may see what Important Facts About Airbags during a crash sequence.
looks like smoke. This is actually Airbags inflate only when needed; in
powder from the airbag's surface. a severe frontal collision. A severe Injuries, including fatal injuries, can
People with respiratory problems collision would be similar to a crash occur in a severe collision, even if
may experience some temporary into a parked vehicle of similar size seat belts are worn properly and the
discomfort from the chemicals used and weight at 25 mph (40 k m / h ) . airbags inflate. No safety system can
by the airbag's activators. Airbags will not inflate in a moderate provide complete protection in a
frontal collision, or during a rear severe crash.
impact, side impact, or rollover —
even if the impact is severe. Just from viewing the vehicle
damage after a crash, it is very
Frontal Collision Range difficult to accurately determine if
the airbags should or should not
have inflated. In some cases where
the airbag did not inflate, extensive
visible damage indicated that the car
absorbed much of the crash energy,
and the airbags were not needed. In
other cases, a severe jolt, such as an
impact to the undercarriage, may not
cause extensive body damage but
may still cause the airbags to inflate.
Airbags inflate and deflate only once.

They cannot protect you during any
additional impacts that can occur

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How the Driver's Airbag Works To do its job, the airbag inflates with
considerable force. So, while it can
reduce serious injuries and even save
your life, the airbag might cause
some facial abrasions or other
injuries. To reduce the possibility of
injury, you should always sit back as
far from the steering wheel as
practical while still maintaining full
vehicle control.
If you ever have a severe frontal After the bag completely inflates, it
collision, your airbag will instantly immediately starts deflating so it
inflate to help protect your head and won't interfere with your visibility,
chest. ability to steer, or ability to operate
other controls. The total time for
inflation and deflation is a fraction of
a second. You may not even be
aware that the airbag has been fully
inflated.

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The driver's airbag is stored in the How the Passenger's Airbag Front seat passengers should move
center of the steering wheel. For Works the seat as far back as practical and
your safety, do not attach any items sit well back in the seat.
to the steering wheel. They could
interfere with the proper operation We strongly recommend that you do
of the airbag. Or, if the airbag not put an infant seat in the front
inflates, they could be propelled passenger's seat. If the airbag
inside the car and hurt someone. inflates, it can hit the infant seat with
great force. The infant seat can be
dislodged or struck with enough
force to cause very serious injury to
the infant.
If a toddler seat is used in the front

passenger's seat, the vehicle seat
If you ever have a severe frontal should be moved as far back as
collision, the passenger's airbag will possible. If the passenger's bag
inflate at the same time as the driver's inflates, it could seriously hurt a
airbag. toddler who is not in the proper
position or properly restrained.
This airbag is quite large and inflates
with considerable force. It can
seriously hurt a front seat passenger
who is not in the proper position and
wearing the seat belt properly.
CONTINUED

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The passenger's airbag is stored How the SRS Indicator System Service
near the top of the dashboard, under
SRS Light Works Your supplemental restraint system
a lid marked SRS. Do not place any The purpose of the SRS light on your is virtually maintenance-free. The
objects on top of this lid. If the airbag instrument panel is to alert you to a only scheduled maintenance is an
inflates, those objects can be potential problem with your supple- inspection of the system by the
propelled inside the car and possibly mental restraint system. dealer when the car is ten years old.
hurt someone. For your convenience, the car's
Have the system checked if: production date is on a label on the
driver's doorjamb.
The light does not come on when
you turn the ignition ON (II). If either of the following happens,
you must have an authorized Honda
The light stays on after the engine dealer service the system. There are
starts. no parts you can safely service.
The light comes on or flashes If your airbags ever inflate, the

while you are driving. airbags and control unit must be
replaced. Do not try to remove or
If you see any of these indications, discard the airbags yourself. This
the airbag may not work when must be done by a Honda dealer.
needed in an accident. Take the car
to your dealer promptly for diagnosis
and service.

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If the SRS indicator light alerts System Service Precautions Scrapping an entire car that has
you to a problem, have the Do not modify your steering wheel uninflated airbags can be dangerous.
supplemental restraint system or any other part of the supplemental Get assistance from a Honda dealer
inspected as soon as possible. If restraint system. Modifications could if your car must be scrapped.
you ignore this indication, the make the system ineffective.
airbags might not inflate when you If you sell your car, please be sure to
need them. Do not tamper with the system's tell the new owner that the car has a
components or wiring. This could supplemental restraint system. Alert
cause the airbags to inflate inadver- them to the information and precau-
tently, possibly injuring someone tions in this part of the owner's
very seriously. manual.
Tell anyone who works on your car

that you have a supplemental
restraint system. Failure to follow
the procedures and precautions in
the official Honda service manual
could result in personal injury or
damage to the system.

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Additional Safety Information
The seat belts and airbags are obvi- Seat-back Position Head Restraint Position
ously important parts of your occu- The seat-backs should be in an
pant protection system. upright position for you and your
passengers to get the most protec-
In addition, you should know that tion from the seat belts.
sitting upright, adjusting the head
restraints properly, locking the doors, If you recline a seat-back, you reduce
and stowing things properly can also the protective capability of your seat
increase your safety and possibly belt. The farther a seat-back is
even save your life. 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 Head restraints can help protect you
seat-back, see page 56. from whiplash and other injuries. For
the best protection, adjust the top of
the restraint so it is even with the
tops of your ears, or as high as possi-
ble. For instructions on adjusting the
head restraints, see page 57.

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Additional Safety Information
Door Locks Be sure to keep compartment doors The recommended way to restrain a
It is not safe to leave your car doors closed when the car is moving. If a medium-sized or larger dog is with a
unlocked. A passenger, especially a front passenger hits the door of an special traveling harness. This har-
child, could open a door and acci- open glove box, for example, he ness can be secured to the rear seat
dentally fall out. Also, there is a could injure his knees. with a seat belt. Travel harnesses are
greater chance of being thrown out available at pet stores.
of the car during a crash when the For information on loading cargo,
doors are not locked. see page 98. A small dog, cat, or other small
animal will be safest in a pet carrier
Storing Cargo Safely Driving with Pets with rigid sides. Choose a style that
Before you drive, make sure you Loose pets can be a hazard while you allows you to secure it to the car's
first securely store or tie down any are driving. An unrestrained pet can seat by routing a seat belt through
items that could be thrown around interfere with your ability to drive the carrier's handle.
the car and hurt someone, or the car. In a crash or sudden stop,
interfere with your ability to operate loose pets or cages can be thrown For further information, contact your
the controls. around inside the car and hurt you or veterinarian or local animal protec-
your passengers. It is also for their tion society.
Do not put any items on top of the safety that pets should be properly
rear shelf. They can block your view restrained in your car.
and they could be thrown about the
car in a crash.

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Child Safety
Where Should Children Sit?

According to accident statistics,
An infant or child who is not children of all sizes and ages are
properly restrained can be killed safer when they are properly
or seriously injured in a crash. restrained in the rear seat rather
than the front seat.
Be sure any child too small for
seat belts is properly secured in We recommend that, whenever
a child restraint. possible, you secure your child's
infant or toddler seat in the center
position of the rear seat with the lap
belt.
Children depend on adults to protect We strongly recommend that you do

them. To help make sure we do, not put an infant seat in the front
every state and Canadian province passenger's seat. If the airbag
has laws requiring infants and young inflates, it can hit the infant seat with
children to be properly restrained great force. The infant seat can be
whenever they ride in a car. dislodged or struck with enough
force to cause very serious injury to
the infant.

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Child Safety
If a toddler seat is used in the front Important Safety Reminders If you are driving with small children
passenger's seat, the vehicle seat Never hold a baby or child on your in the car, you should use the
should be moved as far back as lap when riding in a car. If you are childproof door locks to prevent
possible. If the passenger's bag wearing your seat belt, the violent them from opening the rear doors
inflates, it could seriously hurt a forces created during a crash will (see page 55).
toddler who is not in the proper tear the child from your arms. The
position or properly restrained. child could be seriously hurt or killed. For their safety, do not leave
children alone in your car without
We also recommend that any child If you are holding a child and not adult supervision.
who is too large to use an infant or wearing a seat belt in a crash, you
toddler seat ride in one of the out- could crush the child against the car's
side positions of the rear seat. The interior.
child should then wear the lap/
shoulder belt properly for protection. Never put your seat belt over
If the child is not large enough to yourself and a child. During a crash,
wear the lap/shoulder belt properly, the belt could press deep into the
you should use a booster seat. child, causing serious internal
injuries.
Two children should never use the

same seat belt. If they do, they could
be very seriously injured in a crash.

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Child Safety
General Guidelines for To properly route a seat belt through Restraining an Infant Who
Restraining Children Under a child seat, follow the seat maker's Weighs Less Than 20 Ibs
4 0 Ibs (18 kg) instructions. If you use a lap/ (9kg)
Use an approved child seat. The seat shoulder belt, be sure to follow the
must meet Federal Motor Vehicle instructions for securing a child seat
Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS-213) or with a lap/shoulder belt on page 24.
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. Look for the manufac- Secure the child in the child seat. Make
turer's statement of compliance on sure the infant or child is firmly
the box and seat. secured to the child seat. Use the
straps provided, and carefully follow
Use a seat of the right size. Make sure the manufacturer's instructions.
the seat fits your child. Check the
seat manufacturer's instructions and
labels for height and weight limits.
Secure the child seat to the car. All An infant up to about 20 Ibs (9 kg)
approved child seats are designed to must be restrained in an infant seat
be secured to the car seat by the lap or a convertible seat designed for a
belt or the lap belt portion of a lap/ baby. Because infants must ride in a
shoulder belt. A child whose seat is reclining position, be sure the infant
not properly secured to the car can seat always faces the REAR of the
be endangered in a crash. car as shown.

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Child Safety
We recommend that, whenever Restraining a Child Who Weighs The preferred place to put a toddler
possible, you put the infant seat in Between 20 and 40 Ibs seat is in the center position of the
the center position of the rear seat (9 and 18 kg) rear seat. Use the car's lap belt to
and secure it to the car with the lap secure the seat to the car.
belt.
If you decide to put a toddler seat in
If you decide to put an infant seat in an outside seating position, be sure
any other seating position, be sure to to follow the instructions for
follow the instructions for securing a securing a child seat with a lap/
child seat with a lap/shoulder belt on shoulder belt on page 24.
page 24.
If you are using a toddler seat in the
We strongly recommend that you do front passenger's seat, move the
not put an infant seat in the front passenger's seat as far back as
passenger's seat. If the airbag possible before installing the child
inflates, it can hit the infant seat with seat. If the passenger's bag inflates,
great force. The infant seat can be Toddler seats are designed for it could seriously hurt a toddler who
dislodged or struck with enough children who weigh between 20 and is not in the proper position or
force to cause very serious injury to 40 Ibs (9 and 18 kg). properly restrained.
the infant.

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Child Safety
Restraining a Child Who Weighs Put the lap/shoulder belt on your Securing a Child Seat with a Lap/
Over 40 Ibs (18 kg) child and check its fit. The shoulder Shoulder Belt
belt should fit over the collarbone The lap/shoulder belt retractors in
and across the chest. The lap belt the passenger seating positions have
should sit low on your child's hips, a built-in locking mechanism in-
not across the stomach. tended to secure a child seat. When
you are placing a child seat in one of
If the shoulder belt crosses the neck, these outside seating positions, do
have your child move toward the the following:
center of the rear seat until the belt
fits properly. If the belt still crosses 1. Place the child restraint in the
the child's neck, you should use a desired seating position. Route the
booster seat. lap/shoulder belt through the seat
according to the seat manufac-
Several styles of booster seats are turer's instructions.
We recommend that, whenever available. We recommend a design
possible, a child who has outgrown a that allows the child to use the car's 2. Insert the latch plate into the
toddler seat ride in one of the lap/shoulder belt. buckle. Make sure it is fully
outside positions of the rear seat and latched.
use a lap/shoulder belt. Whichever style you select, follow
the booster seat manufacturer's 3. Slowly pull the shoulder portion of
instructions. the belt out of the retractor until it
stops.

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Child Safety
4. Allow the belt to slowly feed back Using Child Restraints with Then install the tether hardware that
into the retractor. You should hear Tethers came with the child seat.
a clicking noise that indicates the Tighten the bolt to:
locking mechanism has engaged. 22 N·m (2.2 kgf-m , 16lbf-ft)
5. After the belt has retracted fully, If you are not sure how to install the
pull up on the shoulder portion to hardware, have it installed by your
remove any slack. authorized Honda dealer.
6. Push and pull on the child seat to If you need an anchor plate and
verify that it is held firmly in place. mounting hardware, contact your
If not, unlatch the seat belt, allow Honda dealer.
it to retract fully, and repeat these
steps.
To unlatch the seat belt, push the Your Honda has three attachment
red PRESS button on the buckle. points for tether-style child seats.
Guide the belt across to the door
pillar. If the belt doesn't retract Select the attachment point you want
easily, pull it out and check for twists to use and remove the plug with a
or kinks. small flat-tipped screwdriver or
fingernail file.
CONTINUED

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Child Safety
Canadian Models Storing a Child Seat

When you are not using an infant
TOOTHED WASHER seat or other child restraint, either
remove it or make sure it is properly
secured so it cannot be thrown
around the car during a crash.
The anchor plate and mounting

hardware for a top tether are
supplied with the car. When install-
ing, 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.

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

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

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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 RADIATOR CAP
for a replacement.
BATTERY

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Main Menu
Instruments and Controls
This section gives information about Control Locations............................ 32 Ignition Switch............................. 49

the controls and displays that Indicator Lights................................ 33 Door Locks................................... 50
contribute to the daily operation of Gauges.............................................. 37 Power Door Locks....................... 51
your Honda. All the essential Speedometer................................ 37 Remote Transmitter.................... 52
controls are within easy reach. Tachometer.................................. 37 Childproof Door Locks............... 55
Odometer...................................... 37 Trunk............................................ 55
Trip Meter.................................... 37 Seat Adjustments............................. 56
Fuel Gauge................................... 38 Front Seat Adjustments.............. 56
Temperature Gauge.................... 38 Head Restraints........................... 57
Maintenance Required Folding Rear Seat............................ 58
Indicator.................................... 39 Power Windows............................... 59
Controls Near the Steering Moonroof.......................................... 61
Wheel........................................40 Mirrors.............................................. 61
Headlights.................................... 41 Adjusting the Power Mirrors..... 62
Daytime Running Lights............. 41 Parking Brake.................................. 62
Instrument Panel Brightness..... 42 Glove Box......................................... 63
Turn Signals................................. 42 Beverage Holder.............................. 64
Windshield Wipers...................... 43 Accessory Power Socket................ 65
Windshield Washers................... 43 Ashtrays............................................ 65
Hazard Warning........................... 44 Interior Light.................................... 66
Rear Window Defogger.............. 44
Steering Wheel Adjustment....... 45
Steering Wheel Controls ................ 46
Cruise Control.............................. 46
Keys and Locks................................ 49
Keys...............................................49 Instruments and Controls

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Control Locations
MIRROR AUDIO SYSTEM, HEATING/COOLING

CONTROLS DIGITAL CLOCK CONTROL
(P.62) (P.76, 81) (P.68)
DOOR LOCK
SWITCH
(P.51)
POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
(P.59)
FUEL FILL
DOOR RELEASE
(P.92)
TRUNK RELEASE HOOD RELEASE

HANDLE HANDLE
(P.55) (P.93)

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Indicator Lights
The instrument panel has many

indicators to give you important HIGH BEAM INDICATOR PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM
information about your car. CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR*
INDICATOR
Lamp Check MALFUNCTION
TRUNK-OPEN
INDICATOR
These indicator lights come on when INDICATOR LAMP
you turn the ignition switch ON (II), LOW OIL LOW FUEL
allowing you to see that they are PRESSURE INDICATOR
working: INDICATOR
SRS Indicator
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Charging System Indicator
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
Anti-lock Brake System Indicator
Seat Belt Reminder Light
D4 Lamp
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 CRUISE CONTROL SEAT BELT
bulbs or other problems. INDICATOR REMINDER LIGHT
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT ANTI-LOCK BRAKE

* The U.S. instrument panel is SYSTEM INDICATOR SYSTEM INDICATOR*
shown. Differences for the Canadian
model are noted in the text.

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Indicator Lights
Seat Belt Reminder Light

HIGH BEAM INDICATOR PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR*
This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition ON (II). It is a reminder
CHARGING SYSTEM TRUNK-OPEN to you and your passengers to
INDICATOR INDICATOR protect yourselves by fastening the
seat belts. A beeper also sounds if
LOW OIL LOW FUEL you have not fastened your seat belt.
PRESSURE INDICATOR
INDICATOR
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.
* Differences in the indicators for

Canadian models are noted in the
text.
MALFUNCTION SEAT BELT

INDICATOR LAMP REMINDER LIGHT
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM INDICATOR SYSTEM INDICATOR
(Canadian LX model only)

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Indicator Lights
Supplemental Restraint U.S. CanadaParking Brake U.S. Canada Anti-lock Brake

SRS System Indicator and Brake System (ABS)
This indicator lights when you turn
BRAKE
System
ABS Indicator
the ignition ON (II). If it comes on at Indicator Only on cars equipped with ABS (see
any other time, it indicates a problem This light has two functions: page 111)
in the supplemental restraint system. This light normally comes on for a
For complete information, see page 1. It lights as a reminder that you few seconds when you turn the
16. have not released the parking ignition ON (II), and when the
brake. Driving with the parking ignition switch is turned to START
Charging System brake applied can damage the (III). If this light comes on at any
Indicator brakes and tires. other time, there is a problem in the
If this light comes on when the ABS. If this happens, take the car to
engine is running, the battery is not 2. If it remains lit after you release your dealer to have it checked. With
being charged. For complete the parking brake, or comes on the light on, your car still has normal
information, see page 190. while driving, it can indicate that braking ability but no anti-lock.
the brake fluid level is low. This is
Low Oil Pressure normally due to worn brake pads.
Indicator Have your dealer check the
The engine can be severely damaged braking system for worn pads or
if this light flashes or stays on when fluid leaks.
the engine is running. For complete
information, see page 189.

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Indicator Lights
Malfunction Indicator High Beam Indicator Trunk-open Indicator

Lamp
See page 1 9 1 . This light comes on with the high This light comes on if the trunk lid is
beam headlights. See page 41 for not closed tightly.
Turn Signal and information on the headlight
Hazard Warning controls. Low Fuel Indicator
Indicators
The left or right turn signal light On Canadian models, this indicator This light comes on as a reminder
blinks when you signal a lane change comes on with reduced brightness that you must refuel soon.
or turn. If the light does not blink or when the Daytime Running Lights
blinks rapidly, it usually means one (DRL) are on (see page 41).
of the turn signal bulbs is burned out
(see page 163). Replace the bulb as Cruise Control Indicator
soon as possible, since other drivers
cannot see that you are signalling. Only on cars equipped with Cruise
Control System
When you turn on the Hazard This lights when you set the cruise
Warning switch, both turn signal control. See page 46 for information
lights blink. All turn signals on the on operating the cruise control.
outside of the car should flash.

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Gauges
TACHOMETER TRIP METER SPEEDOMETER FUEL GAUGE TEMPERATURE Odometer

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

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▼
Gauges
TEMPERATURE TRIP METER SPEEDOMETER FUEL GAUGE Temperature Gauge

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 blue zone. If it reaches the red
(Hot) mark, pull safely to the side of
the road. Turn to page 187 for
MAINTENANCE TRIP METER
REQUIRED INDICATOR RESET BUTTON
instructions and precautions on
ODOMETER
checking the engine's cooling
Fuel Gauge system.
This shows how much fuel you have. The gauge stays at the same fuel
It is most accurate when the car is on level reading after you turn off the
level ground. It may show slightly ignition. When you add fuel, the
more or less than the actual amount gauge slowly changes to the new
when you are driving on curvy or reading after you turn the ignition
hilly roads. back ON (II).

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Gauges
Maintenance Required Indicator When the distance driven since the

last scheduled maintenance nears
7,500 miles (12,000 km), the
indicator will turn yellow. If you
exceed 7,500 miles (12,000 km), the
indicator will turn red.
Your dealer will reset the indicator

when he performs the scheduled
maintenance. If someone else
performs the maintenance, reset the
indicator by inserting your key in the
SLOT INDICATOR
slot beside the indicator.
U.S. Models
This indicator reminds you that it is
nearing 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
since the last scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules
for Normal and Severe Driving
Conditions on pages 122 — 123 .

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

on the dashboard to the right of the
center air vents.
The controls under the left air vent

are for the moonroof, mirrors, cruise WINDSHIELD
control and instrument panel WIPERS/
WASHERS
brightness.
The tilt adjustment lever on the

underside of the steering column
allows you to tilt the steering wheel.
MIRROR HEADLIGHTS/ HORN

CONTROLS TURN SIGNALS TILT ADJUSTMENT BUTTONS

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Headlights If you leave the lights on with the To flash the high beams, pull the
ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I) turn signal lever back lightly, then
or LOCK (0), you will hear a release it. The high beams will come
reminder beeper when you open the on and go off.
driver's door.
The high beams will stay on for as
long as you hold the lever back, no
matter what position the headlight
switch is in.
Daytime Running Lights

(Canadian Models)
With the headlight switch off, the
high beam headlights come on with
The rotating switch on the left lever reduced brightness when you turn
controls the lights. Turning this the ignition switch to ON (II) and
switch to the " " position turns release the parking brake. They
on the parking lights, taillights, remain on until you turn the ignition
instrument panel lights, side-marker To change between low beams and off, even if you set the parking brake.
lights, and rear license plate lights. high beams, pull the turn signal lever
Turning the switch to the " " until you hear a click, then let go. The headlights revert to normal
position turns on the headlights. The blue high beam indicator will operation when you turn them on
light (see page 36). with the switch.

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▼
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 left Signal a turn or lane change with this
of the instrument panel controls the lever. Push down on the lever to
brightness of the instrument panel signal a left turn, and up to signal a
lights. Turn the dial to adjust the right turn. If you push it up or down
brightness. all the way, the turn signal continues
to blink even when you release the
lever. It shuts off automatically as
you complete the turn.

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

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

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Steering Wheel Adjustment 3. Move the steering wheel up or

You can adjust the steering wheel down to the desired position.
height to suit your preference. Do Position the wheel so you can see
this before you begin driving. all the instrument panel gauges
and warning lights. Push the lever
up to lock the steering wheel in
that position.
Adjusting the steering wheel
position while driving may 4. Make sure you have securely
cause you to lose control of the locked the steering wheel in place
car and be seriously injured in a by trying to move it up and down.
crash.
Adjust the steering wheel only 1. Adjust the seat so you are a
when 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.

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Steering Wheel Controls
Cruise Control NOTICE Using the Cruise Control

On LX and EX models in the U.S., and
EX model in Canada The cruise control, as it operates,
Cruise control allows you to maintain moves the accelerator pedal. You can
a set speed above 25 mph (40 km/h) damage your car's accelerator
without keeping your foot on the mechanism by resting your foot under
accelerator pedal. It should be used the pedal and blocking the movement.
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
Improper use of the cruise switch will light.
control can lead to a crash.
2. Accelerate to the desired cruising
Use the cruise control only speed above 25 mph (40 km/h).
when traveling on open
highways in good weather.

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

particularly on hills.
CONTINUED

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▼
Even with the cruise control turned Cancelling the Cruise Control speed, accelerate to above 25 mph
on, you can still use the accelerator You can cancel the cruise control in (40 km/h) and press the RESUME/
pedal to speed up for passing. After any of these ways: accel button until the CRUISE CON-
completing the pass, take your foot TROL light comes on. The car will
off the accelerator pedal. The car Tap the brake or clutch pedal. accelerate to the same cruising
will return to the set cruising speed. speed as before.
Press the SET/decel and RE-
Resting your foot on the brake or SUME/accel buttons at the same If you cancel cruise control by
clutch pedal will cause the cruise time. pressing the SET and RESUME
control to cancel. buttons at the same time, the
Press the Cruise Control Master previously-set cruising speed is
Switch. erased. To use the cruise control,
accelerate to the desired cruising
When you tap the brake or clutch speed and press the SET/decel
pedal, or press the SET and RE- button.
SUME buttons at the same time, the
CRUISE CONTROL light on the Pressing the Cruise Control Master
instrument panel will go out and the Switch turns the system completely
car will begin to slow down. You can off and erases the previous cruising
use the accelerator pedal in the speed from memory. To use the
normal way. system again, refer to Using the
Cruise Control.
If you use the brake or clutch pedal
to cancel cruise control, the system
remembers the previously-set
cruising speed. To return to that

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▼
Keys and Locks
Keys The valet key works only in the Ignition Switch

ignition and the door locks. You can
KEY VALET MASTER keep the trunk, trunk release handle
NUMBER KEY KEY
PLATE
and rear seat trunk access locked
when you leave your car and valet
key at a parking facility. (See Trunk,
page 55.)
You should have received a key

number plate with your set of keys.
You will need this key number if you
ever have to get a lost key replaced.
Keep the plate stored in a safe place.
When replacing keys, use only
Your vehicle comes with two kinds Honda-approved key blanks. The ignition switch is on the right
of keys: a master key and a valet key. side of the steering column. It has
The master key fits all the locks on Remote Transmitter four positions:
your car: Standard on the EX model in the U.S. LOCK (0)
Ignition Optional on the LX model in the U.S. ACCESSORY (I)
Doors and EX model in Canada ON (II)
Trunk Your car also comes with two remote START (III)
Trunk release handle transmitters; see page 52 for an
Rear seat trunk access explanation of the operation.
CONTINUED

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Keys and Locks
LOCK (0) - You can insert or ACCESSORY (I) - In this position, Door Locks
remove the key only in this position. you can operate the audio system
When you turn the key from LOCK and the accessory power socket.
to ACCESSORY, you may have to
turn the steering wheel to release ON (II) — This is the normal key
the anti-theft lock. To switch from position when driving. All features
ACCESSORY to LOCK, you must and accessories on the car are usable.
push the key in slightly as you turn it. Several of the lights on the instru-
If your car has an automatic trans- ment panel come on as a test when
mission, it must also be in Park. The you turn the ignition switch from
anti-theft lock will lock the steering ACCESSORY to ON (see page 33).
column when you remove the key.
START (III) - Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of Each door has a lock tab on the top.
Removing the key from the the key. Push the tab down to lock the door
ignition switch while driving and pull it up to unlock.
locks the steering. This can You will hear a reminder beeper if
cause you to lose control. you leave the key in the ignition To lock any passenger's door when
switch in the LOCK (0) or getting out of the car, push the lock
Remove the key from the ACCESSORY (I) position and open tab down and close the door. To lock
ignition switch only when the driver's door. Remove the key to the driver's door, pull the outside
parked. turn off the beeper. door handle and push the lock tab
down. Release the handle, then close
the door.

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Keys and Locks
Power Door Locks All doors lock when you push down
the lock tab on the driver's door, or
lock the driver's door from the
outside with the key. Only the driver's
door unlocks when you use the key
or lock tab. To unlock the passen-
gers' doors, use the master door lock
switch or the lock tab on each door.
MASTER DOOR LOCK SWITCH
The front doors can be locked and On LX and EX models in the U.S., and
unlocked from the outside with the EX model in Canada
key. The master door lock switch allows
control of all door locks from the
driver's door. Push the switch down
to lock all doors, and up to unlock
them.

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Keys and Locks
Remote Transmitter The interior light (if the interior light Horn Operation
switch is in the center position) will You can program the remote
LED LOCK come on when you press the transmitter to have the horn beep
BUTTON UNLOCK button. If you do not open when you lock and unlock the doors.
any door, the light will go out in It will beep once when you lock the
about 30 seconds and the doors will doors, and twice when you unlock
UNLOCK OPTION automatically relock. If you relock them.
BUTTON BUTTON the doors with the remote
transmitter before 30 seconds have To turn this feature on and off, press
elapsed, the light will go off the OPTION and LOCK buttons at
PANIC immediately. the same time for two seconds. If
BUTTON you are turning the horn on, the
If you installed a non-Honda radio in remote transmitter's LED will come
your car, the keyless entry system on for one second. If you are turning
Standard on the EX model in the U.S. and the interior light will no longer the horn off, the LED will blink twice.
Optional on the LX model in the U.S. work. Release the buttons after the LED
and EX model in Canada goes out.
You can lock and unlock your vehicle You cannot lock or unlock the doors
with the remote transmitter. When with the remote transmitter if any The horn feature will be off after you
you push the LOCK button, all doors door is not fully closed or the key is install a new battery in the remote
lock. in the ignition switch. transmitter. Use the above
procedure to turn it on again.
When you push the UNLOCK button
once, only the driver's door unlocks.
The remaining doors unlock when
you push the button a second time.

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▼
Keys and Locks
Panic Mode Replacing the Battery

Panic mode allows you to remotely
sound your car's horn to attract Open
ROUND
attention. To activate this mode, COVER
press and hold the PANIC button for
about one second. Your car's horn CUSHION
will beep for about 30 seconds. RING
To cancel PANIC mode before 30 BATTERY

seconds, press any button on the
remote transmitter. You can also
turn the ignition switch to Close
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II).
Panic mode will not activate if the When the remote transmitter's To replace the battery, remove the
ignition switch is in ACCESSORY (I) battery begins to get weak, it may round cover on the back of the trans-
or ON (II). take several pushes on the button to mitter by turning it counterclockwise
lock or unlock the doors, and the with a coin.
LED will get dim. Replace the
battery as soon as possible. Remove the old battery and note the
polarity. Make sure the polarity of
Battery type: CR2025 the new battery is the same (+ side
facing up), then insert it in the
transmitter.
CONTINUED

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▼
Keys and Locks
Reinstall the cushion ring. Align the Transmitter Care As required by the FCC:
mark on the cover with the Avoid severe shock to the trans- This device complies with Part 15 of the
mark on the transmitter, mitter, such as dropping or throwing FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
then set the cover in place and turn it it. Also, protect it from extreme hot following two conditions: (1) This device
clockwise. or cold temperatures. may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any
After the battery is changed, the Clean the transmitter case with a interference received, including
transmitter must be synchronized soft cloth. Do not use strong interference that may cause undesired
with the main unit. With the doors cleaners or solvents that could harm operation.
and trunk lid closed, press either the the case. Immersing the transmitter This device complies with DOC rules in
LOCK or UNLOCK button six times. in any liquid will harm the trans- Canada.
mitter and cause it to not function
properly. Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
Use the ring on the transmitter to compliance could void the user's
attach it to your main key ring. You authority to operate the equipment.
could damage the transmitter if you
try to use its ring as a key ring.
If you lose a transmitter, you will

need to have the replacement
programmed to your car's system by
your Honda dealer. Any other
transmitters you have will also need
to be reprogrammed.

▲
▼
Keys and Locks
Childproof Door Locks Trunk
LEVER
TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE MASTER KEY
The childproof door locks are You can open the trunk in two ways: To close the trunk, press down on
designed to prevent children seated the trunk lid.
in the rear from accidentally opening Pull the trunk release handle to
the rear doors. Each rear door has a the left of the driver's seat. See page 98 for cargo loading and
lock lever near the edge. With the weight limit information. Keep the
lever in the LOCK position, the door Use the master key to open the trunk lid closed at all times while
cannot be opened from the inside trunk lock. The valet key does not driving to avoid damaging the lid,
regardless of the position of the lock work in this lock. and to prevent exhaust gas from
tab. To open the door, pull the lock getting into the interior. See Carbon
tab up and use the outside door Monoxide Hazard on page 28.
handle.
CONTINUED

▲
▼
Keys and Locks, Seat Adjustments
Front Seat Adjustments
MASTER KEY
To protect items in the trunk when Adjust the seat before you start To change the angle of the seat-back,
you need to give the key to someone driving. pull up on the lever on the outside of
else, lock the trunk release handle the seat bottom. Move the seat-back
with the master key and give the To adjust the seat forward and to the desired position and release
other person the valet key. backward, pull up on the lever under the lever. Let the seat-back latch in
the seat cushion's front edge. Move the new position.
the seat to the desired position and
release the lever. Try to move the
seat to make sure it is locked in
position.

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▼
Seat Adjustments
Head Restraints push the release button sideways

and push the restraint down.
Reclining the seat-back can
decrease the protection you get To remove a head restraint for
from your seat belt in a crash. cleaning or repair, pull it up as far as
it will go. Push the release button
You can slide under the seat and pull the restraint out of the seat-
belt and be seriously injured. back.
Adjust the seat-back to an

upright position and sit well
back in the seat. Driving your car without head
RELEASE BUTTON restraints can lead to serious
injury to you and your
The front head restraints help passenger in a crash.
protect you and your passenger from
whiplash and other injuries. They are Make sure the head restraints
most effective when you adjust them are in place and adjusted
so the top of the restraint is even properly before driving.
with the top of your ears.
The front head restraints adjust for

height. You need both hands to
adjust the restraint. Do not attempt
to adjust it while driving. To raise it,
pull upward. To lower the restraint,

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▼
Folding Rear Seat
The back of the rear seat folds down MASTER KEY

to give you direct access to the
trunk. Each side folds down sepa-
rately. With only half the seat folded,
you can still carry a passenger in the
back seat.
RELEASE
To fold down either side of the seat- To release the seat-back from inside
back from inside the car, use the the trunk, pull the release under the
master key in the lock on the rear rear shelf. Push the seat-back down,
shelf. To fold down the driver's side, then let go of the release.
turn the key clockwise, fold down
the seat-back, then release the key. To lock the seat-back upright, push it
To fold down the passenger's side, firmly against the rear shelf. Make
turn the key counterclockwise and sure it is latched in place by pulling
perform the same procedure. on the top of the seat.

▲
▼
Folding Rear Seat, Power Windows
Make sure all items in the trunk, or Power Windows switch and holding it.
items extending through the opening
DRIVER'S WINDOW SWITCH
into the back seat, are tied down. The driver's armrest has a master
Loose items can fly forward and power window control panel. To
cause injury if you have to brake open any of the passengers' windows,
hard. See Loading Cargo on page push down on the appropriate switch
98. and hold it down until the window
reaches the desired position. To
Never drive with the seat-back close the window, pull back on the
folded down and the trunk lid open. window switch. Release the switch
See Carbon Monoxide Hazard on when the window gets to the position
page 28. you want.
MAIN SWITCH
On LX and EX models in the U.S., and

EX model in Canada Closing a power window on a
Your car's windows are electrically- child's hands or fingers can
powered. Turn the ignition switch to cause serious injury.
ON (II) to raise or lower any window.
Make sure your children are
Each door has a switch that controls away from the windows before
its window. To open the window, closing them.
push the switch down and hold it.
Release the switch when you want
the window to stop. Close the
window by pulling back on the CONTINUED

▲
▼
Power Windows
The master control panel also con- The MAIN switch controls power to
tains these extra features: the passengers' windows. With this
switch off, the passengers' windows
AUTO — To open the driver's cannot be raised or lowered. The
window fully, push the window MAIN switch does not affect the
switch firmly down and release it. driver's window. Keep the MAIN
The window automatically goes all switch off when you have children in
the way down. To stop the window the car so they do not injure them-
from going all the way down, pull selves by operating the windows
back on the window switch briefly. unintentionally.
To open the driver's window only

partially, push the window switch
down lightly and hold it. The window
will stop as soon as you release the
switch.
The AUTO function only works to

lower the driver's window. To raise
the window, you must pull back on
the window switch and hold it until
the window reaches the desired
position.

▼
▲
Moonroof, Mirrors
Moonroof To close the moonroof, press and Mirrors

hold the switch.
Closing the moonroof on

someone's hands or fingers can
cause serious injury.
Make sure passengers are

clear of the moonroof before
closing it.
TAB
On U.S. EX model NOTICE Keep the inside and outside mirrors

Use the switches on the dashboard clean and adjusted for best visibility.
under the left vent to operate the /f you try to open the moonroof in Be sure to adjust the mirrors before
moonroof. The ignition must be ON below-freezing temperatures, or when you start driving.
(II). it is covered with snow or ice, you can
damage the moonroof panel or motor. The inside mirror has day and night
To lift the rear of the moonroof for positions. The night position reduces
ventilation, push the button. glare from headlights behind you.
To slide the moonroof back, push Flip the tab on the bottom edge of
the switch. Hold it until the the mirror to select the day or night
moonroof reaches the desired position.
position, then release the switch. CONTINUED

▲
▼
Mirrors, Parking Brake
Adjusting the Power Mirrors Parking Brake
SELECTOR SWITCH ADJUSTMENT SWITCH
PARKING BRAKE LEVER
On LX and EX models in the U.S., and 3. Push the appropriate edge of the To apply the parking brake, pull the
EX model in Canada adjustment switch to move the lever up fully. To release it, pull up
Adjust the outside mirrors with the mirror right, left, up or down. slightly, push the button, and lower
adjustment switch on the left side of the lever. The parking brake light on
the dashboard: 4. When you finish, move the the instrument panel should go out
selector switch to the center (off) when the parking brake is fully
1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II). position. This turns off the released (see page 35).
adjustment switch so you can't
2. Move the selector switch to L move a mirror out of position by
(driver's side) or R (passenger's accidentally bumping the switch.
side).

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▼
Parking Brake, Glove Box
NOTICE Glove Box
Driving the car with the parking brake An open glove box can cause
applied can damage the rear brakes serious injury to your passenger
and axles. in a crash, even if the
passenger is wearing the seat
belt.
Always keep the glove box

closed while driving.
GLOVE BOX
Open the glove box by pulling the

handle. Close it with a firm push.

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▼
Beverage Holder
Be careful when you are using the

beverage holder. A spilled liquid that
is very hot can scald you or your
passengers. Spilled liquids can also
damage the upholstery, carpeting,
Push and electrical components in the
interior.
To open the beverage holder, push Use the beverage holder only when
on the top. The beverage holder lid the car is parked. If you place cups in
is spring-loaded and will swing open. the holder while driving, the liquid
To close it, push it down until it may spill when you go over bumps or
latches. around corners.

▲
▼
Accessory Power Socket, Ashtrays
Accessory Power Socket This socket is intended to supply Ashtrays

power for 12 volt DC accessories (Optional)
that are rated 120 watts or less (10 Front and rear ashtrays are available
amps). as options. The front ashtray fits in
the beverage holder.
It will not power an automotive type The rear ashtray fits in the rear of
cigarette lighter element. the center console.
Open the rear ashtray by swinging

the upper edge down. To remove the
ashtray for emptying, open the
ashtray and then lift it up and out.
ACCESSORY POWER SOCKET
NOTICE
To use the accessory power socket,
pull down the cover. The ignition Use the ashtray only for cigarettes,
switch must be in ACCESSORY (I) cigars, and other smoking materials.
or ON (II). To prevent a possible fire and damage
to your ear, don 't put paper or other
things that can burn in the ashtray.

▲
▼
Interior Light
(U.S.: EX) (U.S.: DX, LX, Canada: LX, EX)
DOOR ACTIVATED DOOR ACTIVATED

ON
ON
OFF
OFF
The interior light has a three- On cars with remote transmitter

position switch. In the OFF position, The interior light (with the switch in
the light does not come on. In the the center position) also comes on
center position, the interior light when you unlock the door with the
comes on when you open any door. remote transmitter (see page 52).
In the ON position, the interior light,
stays on continuously. If you installed a non-Honda radio in
your car, the keyless entry system
and the interior light will no longer
work.

▲
▼
Main Menu
Comfort and Convenience Features
The heating and air conditioning* Heating and Cooling........................ 68

systems in your Honda provide a What Each Control Does............ 68
comfortable driving environment in How to Use the System............... 70
all weather conditions. To Turn Everything Off............. 75
Audio System................................... 76
The standard audio system has Operating the Radio.................... 76
many features. This section de- Adjusting the Sound.................... 78
scribes those features and how to Radio Frequencies....................... 79
use them. (If you selected an Radio Reception........................... 79
optional audio system, refer to the Digital Clock.................................81
operating instructions that came Operating the Cassette Player... 82
with it.) Tape Search Functions............... 82
Caring for the Cassette Player... 84
* Air conditioning is standard on the Operating the Optional
EX and LX models in the U.S. It is CD player/Changer................ 85
optional on other models. Protecting Compact Discs.......... 87
CD Changer Error Indications... 88

▲
▼
Heating and Cooling
Proper use of the Heating and MODE BUTTONS RECIRCULATION AIR CONDITIONING
BUTTON BUTTON
Cooling system can make the
interior dry and comfortable, and
keep the windows clear for best
visibility.
If your vehicle does not have air

conditioning, it can be installed at
any time. Your dealer will install a
Genuine Honda air conditioning
system that meets Honda's high
quality standards and is designed to TEMPERATURE FAN CONTROL
CONTROL LEVER LEVER
exactly fit your vehicle. Please
contact your dealer for more Temperature Control Lever Recirculation Button
information. Sliding this lever to the right This button controls the source of
increases the temperature of the air the air going into the system. When
What Each Control Does flow. the indicator in this button is lit, air
from the vehicle's interior is sent
Fan Control Lever Air Conditioning (A/C) Button through the system again (Recircula-
Sliding this lever to the right This button turns the air condition mode). When the indicator is off,
increases the fan's speed, which tioning ON and OFF. The indicator air is brought in from outside the
increases air flow. in the button lights when the A / C is vehicle (Fresh Air mode).
on.

▲
▼
Heating and Cooling
Mode Buttons
Use the MODE buttons to select the
vents the air flows from.
Air flows from the center

and corner vents in the dashboard.
Air flow is divided between

the vents in the dashboard and the
floor vents.
Air flows from the floor

vents.
Air flow is divided between

the floor vents and the defroster
vents at the base of the windshield.
Air flows from the defroster

vents at the base of the windshield.
When you select , the system

automatically switches to Fresh Air
mode and turns on the A/C.

▲
▼
Heating and Cooling
Vent Controls How to Use the System

This section covers how to set up the
CENTER VENT SIDE VENT system controls for ventilation,
heating, cooling, dehumidifying, and
defrosting.
Open
The engine must be running for the
heater and air conditioning to
Close generate hot and cold air. The heater
uses engine coolant to warm the air.
If the engine is cold, it will be several
minutes before you feel warm air
coming from the system.
The air conditioning does not rely on
You can adjust the direction of the The vents in the corners of the engine temperature.
air coming from the dashboard vents dashboard can be opened and closed
by moving the tab in the center of with the dials next to them.
each vent up-and-down and side-to-
side.

▲
▼
Heating and Cooling
It is best to leave the system in Fresh MODE BUTTONS RECIRCULATION AIR CONDITIONING
BUTTON BUTTON
Air mode under almost all conditions.
Keeping the system in Recirculation
mode, particularly with the A/C off,
can cause the windows to fog up.
Switch to Recirculation mode when
you are driving through smoky or
dusty conditions, then switch back to
Fresh Air mode when the condition
clears.
The outside air intakes for the TEMPERATURE FAN CONTROL

heating and cooling system are at CONTROL LEVER LEVER
the base of the windshield. Keep Ventilation 1. Slide the temperature control lever
these clear of leaves and other The flow-through ventilation system all the way to the left.
debris. draws in outside air, circulates it Make sure the A/C is off.
through the interior, then exhausts it 2. Select and Fresh Air mode.
through vents near the rear window. 3. Set the fan to the desired speed.
CONTINUED

▲
▼
Heating and Cooling
To Cool with A/C MODE BUTTONS RECIRCULATION AIR CONDITIONING

BUTTON BUTTON
1. Turn on the A / C by pressing the
button. The light in the button
should come on.
2. Make sure the temperature
control lever is all the way to the
left.
3. Select and Fresh Air mode.
4. Set the fan to the desired speed.
If the interior is very warm from

being parked in the sun, you can cool TEMPERATURE FAN CONTROL
CONTROL LEVER LEVER
it down more rapidly by setting up
the controls this way: When the interior has cooled down Air conditioning places an extra load
to a more comfortable temperature, on the engine. Watch the engine
1. Start the engine. close the windows and set the coolant temperature gauge (see page
2. Turn on the A/C by pressing the controls as described for normal 38) when driving in stop-and-go
button. Make sure the tempera- cooling. traffic or climbing a long, steep hill.
ture control lever is all the way to If it moves near the red zone, turn
the left. off the A/C until the gauge reads
3. Set the fan to maximum speed. normally.
4. Open the windows partially. Select
and Recirculation mode.

▲
▼
Heating and Cooling
To Heat To Heat and Dehumidify with Air To Defog and Defrost

To warm the interior: Conditioning To remove fog from the inside of the
Air conditioning, as it cools, removes windows;
1. Start the engine. moisture from the air. When used in
2. Select and Fresh Air mode. combination with the heater, it 1. Switch the fan on.
3. Set the fan to the desired speed. makes the interior warm and dry. 2. Select
4. Adjust the warmth of the air with When you select , the
the temperature control lever. 1. Switch the fan on. system automatically switches to
2. Turn on the air conditioning. Fresh Air mode and turns on the
3. Select and Fresh Air mode. A/C.
4. Adjust the temperature control 3. Adjust the temperature control
lever so the mixture of heated and lever so the air flow from the
cooled air feels comfortable. defroster vents feels warm.
4. Turn on the rear window defogger
This setting is suitable for all driving to help clear the rear window.
conditions whenever the outside
temperature is above 32°F (0°C). When you switch to another mode
from , the A/C stays on.
Press the A/C button to turn it off.
CONTINUED

▲
▼
Heating and Cooling
To remove exterior frost or ice from

the windshield and side windows
after the car has been sitting out in
cold weather: MODE BUTTONS RECIRCULATION AIR CONDITIONING
BUTTON BUTTON
1. Start the engine.

2. Select
When you select , the
system automatically switches to
Fresh Air mode and turns on the
A/C.
3. Switch the fan and temperature
controls to maximum.
To rapidly remove exterior frost or

ice from the windshield (on very cold
days), first select the Recirculation
mode. Once the windshield is clear,
select the Fresh Air mode to avoid
fogging the windows. TEMPERATURE FAN CONTROL
CONTROL LEVER LEVER

▲
▼
Heating and Cooling
These settings direct all the air flow To Turn Everything Off
to the defroster vents at the base of To shut off the system temporarily,
the windshield and the side window slide the fan speed and temperature
defroster vents. The air flow will get control levers all the way to the left.
warmer and clear the windows faster
as the engine warms up. You can You should shut the system com-
close the side vents with the dial pletely off only for the first few
beside each vent. This will send minutes of driving in cold weather,
more warm air to the windshield until the engine coolant warms up
defroster vents. enough to operate the heater. Keep
the fan on at all other times so stale
For safety, make sure you have a air does not build up in the interior.
clear view through all the windows
before driving away.

▲
▼
Audio System
A M / F M Stereo Audio System Operating the Radio left side ( ) to tune to a lower
Your Honda's audio system provides The ignition switch must be in frequency. The frequency numbers
clear reception on both AM and FM ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to will start to change rapidly. Release
bands, while the preset buttons allow operate the audio system. Turn the the bar when the display reaches the
you to easily select your favorite system on by pressing the PWR/ desired frequency. To change the
stations. VOL knob or the A M / F M button. frequency in small increments, press
Adjust the volume by turning the and release the TUNE/SEEK bar
A cassette player, CD player or CD knob. quickly.
changer is available as optional
equipment. The cassette player is The band and frequency that the SEEK — The SEEK function
standard on the EX model in Canada. radio was last tuned to is displayed. searches the band for a station with
To change bands, press the A M / F M a strong signal. To activate it, press
button. On the FM band, ST will be the TUNE/SEEK bar until you hear
displayed if the station is broadcast- a beep, then release it. Depending on
ing in stereo. Stereo reproduction on which side of the bar you press, the
AM is not available. system scans upward or downward
from the current frequency. It stops
You can use any of three methods to when it finds a station with a strong
find radio stations on the selected signal.
band: TUNE, SEEK, or the Preset
buttons. Preset — You can store the fre-
quencies of your favorite radio
TUNE — Use the TUNE/SEEK bar stations in the six preset buttons.
to tune the radio to a desired Each button will store one frequency
frequency. Press the right side ( ) on the AM band, and two on the FM
to tune to a higher frequency, or the band.

▲
▼
Audio System
To store a frequency:
1. Select the desired band, AM or

FM. FM1 and FM2 let you store PWR/VOL KNOB STEREO INDICATOR AM/FM BUTTON
two frequencies with each Preset
button.
2. Use the TUNE or SEEK function

to tune the radio to a desired
station.
3. Pick the Preset button you want

for that station. Press the button
and hold it until you hear a beep.
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a total

of six stations on AM and twelve
on FM.
TUNE/SEEK BAR PRESET BUTTONS
Once a station's frequency is stored,
simply press and release the proper
Preset button to tune to it.
The preset frequencies will be lost if
your vehicle's battery goes dead, is
disconnected or the radio fuse is
removed.

▲
▼
Audio System
Adjusting the Sound MODE BUTTON

Bass, Treble, Balance, and Fader are
each adjustable. You select which of
these you want to adjust by pressing
the MODE button. The mode
changes from BAS to TRE to FAD to
BAL, and then back to VOL each
time you press the button. Each
mode is shown in the display as it
changes.
Balance/Fader — These two PWR/VOL KNOB

modes adjust the strength of the
sound coming from each speaker. Treble/Bass — Use these modes to As you adjust a mode, you will hear a
BAL adjusts the side-to-side strength, adjust the tone to your liking. Select beep whenever the indicator bar
while FAD adjusts the front-to-back TRE or BAS by pressing the MODE reaches the center, far left, and far
strength. button. Adjust the desired mode by right of its range. The system will
turning the PWR/VOL knob. The automatically return the display to
Select BAL or FAD by pressing the indicator bars on the display show normal mode about seven seconds
MODE button. Adjust the Balance or you the range. after you stop adjusting a mode with
Fader to your liking by turning the the PWR/VOL knob.
PWR/VOL knob. The indicator bars
on the display show you the range.

▲
▼
Audio System
Radio Frequencies Radio Reception

Your Honda's radio can receive the How well your Honda's radio
complete AM and FM bands. receives stations is dependent on
Those bands cover these frequen- many factors, such as the distance
cies: from the station's transmitter,
nearby large objects, and atmos-
AM band: pheric conditions.
530 to 1,710 kilohertz
FM band: A radio station's signal gets weaker
87.7 to 107.9 megahertz as you get farther away from its
transmitter. If you are listening to an
Radio stations on the AM band are AM station, you will notice the sound
assigned frequencies at least ten volume becoming weaker, and the
kilohertz apart (530, 540, 550). station drifting in and out. If you are Driving very near the transmitter of
Stations on the FM band are listening to an FM station, you will a station that is broadcasting on a
assigned frequencies at least 0.2 see the stereo indicator flickering off frequency close to the frequency of
megahertz apart (87.9, 88.1, 88.3). and on as the signal weakens. the station you are listening to can
Eventually, the stereo indicator will also affect your radio's reception.
Stations must use these exact go off and the sound will fade You may temporarily hear both
frequencies. It is fairly common for completely as you get out of range of stations, or hear only the station you
stations to round-off the frequency in the station's signal. are close to.
their advertising, so your radio could
display a frequency of 100.9 even
though the announcer may identify
the station as "FM101."
CONTINUED

▲
▼
Audio System
Electrical interference from passing

vehicles and stationary sources can
cause temporary reception problems.
Radio signals, especially on the FM Radio reception can be affected by

band, are deflected by large objects atmospheric conditions such as
such as buildings and hills. Your thunderstorms, high humidity, and
radio then receives both the direct even sunspots. You may be able to
signal from the station's transmitter, receive a distant radio station one
and the deflected signal. This causes day and not receive it the next day
the sound to distort or flutter. This is because of a change in conditions.
a main cause of poor radio reception
in city driving.

▲
▼
Audio System
Digital Clock
The audio system also displays the
time. The ignition switch must be in
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II). TIME DISPLAYED
To set the time, press the CLOCK

button. The hour numbers will begin
blinking. Press the Preset 5 button to
get the numbers to count down, or
the Preset 6 button to get the hours
to count up.
Press the CLOCK button again, and

the minutes numbers will begin
blinking. Use the Preset 5 or Preset
6 button to change the minutes to
the correct value.
After you have set the clock, press PRESET 5 BUTTON

the CLOCK button again to return to
the normal display. If you do not, the PRESET 6 BUTTON
system will automatically return to
the normal display about seven CLOCK BUTTON
seconds after you stop pressing the
Preset buttons.

▲
▼
Audio System
Operating the Cassette Player the other side, press the PROG press the AM/FM or CD/TAPE
Standard on EX model in Canada button. button. To change back to the
The cassette system features Dolby cassette player, press the CD/TAPE
B* noise reduction, automatic Dolby B noise reduction turns on button.
sensing of chromium-dioxide (CrO 2 ) when you insert a cassette. If the
tape, and autoreverse for continuous tape was not recorded with Dolby B Tape Search Functions
play. noise reduction, turn it off by With a cassette playing, you can use
pressing the NR button. the FF, REW, TMS, or REPEAT
* Dolby noise reduction manufactured under function to find a desired program.
license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpo- When the system reaches the end of
ration. "DOLBY" and the double-1) symbol the tape, it will automatically reverse FF/REW - Fast Forward and
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories direction and play the other side. If Rewind move the tape rapidly. Press
Licensing Corporation. you want to remove the cassette and release the REW side of the
from the drive, press the EJECT TUNE/SEEK bar to rewind the tape,
Make sure the tape opening on the button. or the FF side to fast forward. Press
cassette is facing to the right, then the PLAY button to take the system
insert the cassette most of the way If you turn the system off while a out of rewind or fast forward. If the
into the slot. The system will pull it tape is playing, either with the PWR/ system reaches the end of the tape
in the rest of the way, and begin to VOL knob or by turning off the while in fast forward or rewind, it
play. ignition, the cassette will remain in automatically stops that function,
the drive. When you turn the system reverses direction, and begins to play.
The tape direction indicator will light back on, the tape will begin playing
to show you which side of the where it left off.
cassette is playing. The indicates
the side you inserted facing upward To switch to the radio or optional CD
is now playing. If you want to play changer while listening to a tape,

▲
▼
Audio System
T M S - The Tape Music Search TUNE/SEEK RPT PROG TAPE DIRECTION

BAR BUTTON BUTTON INDICATOR
function allows you to find the
beginning of a song or passage. To
activate TMS, press FF or REW until AM/FM
you hear a beep. You will see TMS BUTTON
displayed. When the system reaches CD/TAPE
the beginning of the next song or BUTTON
passage (FF), or the beginning of
the song just played (REW), it goes
back to PLAY mode. PLAY NR
BUTTON BUTTON
REPEAT - The Repeat function CASSETTE
SLOT
continuously replays the current
song or passage. Press the RPT
button to activate it; you will see RPT
displayed as a reminder. When the
system reaches the end of the song EJECT BUTTON
or passage currently playing, it will
automatically go into rewind. When The TMS and REPEAT functions
it senses the beginning of the same use silent periods on the tape to find
song or passage, the system returns the end of a song or passage. These
to PLAY mode. It will continue to features may not work to your
repeat this same program until you satisfaction if there is almost no gap
deactivate REPEAT by pressing the between selections, a high noise
button again. level between selections, or a silent
period in the middle of a selection.

▲
▼
Audio System
Caring for the Cassette Player Look at the cassette before you If you see the error indication
The cassette player picks up dirt and insert it. If the tape is loose, tighten on the display, press the
oxides from the tape. This contami- it by turning a hub with a pencil or EJECT button and remove the
nation builds up over time and your finger. cassette from the unit. Make sure
causes the sound quality to degrade. If the label is peeling off, remove it the tape is not damaged. If the
To prevent this, you should clean the from the cassette or it could cause cassette will not eject or the error
player after every 30 hours of use. the cassette to jam in the player. indication stays on after the cassette
Your dealer has a cleaning kit Never try to insert a warped or ejects, take the car to your Honda
available. damaged cassette in the player. dealer.
If you do not clean the cassette When they are not in use, store If a problem develops in the connec-
player regularly, it may eventually cassettes in their cases to protect tion between the cassete player and
become impossible to remove the them from dust and moisture. Never the radio, you will see " " in
contamination with a normal place cassettes where they will be the display. Take the car to your
cleaning kit. exposed to direct sunlight, high heat, Honda dealer.
or high humidity. If a cassette is
Use 100-minute or shorter cassettes. exposed to extreme heat or cold, let
Cassettes longer than that use it reach a moderate temperature
thinner tape that may break or jam before inserting it in the player.
the drive.
Never try to insert foreign objects
into the cassette player.

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Audio System
Operating the Optional CD PWR/VOL KNOB REPEAT INDICATOR AM/FM BUTTON

Player/Changer
A Compact Disc changer is available
through your dealer. It holds up to
six discs, providing several hours of
continuous entertainment. You
operate the CD changer with the
same controls used for the radio.
Your dealer also has an accessory in-

dash single CD player available that
is operated by the radio controls. To TUNE/SEEK RPT PRESET BUTTONS CD/TAPE
BAR BUTTON BUTTON
operate this unit, use the instructions
(except for those relating to multiple CD Player You can also play 3-in (8-cm) discs
discs) in this section. Insert the disc into the CD slot. Push without using an adapter ring.
the disc in halfway, the drive will pull
To operate the CD player or changer, it in the rest of the way. Push the When the system reaches the end of
the ignition must be in ACCESSORY CD/TAPE button and the disc will the disc, it will return to the begin-
(I) or ON (II). start to play. ning and play that disc again.
You will see the track number being

played in the display.
CONTINUED

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▼
Audio System
Press the EJECT button to remove To select a different disc, press the REPEAT - When you activate the
the disc from the player. appropriate preset button (1 — 6). If Repeat feature by pressing the RPT
you select an empty slot in the button, the system continuously
If you eject the disc, but do not magazine, the changer will, after replays the current track. You will
remove it from the slot, the system finding that slot empty, try to load see RPT in the display as a reminder.
will automatically reload the disc the CD in the next slot. This Press the RPT button again to turn it
after 15 seconds and put the CD continues until it finds a CD to load off.
player in pause mode. To begin and play.
playing the disc, press the CD button. To take the system out of CD mode,
CD Player and Changer press the A M / F M button or insert a
CD Changer You can use the TUNE/SEEK bar to cassette in the player. If a tape is
Using the instructions that came select tracks within a disc. If you already in the cassette player, press
with the changer, load the desired press and release the TUNE/SEEK the CD/TAPE button. When you
CDs in the magazine, and load the bar, the system will move to the return to CD mode, play will contin-
magazine in the changer. beginning of a track. Press the ue at the same point that it left off.
side to move to the beginning
Press the CD/TAPE button. You will of the next track, and the side If you turn the system off while a CD
see "CD" in the display. The system to move to the beginning of the is playing, either with the PWR/VOL
will start to play the first track of the current track. knob or the ignition switch, play will
first disc. When that disc ends, the continue at the same point when you
next disc in the magazine is loaded If you press and hold the TUNE/ turn it back on.
and played. After the last disc SEEK bar, you will hear a beep and
finishes, the system returns to disc 1. the system will continue to move
across tracks. Release the bar when
you think it has reached the desired
place on the disc.

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Audio System
Protecting Compact Discs
Handle a CD by its edges; never When a CD is not being played, store A new CD may be rough on the
touch either surface. Contamination it in its case to protect it from dust inner and outer edges. The small
from fingerprints, liquids, felt-tip and other contamination. To prevent plastic pieces causing this roughness
pens, and labels can cause the CD to warpage, keep CDs out of direct can flake off and fall on the re-
not play properly, or possibly jam in sunlight and extreme heat. cording surface of the disc, causing
the drive. skipping or other problems. Remove
To clean a disc, use a clean soft cloth. these pieces by rubbing the inner
Wipe across the disc from the center and outer edges with the side of a
to the outside edge. pencil or pen.
Never try to insert foreign objects in

the CD player or the magazine.

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Audio System
CD Changer Error Indications

If you see an error indication in the
display while operating the CD
changer, find the cause in the chart
to the right. If you cannot clear the
error indication, take the car to your
Honda dealer.

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Main Menu
Before Driving
Before you begin driving your Honda, Break-in Period................................ 90

you should know what gasoline to Gasoline............................................ 90
use, and how to check the levels of Oxygenated Fuels........................ 90
important fluids. You also need to Driving in Foreign Countries..... 91
know how to properly store luggage Service Station Procedures............ 92
or packages. The information in this Filling the Fuel Tank................... 92
section will help you. If you plan to Opening the Hood....................... 93
add any accessories to your car, Oil Check.................................. 94
please read the information in this Engine Coolant Check............ 95
section first. Fuel Economy.................................. 96
Vehicle Condition........................ 96
Driving Habits.;............................ 96
Accessories....................................... 97
Loading Cargo.................................. 98
Before Driving

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Break-in Period, Gasoline
Break-in Period Gasoline Oxygenated Fuels

Help assure your car's future Your Honda is designed to operate Some conventional gasolines are
reliability and performance by paying on unleaded gasoline with a pump being blended with alcohol or an
extra attention to how you drive octane number of 86 or higher. Use ether compound. These gasolines
during the first 600 miles (1,000 km). of a lower octane gasoline can cause are collectively referred to as
During this period: a persistent, heavy metallic rapping oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air
noise in the engine that can lead to standards, some areas of the United
Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid mechanical damage. States and Canada use oxygenated
acceleration. fuels to help reduce emissions.
We recommend gasolines containing
Avoid hard braking. New brakes detergent additives that help prevent If you use an oxygenated fuel, be
need to be broken-in by moderate fuel system and engine deposits. sure it is unleaded and meets the
use for the first 200 miles (300 minimum octane rating requirement.
km). Using gasoline containing lead will
damage your car's emission controls. Before using an oxygenated fuel, try
You should follow these same re- This contributes to air pollution. to confirm the fuel's contents. Some
commendations with an overhauled states/provinces require this
or exchanged engine, or when the In Canada, some gasolines contain information to be posted on the
brakes are relined. an octane-enhancing additive called pump.
MMT. If you use such gasolines,
your emission control system
performance may deteriorate and
the malfunction indicator lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on.
If this happens, contact your
authorized Honda dealer for service.
Before Driving

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Gasoline
The following are the KPA-approved If you notice any undesirable Driving in Foreign Countries
percentages of oxygenates: operating symptoms, try another If you are planning to take your
service station or switch to another Honda outside the U.S. or Canada,
ETHANOL (ethyl or grain alcohol) brand of gasoline. contact the tourist bureaus in the
You may use gasoline containing up areas you will be traveling in to find
to 10 percent ethanol by volume. Fuel system damage or performance out about the availability of unleaded
Gasoline containing ethanol may be problems resulting from the use of gasoline with the proper octane
marketed under the name "Gasohol." an oxygenated fuel containing more rating.
than the percentages of oxygenates
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl given above are not covered under If unleaded gasoline is not available,
Ether) warranty. be aware that using leaded gasoline
You may use gasoline containing up in your Honda will affect perfor-
to 15 percent MTBE by volume. mance and fuel mileage, and damage
its emissions controls. It will no
METHANOL (methyl or wood longer comply with U.S. and
alcohol) Canadian emissions regulations, and
You may use gasoline containing up will be illegal to operate in North
to 5 percent methanol by volume as America. To bring your car back into
long as it also contains cosolvents compliance will require the replace-
and corrosion inhibitors to protect ment of several components, such as
the fuel system. Gasoline containing the oxygen sensor and the three way
more than 5 percent methanol by catalytic converter. These replace-
volume may cause starting and/or ments are not covered under
performance problems. It may also warranty.
damage metal, rubber and plastic
parts of your fuel system.
Before Driving

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▼
Service Station Procedures
Filling the Fuel Tank 3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly.
You may hear a hissing sound as
Gasoline is highly flammable pressure inside the tank escapes.
Pull and explosive. You can be
burned or seriously injured 4. Stop filling the tank after the fuel
when handling fuel. pump automatically clicks off. Do
not try to "top off" the tank, leave
Stop the engine and keep some room for the fuel to expand
heat, sparks, and flame away. with temperature changes.
Handle fuel only outdoors.
Wipe up spills immediately. 5. Screw the fuel fill cap back on,
tighten it until it clicks. If you do
not properly tighten the cap, the
Malfunction Indicator Lamp may
1. Because the fuel fill cap is on the come on (see page 191).
driver's side of the car, park with
that side closest to the service 6. Push the fuel fill door closed until
station pumps. it latches.
2. Open the fuel fill door by pulling

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

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▼
Opening the Hood

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

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

handle).
Before Driving

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Engine Coolant Check Refer to Owner Maintenance

Checks on page 126 for information
RESERVE on checking other items in your
TANK Honda.
UPPER MARK MAX

LOWER MARK
MIN
4. Remove the dipstick again and Look at the coolant level in the
check the level. It should be radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the upper and lower between the MAX and M I N lines. If
marks. it is below the M I N line, see Adding
Engine Coolant on page 132 for
If it is near or below the lower mark, information on adding the proper
see Adding Oil on page 128. coolant.
Before Driving

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▼
Fuel Economy
The condition of your car and your Driving Habits A cold engine uses more fuel than a
driving habits are the two most You can improve fuel economy by warm engine. It is not necessary to
important things that affect the fuel driving moderately. Rapid acceler- "warm-up" a cold engine by letting it
mileage you get. ation, abrupt cornering, and hard idle for a long time. You can drive
braking use more fuel. away in about a minute, no matter
Vehicle Condition how cold it is outside. The engine
Always maintain your car according Always drive in the highest gear that will warm up faster, and you get
to the maintenance schedule. This allows the engine to run and acceler- better fuel economy. To cut down on
will keep it in top operating condition. ate smoothly. the number of "cold starts," try to
combine several short trips into one.
An important part of that mainte- Depending on traffic conditions, try
nance is the Owner Maintenance to maintain a constant speed. Every The air conditioning puts an extra
Checks (see page 126). For time you slow down and speed up, load on the engine which makes it
example, an underinflated tire your car uses extra fuel. Use the use more fuel. Turn off the A/C to
causes more "rolling resistance," cruise control, when appropriate, to cut down on air conditioning use.
which uses fuel. It also wears out increase fuel economy. Use the flow-through ventilation
faster, so check the tire pressure at when the outside air temperature is
least monthly. moderate.
In winter, the build-up of snow on

your car's underside adds weight and
rolling resistance. Frequent cleaning
helps your fuel mileage and reduces
the chance of corrosion.
Before Driving

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

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

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▼
Loading Cargo
The maximum load you can carry in To figure out how much cargo you Where you store this cargo, and how
your Honda is 850 Ibs (395 kg). It can carry: well you secure it, are just as
includes the total weight of all important as how much it weighs.
passengers, their belongings and any Figure the total "occupant weight" Make sure you load cargo so it will
accessories. This 850 Ibs (395 kg) you will be transporting. To do this, not shift while driving. Items stored
figure is shown as the Vehicle multiply the number of people in the cargo area should be stored as
Capacity Weight on the tire infor- (driver and all passengers) by 150 far forward as possible.
mation label attached to the driver's Ibs (70 kg).
doorjamb. You could store additional items on
Subtract this number from the the floor behind the front seats.
Vehicle Capacity Weight (850 Ibs/ Make sure they cannot roll under the
395kg). front seat and interfere with the
pedals.
This final number is the total weight
of cargo you can load in or on the car. If you must carry large objects that
With five occupants (driver and four prevent you from closing the trunk
passengers), the maximum recom- lid, be aware that exhaust gas can
mended weight for cargo is 100 Ibs enter the interior. See Carbon
(45kg). Monoxide Hazard on page 28.
Never place items on the shelf

behind the back seat. Those items
can fly forward and injure you or
your passengers if you brake hard or
are involved in a collision.
Before Driving

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Main Menu
Driving
This section gives you tips on Preparing to Drive......................... 100

starting the engine under various Starting the Engine........................ 101
conditions, and how to operate the 5- Starting in Cold Weather
speed manual and automatic at High Altitude ..................... 101
transmissions. It also includes impor- 5-speed Manual Transmission ..... 102
tant information on parking your car, Recommended Shift Points...... 102
and the braking system. Maximum Speeds...................... 103
Automatic Transmission............... 104
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 104
Shift Lever Positions................. 105
Maximum Speeds...................... 107
Shift Lock Release..................... 108
Parking............................................ 109
The Braking System...................... 110
Brake Wear Indicators.............. 110
Brake System Design................111
Anti-lock Brakes........................111
Important Safety
Reminders.......................... 112
ABS Indicator......................... 113
Driving in Bad Weather................ 114
Towing a Trailer............................ 115
Driving

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▼
Preparing to Drive
You should do the following checks 4. Check that any items you may be 9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that
and adjustments every day before carrying with you inside are stored your passengers have fastened
you drive your car. properly or fastened down their seat belts (see page 7).
securely.
1. Make sure all windows, mirrors, 10.Turn the ignition ON (II). Check
and outside lights are clean and 5. Check the adjustment of the seat the indicator lights in the instru-
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow, (see page 56). ment panel.
or ice.
6. Check the adjustment of the 11. Start the engine (see page 101).
2. Check that the hood and trunk are inside and outside mirrors (see
fully closed. page 61). 12. Check the gauges and indicator
lights in the instrument panel (see
3. Visually check the tires. If a tire 7. Check the adjustment of the page 33).
looks low, use a gauge to check its steering wheel (see page 45 ).
pressure.
8. Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.
Driving

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▼
Starting the Engine
1. Apply the parking brake. 5. If the engine does not start within meters) adds to the problem.
15 seconds, or starts but stalls Use the following procedure:
2. In cold weather, turn off all right away, repeat step 4 with the
electrical accessories to reduce accelerator pedal pressed half-way 1. Turn off all electrical accessories
the drain on the battery. down. If the engine starts, release to reduce the drain on the battery.
pressure on the accelerator pedal
3. Manual Transmission: so the engine does not race. 2. Push the accelerator pedal half-
Push the clutch pedal down all the way to the floor and hold it there
way. START (III) does not 6. If the engine still does not start, while starting the engine. Do not
function unless the clutch pedal is press the accelerator pedal all the hold the ignition key in START
depressed. way down and hold it there while (III) for more than 15 seconds.
starting in order to clear flooding. When the engine starts, release
Automatic Transmission: As before, keep the ignition key in the accelerator pedal gradually as
Make sure the shift lever is in the START (III) position for no the engine speeds up and smooths
Park. Press on the brake pedal. more than 15 seconds. Return to out.
step 5 if the engine does not start.
4. Without touching the accelerator If it starts, lift your foot off the 3. If the engine fails to start in step 2,
pedal, turn the ignition key to the accelerator pedal so the engine push the accelerator pedal to the
START (III) position. If the engine does not race. floor and hold it there while you
does not start right away, do not try to start the engine for no more
hold the key in START (III) for Starting in Cold Weather at High than 15 seconds. If the engine
more than 15 seconds at a time. Altitude (Above 8,000 feet/ does not start, return to step 2.
Pause for at least 10 seconds 2,400 meters)
before trying again. An engine is harder to start in cold
weather. The thinner air found at
high altitude above 8,000 feet (2,400
Driving

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▼
5-speed Manual Transmission
Come to a full stop before you shift

into Reverse. You can damage the
transmission by trying to shift into Rapid slowing or speeding-up
Reverse with the car moving. Push can cause loss of control on
down the clutch pedal, and pause for slippery surfaces. If you crash,
a few seconds before shifting into 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 "grind". slippery surfaces.
When slowing down, you can get

extra braking from the engine by Recommended Shift Points
shifting to a lower gear. This extra Drive in the highest gear that lets
The manual transmission is syn- braking can help you maintain a safe the engine run and accelerate
chronized in all forward gears for speed and prevent your brakes from smoothly. This will give you the best
smooth operation. It has a lockout so overheating while going down a fuel economy and effective emis-
you cannot shift directly from Fifth steep hill. Before downshifting, sions control. The following shift
to Reverse. When shifting up or make sure engine speed will not go points are recommended:
down, make sure you push the clutch into the tachometer's red zone in the
pedal down all the way, shift to the lower gear. Refer to the Maximum
next gear, and let the pedal up Speeds chart.
gradually. When you are not shifting,
do not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal. This can cause your clutch to
wear out faster.
Driving

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▼
5-speed Manual Transmission
Maximum Speeds (U.S.: DX, LX, Canada: LX, EX)

The speeds in this table are the
maximums for the given gears. If
you exceed these speeds, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer's
red zone. If this occurs, you may feel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine's
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
RPM below the red zone.
(U.S.: EX)
Driving

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▼
Automatic Transmission
Your Honda's transmission has four Shift Lever Position Indicator

forward speeds, and is electronically
controlled for smoother shifting. It
also has a "lock-up" torque converter UNLEADED
for better fuel economy. You may FUEL ONLY
feel what seems like another shift

when the converter locks.
This indicator on the instrument dealer as soon as possible.

panel shows which shift position the
shift lever is in.
The "D4" indicator comes on for a

few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II). If it flashes
while driving (in any shift position),
it indicates a possible problem in the
transmission. Avoid rapid acceler-
ation and have the transmission
checked by an authorized Honda
Driving

▲
▼
Shift Lever Positions
SHIFT LEVER
The shift lever has six positions. It Park (P) — This position mechani-
must be in Park or Neutral to start cally locks the transmission. Use
the engine. When you are stopped in Park whenever you are turning off or
D4, D3, 2, N or R, press firmly on the starting the engine. To shift out of
brake pedal, and keep your foot off Park, you must press on the brake
the accelerator pedal. pedal and have your foot off the
accelerator pedal. Press the release
button on the side of the shift lever
to move it.
CONTINUED
Driving

▲
▼
If you have done all of the above and Reverse (R) — To shift to Reverse Drive (D3) —This position is similar
still cannot move the lever out of from Park, see the explanation under to D4, except only the first three
Park, see Shift Lock Release on page Park. To shift to Reverse from gears are selected. Use D3 to provide
108. Neutral, come to a complete stop and engine braking when going down a
then shift. Press the release button steep hill. D3 can also keep the
You must also press the release before shifting into Reverse from transmission from cycling between
button to shift into Park. To avoid Neutral. third and fourth gears in stop-and-go
transmission damage, come to a driving.
complete stop before shifting into Neutral (N) — Use Neutral if you
Park. The shift lever must be in Park need to restart a stalled engine, or if For faster acceleration when in D3 or
before you can remove the key from it is necessary to stop briefly with D4, you can get the transmission to
the ignition switch. the engine idling. Shift to Park posi- automatically downshift by pushing
tion if you need to leave the car for the accelerator pedal to the floor.
any reason. Press on the brake pedal The transmission will shift down one
when you are moving the shift lever or two gears, depending on your
from Neutral to another gear. speed.
Drive (D4) — Use this position for

your normal driving. The transmis-
sion automatically selects a suitable
gear for your speed and acceleration.
You may notice the transmission
shifting up at higher speeds when
the engine is cold. This helps the
engine warm up faster.
Driving

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▼
Second (2) — To shift to Second, Maximum Speeds (U.S.: EX)

press the release button on the side The speeds in this table are the
of the shift lever. This position locks maximums for the given position. If
the transmission in second gear. It you exceed these speeds, the engine
does not downshift to first gear speed will enter into the tachometer's
when you come to a stop. Second red zone. If this occurs, you will feel
gives you more power when climbing, the engine cut in and out This is
and increased engine braking when caused by a limiter in the engine's
going down steep hills. Use second computer controls. The engine will
gear when starting out on a slippery run normally when you reduce the
surface or in deep snow. It will help RPM below the red zone.
reduce wheelspin.
(U.S.: DX, LX, Canada: LX, EX)
Whenever you move the shift lever
to a lower gear, the transmission
downshifts only if the engine's
redline will not be exceeded in the
lower gear.
Driving

▲
▼
Shift Lock Release RELEASE BUTTON 5. Remove the key from the Shift
This allows you to move the shift Lock Release slot. Depress the
lever out of Park if the normal brake pedal and restart the engine.
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pressing the release If you need to use the Shift Lock
button does not work. Release, it means your car is
developing a problem. Have the car
1. Set the Parking brake. checked by your Honda dealer.
2. Remove the key from the ignition

switch. SHIFT LOCK
RELEASE SLOT
3. Insert the key in the Shift Lock

Release slot next to the shift lever.
4. Push down on the key while you

press the release button and move
the shift lever out of Park to
Neutral.
Driving

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▼
Parking
Always use the parking brake when If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn Parking Tips
you park your vehicle. The indicator the front wheels away from the curb. Make sure the moonroof and the
on the instrument panel shows that If you have a manual transmission, windows are closed.
the parking brake is not fully put it in first gear.
released; it does not indicate that the Turn off the lights.
parking brake is firmly set. Make If the vehicle is facing downhill turn
sure the parking brake is set firmly the front wheels toward the curb. If Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
or your vehicle may roll if it is you have a manual transmission, put in the trunk or take them with you.
parked on an incline. it in reverse.
Lock the doors with the key or the
If your vehicle has an automatic Make sure the parking brake is fully remote transmitter.
transmission, set the parking brake released before driving away.
before you put the transmission in Driving with the parking brake Never park over dry leaves, tall
Park. This keeps the vehicle from partially set can overheat or damage grass, or other flammable
moving and putting pressure on the the rear brakes. materials. The three way catalytic
parking mechanism in the converter gets very hot, and could
transmission-making it easier to cause these materials to catch on
move the shift lever out of Park fire.
when you want to drive away.
Driving

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

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▼
The Braking System
Brake System Design If this happens, you will immediately Anti-lock Brakes
The hydraulic system that operates notice that the brake pedal goes The U.S. EX model has an Anti-lock
the brakes has two separate circuits. down much farther and you need to Brake System (ABS) as standard
Each circuit works diagonally across press on it much harder. A much equipment. It is optional on all
the car (the left-front brake is longer distance will be needed to Canadian models.
connected with the right-rear brake, stop the car.
etc.). If one circuit should develop a ABS helps to prevent the wheels
problem, you will still have braking Slow the car by downshifting to a from locking up and skidding during
at two wheels. lower gear and removing your foot hard braking, allowing you to retain
from the accelerator pedal. Pull to steering control.
the side of the road as soon as it is
safe. Because of the longer stopping When the front tires skid, you lose
distance needed, brake system steering control; the car continues
failure is very hazardous. You should straight ahead even though you turn
Front have your car towed, but if you must the steering wheel. The ABS helps to
drive the car in this condition, be prevent lock-up and retain steering
extremely cautious. Have your car control by pumping the brakes
repaired as soon as possible. rapidly, much faster than a person
can do it.
CONTINUED
Driving

▲
▼
The Braking System
You should never pump the Important Safety Reminders A vehicle with ABS may require a
brake pedal, this defeats the ABS does not reduce the time or longer distance to stop on loose or
purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS distance it takes to stop the car, it uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
work for you by always keeping firm, only helps with steering control snow, than a vehicle without anti-
steady pressure on the brake pedal during braking. You should always lock. Slow down and allow greater
as you steer away from the hazard. maintain a safe following distance distance between vehicles under
This is sometimes referred to as from other vehicles. those conditions.
"stomp and steer."
ABS will not prevent a skid that
You will feel a pulsation in the brake results from changing direction
pedal when the ABS activates, and abruptly, such as trying to take a
you may hear some noise. This is corner too fast or making a sudden
normal, it is the ABS rapidly lane change. Always drive at a safe
pumping the brakes. prudent speed for the road and
weather conditions.
Activation varies with the amount of
traction your tires have. On dry ABS cannot prevent a loss of
pavement, you will need to press on stability. Always steer moderately
the brake pedal very hard before you when you are braking hard. Severe
activate the ABS. However, you may or sharp steering wheel movement
feel the ABS activate immediately if can still cause your vehicle to veer
you are trying to stop on snow or ice. into oncoming traffic or off the road.
Driving

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▼
The Braking System
ABS Indicator If anything goes wrong, the ABS

indicator on the instrument panel
ABS INDICATOR* comes on (see page 35). This means
the anti-lock function of the braking
system has shut down. The brakes
still work like a conventional system
without anti-lock, providing normal
stopping ability. You should have the
dealer inspect your vehicle as soon
as possible if this light stays on after
you start the engine, or comes on
while driving.
* U.S. indicator shown
The ABS is self-checking. It also

checks itself whenever you use the
brakes.
Driving

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▼
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 to visible to other drivers are important
react, even in conditions that may in all weather conditions. This is
seem just barely damp. Apply more difficult in bad weather. To be
smooth, even pressure to all the seen more clearly during daylight
controls. Abrupt steering wheel hours, turn on your headlights.
movements or sudden, hard appli-
cation of the brakes can cause loss of Inspect your windshield wipers and
control in wet weather. Be extra washers frequently. Keep the wind-
cautious for the first few miles shield washer reservoir full of the
(kilometers) of driving while you proper fluid. Have the windshield
adjust to the change in driving wiper blades replaced if they start to
Rain, fog, and snow conditions re- conditions. This is especially true in streak the windshield or leave parts
quire a different driving technique snow. A person can forget some unwiped. Use the defrosters and air
because of reduced traction and snow-driving techniques during the conditioning to keep the windows
visibility. Keep your car well- summer months. Practice is needed from fogging up on the inside (see
maintained and exercise greater to relearn those skills. page 73).
caution when you need to drive in
bad weather. The cruise control Exercise extra caution when driving
should not be used in these condi- in rain after a long dry spell. After
tions. months of dry weather, the first
rains bring oil to the surface of the
roadway, making it slippery.
Driving

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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 void
preventing "hydroplaning" (loss of your warranties.
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 slip-
pery as ice. "Clear" roads can have
patches of ice. Driving conditions
can be very hazardous when the Be very cautious when passing, or
outside temperature is near freezing. being passed by, other vehicles. The
The road surface can become spray from large vehicles reduces
covered with areas of water puddles your visibility, and the wind buffeting
mixed with areas of ice, so your can cause you to lose control.
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

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▼
Main Menu
Maintenance
This section explains why it is Maintenance Safety....................... 118 Air Cleaner Element...................... 14 2
important to keep your car well Important Safety Precautions.. 119 Spark Plugs..................................... 144
maintained and to follow basic Maintenance Schedule.................. 120 Replacement............................... 144
maintenance safety precautions. Maintenance Record..................... 124 Specifications............................. 145
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 126 Battery............................................ 146
This section also includes Fluid Locations............................... 127 Windshield Wipers........................ 148
Maintenance Schedules for normal Engine Oil....................................... 128 Air Conditioning System............... 150
driving and severe driving conditions, Adding Oil................................... 128 Drive Belts...................................... 151
a Maintenance Record, and instruc- Recommended Oil..................... 128 Timing Belt..................................... 151
tions for simple maintenance tasks Synthetic Oil............................... 129 Tires................................................ 152
you may want to take care of Additives..................................... 129 Inflation.......................................152
yourself. Changing the Oil and Filter...... 130 Recommended Tire Pressure s
Cooling System.............................. 132 for Normal Driving............ 153
If you have the skills and tools to per- Adding Engine Coolant............. 132 Inspection................................... 154
form more complex maintenance Replacing Engine Coolant........ 134 Maintenance............................... 15 4
tasks on your Honda, you may want Windshield Washers..................... 137 Tire Rotation.............................. 155
to purchase the Service Manual. See Transmission Fluid........................ 138 Replacing Tires and Wheels.... 156
page 217 for information on how to Automatic Wheels and Tires....................... 157
obtain a copy, or see your Honda Transmission...............,,,..,,,... 138 Winter Driving........................... 157
dealer. 5-speed Manual Snow Tires.............................. 157
Transmission.......................... 139 Tire Chains............................. 158
Brake and Clutch Fluid................. 139 Lights.............................................. 15 9
Brake Fluid................................. 140 Headlight Aiming...................... 159
Brake System............................. 140 Replacing Bulbs......................... 16 1
Clutch System............................ 140 Storing Your Car............................ 16 9
Power Steering............................... 141
Maintenance

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▼
Maintenance Safety
Regularly maintaining your car is the This section includes instructions for Some of the most important safety
best way to protect your investment. simple maintenance tasks, such as precautions are given here. However,
Proper maintenance is essential to checking and adding oil. Any service we cannot warn you of every
your safety and the safety of your items not detailed in this section conceivable hazard that can arise in
passengers. It will also reward you should be performed by a Honda performing maintenance. Only you
with more economical, trouble-free technician or other qualified can decide whether or not you
driving and help reduce air pollution. mechanic. should perform a given task.
Improperly maintaining this car Failure to properly follow

or failing to correct a problem maintenance instructions and
before driving can cause a precautions can cause you to
crash in which you can be be seriously hurt or killed.
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
Always follow the inspection and precautions in this owner's
and maintenance manual.
recommendations and
schedules in this owner's
manual.
Maintenance

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▼
Maintenance Safety
Important Safety Precautions Read the instructions before you

Before you begin any maintenance, begin, and make sure you have the
make sure your car is parked on tools and skills required.
level ground and that the parking
brake is on. Also, be sure the engine To reduce the possibility of fire or
is off. This will help to eliminate explosion, be careful when working
several potential hazards: around gasoline or batteries. Use a
nonflammable solvent, not gasoline,
Carbon monoxide poisoning to clean parts. Keep cigarettes,
from engine exhaust. Be sure sparks, and flames away from the
there is adequate ventilation battery and all fuel-related parts.
whenever you operate the engine.
You should wear eye protection and
Burns from hot parts. Let the protective clothing when working
engine and exhaust system cool near the battery or when using
before touching any parts. compressed air.
Injury from moving parts. Do

not run the engine unless in-
structed to do so.
Maintenance

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▼
Maintenance Schedule
The Maintenance Schedule specifies The services and time or distance Which Schedule to Follow:
how often you should have your car intervals shown in the maintenance Service your car according to the
serviced and what things need schedule assume you will use your time and mileage periods on one of
attention. It is essential that you have car as normal transportation for the Maintenance Schedules on the
your car serviced as scheduled to passengers and their possessions. following pages. Select the schedule
retain its high level of safety, You should also follow these for "Severe Conditions" if most of
dependability, and emission control recommendations: your driving is done under one or
performance. more of the conditions listed on that
Avoid exceeding your car's load page. Otherwise, follow the schedule
limit. This puts excess stress on for "Normal Conditions."
the engine, brakes, and many
other parts of your car. The load
limit is shown on the label on the
driver's doorjamb.
Operate your car on reasonable

roads within the legal speed limit.
Drive your car regularly over a

distance of several miles
(kilometers).
Always use unleaded gasoline with

the proper octane rating (see page
90).
Maintenance

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▼
Maintenance Schedule
Your authorized Honda dealer We recommend the use of Genuine According to state and federal
knows your car best and can provide Honda parts and fluids whenever you regulations, failure to perform
competent, efficient service. have maintenance done. These are maintenance on the items marked
However, service at a dealer is not manufactured to the same high- with an asterisk (*) will not void your
mandatory to keep your warranties quality standards as the original emissions warranties. However,
in effect. Maintenance may be done components, so you can be confident Honda recommends that all mainte-
by any qualified service facility or of their performance and durability. nance services be performed at the
person who is skilled in this type of recommended time or mileage
automotive service. Keep all the U.S. Cars: period to ensure long-term reliability.
receipts as proof of completion, and Maintenance, replacement or
have the person who does the work repair of emission control devices
fill out the Maintenance Record. and systems may be done by any
Check your warranty booklet for automotive repair establishment
more information. or individual using parts that are
"certified" to EPA standards.
Maintenance

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▼
Maintenance Schedule (Normal Conditions)

Follow the Normal Maintenance
Schedule if the severe driving
conditions specified in the
Severe Conditions Maintenance
Schedule on the next page do
not apply.
NOTE: If you only

OCCASIONALLY drive under a
"severe" condition, you should
follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Maintenance

▲
▼
Maintenance Schedule (Severe Conditions)

Follow the Severe Maintenance
Schedule if you drive your
vehicle MAINLY under one or
more of the following condi-
tions:
Driving less than 5 miles (8

km) per trip or, in freezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in hot [over 90° F
(32° C) ] conditions.
Extensive idling or long
periods of stop-and-go driving.
Driving with a car-top carrier,
or driving in mountainous
conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.
For Canadian Owners

Follow the Maintenance
Schedule for Severe Conditions.
* 1 : Refer to page 151 for replacement information under special driving conditions.
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 123).
Maintenance

▲
▼
Owner Maintenance Checks
You should check the following Engine oil level — Check every Lights — Check the operation of
items at the specified intervals. If time you fill the fuel tank. See the headlights, parking lights,
you are unsure of how to perform page 94. taillights, high-mount brake light,
any check, turn to the page given. turn signals, brake lights, and
Engine coolant level — Check the license plate lights monthly. See
radiator reserve tank every time page 159.
you fill the fuel tank. See page 95.
Windshield washer fluid — Check

the level in the reservoir monthly.
If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 137.
Tires — Check the tire pressure

monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
152.
Maintenance

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▼
Fluid Locations
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
(5-speed Manual
Transmission only)
CLUTCH FLUID
(Gray cap)
ENGINE OIL
AUTOMATIC FILL CAP
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop) POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
COOLANT WASHER FLUID

RESERVOIR (Blue cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK

(Orange loop)
Maintenance

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▼
Engine Oil
Adding Oil Recommended Oil The API Service label also tells you
Oil is a major contributor to your the service classification of the oil.
ENGINE OIL engine's performance and longevity. Always use an oil that is labeled "API
FILL CAP
Always use a premium-grade deter- Service SJ" or "API Service SH."
gent oil. This service rating may include
Other classifications, such as CD.
You can determine an oil's SAE These additional classifications are
viscosity and Service Classification not a problem, as long as the label
from the API Service label on the oil also carries the SJ or SH classifi-
container. cation. An oil that is only classified
SG is not recommended.
A fuel-efficient oil is recommended
for your Honda. This is shown on the
API Service label by the words
To add oil, unscrew and remove the "Energy Conserving " or
engine oil fill cap on top of the valve "Energy Conserving I I . " This oil is
cover. Pour in the oil, and replace the formulated to help your engine use
engine oil fill cap. Tighten it securely. less fuel.
Wait a few minutes and recheck the
oil level. Do not fill above the upper
mark; you could damage the engine.
API SERVICE LABEL
Maintenance

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▼
Engine Oil
The oil container may also display The SAE numbers tell you the oil's Synthetic Oil
the API Certification mark. Make viscosity or weight. Select the oil for You may use a synthetic motor oil if
sure it says "For Gasoline Engines.' your car according to this chart. it meets the same requirements
given for conventional motor oil;
energy conserving, a service
classification of SJ or SH, and the
proper weight as shown on the chart.
When using synthetic oil, you must
follow the oil and filter change
intervals given in the maintenance
schedule.
Additives
Your Honda does not need any oil
API CERTIFICATION MARK Ambient Temperature additives. Purchasing additives for
the engine or transmission will not
An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is increase your car's performance or
preferred for improved fuel economy longevity. It only increases the cost
and year-round protection in your of operating your car.
Honda. You may use a 10W-30 oil if
the temperature in your area never
goes below 2 0 ° F ( - 7 ° C ) .
Maintenance

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▼
Engine Oil
Changing the Oil and Filter OIL FILTER

Always change the oil and filter
according to the time and distance
(miles/kilometers) recommenda-
tions in the maintenance schedule.
The oil and filter collect contami-
nants that can damage your engine if
they are not removed regularly.
Changing the oil and filter requires

special tools and access from
underneath the car. The car should OIL DRAIN BOLT WASHER
be raised on a service station-type
hydraulic lift for this service. Unless 1. Run the engine until it reaches 3. Remove the oil filter and let the
you have the knowledge and proper normal operating temperature, remaining oil drain. A special
equipment, you should have this then shut it off. wrench (available from your
maintenance done by a skilled Honda dealer) is required to
mechanic. 2. Open the hood and remove the remove the filter.
engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer from the 4. Install a new oil filter according to
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil instructions that come with it.
into an appropriate container.
Maintenance

▲
▼
Engine Oil
5. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, 7. Replace the engine oil fill cap. NOTICE
then reinstall the drain bolt. Start the engine. The oil pressure
Tighten it to: indicator light should go out within Improper disposal of engine oil can be
five seconds. If it does not, turn off harmful to the environment. If you
(U.S.: DX, LX, Canada: LX, EX) the engine and reinspect your change your own oil, please dispose of
44 N·m (4.5 kgf·m , 33 Ibf·ft) work. the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling
(U.S.: EX) 8. Let the engine run for several center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
39 N·m (4.0 kgf·m , 29 Ibf·ft) minutes and check the drain bolt or dump it on the ground.
and oil filter for leaks.
6. Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil. 9. Turn off the engine, let it sit for
Engine oil change capacity several minutes, then check the oil
(including filter): level. If necessary, add oil to bring
the level to the upper mark on the
(U.S.: DX, LX, Canada: LX, EX) dipstick.
3.3 ( 3 . 5 U S q t , 2 . 9 l m p q t )
(U.S.: EX)
3.6 ( 3 . 8 U S q t , 3 . 2 l m p q t )
Maintenance

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▼
Cooling System
Adding Engine Coolant Always use Genuine Honda anti- If the reserve tank is completely
freeze/coolant. If it is not available, empty, you should also check the
RESERVE TANK coolant level in the radiator.
you may use another major-brand
non-silicate coolant as a temporary
replacement. Make sure it is a high-
quality coolant recommended for
aluminum engines. However, Removing the radiator cap
continued use of any non-Honda while the engine is hot can
coolant can result in corrosion, cause the coolant to spray out,
causing the cooling system to seriously scalding you.
malfunction or fail. Have the
cooling system flushed and refilled Always let the engine and
with Honda antifreeze/coolant as radiator cool down before
soon as possible. removing the radiator cap.
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line. 1. Make sure the engine and radiator
Inspect the cooling system for leaks. are cool.
This coolant should always be a
mixture of 50 percent antifreeze and
50 percent 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
RADIATOR CAP RESERVE TANK
system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or engine compo-
nents.
2. Turn the radiator cap counter- 4. The coolant level should be up to

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

▼
▲
Cooling System
Replacing Engine Coolant DRAIN PLUG

The cooling system should be
completely drained and refilled with
new coolant according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. Only use
Genuine Honda antifreeze/coolant.
Draining the coolant requires access

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

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▼
Cooling System
RESERVE RESERVE 5. When the coolant stops draining, FILLER NECK

TANK TANK CAP tighten the drain plug in the
bottom of the radiator.
6. Mix the recommended antifreeze

with an equal amount of purified
or distilled water in a clean
container. The cooling system
capacity is:
With 5-speed manual transmission:

HOLDER 3.1 (0.82 US g a l , 0.68 Imp gal) Fill up to here
4. Remove the reserve tank from its With automatic transmission: 7. Pour coolant into the radiator up
holder by pulling it straight up. (U.S.: DX, LX, Canada: LX, EX) to the base of the filler neck.
Drain the coolant, then put the 3.0 (0.79 US g a l , 0.66 Imp gal)
tank back in its holder.
(U.S.: EX)
3.2 (0.85 US g a l , 0.70 Imp gal)
CONTINUED
Maintenance

▲
▼
Cooling System
8. Start the engine and let it run until 9. Turn off the engine. Check the RESERVE TANK
it warms up (the radiator cooling level in the radiator, add coolant if
fan comes on at least twice). needed. Install the radiator cap,
and tighten it fully.
10. Fill the reserve tank to the MAX

mark. Install the reserve tank cap.
Maintenance

▲
▼
Windshield Washers
Check the level in the windshield LEVEL GAUGE NOTICE

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

windshield washer fluid.
The windshield washer reservoir is

located behind the driver's side
headlight. Check the reservoir's fluid
level by removing the cap and
looking at the level gauge attached
to the cap.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality

windshield washer fluid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing in cold weather.
Maintenance

▲
▼
Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission 5. If the level is below the lower

mark, add fluid into the filler hole
DIPSTICK to bring it to the upper mark.
Always use Honda Premium For-
mula Automatic Transmission Flu-
id (ATF). If it is not available, you
may use a Dexron® III automatic
transmission fluid as a temporary
UPPER replacement. However, continued
MARK use can affect shift quality. Have
LOWER the transmission drained and
MARK refilled with Honda ATF as soon
as it is convenient.
Check the fluid level with the engine 3. Insert the dipstick all the way into 6. Insert the dipstick all the way back
at normal operating temperature. the transmission securely as into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration. shown in the illustration.
1. Park the car on level ground. Shut
off the engine. 4. Remove the dipstick and check The transmission should be drained
the fluid level. It should be and refilled with new fluid according
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) between the upper and lower to the time and distance recommen-
from the transmission and wipe it marks. dations in the maintenance schedule.
with a clean cloth.
Maintenance

▲
▼
Transmission Fluid, Brake and Clutch Fluid
5-speed Manual Transmission If Honda M T F is not available, you Brake and Clutch Fluid
may use an API service SG or SH Check the fluid level in the reser-
FILLER BOLT grade motor oil with a viscosity of voirs monthly. There are one or two
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 as a reservoirs, depending on model.
temporary replacement. However, They are:
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives and continued use can • Brake fluid reservoir (all models)
cause stiffer shifting. Replace as • Clutch fluid reservoir
soon as convenient. (manual transmission only)
The transmission should be drained The brake fluid in the brake system
and refilled with new fluid according should be replaced according to the
Correct level to the time and distance recommen- time and distance recommendations
dations in the maintenance schedule. in the maintenance schedule.
Check the fluid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
transmission filler bolt and carefully
feel inside the bolt hole with your
finger. The fluid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Genuine Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it
starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the filler bolt and tighten it securely.
Maintenance

▲
▼
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Brake Fluid Brake System Clutch System

Always use Genuine Honda DOT 3
brake fluid. If it is not available, you MAX MAX
should use only DOT 3 or DOT 4
fluid, from a sealed container, as a
temporary replacement. However,
the use of any non-Honda brake fluid
can cause corrosion and decrease
the life of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled
with Honda DOT 3 brake fluid as
soon as possible.
MIN MIN
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car's braking The fluid level should be between The fluid should be between the
system and can cause extensive the MIN and MAX marks on the side M I N and MAX marks on the side of
damage. of the reservoir. If the level is at or the reservoir. If it is not, add brake
below the MIN mark, your brake fluid to bring it up to that level. Use
system needs attention. Have the the same fluid specified for the
brake system inspected for leaks or brake system.
worn brake pads.
Low fluid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.
Maintenance

▲
▼
Power Steering
Check the level when the engine is UPPER LEVEL

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

Steering Fluid. If it is not available,
you may use another power steering
fluid as an emergency replacement.
However, continued use can cause
increased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the power
steering system flushed and refilled
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
Maintenance

▲
▼
Air Cleaner Element
The air cleaner element should be Replacement

replaced according to the time and
CLIPS
distance recommendations in the
maintenance schedule.
AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
On DX and LX models in the U.S., and Clean the inside of the air cleaner
all models in Canada housing with a damp rag.
The air cleaner element is inside the
air cleaner housing in the engine 3. Place the new air cleaner element
compartment. in the air cleaner housing.
To replace it:
4. Reinstall the air cleaner housing
1. Unsnap the four clips and remove cover, snap the four clips back into
the air cleaner housing cover. place.
2. Remove the old air cleaner

element.
Maintenance

▲
▼
Air Cleaner Element
Replacement 4. Align the tabs and reinstall the air

cleaner housing cover, snap the
AIR CLEANER
ELEMENT
two clips back into place.
CLIPS
On EX model in the U.S. 2. Remove the old air cleaner

The air cleaner element is inside the element.
air cleaner housing on the passenger's Clean the inside of the air cleaner
side of the engine compartment. housing with a damp rag.
To replace it:
3. Place the new air cleaner element
1. Unsnap the two clips and remove in the air cleaner housing.
the air cleaner housing cover.
Maintenance

▲
▼
Spark Plugs
The spark plugs in your car need to Replacement

be replaced every 2 years or 30,000
miles (48,000 km), whichever comes SPARK PLUG CAP
first.
1. Clean up any dirt and oil around 4. Put the new spark plug into the
the spark plug caps. socket; then screw it into the hole.
Screw it in by hand so you do not
2. Remove the spark plug cap by crossthread it.
pulling it straight out.
3. Remove the spark plug with

a five-eighths inch (16 mm) spark
plug socket.
Maintenance

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Spark Plugs
NOTICE Specifications:
Tighten the spark plugs carefully. A NGK: ZFR5F-11

spark plug that is too loose can DENSO: KJ16CR-L11
overheat and damage the engine.
Overtightening can cause damage to Spark Plug Gap:
the threads in the cylinder head. 1.1 m m (0.04 in)
6. Install the spark plug cap.
7. Repeat this procedure for the

other three spark plugs.
5. Torque the spark plug. (If you do

not have a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn
after it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:
18 N·m (1.8kgf . m,13 lbf.ft)
Maintenance

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Battery
Check the condition of your car's TEST INDICATOR WINDOW

Check the battery terminals for
battery monthly. You should check corrosion (a white or yellowish
the color of the test indicator window, powder). To remove it, cover the
and for corrosion on the terminals. terminals with a solution of baking
soda and water. It will bubble up and
turn brown. When this stops, wash it
off with plain water. Dry off the
battery with a cloth or paper towel.
Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.
Check the battery condition by

looking at the test indicator window
on the battery.
The label on the battery explains the
test indicator's colors.
Maintenance

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Battery
If you need to connect the battery to NOTICE

a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damage to the car's electri- Charging the battery with the cables
cal system. connected can seriously damage your
car's electronic controls. Detach the
battery cables before connecting the
battery to a charger.
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the

battery to explode with enough
If the terminals are severely cor- force to kill or seriously hurt you.
roded, clean them with baking soda
and water. Then use a wrench to Wear protective clothing and a
loosen and remove the cables from face shield, or have a skilled
the terminals. Always disconnect the mechanic do the battery
negative (—) cable first and recon- maintenance.
nect it last. Clean the battery termi-
nals with a terminal cleaning tool or
wire brush. Reconnect and tighten
the cables, then coat the terminals
with grease.
Maintenance

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Windshield Wipers
Check the condition of the wind- WIPER ARMS

shield 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 the blade: 2. Disconnect the blade assembly

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

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Windshield Wipers
5. Slide the new wiper blade into the

BLADE BLADE holder until the tabs lock.
6. Slide the wiper blade assembly

onto the wiper arm. Make sure it
locks in place.
7. Lower the wiper arm down against

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

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Air Conditioning System
Optional for U.S. DX, and Canadian LX, Periodically check the engine's If the air conditioning does not get as
EX models radiator and air conditioning cold as before, have your dealer
Your car's air conditioning is a sealed condenser for leaves, insects, and check the system. Recharge the
system. Any major maintenance, dirt stuck to the front surface. These system with Refrigerant HFC-134a
such as recharging, should be done block the air flow and reduce cooling (R-134a). (See Specifications on page
by a qualified technician. You can do efficiency. Use a light spray from a 203.)
a couple of things to make sure the hose or a soft brush to remove them.
air conditioning works efficiently. NOTICE
NOTICE
Whenever you have the air conditioning
The condenser and radiator/ins bend system serviced, make sure the service
easily. Only use a low-pressure spray facility uses a refrigerant recycling
or soft-bristle brush to clean them. system. This system captures the
refrigerant for reuse. Releasing
Run the air conditioning at least once refrigerant into the atmosphere can
a week during the cold weather damage the environment.
months. Run it for at least ten
minutes while you are driving at a
AIR CONDITIONING steady speed with the engine at
CONDENSER normal operating temperature. This
circulates the lubricating oil con-
tained in the refrigerant.
Maintenance

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Drive Belts, Timing Belt
Drive Belts The bells should have the following Timing Belt
"play" or deflection. The timing belt should normally be
POWER STEERING ALTERNATOR Alternator belt: replaced at the intervals shown in
BELT BELT
8.0-10.5 mm (0.31-0.41 in) the maintenance schedule.
Power steering belt:
10.5-14.0 mm (0.41-0.55 in) Replace this belt at 60,000 miles (U.S.)
or 100,000 km (Canada) if you regu-
On cars with Air Conditioning larly drive your car in one or more of
Compressor belt: these conditions:
7.5-9.5 mm (0.30 0.37 in)
In very high temperatures
If you see signs of wear or looseness, (over 110°F, 43°C).
COMPRESSOR BELT have your dealer adjust or replace In very low temperatures
the belts. (under -20°F, -29°C).
Check the condition of the two or
three drive belts. Examine the edges
of each belt for cracks or fraying.
Check the tension of each belt by
pushing on it with your thumb
midway between the pulleys.
Maintenance

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Tires
To safely operate your car, your tires Inflation Use a gauge to measure the air
must be the proper type and size, in Keeping the tires properly inflated pressure at least once a month. Even
good condition with adequate tread, provides the best combination of tires that are in good condition may
and correctly inflated. The following handling, tread life and riding lose one to two psi per month.
pages give more detailed information comfort. Underinflated tires wear Remember to check the spare tire at
on how and when to check air unevenly, adversely affect handling the same time you check all the
pressure, how to inspect your tires and fuel economy, and are more other tires.
for damage and wear, and what to do likely to fail from being overheated.
when your tires need to be replaced. Overinflated tires can make your car Check the pressure in the tires when
ride more harshly, are more prone to they are cold. This means the car
damage from road hazards, and wear has been parked for at least three
unevenly. hours. If you have to drive the car
Using tires that are excessively before checking the tire pressure,
worn or improperly inflated can We recommend that you visually the tires can still be considered
cause a crash in which you can check your tires every day. If you "cold" if you drive less than 1 mile
be seriously hurt or killed. think a tire might be low, check it (1.6km).
immediately with a tire gauge.
Follow all instructions in this
owner's manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.
Maintenance

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Tires
If you check the pressure when the Recommended Tire Pressures for Tubeless tires have some ability to
tires are hot (the car has been driven Normal Driving self-seal if they are punctured.
several miles), you will see readings The following chart shows the However, because leakage is often
4 to 6 psi (0.3 to 0.4 kgf/cm 2 , 30 to 40 recommended cold tire pressures for very slow, you should look closely
kPa) higher than the cold reading. most normal driving conditions and for punctures if a tire starts losing
This is normal. Do not let air out to speeds. Tire pressures for high pressure.
match the specified cold pressure. speed driving are shown on page
The tire will be underinflated. 205.
You should get your own tire

pressure gauge and use it whenever
you check your tire pressures. This
will make it easier for you to tell if a
pressure loss is due to a tire problem
and not due to a variation between
gauges.
The compact spare tire pressure is:

420 kPa (4.2 kgf/cm 2 , 60 psi)
These pressures are also given on

the tire information label on the
driver's doorjamb.
Maintenance

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Tires
Inspection INDICATOR
Maintenance
Every time you check inflation, you LOCATION In addition to proper inflation,
should also examine the tires for MARKS correct wheel alignment helps to
damage, foreign objects, and wear. decrease tire wear. If you find a tire
is worn unevenly, have your dealer
You should look for: check the wheel alignment.
Bumps or bulges in the tread or The tires were properly balanced by

side of the tire. Replace the tire if the factory. They may need to be
you find either of these conditions. rebalanced at some time before they
TREAD WEAR are worn out. Have your dealer
Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side INDICATORS check the tires if you feel a consis-
of the tire. Replace the tire if you tent vibration while driving. A tire
can see fabric or cord. Your car's tires have wear indicators should always be rebalanced if it is
molded into the tread. When the removed from the wheel for repair.
Excessive tread wear. tread wears down to that point, you
will see a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) wide
band running across the tread. This
shows there is less than 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) of tread left on the tire. A
tire that is this worn gives very little
traction on wet roads. You should
replace the tire if you can see the
tread wear indicator in three or more
places around the tire.
Maintenance

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Tires
Make sure the installer balances the Tire Rotation When shopping for replacement
wheels when you have new tires tires, you may find that some tires
installed. This increases riding Front Front are "directional." This means they
comfort and tire life. Your car's are designed to rotate only in one
original tires were dynamic or "spin" direction. If you use directional tires,
balanced at the factory. For best they should be rotated only front-to-
results, have the installer perform a back.
dynamic balance.
(For Non-directional (For Directional

Tires and Wheels) Tires and Wheels)
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

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Tires
Replacing Tires and Wheels The ABS works by comparing the

The tires that came with your car speed of the wheels. When replacing
were selected to match the perform- Installing improper tires on your tires, use the same size originally
ance capabilities of the car while car can affect handling and supplied with the car. Tire size and
providing the best combination of stability. This can cause a crash construction can affect wheel speed
handling, ride comfort, and long life. in which you can be seriously and may cause the system to work in-
You should replace them with radial hurt or killed. consistently.
tires of the same size, load range,
speed rating, and maximum cold tire Always use the size and type of If you ever need to replace a wheel,
pressure rating (as shown on the tires recommended in this make sure the wheel's specifications
tire's sidewall). Mixing radial and owner's manual. match those of the original wheel
bias-ply tires on your car can reduce that came on your car. Replacement
its braking ability, traction, and wheels are available at your Honda
steering accuracy. It is best to replace all four tires at dealer.
the same time. If that is not possible
or necessary, then replace the two
front tires or the two rear tires as a
pair. Replacing just one tire can
seriously affect your car's handling.
Maintenance

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Tires
Wheels and Tires Winter Driving Snow Tires

Tires that are marked "M + S" or If you mount snow tires on your
Wheels: "All Season" on the sidewall have an Honda, make sure they are radial
14x5J all-weather tread design. They tires of the same size and load range
should be suitable for most winter as the original tires. Mount snow
Tires: driving conditions. Tires without tires on all four wheels to balance
P185/65R1485S these markings are designed for your car's handling in all weather
optimum traction in dry conditions. conditions. Keep in mind the traction
See Tire Information on page 204 for They may not provide adequate provided by snow tires on dry roads
additional information about tire and performance in winter driving. may not be as high as your car's
wheel size designations. See page For the best performance in snowy original equipment tires. You should
205 for information about DOT Tire or icy conditions, you should install drive cautiously even when the roads
Quality Grading. snow tires or tire chains. They may are clear. Check with the tire dealer
be required by local laws under for maximum speed recommenda-
certain conditions. tions.
CONTINUED
Maintenance

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Tires
Tire Chains NOTICE

Mount snow chains on your car
when warranted by driving condi- Chains of the wrong size or that are
tions or required by local laws. Make improperly installed can damage your
sure the chains are the correct size car's brake lines, suspension, body, and
for your tires. Install them only on wheels. Stop driving if you hear the
the front tires. If metal chains are chains hitting any part of the car.
used, they must be SAE class "S".
Cable type traction devices can also
be used.
When installing chains, follow the

manufacturer's instructions and
mount them as tightly as you can.
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

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Lights
Check the operation of your car's If you find any bulbs are burned out, Headlight Aiming
exterior lights at least once a month. replace them as soon as possible. The headlights were properly aimed
A burned out bulb can create an Refer to the chart on page 203 to when your car was new. You should
unsafe condition by reducing your determine what type of replacement check their aim if you regularly carry
car's visibility and the ability to bulb is needed. heavy items in the trunk. Each head-
signal your intentions to other light assembly has horizontal and
drivers. vertical adjustment indicators. These
Check the following: are set to their "0" positions after the
headlights are aimed at the factory.
Headlights (low and high beam)
Parking lights To check these settings:
Taillights
Brake lights 1. Make sure the fuel tank is full.
High-mount brake light Park the car on level ground.
Turn signals
Back-up lights 2. The driver or someone who
Hazard light function weighs the same should be sitting
License plate light in the driver's seat for all checks
Side marker lights and adjustments.
Daytime running lights Load the trunk with the items you
(Canadian cars) normally carry.
CONTINUED
Maintenance

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Lights
HORIZONTAL ANGLE GAUGE VERTICAL ANGLE GAUGE HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT
BUBBLE
3. Open the hood. 5. Check the vertical angle gauge. 6. If either indicator is not aligned
The bubble should be centered with its "0" mark as described, an
4. Check the horizontal angle gauge. underneath the longest scribe adjustment can be made using a
The line on the adjustment screw mark on the gauge. Phillips-head screwdriver to
indicator should line up with the realign it with the "0" mark. Please
"0" mark on the gauge. refer to the illustrations.
Maintenance

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Lights
VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT Replacing a Headlight Bulb HOLDER

Your car has halogen headlight
bulbs, one on each side. When
replacing a bulb, handle it by its steel
base and protect the glass from
contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
NOTICE
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
7. If you cannot get an indicator to when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch 1. Open the hood.
align, have your Honda dealer on the glass can cause the bulb to If you need to change the head-
inspect the car for body damage or overheat and shatter. light bulb on the driver's side,
suspension problems. remove the power steering
reservoir tank by pulling it out of
its holder.
CONTINUED
Maintenance

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Lights
WEATHER SEAL BULB 3. Remove the rubber weather seal 8. (Driver's side)
by pulling on the tab. Reinstall the power steering
reservoir.
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 in their
slots. Pivot the hold-down wire
back in place and clip the end into
CONNECTOR HOLD-DOWN WIRE
the slot.
2. Remove the electrical connector 6. Install the rubber seal over the
from the bulb by squeezing the back of the headlight assembly.
connector on both sides to unlock Make sure it is right side up; it is
the tab. Pull the connector straight marked 'TOP".
off.
7. Push the electrical connector onto
the tabs of the new bulb. Make
sure it locks in place.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Maintenance

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Lights
Replacing the Front Side Marker/ 5. Remove the burned out bulb from
Turn Signal and Parking Light the socket by pushing it in and
Bulb turning counterclockwise until it
unlocks.
HOLDING
CLIP
6. Install the new bulb in the socket.
Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
7. Insert the socket back into the

headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
8. Test the lights to make sure the

new bulb is working.
9. Put the inner fender cover in place.

1. If you are changing the bulb on 2. Use a flat-tipped screwdriver to Install the holding clip and tighten
the driver's side, start the engine, remove the holding clip from the it securely.
turn the steering wheel all the way inner fender.
to the right, and turn off the
engine. If you are changing the 3. Pull the inner fender cover off.
bulb on the passenger's side, turn
the steering wheel to the left. 4. Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Maintenance

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Lights
Replacing Rear Bulbs 4. Pull the bulb straight out of its

(in Fenders) socket.
Push the new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.
5. Reinstall the socket into the light

assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.

7. Reinstall the trunk lining.
1. Open the trunk. 2. Determine which of the two bulbs

is burned out: stop/taillight/side
Undo the fastener on the side of marker light or turn signal.
the trunk lining by pushing on the
center of the fastener's head until 3. Remove the socket by turning it
it pops in. Pull the lining back. one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Maintenance

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Lights
Replacing Rear Bulbs (in Trunk

Lid)
SCREW
8. Reset the fastener by pushing on 1. Open the trunk. 3. Determine which of the two bulbs
the pointed end until it pops back is burned out: stop/taillight/side
almost flush with the fingers on 2. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to marker or back-up light.
the housing. remove the screw from the bulb
holder. Remove the holder from 4. Remove the socket by turning it
9. Put the fastener in the hole of the the taillight assembly. one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
side of the trunk lining and push
on the center until it locks (the
center is flush with the head).
CONTINUED
Maintenance

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▼
Lights
5. Pull the bulb straight out of its Replacing a High-mount Brake 3. Reinstall the socket. Turn it
socket. Light Bulb clockwise until it locks. Make sure
Push the new bulb straight into the new bulb is working.
6. Insert the socket back into the

light assembly. Turn it clockwise
to lock it in place.

8. Reinstall the bulb holder assembly.

Install the screw and tighten it
securely.
1. Open the trunk and remove the
socket from the light assembly by
turning it one-quarter turn counter-
clockwise.
2. Pull the bulb straight out of its

socket.
Push the new bulb straight into
Maintenance

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Lights
Replacing a Rear License Bulb Replacing an Interior Light Bulb

(U.S.: EX)
INTERIOR LIGHT
1. Remove the two screws and 4. Turn on the parking lights and
remove the license light assembly. check that the new bulb is 1. Remove the lens by carefully
working. prying on the edge of the lens in
2. Remove the socket from the light the middle with a fingernail file or
assembly by turning it one-quarter 5. Reinstall the socket. Turn it clock- a small flat-tip screwdriver. Do not
turn counterclockwise. wise until it locks. pry on the edge of the housing
around the lens.
3. Pull the bulb straight out of its 6. Put the license light assembly in
socket. Push the new bulb in until place. Reinstall the two screws and
it bottoms in the socket. tighten them securely.
CONTINUED
Maintenance

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Lights
Replacing the Trunk Light Bulb 2. Remove the bulb by pulling it

(U.S.: DX, LX, Canada: LX, EX) The trunk light is available on LX and straight out of its metal tabs.
EX models in the U.S., and all models in
INTERIOR LIGHT Canada 3. Push the new bulb into the metal
tabs. Snap the lens back in place.
TRUNK LIGHT
2. Remove the bulb by pulling it

straight out of its metal tabs.
1. Remove the lens by carefully
3. Push the new bulb into the metal prying on the edge of the lens in
tabs. Snap the lens back in place. the middle with a fingernail file or
a small flat-tip screwdriver. Do not
pry on the edge of the housing
around the lens.
Maintenance

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Storing Your Car
If you need to park your car for an Block the rear wheels. Cover the car with a "breathable"
extended period (more than one car cover, one made from a porous
month), there are several things you If the car is to be stored for a material such as cotton.
should do to prepare it for storage. longer period, it should be Nonporous materials, such as
Proper preparation helps prevent supported on jackstands so the plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
deterioration and makes it easier to tires are off the ground. which can damage the paint.
get your car back on the road. If
possible, store your car indoors. Leave one window open slightly (if If possible, run the engine for a
the car is being stored indoors). while periodically (preferably once
Fill the fuel tank. a month).
Disconnect the battery.
Change the engine oil and filter If you store your car for 12 months
(see page 130). Support the front wiper blade or longer, have your Honda dealer
arms with a folded towel or rag so perform the inspections called for in
Wash and dry the exterior they do not touch the windshield. the 24 months/30,000 miles (48,000
completely. km) maintenance schedule (Normal
To minimize sticking, apply a Conditions) as soon as you take it
Clean the interior. Make sure the silicone spray lubricant to all door out of storage (see page 122). The
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are and trunk seals. Also, apply a car replacements called for in the
completely dry. body wax to the painted surfaces maintenance schedule are not
that mate with the door and trunk needed unless the car has actually
Leave the parking brake off. Put seals. reached that time or mileage.
the transmission in Reverse (5-
speed manual) or Park
(automatic).
Maintenance

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Main Menu
Appearance Care
Regular cleaning and polishing of

your Honda helps to keep it "new"
looking. This section gives you hints
on how to clean your car and
preserve its appearance: the paint,
brightwork, wheels and interior. Also
included are several things you can
do to help prevent corrosion.
Exterior Care................................172
Washing....................................172
Waxing......................................173
Paint Touch-up..........................173
Interior Care..................................174
Carpeting...................................174
Fabric.........................................174
Vinyl...........................................174
Seat Belts...................................174
Windows ..................................175
Air Fresheners..........................175
Corrosion Protection....................175
Body Repairs.................................176
Appearance Care

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Exterior Care
Washing • Rinse the car thoroughly with cool • When you have washed and rinsed
Frequent washing helps preserve water to remove loose dirt. the whole exterior, dry it with a
your car's beauty. Dirt and grit can chamois or soft towel. Letting it
scratch the paint, while tree sap and Fill a bucket with cool water. Mix air-dry will cause dulling and water
bird droppings can permanently ruin in a mild detergent, such as spots.
the finish. dishwashing liquid or a product
made especially for car washing. As you dry the car, inspect it for
Wash your car in a shady area, not in chips and scratches that could allow
direct sunlight. If the car is parked in Wash the car, using the water and corrosion to start. Repair them with
the sun, move it into the shade and detergent solution and a soft- touch-up paint (see page 173).
let the exterior cool down before you bristle brush, sponge, or soft cloth.
start. Start at the top and work your way
down. Rinse frequently.
Only use the solvents and cleaners
recommended in this Owner's Check the body for road tar, tree
Manual. sap, etc. Remove these stains with
tar remover or turpentine. Rinse it
NOTICE off immediately so it does not
harm the finish. Remember to re-
Chemical solvents and strong cleaners wax these areas, even if the rest, of
can damage the paint, metal, and the car does not need waxing.
plastic on your car.
Appearance Care

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Exterior Care
Waxing Polishes — Polishes and cleaner/ Paint Touch-up

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

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

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▼
Interior Care, Corrosion Protection
Windows Air Fresheners Corrosion Protection

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

paint as soon as you discover them.
CONTINUED
Appearance Care

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

coatings on the underside of your
car inspected and repaired
periodically.
Appearance Care

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Main Menu
Taking Care of the Unexpected
This section covers the more- Compact Spare Tire....................... 178

common problems that motorists Changing a Flat Tire..................... 179
experience with their cars. It gives If Your Engine Won't Start........... 184
you information about how to safely Nothing Happens or the Starter
evaluate the problem and what to do Motor Operates Very
to correct it. If the problem has Slowly......................................184
stranded you on the side of the road, The Starter Operates
you may be able to get going again. Normally................................. 185
If not, you will also find instructions Jump Starting................................. 185
on getting your car towed. If Your Engine Overheats............. 187
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.......... 189
Charging System Indicator........... 190
Malfunction Indicator Lamp........ 191
Closing the Moonroof................... 192
Fuses............................................... 193
Checking and Replacing........... 194
Towing............................................ 198

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Compact Spare Tire
Your car has a compact spare tire Follow these precautions whenever INDICATOR LOCATION MARK
that takes up less space. Use this you are using the compact spare tire:
spare tire as a temporary replace-
ment only. Get your regular tire Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
repaired or replaced and put back on under any circumstances.
your car as soon as you can.
This tire gives a harsher ride and
Check the inflation pressure of the less traction on some road sur-
compact spare tire eveiy time you faces than the regular tire. Use
check the other tires. It should be greater caution while driving on
inflated to: this tire.
2
420 kPa (4.2 kgf/cm , 60 psi) TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR
Do not mount snow chains on the
compact spare. The compact spare tire has a shorter
tread life than a regular tire. Replace
The wheel of the compact spare it when you can see the tread wear
tire is designed especially to fit indicator bars. The replacement
your car. Do not use your spare should be the same size and design
tire on another car unless it is the tire, mounted on the same wheel.
same make and model. 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.

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Changing a Flat Tire
If you have a flat tire while driving, SPARE TIRE TRUNK FLOOR 3. Open the trunk. Raise the trunk
stop in a safe place to change it. floor by lifting up on the back edge.
Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder
of a busy road is dangerous. Drive 4. Take the tool kit out of the trunk.
slowly along the shoulder until you
get to an exit or an area to stop that 5. Unscrew the wing bolt and take
is far away from the traffic lanes. the spare tire out of its well.
The car can easily roll off the

jack, seriously injuring anyone TOOL KIT JACK
underneath.
1. Park the car on firm, level ground
Follow the directions for away from traffic. Turn on the
changing a tire exactly, and hazard warning lights and turn the
never get under the car when it ignition to LOCK (0).
is supported only by the jack.
2. Put the transmission in Park
(automatic) or Reverse (manual).
Set the parking brake. Have all of
the passengers get out of the car
while you change the tire.
CONTINUED

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JACK
JACKING
WHEEL WRENCH POINT
6. Turn the jack's end bracket 7. Loosen the four wheel nuts 1/2 8. Locate the jacking point nearest
counterclockwise to loosen it, then turn with the wheel wrench. the tire you need to change. It is
remove the jack. pointed to by an arrow molded into
the underside of the body. Place
the jack under the jacking point.
Turn the end bracket clockwise
until the top of the jack contacts
the jacking point. Make sure the
jacking point tab is resting in the
jack notch.

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BRAKE HUB
WHEEL WRENCH EXTENSION
9. Use the extension and wheel Do not attempt to forcibly pry the 11. Before mounting the spare tire,
wrench as shown to raise the car wheel cover off with a screwdriver or wipe any dirt off the mounting
until the flat tire is off the ground. other tool. The wheel cover cannot surface of the wheel and hub with
be removed without first removing a clean cloth.
10.Remove the wheel nuts and flat the wheel nuts.
tire. Temporarily place the flat tire
on the ground with the outside
surface of the wheel facing up.
You could scratch the wheel if you
put it face down.
CONTINUED

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▼
12.Put on the spare tire. Put the 13.Lower the car to the ground and 14.Tighten the wheel nuts securely in
wheel nuts back on finger-tight, remove the jack. the same crisscross pattern. Have
then tighten them in a crisscross the wheel nut torque checked at
pattern with the wheel wrench the nearest automotive service
until the wheel is firmly against facility.
the hub. Do not try to tighten Tighten the wheel nuts to;
them fully. 108 N·m(11 kgf·m , 80 Ibf·ft)

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WING BOLT 18.Store the jack in the trunk with the

end bracket on the left side. Turn
SPACER the jack's end bracket to lock it in
CONE
place. Store the tool kit.
Loose items can fly around the

interior in a crash and could
seriously injure the occupants.
Store the wheel, jack and tools

securely before driving.
15.Remove the wheel cover or center
cap.
Place the flat tire face down in the 19.Store the wheel cover in the trunk.
spare tire well. Make sure it does not get
scratched or damaged.
16.Remove the spacer cone from the
wing bolt, turn it over, and put it 20.Lower the trunk floor, then close
back on the bolt. the trunk lid.
17.Secure the flat tire by screwing

the wing bolt back into its hole.

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If Your Engine Won't Start
Diagnosing why your engine won't Nothing Happens or the Starter Turn the ignition switch to START
start falls into two areas, depending Motor Operates Very Slowly (III). If the headlights do not dim,
on what you hear when you turn the When you turn the ignition switch to check the condition of the fuses. If
key to START (III): START (III), you do not hear the the fuses are OK, there is proba-
normal noise of the engine trying to bly something wrong with the
You hear nothing, or almost start. You may hear a clicking sound electrical circuit for the ignition
nothing. The engine's starter or series of clicks, or nothing at all. switch or starter motor. You will
motor does not operate at all, or Check these things: need a qualified technician to
operates very slowly. determine the problem. (See
Check the transmission interlock. Towing on page 198.)
You can hear the starter motor If you have a manual transmission,
operating normally, or the starter the clutch pedal must be pushed If the headlights dim noticeably or
motor sounds like it is spinning all the way to the floor or the go out when you try to start the
faster than normal, but the engine starter will not operate. With an engine, either the battery is dis-
does not start up and run. automatic transmission, it must be charged or the connections are
in Park or Neutral. corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal connec-
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). tions (see page 146). You can
Turn on the headlights and check then try jump starting the car from
their brightness. If the headlights a booster battery (see page 185).
are very dim or don't light at all,
the battery is discharged. See
Jump Starting on page 185.

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If Your Engine Won't Start, Jump Starting
The Starter Operates Normally Jump Starting To jump start your car, follow these
In this case, the starter motor's If your car's battery has run down, directions closely:
speed sounds normal, or even faster you may be able to start the engine
than normal, when you turn the by using a booster battery. Although 1. Open the hood and check the
ignition switch to START (III), but this seems like a simple procedure, physical condition of the battery
the engine does not run. you should take several precautions. (see page 146). In very cold
Are you using the proper starting weather, check the condition of
procedure? Refer to Starting the the electrolyte. If it seems slushy
Engine on page 101. or like ice, do not try jump starting
A battery can explode if you do until it thaws.
Do you have fuel? Turn the not follow the correct procedure,
ignition switch to ON (II) for a seriously injuring anyone NOTICE
minute and watch the fuel gauge. nearby.
The low fuel level warning light // a battery sits in extreme cold, the
may not be working, so you were Keep all sparks, open flames, electrolyte inside can freeze.
not reminded to fill the tank. and smoking materials away Attempting to jump start with a frozen
from the battery. battery can cause it to rupture.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the 2. Turn off all the electrical acces-
fuel pump. Check all the fuses You cannot start a Honda with an sories: heater, A/C, stereo system,
(see page 193 ). automatic transmission by pushing lights, etc.
or pulling it. Put the transmission in Neutral or
If you find nothing wrong, you will Park and set the parking brake.
need a qualified technician to find
the problem. See Towing on page
198. CONTINUED

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

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If Your Engine Overheats
The pointer of your car's tempera- Your car can overheat for several 1. Safely pull to the side of the road.
ture gauge should stay in the mid- reasons, such as lack of coolant or a Put the transmission in Neutral or
range under most conditions. It may mechanical problem. The only Park and set the parking brake.
go higher if you are driving up a long indication may be the temperature Turn off the heating and cooling
steep hill on a very hot day. If it gauge climbing to or above the red system and all other accessories.
climbs to the red mark, you should mark. Or you may see steam or Turn on the hazard warning
determine the reason. spray coming from under the hood. indicators.
In either case, you should take
NOTICE immediate action. 2. If you see steam and/or spray
coming from under the hood, turn
Driving with the temperature gauge off the engine.
pointer at the red mark can cause
serious damage to your engine. Steam and spray from an 3. If you do not see steam or spray,
overheated engine can leave the engine running and
seriously scald you. watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading
Do not open the hood if steam (climbing a long, steep hill on a
is coming out. hot day with the A/C running, for
example), the engine should start
to cool down almost immediately.
If it does, wait until the tempera-
ture gauge comes down to the mid
point then continue driving.
CONTINUED

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▼
If Your Engine Overheats
4. If the temperature gauge stays at reaches the middle of the tempera- 10.Start the engine and set the
the red mark, turn off the engine. ture gauge, or lower, before check- temperature control lever to
ing the radiator. maximum. Add coolant to the
5. Wait until you see no more signs radiator up to the base of the filler
of steam or spray, then open the neck. If you do not have the
hood. proper coolant mixture available,
Removing the radiator cap you can add plain water.
6. Look for any obvious coolant leaks, while the engine is hot can Remember to have the cooling
such as a split radiator hose. cause the coolant to spray out, system drained and refilled with
Everything is still extremely hot, seriously scalding you. the proper mixture as soon as you
so use caution. If you find a leak, it can.
must be repaired before you Always let the engine and
continue driving (see Towing on radiator cool down before 11.Put the radiator cap back on
page 198). removing the radiator cap. tightly. Run the engine and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
7. If you don't find an obvious leak, back to the red mark, the engine
check the coolant level in the 9. Using gloves or a large heavy needs repair. (See Towing on
radiator reserve tank (see page cloth, turn the radiator cap page 198.)
95). If the level is below the counterclockwise, without pushing
M I N mark, add coolant to halfway down, to the first stop. This 12.1f the temperature stays normal,
between the MIN and MAX marks. releases any remaining pressure in check the coolant level in the
the cooling system. After the radiator reserve tank. If it has
8. If there was no coolant in the pressure releases, push down on gone down, add coolant to the
reserve tank, you may also have to the cap and turn it until it comes M A X mark. Put the cap back on
add coolant to the radiator. Let the off. tightly.
engine cool down until the pointer

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Low Oil Pressure Indicator
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR NOTICE 4. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the light
Running the engine with low oil does not go out within ten seconds,
pressure can cause serious mechanical turn off the engine. There is a
damage almost immediately. Turn off mechanical problem that needs to
the engine as soon as you can safely get be repaired before you can
the car stopped. continue driving. (See Towing on
page 198.)
1. Safely pull off the road and shut
off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
2. Let the car sit for a minute. Open

This indicator should light when the the hood and check the oil level
ignition is ON (II), and go out after (see page 94). Although oil level
the engine starts. It should never and oil pressure are not directly
come on when the engine is running. connected, an engine that is very
If it starts flashing, it indicates that low on oil can lose pressure during
the oil pressure dropped very low for cornering and other driving
a moment, then recovered. If the maneuvers.
indicator stays on with the engine
running, it shows that the engine has 3. If necessary, add oil to bring the
lost oil pressure and serious engine level back to the full mark on the
damage is possible. In either case, dipstick (see page 128).
you should take immediate action.

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

the ignition is ON (II), and go out
after the engine starts. If it comes on
brightly when the engine is running,
it indicates that the charging system
has stopped charging the battery.

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Malfunction Indicator Lamp
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP If you have recently refueled your NOTICE

vehicle, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or If you keep driving with the malfunc-
missing fuel fill cap. Check the cap tion indicator lamp on, you can damage
and tighten it until it clicks. Replace your car's emission controls and engine.
the fuel fill cap if it is missing. Those repairs may not be covered by
Tightening the cap will not make the your car's warranties.
indicator turn off immediately; it
takes three driving trips.
If the indicator remains on past three

driving trips, or the fuel cap was not
loose or missing, have the vehicle
This indicator comes on for a few checked by the dealer as soon as
seconds when you turn the ignition possible. Drive moderately until the
switch ON (II). If it comes on at any dealer has inspected the problem.
other time, it indicates one of the Avoid full-throttle acceleration and
engine's emissions control systems driving at high speed.
may have a problem. Even though
you may feel no difference in your You should also have the dealer
car's performance, it can reduce inspect your vehicle if this indicator
your fuel economy and cause your comes on repeatedly, even though it
car to put out excessive emissions. may turn off as you continue driving.
Continued operation may cause
serious damage.

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Closing the Moonroof
If the electric motor will not close ROUND PLUG

the moonroof, do the following:
SOCKET
1. Check the fuse for the moonroof
motor (see page 194). 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 immediately 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 into
3. Get the tool out of the tool kit in remove the round plug in the the socket behind this plug. Turn
the trunk. center of the headliner. the wrench until the moonroof is
fully closed.
6. Remove the wrench. Replace the

round plug.

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▼
Fuses
All the electrical circuits in your car INTERIOR TAB UNDER-HOOD

have fuses to protect them from a
short circuit or overload. These
fuses are located in two or three fuse
boxes.
The interior fuse box is underneath The under-hood fuse box is located
the dashboard on the driver's side. in the engine compartment next to
Remove the fuse box lid by swinging the battery. To open it, push the tab
the lid down and pulling it straight as shown.
out of its hinges.
CONTINUED

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Fuses
ABS FUSE BOX Checking and Replacing Fuses FUSE

If something electrical in your car
stops working, the first thing you
should check for is a blown fuse.
Determine from the chart on pages
196 and 197, or the diagram on the
fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses
control that component. Check those
fuses first, but check all the fuses
before deciding that a blown fuse is
not the cause. Replace any blown BLOWN
fuses and check the component's
operation.
Cars equipped with ABS have a third 3. Check each of the large fuses in
fuse box for the ABS. It is in the 1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK the under-hood fuse box by
engine compartment on the passen- (0). Make sure the headlights and looking through the top at the wire
ger's side. all other accessories are off. inside. Removing these fuses
requires a Phillips-head screw-
2. Remove the cover from the fuse driver.
box.

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Fuses
If you replace the blown fuse with a

FUSE PULLER BLOWN 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 electrical
system. If you do not have a replace-
4. Check the smaller fuses in the 5. Look for a burned wire inside the ment fuse with the proper rating for the
under-hood fuse box and all the fuse. If it is burned, replace it with circuit, install one with a lower rating.
fuses in the interior fuse box by one of the spare fuses of the same
pulling out each fuse with the fuse rating or lower. 6. If the replacement fuse of the
puller provided in the interior fuse same rating blows in a short time,
box. If you cannot drive the car without there is probably a serious
fixing the problem, and you do not electrical problem in your car.
have a spare fuse, take a fuse of the Leave the blown fuse in that
same rating or a lower rating from circuit and have your car checked
one of the other circuits. Make sure by a qualified technician.
you can do without that circuit
temporarily (such as the accessory
socket or radio). CONTINUED

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▼
Fuses
INTERIOR FUSE BOX
*: On Canadian cars

▲
▼
Fuses
UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
ABS FUSE BOX

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

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Main Menu
Technical Information
The diagrams in this section give Identification Numbers................. 200 Emission Controls......................... 207
you the dimensions and capacities of Specifications................................. 202 The Clean Air Act...................... 207
your Honda, and the locations of the Tire Information............................ 204 Crankcase Emission Control
identification numbers. The expla- Tire Size Designation................ 204 System..................................... 207
nations of several electronic and Wheel Size Designation............ 204 Evaporative Emission Control
mechanical systems on your Honda Tire Speed Ratings.................... 204 System..................................... 207
are for the more technically-oriented Tire Pressure Adjustment For Exhaust Emission Controls...... 208
owner. High Speed Driving............... 205 PGM-FI System..................... 208
DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 205 Ignition Timing Control
Treadwear.............................. 205 System.................................208
Traction.................................. 206 Three Way Catalytic
Temperature.......................... 206 Converter............................ 208
Replacement Parts..................... 208
Three Way Catalytic Converter... 209

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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 compartment bulkhead.
The VIN is also provided in bar code
on the Certification label.
CERTIFICATION LABEL

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▼
Identification Numbers
The Engine Number is stamped into TRANSMISSION NUMBER

the engine block.
The Transmission Number is on a

label on top of the transmission.
ENGINE NUMBER

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▼
Specifications
page 145
*1 : U.S. : DX, LX, Canada: LX, EX

*2: U.S. : EX
*1 : Including the coolant in t h e reserve tank a n d t h a t r e m a i n i n g in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity: 0.4 (0.11 US g a l , 0.09 I m p gal)
* 2 : U.S.: DX, LX, Canada: LX, EX
* 3 : U.S.: EX
* 4 : Excluding the oil r e m a i n i n g in the engine.

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Specifications
page 196
page 197
* 1 : Without moonroof
* 2 : With moonroof
* 1 : U.S.: DX, LX, Canada: LX without ABS

* 2 : Canada: EX without ABS
*3 : U.S.: EX, Canada: LX with ABS, EX with ABS

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▼
Tire Information
Tire Size Designation 85 — Load Index, a numerical code Tire Speed Ratings
A tire's sidewall is marked with a tire associated with the maximum load The chart below shows many of the
size designation. You will need this the tire can carry. different speed ratings currently
information when selecting replace- being used for passenger car tires.
ment tires for your car. The follow- S — Speed Rating Symbol. See the The speed rating symbol is part of
ing explains what the letters and speed rating chart in this section for the tire size designation on the
numbers in the tire size designation additional information. sidewall of the tire. This symbol
mean. corresponds to that tire's designed
Wheel Size Designation maximum safe operating speed.
(Example tire size designation) Wheels are also marked with
P185/65R14 85S important information that you need
if you ever have to replace one. The
P — Applicable vehicle type (tires following explains what the letters
marked with the prefix "P" are and numbers in the wheel size
intended for use on passenger cars; designation mean.
however, not all tires have this
marking). (Example wheel size designation)
14 x 5 J
185 — Tire width in millimeters.
14 — Rim diameter in inches.
65 — Aspect ratio. The tire's section
height as a percentage of its width. 5 — Rim width in inches.
R — Tire construction code (Radial). J — Rim contour designation.
14 Rim diameter in inches.

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▼
Tire Information
Tire Pressure Adjustment For Be sure to readjust the pressure for Treadwear
High Speed Driving normal driving speeds. You should The treadwear grade is a compara-
Honda strongly recommends that wait until the tires are cold before tive rating based on the wear rate of
you not drive faster than posted adjusting the tire pressure (see page the tire when tested under controlled
speed limits and conditions allow. If 153). conditions on a specified government
you decide it is safe to drive at high test course. For example, a tire
speeds, be sure to adjust the cold tire DOT Tire Quality Grading graded 150 would wear one and one
pressures as shown below. If you do (U.S. Cars) half (1-1/2) times as well on the
not adjust the tire pressure, exces- The tires on your car meet all U.S. government course as a tire graded
sive heat can build up and cause Federal Safety Requirements. All 100. The relative performance of
sudden tire failure. tires are also graded for treadwear, tires depends upon the actual condi-
traction, and temperature perform- tions of their use, however, and may
ance according to Department of depart significantly from the norm
Transportation (DOT) standards. due to variations in driving habits,
The following explains these service practices and differences in
gradings. road characteristics and climate.
CONTINUED

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▼
Tire Information
Traction Temperature Warning: The temperature grade for

The traction grades, from highest to The temperature grades are A (the this tire is established for a tire that
lowest, are A, B, and C, and they highest), B, and C, representing the is properly inflated and not over-
represent the tire's ability to stop on tire's resistance to the generation of loaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-
wet pavement as measured under heat and its ability to dissipate heat tion, or excessive loading either
controlled conditions on specified when tested under controlled separately or in combination, can
government test surfaces of asphalt conditions on a specified indoor cause heat build-up and possible tire
and concrete. A tire marked C may laboratory test wheel. Sustained high failure.
have poor traction performance. temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce
Warning: The traction grade as- tire life, and excessive temperature
signed to this tire is based on brak- can lead to sudden tire failure. The
ing (straight ahead) traction tests grade C corresponds to a level of
and does not include cornering performance which all passenger car
(turning) traction. 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.

▲
▼
Emission Controls
The burning of gasoline in your car's The Clean Air Act Crankcase Emission Control
engine produces several byproducts. The United States Clean Air Act* System
Some of these are carbon monoxide sets standards for automobile Your car has a Positive Crankcase
(CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and emissions. It also requires that Ventilation System. This keeps
hydrocarbons (HC). Gasoline automobile manufacturers explain to gasses that build up in the engine's
evaporating from the tank also owners how their emission controls crankcase from going into the
produces hydrocarbons. Controlling work and what to do to maintain atmosphere. The Positive Crankcase
the production of NOx, CO, and HC them. This section summarizes how Ventilation valve routes them from
is important to the environment. the emission controls work. the crankcase back to the intake
Under certain conditions of sunlight Scheduled maintenance is on page manifold. They are then drawn into
and climate, NOx and HC react to 122. the engine and burned.
form photochemical "smog." Carbon
monoxide does not contribute to * In Canada, Honda vehicles comply Evaporative Emission Control
smog creation, but it is a poisonous with the Canadian Motor Vehicle System
gas. Safety Standards (CMVSS) for As gasoline evaporates in the fuel
Emissions valid at the time they are tank, an evaporative emission control
manufactured. canister filled with charcoal adsorbs
the vapor. It is stored in this canister
while the engine is off. After the
engine is started and warmed up, the
vapor is drawn into the engine and
burned during driving.

▲
▼
Emission Controls
Exhaust Emission Controls PGM-FI System Replacement Parts

The exhaust emission controls The PGM-FI System uses sequential The emission control systems are
include three systems: PGM-FI, multiport fuel injection. designed and certified to work to-
Ignition Timing Control and Three It has three subsystems: Air Intake, gether in reducing emissions to
Way Catalytic Converter. These Engine Control, and Fuel Control. levels that comply with the Clean Air
three systems work together to The Engine Control Module (ECM)/ Act. To make sure the emissions
control the engine's combustion and Powertrain Control Module (PCM- remain low, you should use only new
minimize the amount of HC, CO, and A / T only) uses various sensors to Genuine Honda replacement parts or
NOx that comes out the tailpipe. The determine how much air is going their equivalent for repairs. Using
exhaust emission control systems into the engine. It then controls how lower quality parts may increase the
are separate from the crankcase and much fuel to inject under all operat- emissions from your car.
evaporative emission control ing conditions.
systems. The emissions control systems are
Ignition Timing Control System covered by warranties separate from
This system constantly adjusts the the rest of your car. Read your
ignition timing, reducing the amount, warranty manual for more informa-
of HC, CO and NOx produced. tion.
Three Way Catalytic Converter

The three way catalytic converter is
in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts HC,
CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO2 ), dinitrogen
(N2), and water vapor.

▲
▼
Three Way Catalytic Converter
The three way catalytic converter (U.S.: EX) (U.S.: DX, LX, Canada: LX, EX)
contains precious metals that serve
as catalysts, promoting chemical
reactions to convert the exhaust
gasses without affecting the metals.
The catalytic converter is referred to
as a three-way catalyst, since it acts
on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement
unit must be an original Honda part
or its equivalent.
The three way catalytic converter

must operate at a high temperature THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER
for the chemical reactions to take
place. It can set on fire any com- A defective three way catalytic Keep the engine tuned-up.
bustible materials that come near it. converter contributes to air pollution,
Park your car away from high grass, and can impair your engine's per- Have your car diagnosed and
dry leaves, or other flammables. formance. Follow these guidelines to repaired if it is misfiring, back-
protect your car's three way catalytic firing, stalling, or otherwise not
converter. running properly.
Always use unleaded gasoline.

Even a small amount of leaded
gasoline can contaminate the
catalyst metals, making the three
way catalytic converter ineffective.

▲
▼
Main Menu
Warranty and Customer Relations
Customer Relations
Information................................. 212
U.S. Zone Office Map.................... 213
Canada Zone Office Map.............. 214
Warranty Coverages..................... 215
Reporting Safety Defects
(U.S. Cars).................................. 216
Authorized Manuals...................... 217

▲
▼
Customer Relations Information
Honda dealership personnel are If you are dissatisfied with the When you call or write, please give
trained professionals. They should decision made by the dealership's us this information:
be able to answer all your questions. management, contact your Honda
If you encounter a problem that your Customer Relations Zone Office. Vehicle Identification Number
dealership does not solve to your Refer to the U.S. and Canadian Zone (see page 200)
satisfaction, please discuss it with Office maps on the following pages. Name and address of the dealer
the dealership's management. The who services your car
Service Manager or General Date of purchase
Manager can help. Almost all Mileage on your car
problems are solved in (his way. Your name, address, and tele-
phone number
A detailed description of the
problem
Name of the dealer who sold the
car to you

▲
▼
Warranty Coverages
U.S. Owners Seat Belt Limited Warranty — a seat Replacement Battery Limited
Your new Honda is covered by these belt that fails to function properly is Warranty — provides prorated
warranties: covered for the useful life of the car. coverage for a replacement battery
purchased from a Honda dealer.
New Car Limited Warranty — covers Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
your new car, except for the battery, — all exterior body panels are Replacement Muffler Lifetime
emissions control systems and covered for rust-through from the Limited Warranty — provides
accessories, against defects in inside for the specified time period coverage for as long as the pur-
materials and workmanship. with no mileage limit. chaser of the muffler owns the car.
Emissions Control Systems Defects Accessory Limited Warranty — Restrictions and exclusions apply to
Warranty and Emissions Genuine Honda Accessories are all these warranties. Please read the
Performance Warranty — these two covered under this warranty. Time 1997 Honda Warranties booklet that
warranties cover your car's emis- and mileage limits depend on the came with your car for precise
sions control systems. Time, mileage, type of accessory and other factors. information on warranty coverages.
and coverage are conditional. Please Please read your warranty manual Your Honda's original tires are
read the warranty manual for exact for details. covered by their manufacturer. Tire
information. warranty information is in a separate
Replacement Parts Limited booklet.
Original Equipment Battery Limited Warranty — covers all Genuine
Warranty — this warranty gives up Honda replacement parts against Canadian Owners
to 100 percent credit toward a defects in materials and workman- Please refer to the 1997 Warranty
replacement battery. ship. Manual that came with your car.

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

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Head Restraints........................... 57 Automatic Transmission............... 104

Mirrors.......................................... 61 Capacity, Fluid........................... 202
Accessories Seats.............................................. 56 Checking Fluid Level................ 138
Installation.................................... 97 Steering Wheel............................ 45 Shifting........................................ 105
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Airbag (SRS).................................... 12 Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 104
Position)........................................ 50 Air Cleaner Element...................... 142 Shift Lever Positions................. 105
Accessory Power Socket................ 65 Air Conditioning............................... 68 Shift Lock Release..................... 108
Adding Maintenance............................... 150
Automatic Transmission Usage............................................. 68
Fluid........................................ 138 Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 70
Brake Fluid................................. 140 Air Pressure, Tires........................ 152 Battery
Clutch Fluid................................ 140 High Speed Driving................... 205 Charging System
Engine Coolant........................... 132 Normal Driving.......................... 153 Indicator............................35, 190
Engine Oil................................... 128 Alcohol and Drugs........................... 27 Jump Starting............................. 185
Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 139 Alcohol in Gasoline.......................... 90 Maintenance............................... 146
Power Steering Fluid................. 141 Antifreeze....................................... 132 Specifications............................. 203
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 137 Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Before Driving................................. 89
Additional Safety Information........ 18 Indicator Light..................... 35, 113 Belts, Seat........................................... 5
Door Locks................................... 19 Operation.................................... 111 Beverage Holder.............................. 64
Driving with Pets......................... 19 Anti-theft Steering Column Body Repair.................................... 176
Head Restraint Position.............. 18 Lock............................................... 50
Seat-back Position........................ 18 Appearance Care........................... 171
Storing Cargo Safely................... 19 Ashtrays (Optional)......................... 65
Additives, Engine Oil..................... 129 Audio System................................... 76
Adjustments Automatic Speed Control................ 46
Headlights.................................. 159 CONTINUED

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Brakes Trunk Light................................ 168 Checking

Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 111 Turn Signal Lights..................... 163 Automatic Transmission
Break-in, New Linings................. 90 Bulbs, Halogen............................... 161 Fluid........................................ 138
Fluid ............................................ 140 Battery Condition...................... 146
Light, Burned-out...................... 164 Brake Fluid................................. 140
Parking.......................................... 62 Clutch Fluid................................ 140
System Indicator.......................... 35 Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 185 Drive Belts.................................. 151
Wear Indicators......................... 110 Capacities Chart............................. 202 Engine Coolant............................. 95
Brakes, ABS Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 28 Engine Oil..................................... 94
Operation.................................... 111 Cargo, Loading................................. 98 Fuses........................................... 194
System Indicator.................. 35, 113 Cassette Player Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 139
Braking System.............................. 110 Care............................................... 84 Power Steering Fluid................. 141
Break-in, New Car........................... 90 Operation...................................... 82 Checklist, Before Driving............. 100
Brightness Control, Instruments... 42 CAUTION, Explanation of............... ii Childproof Door Locks................... 55
Brights, Headlights......................... 41 CD Changer...................................... 85 Child Safety...................................... 20
Bulb Replacement CD Player.......................................... 85 Cleaner, Air.................................... 142
Back-up Lights........................... 165 Certification Label......................... 200 Cleaning
Brake Lights............................... 164 Chains............................................. 158 Exterior....................................... 172
Front Parking Lights................. 163 Change Oil Interior........................................ 174
Front Side Marker Lights......... 163 How to......................................... 130 Seat Belts.................................... 174
Headlights.................................. 161 When to....................................... 122 Vinyl............................................ 174
High-mount Brake Light.......... 166 Changing a Flat Tire..................... 179 Windows..................................... 175
Interior Light.............................. 167 Changing Engine Coolant............. 134 Clock, Setting the............................ 81
License Plate Lights.................. 167 Charging System Indicator.... 35, 190 Clutch Fluid.................................... 140
Rear Side Marker Lights.......... 164 CO in the Exhaust......................... 207
Specifications............................. 203 Cold Weather, Starting in............. 101

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Compact Spare............................... 178 DEXRON® III Automatic Emergencies on the Road............. 177
Consumer Information*................ 212 Transmission Fluid.................... 138 Battery, Jump Starting.............. 185
Controls, Instruments and.............. 31 Dimensions..................................... 202 Changing a Flat Tire................. 179
Coolant Dimming the Headlights................ 41 Charging System Indicator ...... 190
Adding......................................... 132 Dipstick Checking the Fuses................... 193
Checking....................................... 95 Automatic Transmission........... 138 Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 189
Proper Solution.......................... 132 Engine Oil..................................... 94 Malfunction Indicator Lamp .... 191
Replacing.................................... 134 Directional Signals........................... 42 Manually Closing Moonroof.... 192
Temperature Gauge.................... 38 Disabled, Towing Your Car If...... 198 Overheated Engine................... 187
Corrosion Protection..................... 175 Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 110 Emergency Brake............................ 62
Crankcase Emission Control Disposal of Used Oil...................... 131 Emergency Flashers....................... 44
System......................................... 207 Doors Emission Controls......................... 207
Cruise Control Operation............... 46 Locking and Unlocking............... 50 Engine
Customer Relations Office........... 212 Power Door Locks....................... 51 Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 38
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 205 Malfunction Indicator
Downshifting, 5-speed Manual Lamp................................. 36, 191
Transmission.............................. 102 Oil Pressure Indicator......... 35, 189
DANGER, Explanation of................. ii Drive Belts...................................... 151 Oil, What Kind to Use............... 128
Dashboard........................................ 32 Driving.............................................. 99 Overheating................................ 187
Daytime Running Lights................. 41 Economy....................................... 96 Specifications............................. 202
Dead Battery, What to Do............ 185 In Bad Weather.......................... 114 Ethanol in Gasoline ......................... 91
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 215 In Foreign Countries................... 91 Evaporative Emission Controls.... 207
Defogand Defrost........................... 73 Exhaust Fumes................................ 28
Defogger, Rear Window................. 44
Defrosting the Windows................. 73
Economy, Fuel................................. 96 CONTINUED

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat FM Stereo Radio Gauges

Belts by......................................... 11 Reception...................................... 76 Engine Coolant Temperature .... 38
Exterior, Cleaning the................... 172 Folding Rear Seat............................ 58 Fuel................................................ 38
Foreign Countries, Driving in........ 91 Gearshift Lever Positions
Four-way Flashers........................... 44 Automatic Transmission........... 105
Front End, Towing by 5-speed Manual
Fabric, Cleaning............................. 174 Emergency Wrecker................. 198 Transmission.......................... 102
Fan, Interior...................................... 68 Fuel....................................................90 Glass Cleaning............................... 175
Features, Comfort and Fill Door and Cap......................... 92 Glove Box......................................... 63
Convenience................................. 67 Gauge............................................ 38
Filling the Fuel Tank....................... 92 Octane Requirement................... 90
Filters Oxygenated.................................. 90
Air................................................142 Reserve Indicator......................... 36 Halogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 161
Oil................................................ 130 Tank, Filling the........................... 92 Hazard Warning Flashers............... 44
5-speed Manual Transmission Fuses, Checking the...................... 193 Headlights
Checking Fluid Level................ 139 Aiming......................................... 159
Shifting the................................. 102 Daytime Running Lights............. 41
Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 44 High Beam Indicator................... 36
Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 179 Gas Mileage, Improving.................. 96 High Beams, Turning on............ 41
Fluids Gasohol............................................. 91 Low Beams, Turning on ............. 41
Automatic Transmission........... 138 Gasoline............................................ 90 Reminder Beeper......................... 41
Brake...........................................140 Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 36 Replacing Halogen Bulbs ......... 161
Clutch.......................................... 140 Gauge............................................ 38 Turning on.................................... 41
Manual Transmission............... 139 Octane Requirement................... 90 Head Restraints............................... 57
Power Steering........................... 141 Tank, Filling the........................... 92 Heating and Cooling........................ 68
Windshield Washer................... 137 Gas Station Procedures................... 92 High Altitude, Starting at.............. 101

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
High-Low Beam Switch.................. 41 Interior Cleaning............................ 174 Loading Cargo.................................. 98

High-mount Brake Light............... 166 Interior Light.................................... 66 LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....... 50
Hood, Opening the .......................... 93 Introduction......................................... i Locks
Horn...................................................40 Anti-theft Steering Column........ 50
Hot Coolant, Warning about........ 132 Fuel Fill Door............................... 92
Hydraulic Clutch............................ 140 Power Door.................................. 51
Hydroplaning.................................. 115 Jacking up the Car......................... 180 Trunk............................................ 55
Jack, Tire........................................ 180 Low Coolant Level........................... 95
Jump Starting................................. 185 Low Fuel Indicator.......................... 36
Lower Gear, Downshifting to a.... 102
Identification Number, Vehicle.... 200 Low Oil Pressure Indicator.... 35, 189
If Your Car Has to be Towed....... 198 Lubricant Specifications Chart.... 202
Ignition Keys................................................... 49 Luggage............................................ 98
Keys............................................... 49
Switch............................................ 49
Timing Control System............. 208
Indicator Lights, Instrument Label, Certification........................ 200 Maintenance................................... 117
Panel..............................................33 Lane Change, Signaling.................. 42 Owner Maintenance Checks.... 126
Infant Restraint................................ 20 Lap Belt............................................... 7 Record.................................. 124-125
Inflation, Proper Tire .................... 152 Lap/Shoulder Belts........................... 6 Required Indicator....................... 39
High Speed Driving................... 205 Leaking of Exhaust into Car.......... 28 Safety........................................... 118
Normal Driving.......................... 153 Lights Schedule.............................. 122-123
Inside Mirror.................................... 61 Bulb Replacement..................... 161 Malfunction Indicator Lamp.. 36, 191
Inspection, Tire.............................. 154 Indicator........................................33 Manual Transmission.................... 102
Instrument Panel............................. 32 Parking.......................................... 41
Instrument Panel Brightness......... 42 Turn Signal................................... 42 CONTINUED

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Manual Transmission Fluid ......... 139 Checking Engine......................... 94 Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 11
Maximum Shift Speeds......... 103, 107 Pressure Indicator............... 35, 189 Proper Seat Belt Usage..................... 7
Meters, Gauges................................ 37 Selecting Proper Viscosity
Methanol in Gasoline...................... 91 Chart....................................... 129
Mirrors, Adjusting........................... 61 ON (Ignition Key Position)............ 50
Moonroof.......................................... 61 Opening the Hood........................... 93 Radiator Overheating.................... 187
Closing Manually....................... 192 Opening the Trunk.......................... 55 Radio/Cassette Sound System....... 76
Operation...................................... 61 Operation in Foreign Countries..... 91 Rear End Towing........................... 198
Outside Mirrors............................... 61 Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 164
Overheating, Engine..................... 187 Rear Seat, Folding........................... 58
Rear View Mirror............................. 61
Neutral Gear Position.................... 106 Rear Window Defogger.................. 44
New Vehicle Break-in ..................... 90 Reclining the Seat Backs................ 56
Normal Shift Speeds...................... 102 Panel Brightness Control............... 42 Recommended Shift Speeds ........ 102
NOTICE, Explanation of.................... i Park Gear Position......................... 105 Reminder Lights.............................. 33
Numbers, Identification................ 200 Parking............................................109 Remote Transmitter........................ 52
Parking Brake.................................. 62 Replacement Information
Parking Lights.................................. 41 Air Cleaner Element.................. 142
Parking Over Things that Burn... 109 Coolant........................................ 134
Occupant Protection System............ 4 PGM-FI System.............................. 208 Engine Oil and Filter................. 130
Octane Requirement, Gasoline...... 90 Polishing and Waxing................... 173 Fuses........................................... 194
Odometer.......................................... 37 Power Light Bulbs................................. 161
Odometer, Trip................................ 37 Door Locks................................... 51 Schedule..................................... 122
Oil Mirrors.......................................... 62 Spark Plugs................................. 144
Change, How to ......................... 130 Steering....................................... 141 Timing Belt................................. 151
Change, When to....................... 122 Windows....................................... 59 Tires............................................ 156

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Wiper Blades.............................. 148 Wearing the Lap Belt.................. 10 SRS Indicator.............................. 16, 35
Replacing Seal Belts After a Seats, Adjusting the......................... 56 START (Ignition Key Position)..... 50
Crash............................................. 11 Serial Number................................ 200 Starting the Engine........................ 101
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant...... 95 Service Intervals............................ 122 In Cold Weather at High
Restraint, Child................................ 20 Service Manual*............................ 217 Altitude................................... 101
Reverse Gear Position................... 106 Service Station Procedures............ 92 With a Dead Battery................. 185
Rotation, Tire................................. 155 Setting the Clock............................. 81 Steam Coming from Engine......... 187
Shifting Steering Wheel
The Automatic Transmission .'. 105 Adjustment................................... 45
The 5-speed Manual Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 50
Safety Belts......................................... 5 Transmission.......................... 102 Stereo Sound System...................... 76
Safety Defects, Reporting* .......... 215 Shift Lever Position Indicator...... 104 Storing Your Car............................ 169
Safety Labels, Location of.............. 29 Shift Lock Release......................... 108 Supplemental Restraint System..... 12
Safety Messages................................ ii Side Marker Lights, Bulb Important Facts............................ 13
Seat Belts............................................ 5 Replacement in.......................... 163 Service Precautions..................... 17
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 11 Signaling Turns................................ 42 Servicing....................................... 16
Child Seat Anchor Plate.............. 25 Snow Tires...................................... 157 SRS Indicator.......................... 16, 35
Cleaning...................................... 174 Solvent-type Cleaners.................... 172 System Components.................... 12
Frayed or Torn............................. 11 Sound System................................... 76 Synthetic Oil................................... 129
Maintenance................................. 11 Spare Tire
Reminder Light and Beeper....... 34 Inflating.......................................178
Replacement................................. 11 Specifications............................. 203
System Components...................... 6 Spark Plugs, Replacing................. 144 Tachometer...................................... 37
Tether Attachment Points.......... 25 Specifications Charts..................... 202 Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 164
Use During Pregnancy................ 11 Speed Control................................... 46
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt...... 7 Speedometer.................................... 37 CONTINUED

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Taking Care of the Unexpected .. 177 Technical Information.............. 204 Unexpected, Taking Care
Tape Player....................................... 82 Technical Information................... 199 of the........................................... 177
Technical Descriptions Tools,Tire Changing.................... 179 Uniform Tire Quality Grading..... 205
Emission Control Systems........ 207 Torn Seat Belts................................ 11 Unleaded Gasoline........................... 90
Three Way Catalytic Towing Upholstery Cleaning...................... 174
Converter................................ 209 ATrailer....................................115 Used Oil, How to Dispose of........ 131
Tire Information........................ 204 Emergency Wrecker................. 198
Temperature Gauge........................ 38 Transmission
Tether Attachment Points.............. 25 Checking Fluid Level,
Three Way Catalytic Converter... 209 Automatic............................... 138 Vehicle Capacity Load .................... 98
Time, Setting the............................. 81 Checking Fluid Level, Vehicle Dimensions....................... 202
Timing Belt..................................... 151 Manual.................................... 139 Vehicle Identification Number..... 200
Tire Chains..................................... 158 Fluid Selection............................ 138 Vehicle Storage.............................. 169
Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 179 Identification Number............... 201 Ventilation......................................... 71
Tires................................................ 152 Shifting the Automatic.............. 105 VIN .................................................. 200
Air Pressure............................... 153 Shifting the Manual................... 102 Vinyl Cleaning................................ 174
Checking Wear.......................... 154 Treadwear...................................... 205 Viscosity, Oil................................... 129
Compact Spare........................... 178 Trip Meter........................................ 37
DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 205 Trunk................................................. 55
Inflation....................................... 152 Opening......................................... 55
Inspection................................... 154 Open Monitor Light.................... 36 Warning Beepers
Maintenance............................... 154 Turn Signals..................................... 42 Headlights on............................... 41
Replacing.................................... 156 Key in Ignition.............................. 50
Rotating....................................... 155 Seat Belts...................................... 34
Snow............................................ 157 WARNING, Explanation of.............. ii
Specifications............................. 203 Underside, Cleaning...................... 175 Warning Labels, Location of.......... 29

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Warranty Coverages*................... 216 * : U.S. and Canada only

Washer, Windshield
Checking the Fluid Level......... 137
Operation...................................... 43
Washing..........................................172
Waxing and Polishing ................... 173
Wheels
Adjusting the Steering................ 45
Alignment and Balance............. 154
Compact Spare........................... 178
Wrench ....................................... 180
Windows
Cleaning...................................... 175
Operating the Power................... 59
Rear, Defogger............................ 44
Windshield
Cleaning........................................ 43
Defroster...................................... 73
Wipers, Windshield
Changing Blades........................ 148
Operation...................................... 43
Worn Tires..................................... 154
Wrecker, Emergency Towing...... 198

▲
▼
Main Menu
Gas Station Information
Gasoline: Tire Pressure (measured cold): Automatic Transmission Fluid:

UNLEADED gasoline Front: Honda Premium Formula Auto-
2
Pump octane number of 86 or 210 kPa (2.1 k g f / c m , 30 psi) matic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
higher Rear:
200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm 2 , 29 psi)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
45 l (11.9 US g a l , 9.9 Imp gal) Spare Tire Pressure:
420 kPa (4.2 kgf/cm 2 , 60 psi)
Recommended Engine Oil:
API SJ or SH grade
"Energy Conserving" or
"Energy Conserving II" oil
SAE 5W-30 viscosity

1997 Civic Sedan Online Reference Owner's Manual

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1997 Civic Sedan Online Reference Owner's Manual

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Maintaining your vehicle according to the schedules given in this manual

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A Few Words About Safety

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Your Occupant Protection System

By following these guidelines, you

Driver and Passenger Safety

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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RELEASE Front seats:

After you exit the vehicle, make sure

Driver and Passenger Safety

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Wearing the Lap Belt

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If a seat belt is worn during a crash,

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Supplemental Restraint System

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Supplemental Restraint System

Airbags inflate and deflate only once.

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Supplemental Restraint System

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Supplemental Restraint System

If a toddler seat is used in the front

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The light comes on or flashes If your airbags ever inflate, the

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Tell anyone who works on your car

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Additional Safety Information

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