2000 Accord Coupe Online Reference Owner's Manual …techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/OM/AH/AAD0000OM/enu/AD0000OM.… · 2000 Accord Coupe Online Reference Owner's Manual ... a permanent

2000 Accord Coupe Online Reference Owner's Manual Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference. For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com.

Contents

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... i A Few Words About Safety ................................................................................................................. ii Your Vehicle at a Glance ..................................................................................................................... 2 Driver and Passenger Safety .............................................................................................................. 5 Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System. Instruments and Controls ................................................................................................................. 51 Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls. Comfort and Convenience Features .............................................................................................. 109 How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features. Before Driving.................................................................................................................................. 159 What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo. Driving .............................................................................................................................................. 173 The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer. Maintenance ..................................................................................................................................... 197 The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer. Appearance Care.............................................................................................................................. 267 Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs. Taking Care of the Unexpected ...................................................................................................... 275 This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them. Technical Information..................................................................................................................... 303 ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information. Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada) ................................................................ 317 A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us. Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...................................................................................................... 323 How to order manuals and other technical literature. Index...................................................................................................................................................... I

Service Information Summary A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.

Owner's Identification Form

Owner's Identification

This Owner's Manual should be considereda permanent part of the car, and shouldremain with the car when it is sold.

The information and specifications includedin this publication were in affect at the timeof approval for printing. Honda Motor Co.,Ltd. reserves the right, however, todiscontinue or change specifications ordesign at any time without notice andwith out incurring any obligation whatsoever.

OWNER

ADDRESSSTREET

CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE /POSTAL CODE

V. I. N.

DELIVERY DATE(Date sold to original retail purchaser)

DEALER NAME DEALER NO.

ADDRESSSTREET

CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/POSTAL CODE

OWNER'S SIGNATURE

DEALER'S SIGNATURE

Introduction

Congratulations ! Your selection of a 2000 Honda Accord was a wiseinvestment. It will give you years of driving pleasure.

One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Honda is toread this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls andconvenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner's manual in your car so youcan refer to it at any time.

Several warranties protect your new Honda. Read the warranty bookletthoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rightsand responsibilities.

Maintaining your car according to the schedules given in this manual helpsto keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. Whenyour car needs maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda dealer's staff isspecially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your Honda. YourHonda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answerany questions and concerns.

As you read this manual, you willfind information that is preceded by

symbol. Thisinformation is intended to help youavoid damage to your Honda, otherproperty, or the environment.

a NOTICE

A Few Words About Safety

Your safety, and the safety of others,is very important. And operating thiscar safely is an importantresponsibility.

To help you make informeddecisions about safety, we haveprovided operating procedures andother information on labels and inthis manual. This information alertsyou to potential hazards that couldhurt you or others.

Of course, it is not practical orpossible to warn you about all thehazards associated with operating ormaintaining your car. You must useyour own good judgement.

You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms,including:

Safety Labels — on the car.Safety Messages — preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of

three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.These signal words mean:

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLYHURT if you don't follow instructions.

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

You CAN be HURT if you don't followinstructions.

Safety Headings — such as Important Safety Reminders or ImportantSafety Precautions.

Safety Section — such as Driver and Passenger Safety.Instructions — how to use this car correctly and safely.

This entire book is filled with important safety information — please read itcarefully.

chetan mistry

DWC

Your Car at a Glance

DOOR LOCKSWITCH(P.76)

MIRRORCONTROLS(P.99)

AIRBAGS (P.9) HEATING/COOLINGCONTROLS(P.110)CLIMATE CONTROLSYSTEM(P.117)

AUDIO SYSTEM(P.125, 137)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (P.178)MANUAL TRANSMISSION (P.177)

HOOD RELEASEHANDLE(P.162)

FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE(P.161)TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE(P.81)

POWER WINDOWSWITCHES(P.96)

DIGITAL CLOCK(P.101)

Your Car at a Glance

INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS(P. 64)

WINDSHIELDWIPERS/WASHERS(P. 65, 66)

REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER(P. 67)

MOONROOF SWITCH(P. 98)

CRUISE CONTROL(P. 69)

HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS(P. 62, 64)

TILT ADJUSTMENT(P. 68)

HORN(P. 61)

REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS (P. 155)(on EX-V6 model)

CRUISE CONTROL(P. 69)

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS(P. 66)

4

Driver and Passenger Safety

This section gives you importantinformation about how to protectyourself and your passengers. Itshows you how to use seat beltsproperly. It explains your Supple-mental Restraint System. And it tellsyou how to properly restrain infantsand children in your car.

Important Safety Precautions .......... 6Your Car's Safety Features.............. 7

Seat Belts....................................... 8Airbags........................................... 9Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10Head Restraints........................... 10Door Locks................................... 10Pre-Drive Safety Checklist......... 11

Protecting Adults............................. 121. Close and Lock the Doors...... 122. Adjust the Front Seats............ 12

3. Adjust the Seat-Backs............. 134. Adjust the Head Restraints.... 145. Fasten and Position the Seat

Belts...................................... 156. Adjust the Steering Wheel..... 167. Maintain a Proper Sitting

Position................................. 17Advice for Pregnant Women...... 18Additional Safety Precautions.... 18

Protecting Children........................ 20All Children Must Be

Restrained................................ 20Children Should Sit in the Back

Seat........................................... 21The Passenger's Front Airbag

Poses Serious Risksto Children............................ 21

If You Must Drive with SeveralChildren.................................... 23

If a Child Requires CloseAttention................................... 23

Additional Safety Precautions.... 23General Guidelines for Using

Child Seats................................ 24Protecting Infants........................ 28Protecting Small Children.......... 32

Protecting Larger Children........ 35Using Child Seats with

Tethers..................................... 39Additional Information About Your

Seat Belts.................................. 40Seat Belt System Components... 40Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 40Seat Belt Maintenance................ 42

Additional Information About YourFront Airbags........................... 43

SRS Components......................... 43How Your Front Airbags

Work.......................................... 43How the SRS Indicator Light

Works........................................ 45Additional Information About

Your Side Airbags.................... 46How Your Side Airbags Work.... 46How The Side Airbag Indicator

Light Works............................. 47Additional Information About

Your Airbags............................ 48Airbag Service.............................. 48Additional Safety Precautions.... 48

Carbon Monoxide Hazard............... 49Safety Labels..................................... 5 0


Important Safety Precautions

You'll find many safetyrecommendations throughout thissection, and throughout this manual.The recommendations on this pageare the ones we consider to be themost important.

Always Wear Your Seat BeltA seat belt is your best protection inall types of collisions. Airbagssupplement seat belts, but airbagsare designed to inflate only in amoderate to severe frontal collision.So even though your car is equippedwith airbags, make sure you andyour passengers always wear yourseat belts, and wear them properly.(See page 15.)

Restrain All ChildrenChildren are safest when they areproperly restrained in the back seat,not the front seat. A child who is toosmall for a seat belt must be properlyrestrained in a child safety seat. (Seepage 20.)

Be Aware of Airbag HazardsWhile airbags can save lives, theycan cause serious or fatal injuries tooccupants who sit too close to them,or are not properly restrained.Infants, young children, and shortadults are at the greatest risk. Besure to follow all instructions andwarnings in this manual. (See page

9.)

Don't Drink and DriveAlcohol and driving don't mix. Evenone drink can reduce your ability torespond to changing conditions, andyour reaction time gets worse withevery additional drink. So don't drinkand drive, and don't let your friendsdrink and drive, either.

Control Your SpeedExcessive speed is a major factor incrash injuries and deaths. Generally,the higher the speed the greater therisk, but serious accidents can alsooccur at lower speeds. Never drivefaster than is safe for currentconditions, regardless of themaximum speed posted.

Keep Your Car in Safe ConditionHaving a tire blowout or amechanical failure can be extremelyhazardous. To reduce the possibilityof such problems, check your tirepressures and condition frequently,and perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance. (See page 202 .)


Your Car's Safety Features

* On all V6 models and the 4-cylinder EXmodel with leather interior

(1) Safety Cage(2) Crush Zones(3) Seats & Seat-Backs(4) Head Restraints(5) Collapsible Steering Column(6) Seat Belts(7) Front Airbags(8) Side Airbags*(9) Door Locks

Your car is equipped with manyfeatures that work together toprotect you and your passengersduring a crash.

Some safety features do not requireany action on your part. Theseinclude a strong steel frameworkthat forms a safety cage around thepassenger compartment; front andrear crush zones that are designed tocrumple and absorb energy during acrash; and a collapsible steeringcolumn.

These safety features are designedto reduce the severity of injuries in acrash. However, you and yourpassengers can't take full advantageof these safety features unless youremain sitting in a proper positionand always wear your seat beltsproperly. In fact, some safetyfeatures can contribute to injuries ifthey are not used properly.



Seat BeltsFor your safety, and the safety ofyour passengers, your car isequipped with seat belts in all seatingpositions.

Your seat belt system alsoincludes a light on the

instrument panel to remind you andyour passengers to fasten your seatbelts.

Why Wear Seat BeltsSeat belts are the single mosteffective safety device for adults andlarger children. (Infants and smallerchildren must be properly restrainedin child seats.)

Not wearing a seat belt properlyincreases the chance of seriousinjury or death in a crash, eventhough your car has airbags.

In addition, most states and allCanadian provinces require you towear seat belts.

When properly worn, seat belts:

Keep you connected to the vehicleso you can take advantage of thevehicle's built-in safety features.

Help protect you in almost everytype of crash, including frontal,side, and rear impacts androllovers.

Help keep you from being thrownagainst the inside of the car andagainst other occupants.

Keep you from being thrown outof the car.

Help keep you in a good positionshould the airbags ever deploy. Agood position reduces the risk ofinjury from an inflating airbag, andallows you to get the bestadvantage from the airbag.

Of course, seat belts cannotcompletely protect you in everycrash. But in most cases, seat beltscan reduce your risk of seriousinjury.

What you should do: Always wearyour seat belt, and make sure youwear it properly.


Not wearing a seat belt properlyincreases the chance of seriousinjury or death in a crash, evenif you have airbags.

Be sure you and yourpassengers always wear seatbelts and wear them properly.

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Airbags

Your car has a SupplementalRestraint System (SRS) with frontairbags to help protect the heads andchests of the driver and a front seatpassenger during a moderate tosevere frontal collision.

All V-6 models, and the 4-cylinder EXmodel with leather interior also haveside airbags to help protect theupper torso of the driver or a frontseat passenger during a moderate tosevere side impact.

The most important things you needto know about your airbags are:

Airbags do not replace seat belts.They are designed to supplement

the seat belts.

Airbags offer no protection in rearimpacts, rollovers, or minorfrontal or side collisions.

Airbags can pose serious hazards.To do their job, airbags mustinflate with tremendous force andspeed. So while airbags help savelives, they can cause minor injuries,or more serious or even fatalinjuries if occupants are notproperly restrained or sittingproperly.

What you should do: Always wearyour seat belt properly, and situpright and as far back as possiblefrom the steering wheel ordashboard.



Seats & Seat-BacksYour car's seats are designed to keepyou in a comfortable, uprightposition so you can take fulladvantage of the protection offeredby seat belts and the energyabsorbing materials in the seats.

How you adjust your seats and seat-backs can also affect your safety. Forexample, sitting too close to thesteering wheel or dashboardincreases the risk of you or yourpassenger being injured by strikingthe inside of the car, or by aninflating airbag.

Reclining a seat-back too far reducesthe seat belt's effectiveness andincreases the chance that the seat'soccupant will slide under the seatbelt in a crash and be seriouslyinjured.

What you should do: Move the frontseats as far back as possible, andkeep adjustable seat-backs in anupright position whenever the car ismoving.

Head RestraintsHead restraints can help protect youfrom whiplash and other injuries. Formaximum protection, the back ofyour head should rest against thecenter of the head restraint.

Door LocksKeeping your doors locked reducesthe chance of being thrown out ofthe car during a crash. It also helpsprevent occupants from accidentallyopening a door and falling out, andoutsiders from unexpectedly openingyour doors.



Pre-Drive Safety ChecklistTo make sure you and yourpassengers get the maximumprotection from your car's safelyfeatures, check the following eachtime before you drive away:

All adults, and children who haveoutgrown child safety seats, arewearing their seat belts andwearing them properly (see page15).

Any infant or small child isproperly restrained in a child seatin the back seat (see page 20).

Front seat occupants are sittingupright and as far back as possiblefrom the steering wheel anddashboard (see page 12).

Seat-backs are upright (see page13).

Head restraints are properlyadjusted (see page 14).

All doors are closed and locked(see page 12).

All cargo is properly stored orsecured (see page 170 ).

The rest of this section gives moredetailed information about how youcan maximize your safety.

Remember, however, that no safetysystem can prevent all injuries ordeaths that can occur in severecrashes, even when seat belts areproperly worn and the airbags deploy.


Protecting Adults

IntroductionThe following pages provideinstructions on how to properlyprotect the driver and other adultoccupants.

These instructions also apply tochildren who have outgrown childseats and are large enough to wearlap/shoulder belts. (See page 35 forimportant additional guidelines onhow to properly protect largerchildren.)

1. Close and Lock the DoorsAfter everyone has entered the car,be sure the doors are closed andlocked.

Your car has a door monitor light onthe instrument panel to indicatewhen a specific door is not tightlyclosed.

For safety, locking the doors reducesthe chance that a passenger,especially a child, will open a doorwhile the car is moving andaccidentally fall out. It also reducesthe chance of someone being thrownout of the car during a crash.

For security, locked doors canprevent an outsider fromunexpectedly opening a door whenyou come to a stop.

See page 76 for how to lock thedoors.

2.Adjust the Front Seats

Any driver who sits too close to thesteering wheel is at risk of beingseriously injured or killed by strikingthe steering wheel or from beingstruck by an inflating front airbagduring a crash.


Protecting Adults

To reduce the chance of injury, wearyour seat belt properly, sit uprightwith your back against the seat, andmove the seat as far back as possiblefrom the steering wheel while stillmaintaining full control of the car.Also make sure your front seatpassenger moves the seat as far tothe rear as possible.

Most shorter drivers can get farenough away from the steeringwheel and still reach the pedals.However, if you are concerned aboutsitting too close, we recommend thatyou investigate whether some typeof adaptive equipment may help.

Once your seat is adjusted correctly,rock it back and forth to make surethe seat is locked in position.

See page 87 for how to adjust thefront seats.

3.Adjust the Seat-Backs

Adjust the driver's seat-back to acomfortable, upright position,leaving ample space between yourchest and the airbag cover in thecenter of the steering wheel. If yousit too close to the steering wheel,you could be injured if the frontairbag inflates.

CONTINUED


Sitting too close to a frontairbag can result in seriousinjury or death if the frontairbags inflate.

Always sit as far back from thefront airbags as possible.

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Protecting Adults

A front passenger should also adjustthe seat-back to an upright position,but as far from the dashboard aspossible. A passenger who sits tooclose to the dashboard could beinjured if the front airbag inflates.

Reclining a seat-back so that theshoulder part of the belt no longerrests against the occupant's chestreduces the protective capability ofthe belt. It also increases the chanceof sliding under the belt in a crashand being seriously injured. Thefarther a seat-back is reclined, thegreater the risk of injury.

See page 87 for how to adjust seat-backs.

4.Adjust the Head Restraints

Before driving, make sure everyonewith an adjustable head restraint hasproperly positioned the headrestraint. The restraint should bepositioned so the back of theoccupant's head rests against thecenter of the restraint. A tallerperson should adjust the restraint ashigh as possible.


Reclining the seat-back too farcan result in serious injury ordeath in a crash.

Adjust the seat-back to anupright position and sit wellback in the seat.

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Protecting Adults

Properly adjusted head restraintswill help protect occupants fromwhiplash and other crash injuries.

See page 92 for how to adjust thehead restraints.

5.Fasten and Position the SeatBelts

Insert the latch plate into the buckle,then tug on the belt to make sure thebelt is securely latched. Also checkthat the belt is not twisted, because atwisted belt can cause seriousinjuries in a crash.

Position the lap part of the belt aslow as possible across your hips,then pull up on the shoulder part ofthe belt so the lap part fits snugly.This lets your strong pelvic bonestake the force of a crash and reducesthe chance of internal injuries.

CONTINUED


Improperly positioning headrestraints reduces theireffectiveness and you can beseriously injured in a crash.

Make sure head restraints arein place and positioned properlybefore driving.

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Protecting Adults

If necessary, pull up on the belt againto remove any slack from theshoulder part, then check that thebelt rests across the center of yourchest and over your shoulder. Thisspreads the forces of a crash overthe strongest bones in your upperbody.

Never place the shoulder portion of alap/shoulder belt under your arm orbehind your back. This could causevery serious injuries in a crash.

If a seat belt does not seem to workas it should, it may not protect theoccupant in a crash. No one shouldsit in a seat with an inoperative seatbelt. Anyone using a seat belt that isnot working properly can beseriously injured or killed. Have yourHonda dealer check the belt as soonas possible.

See page 40 for additionalinformation about your seat beltsystem and how to take care of yourbelts.

6.Adjust the Steering Wheel

Adjust the steering wheel, if needed,so that the wheel points toward yourchest, not toward your face.

Pointing the steering wheel towardyour chest provides optimalprotection from the airbag.

See page 68 for how to adjust thesteering wheel.


Improperly positioning the seatbelts can cause serious injuryor death in a crash.

Make sure all seat belts areproperly positioned beforedriving.

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Protecting Adults

7.Maintain a Proper SittingPosition

After all occupants have adjustedtheir seats and put on seat belts, it isvery important that they continue tosit upright, well back in their seats,with their feet on the floor, until thecar is parked and the engine is off.

Sitting improperly can increase thechance of injury during a crash. Forexample, if an occupant slouches,lies down, turns sideways, sitsforward, leans forward or sideways,or puts one or both feet up, thechance of injury during a crash isgreatly increased.

In addition, an occupant who is out ofposition in the front seat can beseriously or fatally injured bystriking interior parts of the car, orby being struck by an inflating frontairbag. Being struck by an inflatingside airbag can result in possiblyserious injuries.

Remember, to get the bestprotection from your car's airbagsand other safety features, you mustsit properly and wear your seat beltproperly.


Sitting improperly or out ofposition can result in seriousinjury or death in a crash.

Always sit upright, well back inthe seat, with your feet on thefloor.

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Protecting Adults

Advice for Pregnant Women

Because protecting the mother is thebest way to protect her unborn child,a pregnant woman should alwayswear a seat belt whenever she drivesor rides in a car.

Remember to keep the lap portion ofthe belt as low as possible acrossyour hips.

Pregnant women should also situpright and as far back as possiblefrom the steering wheel ordashboard. This will reduce the riskof injuries to both the mother andher unborn child that can be causedby a crash or an inflating airbag.

Each time you have a check-up, askyour doctor if it's okay for you todrive.

Additional Safety PrecautionsTwo people should never use thesame seat belt. If they do, theycould be very seriously injured in acrash.

Do not put any accessories on seatbelts. Devices intended to improveoccupant comfort or reposition theshoulder part of a seat belt canseverely compromise theprotective capability of the seatbelt and increase the chance ofserious injury in a crash.


Protecting Adults

Do not place hard or sharp objectsbetween yourself and a frontairbag. Carrying hard or sharpobjects on your lap, or driving witha pipe or other sharp object inyour mouth, can result in injuriesif your front airbag inflates.

Do not attach or place objects onthe front airbag covers. Any objectattached to or placed on the coversmarked "SRS AIRBAG," in thecenter of the steering wheel andon top of the dashboard, couldinterfere with the proper operationof the airbags. Or, if the airbagsinflate, the objects could bepropelled inside the car and hurtsomeone.

On models with side airbags, donot attach hard objects on or neara front door. If a side airbaginflates, a cup holder or other hardobject attached on or near thedoor could be propelled inside thecar and hurt someone.

Keep your hands and arms awayfrom the airbag covers. If yourhands or arms are close to theairbag cover in the center of thesteering wheel or on top of thedashboard, they could be injured ifthe front airbags inflate.


Protecting Children

Children depend on adults to protectthem. However, despite their bestintentions, many parents and otheradults may not know how to properlyprotect young passengers.

So if you have children, or if you everneed to drive with a grandchild orother children in your car, be sure toread this section.

All Children Must Be RestrainedEach year, many children are injuredor killed in vehicle crashes becausethey are either unrestrained or notproperly restrained. In fact, vehicleaccidents are the number one causeof death of children ages 12 andunder.

To reduce the number of childdeaths and injuries, every state andCanadian province requires thatinfants and children be restrainedwhenever they ride in a vehicle.

Any child who is too small to wear aseat belt should be properlyrestrained in a child seat. (See page24.)

A larger child should always berestrained with a seat belt. (See page35.)


Children who are unrestrainedor improperly restrained can beseriously injured or killed in acrash.

Any child too small for a seatbelt should be properlyrestrained in a child seat. Alarger child should be properlyrestrained with a seat belt.

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Protecting Children

Children Should Sit in the BackSeatAccording to accident statistics,children of all ages and sizes aresafer when they are restrained in theback seat, not the front seat. TheNational Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration and TransportCanada recommend that all childrenages 12 and under be properlyrestrained in the back seat.

In the back seat, children are lesslikely to be injured by striking hardinterior parts during a collision orhard braking. Also, children cannotbe injured by an inflating airbagwhen they ride in the back.

The Passenger's Front AirbagPoses Serious Risks to ChildrenFront airbags have been designed tohelp protect adults in a moderate tosevere frontal collision. To do this,the passenger's front airbag is quitelarge, and it inflates with tremendousspeed.

InfantsNever put a rear-facing child seat inthe front seat of a vehicle equippedwith a passenger's front airbag. Ifthe airbag inflates, it can hit the backof the child seat with enough forceto kill or very seriously injure aninfant.

Small ChildrenPlacing a forward-facing child seat inthe front seat of a vehicle equippedwith a passenger's front airbag canbe hazardous. If the vehicle seat istoo far forward, or the child's head isthrown forward during a collision, aninflating front airbag can strike thechild with enough force to kill orvery seriously injure a small child.

Larger ChildrenChildren who have outgrown childseats are also at risk of being injuredor killed by an inflating passenger'sfront airbag. Whenever possible,larger children should sit in the backseat, properly restrained with a seatbelt. (See page 35 for importantinformation about protecting largerchildren.)

CONTINUED


Protecting Children

U.S. ModelsTo remind you of the passenger'sfront airbag hazards, and thatchildren must be properly restrainedin the back seat, your car haswarning labels on the dashboard andon the driver's and front passenger'svisors. Please read and follow theinstructions on these labels.

Canadian ModelsTo remind you of the front airbaghazards, your car has warning labelson the driver's and front passenger'svisors. Please read and follow theinstructions on these labels.


CAUTIONTO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY:FOR MAXIMUM SAFETY PROTECTION INALL TYPES OF CRASHES, YOU MUSTALWAYS WEAR YOUR SAFETY BELT.DO NOT INSTALL REARWARD-FACINGCHILD SEATS IN ANY FRONTPASSENGER SEAT POSITION.DO NOT SIT OR LEAN UNNECESSARILYCLOSE TO THE AIR BAG.DO NOT PLACE ANY OBJECTS OVER THEAIR BAG OR BETWEEN THE AIR BAGAND YOURSELF.SEE THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR FURTHERINFORMATION AND EXPLANATIONS.

PRECAUTION:POUR EVITER DES BLESSURES GRAVES:POUR PROFITER D'UNE PROTECTIONMAXIMALE LORS D'UNE COLLISION BOUCLEZTOUJOURS VOTRE CEINTURE DE SECURITE.N'lNSTALLEZ JAMAIS UN SIEGE POURENFANTS FAISANT FACE A L'ARRIERE SURLE SIEGE DU PASSAGER AVANT.NE VOUS APPUYEZ PAS ET NE VOUS ASSEYEZPAS PRES DU COUSSIN GONFLABLE.NE DEPOSEZ AUCUN OBJET SUR LE COUSSINGONFLABLE OU ENTRE LE COUSSINGONFLABLE ET VOUS.LISEZ LE GUIDE UTILISATEUR POUR DEPLUS AMPLES RENSEIGNEMENTS.

Protecting Children

If You Must Drive with SeveralChildrenYour car has three seating positionsin the back seat where children canbe properly restrained.

If you ever have to carry more thanthree children in your car:

Place the largest child in the frontseat, provided the child is largeenough to wear a seat beltproperly (see page 35 ).

Move the vehicle seat as far to therear as possible (see page 12 ).

Have the child sit upright and wellback in the seat (see page 17).

Make sure the seat belt is properlypositioned and secured (see page15).

If a Child Requires CloseAttentionMany parents say they prefer to putan infant or small child in the frontpassenger seat so they can watch thechild, or because the child requiresattention.

Placing a child in the front seatexposes the child to hazards fromthe passenger's front airbag, andpaying close attention to a childdistracts the driver from theimportant tasks of driving, placingboth of you at risk.

If a child requires physical attentionor frequent visual contact, westrongly recommend that anotheradult ride with the child in the backseat. The back seat is far safer for achild than the front.

Additional Safety PrecautionsDo not leave children alone in yourvehicle. Leaving children withoutadult supervision is illegal in moststates and Canadian provinces,and can be very hazardous. Forexample, infants and smallchildren left in a vehicle on a hotday can die from heatstroke. Andchildren left alone with the key inthe ignition can accidentally setthe vehicle in motion, possiblyinjuring themselves or others.


Protecting Children

General Guidelines for UsingChild SeatsThe following pages give generalguidelines for selecting and installingchild seats for infants and smallchildren.

Selecting a Child SeatTo provide proper protection, a childseat should meet threerequirements:

1. The child seat should meet safetystandards. The child seat shouldmeet Federal Motor VehicleSafety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213)or Canadian Motor Vehicle SafetyStandard 213 (CMVSS 213). Lookfor the manufacturer's statementof compliance on the box and seat.

2. The child seat should be of theproper type and size to fit the child.

Infants: Children up to about oneyear old should be restrained in arear-facing, reclining child seat. Onlya rear-facing seat provides theproper support to protect an infant'shead, neck, and back. See page28 for additional information onprotecting infants.


Protecting Children

Small Children: A child who is toolarge for a rear-facing child seat, andwho can sit up without support,should be restrained in a forward-facing child seat. See page 32 foradditional information on protectingsmall children.

3. The child seat should fit thevehicle seating position (orpositions) where it will be used.

Due to variations in the design ofchild seats, vehicle seats, and seatbelts, all child seats will not fit allvehicle seating positions.

However, Honda is confident thatone or more child seat models can fitand be properly installed in allrecommended seating positions inyour car.

Before purchasing a child seat, werecommend that parents test thechild seat in the specific vehicleseating position (or positions) wherethey intend to use the seat. If apreviously purchased child seat doesnot fit, you may need to buy adifferent one that will fit.

CONTINUED


Protecting Children

Placing a Child SeatThis page briefly summarizesHonda's recommendations on whereto place rear-facing and forward-facing child seats in your car.

Front Passenger's SeatInfants: Never in the front seat, due

to the front airbag hazard.

Small children: Not recommended,due to the front airbag hazard. If asmall child must ride in front,move the vehicle seat to the rear-most position and secure a front-facing child seat with the seat belt(see page 32).

Back SeatsInfants: Recommended positions.

Secure a rear-facing child seatwith the seat belt (see page 28).

Small children: Recommendedpositions. Secure a front-facingchild seat with the seat belt (seepage 32).


Airbags Pose SeriousRisks to Children

The passenger's front airbaginflates with enough force to killor seriously injure an infant in arear-facing child seat.

A small child in a forward-facingchild seat is also at risk. If thevehicle seat is too far forward,or the child's head is thrownforward during a collision, aninflating front airbag can kill orseriously injure the child.

If a small child must ride in thefront, follow the instructionsprovided in this section.

Protecting Children

Installing a Child SeatAfter selecting a proper child seat,and a good position to install the seat,there are three main steps ininstalling the seat:

1. Secure the child seat to the carwith a seat belt. All child seatsmust be secured to the car withthe lap part of a lap/shoulder belt.A child whose seat is not properlysecured to the car can beendangered in a crash. See pages29 and 33 for instructions on howto secure child seats in this car.

2. Make sure the child seat is firmlysecured. After installing a childseat, push and pull the seatforward and from side to side toverify that it is secure.

To provide security during normaldriving maneuvers as well as duringa collision, we recommend thatparents secure a child seat as firmlyas possible.

However, a child seat does not needto be "rock solid." In some vehiclesor seating positions, it may bedifficult to install a child seat so thatit does not move at all. Some side-to-side or back-and-forth movement canbe expected and should not reducethe child seat's effectiveness.

If the child seat is not secure, tryinstalling it in a different seatingposition, or use a different style ofchild seat that can be firmly securedin the desired seating position.

3. Secure the child in the child seat.Make sure the child is properlystrapped in the child seataccording to the child seat maker'sinstructions. A child who is notproperly secured in a child seatcan be thrown out of the seat in acrash and seriously injured.

Storing a Child SeatWhen you are not using a child seat,either remove it and store it in a safeplace, or make sure it is properlysecured. An unsecured child seat canbe thrown around the car during acrash or sudden stop and injuresomeone.


Protecting Children

Protecting Infants

Child Seat TypeOnly a rear-facing child seat providesproper support for a baby's head,neck, and back. Infants up to aboutone year of age must be restrained ina rear-facing child seat.

Two types of seats may be used: aseat designed exclusively for infants,or a convertible seat used in the rear-facing, reclining mode.

We recommend that an infant berestrained in a rear-facing child seatuntil the infant reaches the seatmaker's weight or height limit and isable to sit up without support.

Rear-Facing Child Seat PlacementIn this car, a rear-facing child seatcan be placed in any seating positionin the back seat, but not in the frontseat.

Never put a rear-facing child seat inthe front seat. If the passenger'sfront airbag inflates, it can hit theback of the child seat with enoughforce to kill or seriously injure aninfant. If an infant must be closelywatched, we recommend thatanother adult sit in the back seatwith the baby.

Do not put a rear-facing child seat ina forward-facing position. If placedfacing forward, an infant could bevery seriously injured during afrontal collision.


Placing a rear-facing child seatin the front seat can result inserious injury or death if thepassenger's front airbag inflates.

Always place a rear-facing childseat in the back seat, not thefront.

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Protecting Children

Rear-Facing Child Seat InstallationThe lap/shoulder belts in the backseats have a locking mechanism thatmust be activated to secure a childseat.

The following pages provideinstructions and tips on how tosecure a rear-facing child seat withthis type of seat belt.

1. With the child seat in the desiredback seating position, route thebelt through the child seataccording to the seat maker'sinstructions, then insert the latchplate into the buckle.

2. To activate the lockable retractor,slowly pull the shoulder part of thebelt all the way out until it stops,then let the belt feed back into theretractor (you might hear aclicking noise as the belt retracts).

3. After the belt has retracted, tug onit. If the belt is locked, you will notbe able to pull it out. If you can pullthe belt out, it is not locked andyou will need to repeat these steps.


CONTINUED

Protecting Children

4. After confirming that the belt islocked, grab the shoulder part ofthe belt near the buckle and pullup to remove any slack from thelap part of the belt. Remember, ifthe lap part of the belt is not tight,the child seat will not be secure.To remove slack, it may help toput weight on the child seat, orpush on the back of the seat, whilepulling up on the belt.

5. Push and pull the child seatforward and from side to side toverify that it is secure enough tostay upright during normal drivingmaneuvers. If the child seat is notsecure, unlatch the belt, allow it toretract fully, then repeat thesesteps.

To deactivate the lockingmechanism and remove a child seat,unlatch the buckle, unroute the seatbelt, and let the belt fully retract.


Protecting Children

Rear-Facing Child Seat InstallationTips

For proper protection, an infant mustride in a reclined, or semi-reclinedposition. To determine the properreclining angle, check with the baby'sdoctor or follow the seat maker'srecommendations.

To achieve the desired recliningangle, it may help to put a rolled uptowel under the toe of the child seat,as shown.

When properly installed, a rear-facing child seat may prevent thedriver or a front-seat passenger frommoving the seat as far back asrecommended (see page 12). Or itmay prevent them from locking theseat-back in the desired uprightposition (see page 13).

In either case, we recommend thatyou place the child seat directlybehind the front passenger seat,move the front seat as far forward asneeded, and leave it unoccupied. Oryou may wish to get a smaller childseat that allows you to safely carry afront passenger.

Additional Precautions for InfantsNever hold an infant on your lap.If you are not wearing a seat beltin a crash, you could be thrownforward into the dashboard andcrush the infant.

If you are wearing a seat belt, theinfant can be torn from your arms.For example, if your car crashesinto a parked vehicle at 30 mph(48 km/h), a 20-lb (9 kg) infantwill become a 600-lb (275 kg) force,and you will not be able to hold on.

Never put a seat belt over yourselfand an infant. During a crash, thebelt could press deep into theinfant and cause very seriousinjuries.


Protecting Children

Protecting Small Children

Child Seat TypeA child who can sit up withoutsupport, and who fits within the childseat maker's weight and heightlimits, should be restrained in aforward-facing, upright child seat.

Of the different seats available, werecommend those that have a five-point harness system as shown.

We also recommend that a smallchild stay in the child seat as long aspossible, until the child reaches theweight or height limit for the seat.

Child Seat PlacementIn this car, the best place to install aforward-facing child seat is in one ofthe seating positions in the back seat.

Placing a forward-facing child seat inthe front seat of a vehicle equippedwith a passenger's front airbag canbe hazardous. If the vehicle seat istoo far forward, or the child's head isthrown forward during a collision, aninflating front airbag can strike thechild with enough force to causevery serious or fatal injuries. If asmall child must be closely watched,we recommend that another adult sitin the back seat with the child.

If it is necessary to put a forward-facing child seat in the front, movethe vehicle seat as far to the rear aspossible, be sure the child seat isfirmly secured to the car, and thechild is properly strapped in the seat.


Improperly placing a forward-facing child seat in the frontseat can result in serious injuryor death if the front airbagsinflate.

If you must place a forward-facing child seat in front, movethe vehicle seat as far back aspossible and properly restrainthe child.

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Protecting Children

Child Seat InstallationThe lap/shoulder belts in the backand front passenger seating positionshave a locking mechanism that mustbe activated to secure a child seat.

The following pages provideinstructions and tips on how tosecure a forward-facing child seatwith this type of seat belt.

1. With the child seat in the desiredback seating position, route thebelt through the child seataccording to the seat maker'sinstructions, then insert the latchplate into the buckle.

2. To activate the lockable retractor,slowly pull the shoulder part of thebelt all the way out until it stops,then let the belt feed back into theretractor (you might hear aclicking noise as the belt retracts).

3. After the belt has retracted, tug onit. If the belt is locked, you will notbe able to pull it out. If you can pullthe belt out, it is not locked andyou will need to repeat these steps.


CONTINUED

Protecting Children

4. After confirming that the belt islocked, grab the shoulder part ofthe belt near the buckle and pullup to remove any slack from thelap part of the belt. Remember, ifthe lap part of the belt is not tight,the child seat will not be secure. Itmay help to put weight on thechild seat, or push on the back ofthe seat, while pulling up on thebelt.

5. Push and pull the child seatforward and from side to side toverify that it is secure enough tostay upright during normal drivingmaneuvers. If the child seat is notsecure, unlatch the belt, allow it toretract fully, then repeat thesesteps.

To deactivate the lockingmechanism in order to remove achild seat, unlatch the buckle,unroute the seat belt, and let the beltfully retract.


Protecting Children

Additional Precautions for SmallChildren

Never hold a small child on yourlap. If you are not wearing a seatbelt in a crash, you could bethrown forward into thedashboard and crush the child.

If you are wearing a seat belt, thechild can be torn from your armsduring a crash. For example, ifyour car crashes into a parkedvehicle at 30 mph (48 km/h), a30-lb (14 kg) child will become a900-lb (410 kg) force, and you willnot be able to hold on.

Never put a seat belt over yourselfand a child. During a crash, thebelt could press deep into the childand cause very serious injuries.

Protecting Larger ChildrenWhen a child reaches therecommended weight or height limitfor a forward-facing child seat, thechild should sit in the back seat andwear a lap/shoulder belt.

If a child is too short for the shoulderpart of the belt to properly fit, werecommend that the child use abooster seat until they are tallenough to use the seat belt without abooster.

The following pages giveinstructions on how to check properseat belt fit, what kind of boosterseat to use if one is needed, andimportant precautions for childrenwho must sit in the front seat.

CONTINUED


Allowing a larger child to sitimproperly in the front seat canresult in injury or death if thepassenger's front airbag inflates.

If a larger child must sit in front,make sure the child moves theseat as far back as possibleand wears the seat belt properly.

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Protecting Children

Checking Seat Belt Fit

To determine if a lap/shoulder beltproperly fits a child, have the childput on the seat belt. Follow theinstructions on page 15 . Then checkhow the belt fits.

If the shoulder part of the belt restsover the child's collarbone andagainst the center of the chest, asshown, the child is large enough towear the seat belt.

However, if the belt touches orcrosses the child's neck, the childneeds to use a booster seat.

Do not let a child wear a seat beltacross the neck. This could result inserious neck injuries during a crash.

Do not let a child put the shoulderpart of a seat belt behind the back orunder the arm. This could causevery serious injuries during a crash.It also increases the chance that thechild will slide under the belt in acrash and be injured.

Do not put any accessories on a seatbelt. Devices intended to improveoccupant comfort or reposition theshoulder part of a seat belt, severelycompromise the protective capabilityof the seat belt and increase thechance of serious injury in a crash.

Two children should never use thesame seat belt. If they do, they couldbe very seriously injured in a crash.


Protecting Children

Using a Booster Seat

If a child needs a booster seat, werecommend choosing a style thatallows the child to use the lap/shoulder belt directly, without ashield, as shown.

Whichever style you select, followthe booster seat maker's instructions.

A child may continue using a boosterseat until the tops of the ears areeven with the top of the seat-back. Achild of this height should be tallenough to use the lap/shoulder beltwithout a booster.

When Can a Larger Child Sit in FrontThe National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration and TransportCanada recommend that all childrenages 12 and under be properlyrestrained in a back seat.

The back seat is the safest place fora child of any age or size.

In addition, the passenger's frontairbag poses serious risks to children.If the seat is too far forward, or thechild's head is thrown forwardduring a collision, or the child isunrestrained or out of position, aninflating front airbag can kill orseriously injure the child.

The side airbag also poses risks. Ifany part of a larger child's body is inthe path of a deploying airbag, thechild could receive possibly seriousinjuries.


CONTINUED

Protecting Children

Of course, children vary widely. Andwhile age may be one indicator ofwhen a child can safely ride in thefront, there are other importantfactors you should consider.

Physical SizePhysically, a child must be largeenough for the lap/shoulder belt toproperly fit over the hips, chest, andshoulder (see pages 15 and 36). Ifthe seat belt does not fit properly,the child should not sit in the front.

MaturityTo safely ride in front, a child mustbe able to follow the rules, includingsitting properly and wearing the seatbelt properly throughout a ride.

If you decide that a child can safelyride up front, be sure to:

Carefully read the owner's manualand make sure you understand allseat belt instructions and all safetyinformation.

Move the vehicle seat to the rear-most position.

Have the child sit up straight, backagainst the seat, and feet on ornear the floor.

Check that the child's seat belt isproperly positioned and secured.

Supervise the child. Even maturechildren sometimes need to bereminded to fasten the seat beltsor sit properly.


Protecting Children

Using Child Seats with Tethers

Your car has three tether anchoragepoints on the rear shelf for securinga tether-style child seat to the car.

Since a tether can provide additionalsecurity, we recommend using atether whenever one is required oravailable.

Attach the tether strap hook to thetether anchorage point and tightenthe strap according to the child seatmaker's instructions.


Additional Information About Your Seat Belts

Seat Belt System ComponentsYour seat belt system includes lap/shoulder belts in all five seatingpositions.

The seat belt system alsoincludes a light on the

instrument panel to remind you andyour passengers to fasten your belts.If the driver's seat belt is notfastened before the ignition is turnedON (II), the light will come on and abeeper will also sound. The beeperwill stop after a few seconds, but thelight will stay on until the driver'sseat belt is fastened.

Lap/Shoulder Belt

This seat belt has a single belt thatgoes over your shoulder, across yourchest and across your hips.

To fasten the belt, insert the latchplate into the buckle, then tug on thebelt to make sure the buckle islatched.

To unlock the belt, push the redPRESS button on the buckle.Guide the belt across your body tothe door pillar. After exiting the car,be sure the belt is out of the way andwill not get closed in the door.



All seat belts have an emergencylocking retractor. In normal driving,the retractor lets you move freely inyour seat while it keeps sometension on the belt. During a collisionor sudden stop, the retractorautomatically locks the belt to helprestrain your body.

The seat belts in all seating positionsexcept the driver's have an additionallocking mechanism that must beactivated to secure a child seat. (Seepages 29 and 33 for instructions onhow to secure child seats with thistype of seat belt.)

If the shoulder part of the belt ispulled all the way out, the lockingmechanism will activate. The beltwill retract, but it will not allow thepassenger to move freely.

To deactivate the lockingmechanism, unlatch the buckle andlet the seat belt fully retract. Torefasten the belt, pull it out only asfar as needed.

See page 15 for instructions on howto wear the lap/shoulder beltproperly.



Seat Belt MaintenanceFor safety, you should check thecondition of your seat belts regularly.

Pull each belt out fully and look forfrays, cuts, burns, and wear. Checkthat the latches work smoothly andthat the lap/shoulder belts retracteasily. Any belt not in good conditionor not working properly will notprovide good protection and shouldbe replaced as soon as possible.

U.S. ModelsHonda provides a lifetimewarranty on seat belts. Honda willrepair or replace any seat beltcomponent that fails to functionproperly during normal use. Pleasesee your Honda WarrantyInformation booklet for details.

If a seat belt is worn during a crash,you should have your dealer inspectthe belt, and replace it if necessary.A belt that has been worn during acrash may not provide the same levelof protection in a subsequent crash.The dealer should also inspect theanchors for damage and replacethem if needed.

For information on how to clean yourseat belts, see page 271.


Not checking or maintainingseat belts can result in seriousinjury or death if the seat beltsdo not work properly whenneeded.

Check your seat belts regularlyand have any problemcorrected as soon as possible.

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Additional Information About Your Front Airbags

SRS ComponentsYour Supplemental Restraint System(SRS) includes:

Two front airbags. The driver'sairbag is stored in the center ofthe steering wheel; the frontpassenger's airbag is stored in thedashboard. Both are marked "SRSAIRBAG."

Sensors that can detect amoderate to severe frontalcollision.

A sophisticated electronic systemthat continually monitors andrecords information about thesensors, the control unit, theairbag activators, driver andpassenger seat belt use, and allrelated wiring when the ignition isON (II).

An indicator light on theinstrument panel that alerts you toa possible problem with thesystem (see page 45).

Emergency backup power in caseyour car's electrical system isdisconnected in a crash.

How Your Front Airbags Work

If you ever have a moderate tosevere frontal collision, the sensorswill detect the vehicle's rapiddeceleration. If the rate ofdeceleration is high enough, thecontrol unit will instantly inflate thefront airbags.

CONTINUED



During a frontal crash, your seatbelts help restrain your lower bodyand torso. Your airbag provides acushion to help restrain and protectyour head and chest.

Since both airbags use the samesensors, both airbags normallyinflate at the same time. However, itis possible for only one airbag toinflate.

This can occur when the severity ofa collision is at the margin, orthreshold, that determines whetheror not the airbags will deploy. Insuch cases, the seat belt will providesufficient protection, and thesupplemental protection offered bythe airbag would be minimal.

After inflating, the front airbagsimmediately deflate, so they won'tinterfere with the driver's visibility,or the ability to steer or operateother controls.

The total time for inflation anddeflation is approximately one-tenthof a second, so fast that mostoccupants are not aware that theairbags deployed until they see themlying in their laps.

After a crash, you may see whatlooks like smoke. This is actuallypowder from the airbag's surface.Although the powder is not harmful,people with respiratory problemsmay experience some temporarydiscomfort. If this occurs, get out ofthe car as soon as it is safe to do so.

U.S. OwnersFor additional information on howyour airbags work, see the booklettitled SRS: What You Need to KnowAbout Airbags that came with yourowner's manual.

Canadian OwnersFor additional information on howyour airbags work, ask your dealerfor a copy of the booklet titled SRS:What You Need to Know About Airbags.



How the SRS Indicator LightWorks

The purpose of the SRSindicator light is to alert

you to a potential problem with yourfront airbags. On all V-6 models andthe 4-cylinder EX model with leatherinterior, this light will also alert youto a potential problem with your sideairbags or passenger's side airbagautomatic cutoff system (see page47).

When you turn the ignition ON (II),this indicator will light up brieflythen go out. This tells you that thesystem is working properly.

However, if the light comes on at anyother time, you should have thesystem checked by your dealer. Forexample:

If the SRS indicator light does notcome on after you turn the ignitionON (II).

If the light stays on after theengine starts.

If the light comes on or flashes onand off while you drive.

If you see any of these indications,your front or side airbags may notdeploy, or your passenger's sideairbag automatic cutoff system maynot work properly. See your Hondadealer as soon as possible.


SRS

Ignoring the SRS indicator lightcan result in serious injury ordeath if the airbags or cutoffsystem do not work properly.

Have your vehicle checked by adealer as soon as possible ifthe SRS light alerts you to apotential problem.

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W24

Additional Information About Your Side Airbags

On all V6 models and the 4-cylinder EXmodel with leather interiorYour car is equipped with sideairbags for the driver and a frontseat passenger. The airbags arestored in the outer edges of the frontseat-backs, and both are marked"SIDE AIRBAG."

How Your Side Airbags Work

If you ever have a moderate tosevere side impact, the sensors willdetect rapid deceleration and signalthe control unit to instantly inflateeither the driver's or the passenger'sside airbag.

Only one airbag will deploy during aside impact. If the impact is on thepassenger's side, the passenger'sside airbag will deploy even if thereis no passenger.

To get the best protection from theside airbags, front seat occupantsshould wear their seat belts and situpright and well back in their seats.


Additional Information About Your Side Airbags

How The Side Airbag IndicatorLight Works

The purpose of this light isto alert you if the

passenger's side airbag has beenautomatically shut off.

Although Honda does not encouragechildren to ride in the front, to helpprevent injury, your car has anautomatic cutoff system for thepassenger's side airbag. This systemis designed to shut off the airbag if achild leans sideways and the child'shead is in the deployment path of theside airbag.

The side airbag may also shut off if asmall adult leans sideways, or alarger adult slouches and leanssideways, and the adult's head is inthe deployment path of the airbag.

A front seat passenger should notuse a cushion or other object as abackrest. It may prevent the cutoffsystem from working properly.

If this light comes on, you shouldhave the passenger sit upright. Oncethe passenger is out of thedeployment path of the side airbag,the airbag will turn on and the lightwill go out.

When you turn the ignition ON (II),the indicator light should light upbriefly and go out (see page 55). If itdoesn't light, or it stays on or comeson without a passenger in the frontseat, have the system checked.

The SRS indicator light willcome on if there is a

problem with your side airbags orthe automatic cutoff system (seepage 45).


SRSSIDE

AIRBAG

Additional Information About Your Airbags

Airbag ServiceYour front and side airbag systems(if equipped) are virtuallymaintenance-free, and there are noparts you can safely service.However, you must have your carserviced if:

Your airbags ever inflate. Anyairbag that has deployed must bereplaced along with the controlunit and other related parts. Donot try to remove or replace anyairbag by yourself.This must be done by a Hondadealer or a knowledgeable bodyshop.

The SRS indicator light alerts youto a problem. Take your car to anauthorized Honda dealer as soonas possible. If you ignore thisindication, the airbags might notinflate when you need them.

Additional Safety Precautions• Do not attempt to deactivate your

airbags. Together, airbags andseat belts provide the bestprotection.

Do not tamper with airbagcomponents or wiring for anyreason. Tampering could causethe airbags to deploy, possiblycausing very serious injury.

Do not expose the front seat-backsto water. If rain or spilled watersoaks into a seat-back, it canprevent the side airbag systemfrom working properly.

Do not cover or replace front seat-back covers without consulting aHonda dealer. Improperlyreplacing or covering front seat-back covers can prevent your sideairbags from inflating during acollision.

See page 169 for further informationand precautions relating to yourairbags.


Carbon Monoxide Hazard

Your car's exhaust contains carbonmonoxide gas. You should have noproblem with carbon monoxideentering the car in normal driving ifyou maintain your car properly.Have the exhaust system inspectedfor leaks whenever:

The car is raised for an oil change.You notice a change in the soundof the exhaust.The car was in an accident thatmay have damaged the underside. High levels of carbon monoxide can

collect rapidly in enclosed areas,such as a garage. Do not run theengine with the garage door closed.Even with the door open, run theengine only long enough to move thevehicle out of the garage.

With the trunk lid open, air flow canpull exhaust gas into your car'sinterior and create a hazardouscondition. If you must drive with thetrunk lid open, open all the windowsand set the heating and coolingsystem/climate control system asshown below.

If you must sit in your parked car,even in an unconfined area, with theengine running, adjust the heatingand cooling system/climate controlsystem as follows:

1. Select the Fresh Air mode.2. Select the mode.3. Turn the fan on high speed.4. Set the temperature control to a

comfortable setting.


Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.Breathing it can causeunconsciousness and even killyou.

Avoid any enclosed areas oractivities that expose you tocarbon monoxide.

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WARNING2

Safety Labels


U.S. models onlyDASHBOARD

These labels are in the locationsshown. They warn you of potentialhazards that could cause seriousinjury. Read these labels carefully.

If a label comes off or becomes hardto read, contact your Honda dealerfor a replacement.

RADIATOR CAP

U.S. modelsSUN VISOR

Canadian models

Instruments and Controls

This section gives information aboutthe controls and displays thatcontribute to the daily operation ofyour Honda. All the essentialcontrols are within easy reach.

Control Locations............................ 52Indicator Lights................................ 53Gauges.............................................. 58

Speedometer................................ 58Tachometer.................................. 58Odometer...................................... 58Trip Meter.................................... 59Temperature Gauge.................... 59Fuel Gauge................................... 59Maintenance Required

Indicator.................................... 60Controls Near the Steering

Wheel........................................ 61Headlights.................................... 62Automatic Lighting Off

Feature...................................... 63Daytime Running Lights............. 63Instrument Panel Brightness..... 64

Turn Signals................................. 64Windshield Wipers...................... 65Windshield Washers................... 66Hazard Warning........................... 66Rear Window Defogger.............. 67Steering Wheel Adjustment....... 68

Steering Wheel Controls ................ 69Cruise Control.............................. 69Remote Audio Controls .............. 72

Keys and Locks................................ 72Keys............................................... 72Immobilizer System..................... 73Ignition Switch............................. 75Power Door Locks....................... 76

Lockout Prevention................. 77Remote Transmitter.................... 78Trunk............................................ 81Glove Box..................................... 82

HomeLink UniversalTransmitter.................................. 83

Seat Adjustments............................. 87Front Seat Adjustments.............. 87Driver's Seat Manual Height

Adjustment............................... 88Driver's Seat Power Height

Adjustment............................... 88

Driver's Seat PowerAdjustments............................. 89

Driver's Lumbar Support............ 90Rear Seat Access......................... 91Head Restraints........................... 92Folding Rear Seat........................ 93

Seat Heaters..................................... 95Power Windows............................... 96Moonroof.......................................... 98Mirrors.............................................. 99

Adjusting the Power Mirrors..... 99Parking Brake................................ 100Digital Clock................................... 101Sunglasses Holder......................... 101Beverage Holder............................ 102Console Compartment.................. 103Sun Visor......................................... 104Vanity Mirror................................. 104Coin Box......................................... 105Center Pocket................................ 105Accessory Power Socket.............. 105Interior Lights................................ 106

Ceiling Light............................... 106Spotlights.................................... 106Courtesy Lights......................... 107


Control Locations


DOOR LOCKSWITCH(P.76)

MIRRORCONTROLS(P.99)

DIGITAL CLOCK(P.101)

HEATING/COOLINGCONTROLS(P.110)CLIMATE CONTROLSYSTEM(P.117)

POWER WINDOWSWITCHES(P.96)

FUEL FILLDOOR RELEASE(P.161)TRUNK RELEASEHANDLE(P.81)

HOOD RELEASEHANDLE(P. 162)

AUDIO SYSTEM(P.125, 137)

Indicator Lights

The instrument panel has manyindicators to give you importantinformation about your car.


HIGH BEAM INDICATOR SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTSYSTEM INDICATOR

ANTI-LOCK BRAKESYSTEM INDICATOR*PARKING BRAKE ANDBRAKE SYSTEMINDICATOR*

SIDE AIRBAGINDICATOR

SEAT BELTREMINDERLIGHT

LOW FUELINDICATOR

LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR

CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR

MAINTENANCEREQUIREDINDICATOR

IMMOBILIZERSYSTEMINDICATOR

CRUISE CONTROLINDICATOR

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP DOOR AND BRAKE LAMP MONITOR

* The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for Canadian models arenoted in the text.

Indicator Lights

Seat Belt Reminder Light

This indicator lights when you turnthe ignition switch ON (II). It is areminder to you and your passengersto protect yourselves by fasteningthe seat belts. A beeper also soundsif you have not fastened your seatbelt.

If you do not fasten your seat belt,the beeper will stop after a fewseconds but the light stays on untilyou do. Both the light and the beeperstay off if you fasten your seat beltbefore turning on the ignition.

Low Oil PressureIndicator

The engine can be severely damagedif this light flashes or stays on whenthe engine is running. For completeinformation, see page 291.

Charging SystemIndicator

If this light comes on when theengine is running, the battery is notbeing charged. For completeinformation, see page 292 .

U.S. Canada

Parking Brake andBrake System IndicatorThis light has two functions:

1. It lights as a reminder that youhave not released the parkingbrake. Driving with the parkingbrake applied can damage thebrakes and tires.

2. If it remains lit after you releasethe parking brake while the engineis running, or conies on whiledriving, it can indicate a problemin the brake system. For completeinformation, see page 294 .


BRAKE

Indicator Lights

U.S. Canada

Anti-lock Brake System(ABS) IndicatorOnly on models equipped with ABS (seepage 186)This light normally comes on for afew seconds when you turn theignition switch ON (II), and whenthe ignition switch is turned toSTART (lII). If this light comes on atany other time, there is a problem inthe ABS. If this happens, take thecar to your dealer to have it checked.With the light on, your car still hasnormal braking ability but no anti-lock. For complete information, seepage 187.

Supplemental RestraintSystem Indicator

This indicator lights when you turnthe ignition switch ON (II). If itcomes on at any other time, itindicates a potential problem withyour front airbags. On modelsequipped with side airbags, this lightwill also alert you to a potentialproblem with your side airbags orpassenger's side airbag automaticcutoff system. For completeinformation, see page 45 .

Side Airbag Indicator

Only on models equipped with sideairbagsThis indicator lights when you turnthe ignition switch ON (II). If itcomes on at any other time, itindicates that the passenger's sideairbag has automatically shut off.For complete information, see page47.

Immobilizer SystemIndicator

This indicator comes on for a fewseconds when you turn the ignitionswitch ON (II). It will then go off ifyou have inserted a properly-codedignition key. If it is not a properly-coded key, the indicator will blinkand the engine will not start (seepage 73 ).

This indicator also blinks severaltimes when you turn the ignitionswitch from ON (II) to ACCESSORY(I) or LOCK (0).

Malfunction IndicatorLamp

See page 293.


A B S

S R S

SIDEAIRBAG

Indicator Lights

Door and Brake Lamp Monitor

The appropriate light comes on inthis display if the trunk or eitherdoor is not closed tightly. If a brakelight does not work, the BRAKELAMP indicator comes on when youpush the brake pedal with theignition switch ON (II).

A burned out brake light is a hazardwhen drivers behind you cannot tellyou are braking. Have your brakelights repaired right away.

All the lights in the monitor displaycome on when you turn the ignitionswitch ON (II). The lights go offafter the engine starts and the trunkand both doors are closed tightly.

Turn Signal andHazard WarningIndicators

The left or right turn signal lightblinks when you signal a lane changeor turn. If the light does not blink orblinks rapidly, it usually means oneof the turn signal bulbs is burned out(see page 257). Replace the bulb assoon as possible, since other driverscannot see that you are signalling.

When you turn on the HazardWarning switch, both turn signallights blink. All turn signals on theoutside of the car should flash.

"Daytime RunningLights" Indicator

Canadian models onlyThis indicator lights when you turnthe ignition switch to ON (II) withthe headlight switch off and theparking brake set. It should go off ifyou turn on the headlights or releasethe parking brake. If it comes on atany other time, it means there is aproblem with the DRL. There mayalso be a problem with the highbeam headlights.


D R L

Indicator Lights

High Beam Indicator

This light comes on with the highbeam headlights. See page 62 forinformation on the headlightcontrols.

On Canadian models, this indicatorconies on with reduced brightnesswhen the Daytime Running Lights(DRL) are on (see page 63).

Cruise Control Indicator

Low Fuel Indicator

This light comes on as a reminderthat you must refuel soon.

Washer Level Indicator

Canadian models onlyThis light comes on when thewasher fluid level is low. Add washerfluid when you see this light come on(see page 224).


CRUISECONTROL

This lights when you set the cruisecontrol. See page 69 for informationon operating the cruise control.

Gauges

SpeedometerU.S. ModelsThis shows your speed in miles perhour (mph). The smaller innernumbers are the speed in kilometersper hour (km/h).

Canadian ModelsThis shows your speed in kilometersper hour (km/h). The smaller innernumbers are the speed in miles perhour (mph).

TachometerThe tachometer shows the enginespeed in revolutions per minute(rpm). To protect the engine fromdamage, never drive with thetachometer needle in the red zone.

OdometerThe odometer shows the total dis-tance your car has been driven. Itmeasures miles in U.S. models andkilometers in Canadian models.The total number is displayed whenyou turn the ignition switch ON (II).It is illegal under U.S. federal law andCanadian provincial regulations todisconnect, reset, or alter theodometer with the intent to changethe number of miles or kilometersindicated.


U.S. Model shown

TACHOMETER SPEEDOMETER FUEL GAUGE TEMPERATUREGAUGE

MAINTENANCEREQUIRED INDICATOR

TRIP METER ODOMETERTRIP METER SELECT/RESET BUTTON

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Gauges

Trip MeterThis meter shows the number ofmiles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada)driven since you last reset it. Whenyou turn the ignition switch to ON(II), the number is displayed.

There are two trip meters: Trip Aand Trip B. Switch between thesedisplays by pressing the Select/Reset button repeatedly. Each tripmeter works independently, so youcan keep track of two differentdistances.

To reset a trip meter, display it andthen press and hold the Select/Resetbutton until the number resets to"0.0".

6-cylinder modelsBoth trip meters will reset if thevehicle's battery goes dead or isdisconnected.

Temperature GaugeThis shows the temperature of theengine's coolant. During normaloperation, the pointer should risefrom the bottom white mark to aboutthe middle of the gauge. In severedriving conditions, such as very hotweather or a long period of uphilldriving, the pointer may rise to nearthe upper grey zone. If it reaches thered (Hot) mark, pull safely to theside of the road. Turn to page 288 forinstructions and precautions onchecking the engine's coolingsystem.

Fuel GaugeThis shows how much fuel you have.It is most accurate when the car is onlevel ground. It may show slightlymore or less than the actual amountwhen you are driving on curvy orhilly roads.

4-cylinder modelsThe gauge stays at the same fuellevel reading after you turn off theignition. When you add fuel, thegauge slowly changes to the newreading after you turn the ignitionswitch back ON (II).

6-cylinder modelsThe needle returns to the bottomafter you turn off the ignition. Thegauge shows the fuel level readingimmediately after you turn theignition switch back ON (II).


Gauges

Maintenance Required Indicator

MAINTENANCE REQUIREDINDICATOR

This indicator reminds you that it istime to take your car in forscheduled maintenance.Refer to the Maintenance Schedulesfor Normal and Severe DrivingConditions on pages 202 — 206.

For the first 6,000 miles (9,600 km)after the Maintenance RequiredIndicator is reset, it will come on fortwo seconds when you turn theignition switch ON (II).

SELECT/RESET BUTTON

Between 6,000 miles (9,600 km) and7,500 miles (12,000 km) thisindicator will light for two secondswhen you first turn the ignitionswitch ON (II), and then flash forten seconds.

If you exceed 7,500 miles (12,000km) without having the scheduledmaintenance performed, thisindicator will remain on as a constantreminder.

Your dealer will reset this indicatorafter completing the scheduledmaintenance. If this maintenance isdone by someone other than yourHonda dealer, reset the indicator asfollows.

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Press and hold the select/resetbutton in the instrument panel,then turn the ignition switch ON(II).

3. Hold the button for about ten sec-onds, until the indicator resets.


Controls Near the Steering Wheel

The two levers on the steeringcolumn contain controls for drivingfeatures you use most often. The leftlever controls the turn signals,headlights, and high beams. Theright lever controls the windshieldwashers and wipers.

The switches for the hazard warninglights and rear window defogger arelocated to the right of the steeringcolumn.

The controls under the left air ventare for the moonroof and the cruisecontrol.

The tilt adjustment lever on theunderside of the steering columnallows you to tilt the steering wheel.

*: To use the horn, press the padaround the " H" logo.


HAZARD WARNING LIGHTSHORN*TILT ADJUSTMENT

CRUISECONTROL

MOONROOFSWITCH

HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS

WINDSHIELDWIPERS/WASHERS

REAR WINDOWDEFOGGER


Headlights

The rotating switch on the left levercontrols the lights. Turning thisswitch to the position turnson the parking lights, taillights,instrument panel lights, side-markerlights, and rear license plate lights.Turning the switch to theposition turns on the headlights.

If you leave the lights on with theignition switch in ACCESSORY (I)or LOCK (0), you will hear areminder chime when you open thedriver's door.

To change between low beams andhigh beams, pull the turn signal leveruntil you hear a click, then let go.The blue high beam indicator willlight (see page 57).

To flash the high beams, pull theturn signal lever back lightly, thenrelease it. The high beams will comeon and go off.

The high beams will stay on for aslong as you hold the lever back, nomatter what position the headlightswitch is in.



Automatic Lighting Off FeatureOn EX and EX-V6 modelsThe Automatic Lighting Off featureturns off the headlights, parkinglights, taillights, side marker lights,license plate lights and instrumentpanel lights within 15 seconds ofremoving the key from the ignitionswitch and closing the driver's door.

This feature activates if you leavethe headlight switch in theor position, remove the key,open, then close the driver's door.

If you remove the key from theignition switch with the headlightswitch on, but do not open the doorand get out, the lights will turn offafter ten minutes.

The lights will turn on again whenyou unlock or open the driver's door.If you unlock the door, but do notopen it within 15 seconds, the lightswill go off. With the driver's dooropen, you will hear a lights-onreminder chime.

Daytime Running Lights(Canadian Models)With the headlight switch off, thehigh beam headlights come on withreduced brightness when you turnthe ignition switch to ON (II) andrelease the parking brake. Theyremain on until you turn the ignitionoff, even if you set the parking brake.

The headlights revert to normaloperation when you turn them onwith the switch.



Instrument Panel Brightness

The knob on the instrument panelcontrols the brightness of the instru-ment panel lights. Turn the knob toadjust the brightness.

Turn Signals

Signal a turn or lane change with thislever. Push down on the lever tosignal a left turn, and up to signal aright turn. If you push it up or downall the way, the turn signal continuesto blink even when you release thelever. It shuts off automatically asyou complete the turn.

To signal a lane change, push lightlyon the turn signal lever in the properdirection and hold it. The lever willreturn to the center position as soonas you release it.


TURN SIGNAL LEVER


Windshield Wipers

The right lever controls the wind-shield wipers and washers. Therotary switch at the end of the leverhas three positions:

INT: intermittent: low speed: high speed

In intermittent, the wipers operateevery few seconds. The sweepinterval will change slightly withspeed; getting shorter as you drivefaster. In low speed and high speed,the wipers run continuously.

You can vary how often the wiperssweep the windshield by turning theINT TIME ring next to the rotaryswitch.

If you turn the INT TIME ring to theshortest delay, the wipers willchange from intermittent to lowspeed operation when vehicle speedexceeds 12 mph (20 km/h).

CONTINUED



To operate the wipers in mist mode,push the control lever down. Thewipers run at high speed until yourelease the lever. This gives you aquick way to clear the windshield.

Windshield Washers

To clean the windshield, pull back onthe wiper control lever. The washersspray until you release the lever. Thewipers run at low speed while you'repulling the lever, then complete onemore sweep of the windshield afteryou release it.

Hazard Warning

Push the red button to the left of theclock to turn on the hazard warninglights (four-way flashers). Thiscauses all four outside turn signalsand both indicators in the instrumentpanel to flash. Use the hazardwarning lights if you need to park ina dangerous area near heavy traffic,or if your car is disabled.



Make sure the rear window is clearand you have good visibility beforestarting to drive.

The defogger and antenna wires onthe inside of the rear window can beaccidentally damaged. Whencleaning the glass, always wipe sideto side.


The rear window defogger will clearfog, frost, and thin ice from thewindow. Push the defogger button toturn it on and off. The light abovethe button lights to show thedefogger is on. If you do not turn itoff, the defogger will shut itself offafter about 15 minutes. It also shutsoff when you turn off the ignition.You have to turn it on again whenyou restart the car.

EX-V6 model

Rear Window Defogger

LX, EX and LX-V6 models


Steering Wheel AdjustmentSee page 17 for important safetyinformation about how to properlyposition the steering wheel.

Make any steering wheel adjustmentbefore you start driving.

To adjust the steering wheel upwardor downward:

1. Push the lever under the steeringcolumn all the way down.

2. Move the steering wheel to thedesired position, making sure thewheel points toward your chest,not toward your face. Make sureyou can see the instrument panelgauges and the indicator lights.

3. Push the lever up to lock thesteering wheel in that position.

4. Make sure you have securelylocked the steering wheel in placeby trying to move it up and down.


Adjusting the steering wheelposition while driving maycause you to lose control of thecar and be seriously injured in acrash.

Adjust the steering wheel onlywhen the car is stopped.

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Steering Wheel Controls

Cruise ControlCruise control allows you to maintaina set speed above 25 mph (40 km/h)without keeping your foot on theaccelerator pedal. It should be usedfor cruising on straight, openhighways. It is not recommended forconditions such as city driving,winding roads, slippery roads, heavyrain, or bad weather. You shouldhave full control of the car underthose conditions.

Using the Cruise Control

1. Push in the Cruise Control MasterSwitch to the left of the steeringcolumn. The indicator in theswitch will light.

2. Accelerate to the desired cruisingspeed above 25 mph (40 km/h)

RESUME/accel

CANCEL

SET/decel

3 Press and release the SET /decelbutton on the steering wheel TheCRUISE CONTROL light on theinstrument panel comes on toshow the system is now activated

CONTINUED


CRUISE CONTROL MASTER SWITCH

Improper use of the cruisecontrol can lead to a crash.

Use the cruise control onlywhen traveling on openhighways in good weather.

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The cruise control may not hold theset speed when you are going up anddown hills. If your speed increasesgoing down a hill, use the brakes toslow down to the desired speed. Thiswill cancel the cruise control. Toresume the set speed, press theRESUME/accel button. TheCRUISE CONTROL light on theinstrument panel comes on.

When climbing a steep hill, theautomatic transmission maydownshift to hold the set speed.

Changing the Set SpeedYou can increase the set cruisingspeed in any of these ways:

Press and hold the RESUME/accel button. The car will acceler-ate. When you reach the desiredcruising speed, release the button.

To increase your speed in verysmall amounts, tap the RESUME/accel button repeatedly. Each timeyou do this, your car will speed upabout 1 mph (1.6 km/h).

Push on the accelerator pedal. Ac-celerate to the desired cruisingspeed and press the SET/decelbutton.

You can decrease the set cruisingspeed in any of these ways:

Press and hold the SET/decelbutton. The car will decelerate.Release the button when youreach the desired speed.

To slow down in very smallamounts, tap the SET/decelbutton repeatedly. Each time youdo this, your car will slow downabout 1 mph (1.6km/h).

Tap the brake or clutch pedallightly with your foot. TheCRUISE CONTROL light on theinstrument panel will go out.When the car slows to the desiredspeed, press the SET/decel button.The car will then maintain thedesired speed.



Even with the cruise control turnedon, you can still use the acceleratorpedal to speed up for passing. Aftercompleting the pass, take your footoff the accelerator pedal. The carwill return to the set cruising speed.

Resting your foot on the brake orclutch pedal will cause the cruisecontrol to cancel.

Cancelling the Cruise Control

CANCELBUTTON

You can cancel the cruise control inany of these ways:

Tap the brake or clutch pedal.

Push the CANCEL button on thesteering wheel.

Press the Cruise Control MasterSwitch.

When you push the CANCEL button,or tap the brake or clutch pedal, theCRUISE CONTROL light on theinstrument panel will go out and thecar will begin to slow down. You canuse the accelerator pedal in thenormal way.

The system remembers thepreviously-set cruising speed. Toreturn to that speed, accelerate toabove 25 mph (40 km/h) and thenpress the RESUME/accel buttonuntil the CRUISE CONTROL lightcomes on. The car will accelerate tothe same cruising speed as before.

Pressing the Cruise Control MasterSwitch turns the system completelyoff and erases the previous cruisingspeed from memory. To use thesystem again, refer to Using theCruise Control.


Steering Wheel Controls, Keys and Locks

Remote Audio Controls

On EX-V6 modelThese buttons let you control somefunctions of the audio system with-out removing your hands from thewheel. Refer to page 155 for a com-plete explanation.

Your car comes with two masterkeys and a valet key.The master key fits all the locks onyour car:

IgnitionDoorsTrunkTrunk release handleRear seat trunk accessGlove box

The valet key works only in theignition and the door locks. You cankeep the trunk, trunk release handle,rear seat trunk access and the glovebox locked when you leave your carand the valet key at a parking facility.

You should have received a keynumber plate with your keys. Youwill need this key number if you everhave to get a lost key replaced. Keepthe plate stored in a safe place. If youneed to replace a key, use onlyHonda-approved key blanks.


Keys

KEYNUMBERPLATE

MASTERKEY(BLACK)

VALETKEY(GREY)

Keys and Locks

These keys contain electroniccircuits that are activated by theImmobilizer System. They will notwork to start the engine if thecircuits are damaged.

Protect the keys from directsunlight, high temperature, andhigh humidity.

Do not drop the keys or set heavyobjects on them.

Keep the keys away from liquids.If they get wet, dry them immedi-ately with a soft cloth.

The keys do not contain batteries.Do not try to take them apart.

Remote TransmitterSome models also come with tworemote transmitters; see page 78 foran explanation of their operation.

Immobilizer SystemThe Immobilizer System protectsyour car from theft. A properly-coded master or valet key must beused in the ignition switch for theengine to start. If an improperly-coded key (or other device) is used,the engine's fuel system is disabled.

When you turn the ignition switch toON (II), the Immobilizer Systemindicator should come on for a fewseconds, then go out. If the indicatorstarts to blink, it means the systemdoes not recognize the coding of thekey. Turn the ignition switch toLOCK (0), remove the key, reinsertit, and turn the switch to ON (II)again.

CONTINUED


Keys and Locks

The system may not recognize yourkey's coding if another immobilizerkey or other metal object is near theignition switch when you insert thekey. To make sure the systemrecognizes the key code:

Do not keep other immobilizerkeys on the same key ring.

Use a plastic or leather key fob,not metal.

Keep other keys away from yourcar's key and the ignition switchwhile trying to start the engine.

If the system repeatedly does notrecognize the coding of your key,contact your Honda dealer.

This indicator will also blink severaltimes when you turn the ignitionswitch from ON (II) to ACCESSORY(I) or LOCK (0).

Do not attempt to alter this systemor add other devices to it. Electricalproblems could result that may makeyour car undriveable.

If you have lost your key and youcannot start the engine, contact yourHonda dealer.

As required by the FCC:This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to thefollowing two conditions: (1) This devicemay not cause harmful interference, and(2) this device must accept anyinterference received, includinginterference that may cause undesiredoperation.

Changes or modifications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible forcompliance could void the user'sauthority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.Operation is subject to the following twoconditions: (1) this device may not causeinterference, and (2) this device mustaccept any interference that may causeundesired operation of the device.


Keys and Locks

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is on the rightside of the steering column. It hasfour positions:

LOCK (0)ACCESSORY (I)ON (II)START (III)

LOCK (0) — You can insert orremove the key only in this position.To switch from ACCESSORY toLOCK, you must push the key inslightly as you turn it. If your car hasan automatic transmission, the shiftlever must also be in Park. The anti-theft lock will lock the steeringcolumn when you remove the key.

If the front wheels are turned, theanti-theft lock may sometimes makeit difficult to turn the key fromLOCK to ACCESSORY. Firmly turnthe steering wheel to the left or tothe right as you turn the key.

CONTINUED


Removing the key from theignition switch while drivinglocks the steering. This cancause you to lose control.

Remove the key from theignition switch only whenparked.

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Keys and Locks

ACCESSORY (I) — In this position,you can operate the audio systemand the accessory power socket.

ON (II) — This is the normal keyposition when driving. All featuresand accessories on the car are usable.Several of the lights on the instru-ment panel come on as a test whenyou turn the ignition switch fromACCESSORY to ON.

START (III) — Use this positiononly to start the engine. The switchreturns to ON (II) when you let go ofthe key.

The engine will not start if theImmobilizer System does notrecognize the key's coding (see page73).

You will hear a reminder beeper ifyou leave the key in the ignitionswitch in the LOCK (0) orACCESSORY (I) position and openthe driver's door. Remove the key toturn off the beeper.

Power Door Locks

MASTER DOOR LOCK SWITCH

Each door has a master door lockswitch. This switch locks andunlocks both doors. Push the switchdown to lock both doors and up tounlock them.


Keys and Locks

LOCK TAB

Each door has a lock tab at the top ofthe door. When you push down thelock tab on the driver's door, bothdoors lock. Pulling up the lock tab onthe driver's door only unlocks thatdoor. The lock tab on the passenger'sdoor only locks and unlocks thatdoor.

To lock the passenger's door whengetting out of the car, push the locktab down and close the door. To lockthe driver's door, remove the keyfrom the ignition switch and pushthe lock tab down or push the masterswitch down, then close the door.

Both doors can be locked from theoutside by using the key in eitherdoor.

To unlock only the driver's doorfrom the outside, insert the key inthe driver's door lock, turn the keyand release it. If you turn the keyand hold it, both doors will unlock.Both doors will unlock when youunlock the passenger's door with thekey.

Lockout PreventionIf you forget and leave the key in theignition switch, Lockout Preventionwill not allow you to lock the driver'sdoor. With the driver's door openand the key in the ignition, bothmaster door lock switches aredisabled. However, if the driver'sdoor is not open, the master doorlock switches are not disabled.Pushing the switch down on theopen passenger's door will lock bothdoors. If you try to lock an opendriver's door by pushing down thelock tab, the tabs on both doors popup. Pushing down the lock tab on thepassenger's door only locks that door.


Keys and Locks

Remote Transmitter

LED

UNLOCKBUTTON

LOCKBUTTON

TRUNKRELEASEBUTTON

PANICBUTTON

On EX and EX-V6 modelsYou can lock and unlock your carwith the remote transmitter. Whenyou push the LOCK button, bothdoors lock. The parking lights, sidemarker lights, and taillights flashonce.

When you push the UNLOCK buttononce, only the driver's door unlocks.The passenger's door unlocks whenyou push the button a second time.The parking lights, side markerlights, and taillights flash twice.

The ceiling light (if the ceiling lightswitch is in the center position) willcome on when you press theUNLOCK button. If you do not openeither door, the light stays on forabout 10 seconds, then fades out. Ifyou relock the doors with the remotetransmitter before 10 seconds haveelapsed, the light will go offimmediately.

If you unlock the doors with theremote transmitter, but do not openeither door within 30 seconds, thedoors automatically relock and thesecurity system sets.

You cannot lock or unlock the doorswith the remote transmitter if eitherdoor is not fully closed or the key isin the ignition switch.

When you push the LOCK button asecond time within 5 seconds afteryou have locked the doors, the hornwill sound once to verify that thesecurity system will be set.

To open the trunk, push the TrunkRelease button for approximatelyone second.The trunk will not open if the key isin the ignition switch.


Keys and Locks

Panic ModePanic mode allows you to remotelyactivate your car's security system toattract attention. When activated, thehorn will sound, and the exteriorlights will flash, for about 30 seconds.To activate panic mode, press andhold the PANIC button for about twoseconds.

To cancel Panic mode before 30seconds, press any button on theremote transmitter. You can alsoturn the ignition switch to ON (II).

Replacing the BatteryWhen the remote transmitter'sbattery begins to get weak, it maytake several pushes on the button tolock or unlock the doors, and theLED will not light. Replace thebattery as soon as possible.

Battery type: CR2025

To replace the battery, place a clothon the edge of the transmitter andremove the upper half by carefullyprying on the edge with a small flat-tip screwdriver.

CONTINUED


Keys and Locks

Remove the old battery and note thepolarity. Make sure the polarity ofthe new battery is the same (+ sidefacing up), then insert it in thetransmitter.

Reinstall the upper half securely.

Transmitter CareAvoid severe shock to the trans-mitter, such as dropping or throwingit. Also, protect it from extreme hotor cold temperatures.

Clean the transmitter case with asoft cloth. Do not use strongcleaners or solvents that could harmthe case. Immersing the transmitterin any liquid will harm the trans-mitter and cause it to not functionproperly.

If you lose a transmitter, you willneed to have the replacementprogrammed to your car's system byyour Honda dealer. Any othertransmitters you have will also needto be reprogrammed.

As required by the FCC:This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to thefollowing two conditions: (1) This devicemay not cause harmful interference, and(2) this device must accept anyinterference received, includinginterference that may cause undesiredoperation.

Changes or modifications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible forcompliance could void the user'sauthority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.Operation is subject to the following twoconditions: (1) this device may not causeinterference, and (2) this device mustaccept any interference that may causeundesired operation of the device.


BATTERY

Keys and Locks

Trunk

You can open the trunk in two orthree ways:

Pull the trunk release handle tothe left of the driver's seat.

Use the master key to open thetrunk lock. The valet key does notwork in this lock.

Press the trunk release button onthe remote transmitter.

To close the trunk, press down onthe trunk lid.

See page 170 for cargo loading andweight limit information. Keep thetrunk lid closed at all times whiledriving to avoid damaging the lid,and to prevent exhaust gas fromgetting into the interior. See CarbonMonoxide Hazard on page 49 .

CONTINUED


TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE MASTER KEY

Keys and Locks

To protect items in the trunk whenyou need to give the key to someoneelse:

1. Lock the trunk release handlewith the master key.

2. Give the person the valet key.

Glove Box

Open the glove box by squeezing thehandle. Close it with a firm push.Lock or unlock the glove box withthe master key.

The glove box light comes on onlywhen the instrument panel lights areon.


MASTER KEY

GLOVE BOX

An open glove box can causeserious injury to your passengerin a crash, even if thepassenger is wearing the seatbelt.

Always keep the glove boxclosed while driving.

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HomeLink Universal Transmitter

On EX V-6 modelThe HomeLink UniversalTransmitter built into your vehiclecan be programmed to operateremotely controlled devices aroundyour home, such as garage doors,lighting, or home security systems.It can replace up to three remotetransmitters.

Customer AssistanceIf you have problems with trainingthe HomeLink Universal Transmitter,or would like information on homeproducts that can be operated by thetransmitter, call (800) 355-3515. Onthe internet, go towww.homelink.jci.com.

Important Safety PrecautionsAlways refer to the operatinginstructions and safety informationthat came with your garage dooropener or other equipment youintend to operate with the

HomeLink Universal Transmitter.If you do not have this information,you should contact themanufacturer of the equipment.

While training or using thetransmitter, make sure you have aclear view of the garage door orgate, and that no one will be injuredby its movement.

General InformationIf you are training the transmitter tooperate a garage door or gate, it isrecommended that you unplug themotor for that device duringtraining. Repeatedly pressing theremote control button could burnout the motor.

The HomeLink transmitter storesthe code in a permanent memory.There should be no need to retrainthe transmitter if your vehicle'sbattery goes dead or isdisconnected.

If your garage door opener wasmanufactured before April 1982,you may not be able to program theHomeLink Universal Transmitter tooperate it. Garage door openersmanufactured before that date donot have a safety feature thatcauses them to stop and reverse ifan obstacle is detected duringclosing, increasing the risk ofinjury. If you have questions, call(800) 355-3515.

Training the TransmitterBefore you can use the HomeLinkUniversal Transmitter to operatedevices around your home, it must"learn" the proper codes. Forexample, to train the transmitter toopen and close the garage door:

CONTINUED



Before you begin — If you just tookdelivery of your vehicle and havenot trained any of the buttons in theHomeLink transmitter before, youshould erase any previously learnedcodes before training the firstbutton. To do this, press and holdthe two outside buttons on theHomeLink transmitter until the redlight flashes. Release the buttons,then proceed to Step 1.

If you are training the second orthird buttons, go directly to Step 1.

1. Unplug the garage door openermotor from the house current.

2. Hold the end of the garage dooropener remote control 1 to 3inches from the HomeLinktransmitter. Make sure you arenot blocking your view of thered light in the transmitter.

3. Select the transmitter buttonyou want to train.

4. Press the button on the remotecontrol and the button on thetransmitter at the same time.Hold down both buttons.

Canadian Owners: The remotecontrol you are training frommay stop transmitting after twoseconds. This is not longenough for the HomeLink

transmitter to learn the code.Release and press the button onthe remote control every twoseconds until the transmitter haslearned the code.

5. The red light in the transmittershould begin flashing. It willflash slowly at first, thenrapidly.

6. When the red light flashesrapidly, release both buttons.The transmitter should havelearned the code from theremote control.

7. Plug in the garage door openermotor, then test the transmitterbutton by pushing it. It shouldoperate the garage door.

If the button does not work,repeat this procedure to train itagain. If it still does not work,you may have a variable or



rolling code garage dooropener. Test this by pressingand holding the HomeLinktransmitter button you justtrained. If the red light blinksfor two seconds, then stays on,you have a rolling code garagedoor opener. You may be ableto verify this with themanufacturer's documentation.Go to "Training With a RollingCode System."

8. Repeat these steps to train theother two transmitter buttons tooperate any other remotely-controlled devices around yourhome (lighting, automatic gate,security system, etc.).

Training With a Rolling CodeSystemFor security purposes, newergarage door opening systems use a"rolling" or variable code.Information from the remote

control and the garage door openerare needed before the HomeLinktransmitter can operate the garagedoor opener. The "Training theTransmitter" procedure trains theHomeLink transmitter to the propergarage door opener code. Thefollowing procedure synchronizesthe HomeLink transmitter to thegarage door opener so they sendand receive the correct codes.

It may be helpful to have someoneassist you with this procedure.

1. Make sure you have properlycompleted the "Training theTransmitter" procedure.

2. Find the "Training" button onyour garage door opener unit.The location will vary,depending on the manufacturer.The manufacturer'sdocumentation may help.

3. Press the Training button on thegarage door opener unit untilthe light next to the buttoncomes on, then release it. Thelight may blink, or come on andstay on. You then haveapproximately 30 seconds tocomplete the following steps.

CONTINUED


TRAININGBUTTON


4. Press and release the button onthe HomeLink transmitter. (Thesame button you trained withthe "Training the Transmitter"procedure.)

5. Press and release theHomeLink transmitter buttonagain. This should turn off thetraining light on the garagedoor opener unit. (Somesystems may require you topress and release the button upto three times.)

6. Press the transmitter buttonagain. It should operate thegarage door.

Retraining a ButtonTo train an already programmedtransmitter button to operate a newdevice:

1. Select the transmitter buttonyou want to train.

2. Press and hold the transmitterbutton until the red light beginsto flash slowly (approximately20 seconds).

3. While continuing to hold thetransmitter button, place theremote control for the device 1to 3 inches from the HomeLinktransmitter.

4. Press and hold the button on theremote control. Hold bothbuttons until the red lightbegins to flash rapidly.

5. Release both buttons. Thetransmitter should now betrained to operate the device.

Erasing CodesTo erase the codes stored in allthree buttons, press and hold thetwo outside buttons until the redlight begins to flash, then releasethe buttons.

You should erase all three codesbefore selling the vehicle.

As required by the FCC:This device complies with Part 15of the FCC rules. Operation issubject to the following twoconditions: (1) This device may notcause harmful interference, and (2)this device must accept anyinterference received, includinginterference that may causeundesired operation.

Changes or modifications notexpressly approved by the partyresponsible for compliance couldvoid the user's authority to operatethe equipment.

This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) thisdevice may not cause interference,and (2) this device must accept anyinterference that may causeundesired operation of the device.


Seat Adjustments

Front Seat AdjustmentsSee pages 12 — 13 for important safetyinformation and warnings about how toproperly position seats and seat-backs.

Make all seat adjustments beforeyou start driving.

To adjust the seat forward andbackward, pull up on the lever underthe seat cushion's front edge. Movethe seat to the desired position andrelease the lever. Try to move theseat to make sure it is locked inposition.

To change the angle of the seat-back,pull up on the lever on the outside ofthe seat bottom. Move the seat-backto the desired position and releasethe lever. Let the seat-back latch inthe new position.


Seat Adjustments

Driver's Seat Manual HeightAdjustment

On LX modelThe height of your driver's seat isadjustable. Turn the front dial on theoutside of the seat cushion to raisethe front of the seat bottom and turnthe rear dial to raise the rear.

Make all adjustments before youstart driving.

Driver's Seat Power HeightAdjustment

On EX modelThe height of your driver's seat ispower adjustable. Pull up on theswitch to raise the seat. Push it downto lower the seat.

Make all adjustments before youstart driving.


Seat Adjustments

Driver's Seat Power AdjustmentsOn all V6 models and the 4-cylinder EXmodel with leather interiorSee pages 12 — 13 for important safetyinformation and warnings about how toproperly position seats and seat-backs.

The two power seat adjustmentswitches are on the outside edge ofthe seat bottom. The horizontalswitch adjusts the seat bottom inseveral directions. The short verticalswitch adjusts the seat-back angle.

You can adjust the seat with theignition switch in any position. Makeall seat adjustments before you startdriving.

Push the horizontal switch forwardor backward to move the seatforward or backward.

Pull up or push down on the front ofthe switch to move the seat bottom'sfront edge up or down. Pull up orpush down on the rear of the switchto move the rear of the seat bottomup or down.

CONTINUED


Seat Adjustments

Pull the center of the horizontalswitch up to raise the seat. Push itdown to lower the seat.

Adjust the seat-back angle bypushing the rear switch in thedirection you want to move.

Driver's Lumbar Support

On EX and EK-V6 modelsVary the lumbar support by movingthe lever on the right side of theseat-back. Pivot the lever forwarduntil it stops, then let it return. Doingthis several times adjusts the lumbarsupport through its full range.


Seat Adjustments

Rear Seat AccessDriver's Side

On all V6 models and the 4-cylinder EXmodel with leather interiorTo get into the back seat on thedriver's side, pull the release leverupward on the side of the seat-back.The seat-back will tilt forward toallow easier entry to the back seat.

On LX and EX modelsTo get into the back seat on thedriver's side, pull up on the seat-backadjustment lever. The seat-back willtilt forward to allow easier entry tothe back seat.

Passenger's Side

To get into the back seat on thepassenger's side, push forward onthe release lever at the base of theseat-back. The seat-back will tiltforward and the entire seat will moveforward to allow easier entry to theback seat. After you return the seat-back to the upright position, pushthe whole seat backwards until itlatches. Make sure the seat is fullylatched before sitting in it.


RELEASE LEVER SEAT-BACK ADJUSTMENT LEVER RELEASE LEVER

Seat Adjustments

Head RestraintsSee page 14 for important safetyinformation and a warning about how toproperly position the head restraints.

The front head restraints helpprotect you and your passenger fromwhiplash and other injuries. They aremost effective when you adjust themso the back of the occupant's headrests against the center of therestraint. A taller person shouldadjust the restraint as high aspossible. The front head restraints adjust for

height. You need both hands toadjust the restraint. Do not attemptto adjust it while driving. To raise it,pull upward. To lower the restraint,push the release button sidewaysand push the restraint down.

To remove a head restraint forcleaning or repair, pull it up as far asit will go. Push the release buttonand pull the restraint out of the seat-back.


RELEASEBUTTON

Seat Adjustments

Folding Rear SeatThe back of the rear seat folds downto give you direct access to the trunk.Each side folds down separately.With only half the seat folded, youcan still carry a passenger in theback seat. The seat-back can bereleased from inside the car or insidethe trunk.

To fold down either side of the seat-back from inside the car, insert themaster key in the lock on the rearshelf. To fold down the driver's side,turn the key clockwise, pull down thetop of the seat-back, then release thekey. To fold down the passenger'sside, turn the key counterclockwiseand perform the same procedure.

When storing cargo, you can movethe rear center shoulder belt out ofthe way by removing the belt fromthe guide.

CONTINUED


MASTER KEY CENTER SHOULDER BELT

GUIDE

Seat Adjustments

RELEASE

To release the seat-back from insidethe trunk, pull the release under therear shelf. Push the seat-back down,then let go of the release.

To lock the seat-back upright, push itfirmly against the rear shelf. Makesure it is latched in place by pullingon the top of the seat.

Make sure all rear shoulder belts arepositioned in front of the rear seat-back whenever the seat-back is in itsupright position.

Make sure all items in the trunk, oritems extending through the openinginto the back seat, are secured.Loose items can fly forward andcause injury if you have to brakehard. See Carrying Cargo on page170.

Never drive with the seat-backfolded down and the trunk lid open.See Carbon Monoxide Hazard onpage 49.


Seat Heaters

Standard on EX-V6 model in CanadaBoth front seats are equipped withseat heaters. The ignition must beON (II) to use them. Push the rightside of the switch, HI, to rapidly heatup the seat. After the seat reaches acomfortable temperature, select LOby pushing the left side of the switch.This will keep the seat warm.

The HI or LO indicator lights andremains lit until you turn it off bypushing the opposite side of theswitch lightly. The indicator will turnoff.

In HI, the heater turns off when theseat gets warm, and turns back onafter the seat's temperature drops. Itcontinues to cycle as long as youleave it set on HI. The HI indicatorremains lit as a reminder that youhave the heater on.

In LO, the heater runs continuously.It does not cycle with temperaturechanges.

Follow these precautions wheneveryou use the seat heaters:

Use the HI setting only to heat theseats quickly. Select the LOsetting when the seats feel warm.The HI setting draws largeamounts of current from thebattery.

Do not use the seat heaters, evenon the LO setting, if the engine isleft idling for an extended period.They can weaken the battery,causing hard starting.

Only on models equipped with sideairbagsBecause of the sensors for the sideairbag system, there is no heater inthe passenger's seat-back.


SEAT HEATERS

Power Windows

Your car's windows are electrically-powered. Turn the ignition switch toON (II) to raise or lower any window.

Each door has a switch that controlsits window. To open the window,push the switch down and hold it.Release the switch when you wantthe window to stop. Close thewindow by pulling back on theswitch and holding it.

The driver's armrest has a masterpower window control panel. Toopen the passenger's window, pushdown on the switch and hold it downuntil the window reaches the desiredposition. To close the window, pullback on the window switch. Releasethe switch when the window gets tothe position you want.


MAIN SWITCH

DRIVER'S WINDOW SWITCH

Closing a power window onsomeone's hands or fingers cancause serious injury.

Make sure your passengers areaway from the windows beforeclosing them.

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WARNING2

Power Windows

The master control panel also con-tains these extra features:

AUTO — To open the driver'swindow fully, push the windowswitch firmly down and release it.The window automatically goes allthe way down. To stop the windowfrom going all the way down, pullback on the window switch briefly.

To open the driver's window onlypartially, push the window switchdown lightly and hold it. The windowwill stop as soon as you release theswitch.

The AUTO function only works tolower the driver's window. To raisethe window, you must pull back onthe window switch and hold it untilthe window reaches the desiredposition.

The MAIN switch controls power tothe passenger's window. With thisswitch off, the passenger's windowcannot be raised or lowered. TheMAIN switch does not affect thedriver's window. Keep the MAINswitch off when you have children inthe car so they do not injure them-selves by operating the windowunintentionally.

The power window system has a key-off delay function. The windows willstill operate for up to ten minutesafter you turn off the ignition.Opening either door cancels thedelay function. You must turn theignition ON (II) again before you canraise or lower the windows.


Moonroof

On EX and EX-V6 modelsThe moonroof has two positions: itcan be tilted up in the back forventilation, or it can be slid back intothe roof. Use the switch under theleft dashboard vent to operate themoonroof. The ignition switch mustbe ON (II).

To tilt up the back of the moonroof,press and hold the center button( ). To close the moonroof,press and hold the top of the switch( ). To open the moonroof,press and hold the bottom of theswitch ( ) Release the switchwhen the moonroof gets to thedesired position. Make sureeveryone's hands are away from themoonroof before opening or closingit.

The moonroof has a key-off delay.You can still open and close themoonroof for up to ten minutes afteryou turn off the ignition. The key-offdelay cancels as soon as you openeither door. You must then turn theignition ON (II) for the moonroof tooperate.

If you try to open the moonroof inbelow-freezing temperatures, or whenit is covered with snow or ice, you candamage the moonroof panel or motor.


MOONROOFSWITCH

Opening or closing themoonroof on someone's handsor fingers can cause seriousinjury.

Make sure all hands and fingersare clear of the moonroofbefore opening or closing it.

NOTICE

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W123

Mirrors

Keep the inside and outside mirrorsclean and adjusted for best visibility.Be sure to adjust the mirrors beforeyou start driving.

The inside mirror has day and nightpositions. The night position reducesglare from headlights behind you.Flip the tab on the bottom edge ofthe mirror to select the day or nightposition.

Adjusting the Power Mirrors

Adjust the outside mirrors with theadjustment switch on the driver'sdoor armrest:

1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

2. Move the selector switch to L(driver's side) or R (passenger'sside).

3. Push the appropriate edge of theadjustment switch to move themirror right, left, up or down.

4. When you finish, move theselector switch to the center (off)position. This turns off theadjustment switch so you can'tmove a mirror out of position byaccidentally bumping the switch.


CONTINUED

TAB

ADJUSTMENT SWITCH

SELECTOR SWITCH

Mirrors, Parking Brake

Available on all Canadian modelsThe outside mirrors are heated to re-move fog and frost. With the ignitionswitch ON (II), turn on the heatersby pressing the button. The light inthe button comes on as a reminder.Press the button again to turn theheaters off.

Parking Brake

PARKING BRAKE LEVER

To apply the parking brake, pull thelever up fully. To release it, pull upslightly, push the button, and lowerthe lever. The parking brake light onthe instrument panel should go outwhen the parking brake is fullyreleased with the engine running(see page 54).

Driving the car with the parking brakeapplied can damage the rear brakesand axles.


HEATED MIRROR BUTTON

NOTICE

Digital Clock, Sunglasses Holder

Digital Clock

The digital clock displays the timewith the ignition switch in anyposition.

To set the clock:

1. Press and hold the H button untilthe hour advances to the desiredhour.

2. Press and hold the M button untilthe numbers advance to thedesired minutes.

You can use R to quickly set the timeto the nearest hour. If the displayedtime is before the half hour, pressingR sets the clock back to the previoushour. If the displayed time is afterthe half hour, pressing R sets theclock forward to the beginning of thenext hour.

For example:1:06 would RESET to 1:00.1:52 would RESET to 2:00.

Sunglasses Holder

SUNGLASSES HOLDER

To open the sunglasses holder, pushon the front edge. It will unlatch andswing down. To close it, push it untilit latches. Make sure the holder isclosed while you are driving.

CONTINUED


M RH

Push

Sunglasses Holder, Beverage Holder

Some larger styles of sunglassesmay not fit in the holder.

Beverage Holder

To open the beverage holder, pushon the top. The beverage holder lidis spring-loaded and will swing open.To close it, push it down until itlatches.

The inner liner can be removed ifyou want to hold a larger cup.

Be careful when you are using thebeverage holder. A spilled liquid thatis very hot can scald you or yourpassengers. Spilled liquids can alsodamage the upholstery, carpeting,and electrical components in theinterior.


INNER LINER

Push

Console Compartment

To open the console compartment,pull up on the lower lever and lift thelid.

To close, lower the lid and push itdown until it latches.

On EX and EX-V6 modelsThe console compartment has aCompact Disc holder.

You can put small items in the traylocated in the console compartmentlid. To use the tray, pull up on theupper lever and lift up the armrestpad.


LEVER

CONSOLE COMPARTMENT

LEVER

Sun Visor, Vanity Mirror

Sun Visor

To use the sun visor, pull it down.You can also use the sun visor at theside window. Remove the supportrod from the clip and swing the sunvisor toward the side window. In thisposition, the sun visor can beextended by sliding out theextension.

Make sure you put the sun visorback in place when you are gettinginto or out of the car. Do not use thesun visor extension over the rearview mirror.

Vanity Mirror

To use a vanity mirror on the back ofthe sun visor, pull up the cover.

The light beside the mirror comeson only when the parking lights areon.


SUN VISOR

EXTENSION

Coin Box, Center Pocket, Accessory Power Socket

Coin Box

COIN BOX

The coin box is located under the airvent. To open the coin box, pull thebottom edge. Close it with a firmpush.

Center Pocket

On LX and LX-V6 modelsThe center pocket is located underthe audio system. To open the lid,pull it down. Close it with a firm push.

Accessory Power Socket

To use the accessory power socket,pull out on the cover. The ignitionswitch must be in ACCESSORY (I)or ON (II).

This socket is intended to supplypower for 12 volt DC accessoriesthat are rated 120 watts or less (10amps).

It will not power an automotive typecigarette lighter element.


ACCESSORY POWER SOCKET

Interior Lights

Ceiling Light

The ceiling light has a three-positionswitch. In the OFF position, the lightdoes not come on. In the centerposition, the ceiling light comes onwhen you open either door.

EX, EX-V6After both doors are closed tightly,the light dims slightly, then fades outin about 10 seconds. In the ONposition, the ceiling light stays oncontinuously.

LX, LX-V6The light goes out when both doorsare closed.

On EX and EX-V6 modelsThe ceiling light (with the switch inthe center position) also comes onwhen you unlock the door with theremote transmitter (see page 78 ).The light fades out after both doorsare closed.

Spotlights

Turn on the spotlight by pushing thebutton next to each light. Push thebutton again to turn it off. You canuse the spotlights at all times.


DOOR ACTIVATED

Interior Lights


Courtesy Lights

The courtesy light in each doorcomes on when the door is opened,and goes out when the door is closed.

Your car also has a courtesy light inthe ignition switch. This light comeson when you open the driver's door.It remains on for several secondsafter the door is closed.

DOOR LIGHT

IGNITION SWITCH LIGHT

108

Comfort and Convenience Features

The heating and air conditioningsystems in your Honda provide acomfortable driving environment inall weather conditions.

The standard audio system hasmany features. This section de-scribes those features and how touse them. (If you selected anoptional audio system, refer to theoperating instructions that camewith it.)

On EX and EX-V6 modelsYour Honda has an anti-theft audiosystem that requires a code numberto enable it.

The security system helps to dis-courage vandalism and theft of yourHonda.

Heating and Cooling...................... 110What Each Control Does.......... 110How to Use the System............. 113To Turn Everything Off ........... 116

Climate Control System................ 117Fully-automatic Operation........ 119Semi-automatic Operation........ 120Sunlight Sensor/

Temperature Sensor............. 124Audio System (LX, LX-V6)........... 125

AM/FM/Cassette StereoAudio System......................... 125

Operating the Radio.................. 126Adjusting the Sound.................. 129Audio System Lighting............. 130Operating the Cassette

Player...................................... 130Tape Search Functions............. 130Operating the Optional CD

Player/Changer..................... 133CD Changer Error

Indications.............................. 136

Audio System (EX, EX-V6)........... 137AM/FM/CD Audio System..... 137Operating the Radio.................. 138Adjusting the Sound.................. 142Audio System Lighting............. 143Radio Frequencies..................... 143Radio Reception......................... 143Operating the CD Player.......... 145Operating the CD Changer...... 147Protecting Compact Discs........ 148CD Player Error Indications..... 149CD Changer Error

Indications.............................. 150Operating the Cassette

Player...................................... 151Tape Search Functions............. 152Caring for the Cassette

Player...................................... 154Remote Audio Controls ............ 155Theft Protection........................ 156

Security System............................. 157


Heating and Cooling

On LX, LX-V6 and EX modelsProper use of the Heating andCooling system can make theinterior dry and comfortable, andkeep the windows clear for bestvisibility.

What Each Control Does

Fan Control DialTurning this dial clockwise increasesthe fan's speed, which increases airflow.

Temperature Control DialTurning this dial clockwise increasesthe temperature of the air flow.

Air Conditioning (A/C) ButtonThis button turns the air condi-tioning ON and OFF. The indicatorabove the button lights when theA/C is on.

Recirculation ButtonThis button controls the source ofthe air going into the system. Whenthe indicator above this button is lit,air from the car's interior is sentthrough the system again (Recircula-tion mode). When the indicator is off,air is brought in from outside the car(Fresh Air mode).

Rear Window Defogger ButtonThis button turns the rear windowdefogger on and off (see page 67 ).


FAN CONTROL DIAL MODE BUTTONS TEMPERATURECONTROL DIAL

RECIRCULATIONBUTTON

AIR CONDITIONINGBUTTON

REAR WINDOWDEFOGGER BUTTON

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Heating and Cooling

Mode ButtonsUse the MODE buttons to select thevents the air flows from. Some airwill flow from the dashboard cornervents in all modes.

Air flows from the centerand corner vents in the dashboard.

Air flow is divided betweenthe vents in the dashboard and thefloor vents.

Air flows from the floorvents.

Air flow is divided betweenthe floor vents and the defrostervents at the base of the windshield.

Air flows from the defrostervents at the base of the windshield.When you select orthe system automatically switches toFresh Air mode and turns on theA/C.


Heating and Cooling

Vent Controls

CENTER VENT

The direction of air flow from thevents in the center and each side ofthe dashboard is adjustable.

To adjust the air flow from thecenter vent, move the tab up-and-down and side-to-side.

DRIVER'S-SIDE VENT

On the driver's-side vent, move thevent up-and-down and move the tabside-to-side. On the passenger's-sidevent, move the tab up-and-down andmove the vent side-to-side.

PASSENGER'S-SIDE VENT

The vents in the corners of thedashboard can be opened and closedwith the dials underneath them.


Heating and Cooling

How to Use the SystemThis section covers how to set up thesystem controls for ventilation,heating, cooling, dehumidifying, anddefrosting.

The engine must be running for theheater and air conditioning togenerate hot and cold air. The heateruses engine coolant to warm the air.If the engine is cold, it will be severalminutes before you feel warm aircoming from the system.

The air conditioning does not rely onengine temperature.

It is best to leave the system in FreshAir mode under almost all conditions.Keeping the system in Recirculationmode, particularly with the A/C off,can cause the windows to fog up.Switch to Recirculation mode whenyou are driving through smoky ordusty conditions, then switch back toFresh Air mode when the condition

clears.

The outside air intakes for theheating and cooling system are atthe base of the windshield. Keepthese clear of leaves and otherdebris.

VentilationThe flow-through ventilation systemdraws in outside air, circulates itthrough the interior, then exhausts itthrough vents near the rear window.

1. Turn the temperature control dialall the way to the left.Make sure the A/C is off.

2. Select and Fresh Air mode.3. Set the fan to the desired speed.


CONTINUED


RECIRCULATION BUTTON AIR CONDITIONING BUTTON

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Heating and Cooling

To Cool with A/C1. Turn on the A/C by pressing the

button. The light above the buttonshould come on when a fan speedis selected.

2. Make sure the temperaturecontrol dial is all the way to the left.

3. Select4. If the outside air is humid, select

Recirculation mode. If the outsideair is dry, select Fresh Air mode.

5. Set the fan to the desired speed.

If the interior is very warm frombeing parked in the sun, you can coolit down more rapidly by setting upthe controls this way:

1. Start the engine.2. Turn on the A/C by pressing the

button. Make sure the tempera-ture control dial is turned all theway to the left.

3. Set the fan to maximum speed.4. Open the windows partially. Select

and Fresh Air mode.

When the interior has cooled downto a more comfortable temperature,close the windows and set thecontrols as described for normalcooling.

Air conditioning places an extra loadon the engine. Watch the enginecoolant temperature gauge (see page59) when driving in stop-and-go

traffic or climbing a long, steep hill.If it moves near the red zone, turnoff the A/C until the gauge readsnormally.


RECIRCULATION BUTTON AIR CONDITIONING BUTTON


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Heating and Cooling

To HeatTo warm the interior:

1. Start the engine.2. Select and Fresh Air mode.3. Set the fan to the desired speed.4. Adjust the warmth of the air with

the temperature control dial.

To Heat and Dehumidify with AirConditioningAir conditioning, as it cools, removesmoisture from the air. When used incombination with the heater, itmakes the interior warm and dry.

1. Switch the fan on.2. Turn on the air conditioning.3. Select and Fresh Air mode.4. Adjust the temperature control

dial so the mixture of heated andcooled air feels comfortable.

This setting is suitable for all drivingconditions whenever the outsidetemperature is above 32° F (0°C).

To Defog and DefrostTo remove fog from the inside of thewindows:

1. Switch the fan on.2. Select

When you select thesystem automatically switches toFresh Air mode and turns on theA/C.

3. Adjust the temperature controldial so the air flow from thedefroster vents feels warm.

4. Turn on the rear window defoggerto help clear the rear window.When you switch to another modefrom the A/C stays on.Press the A/C button to turn it off.

CONTINUED


Heating and Cooling

To remove exterior frost or ice fromthe windshield and side windowsafter the car has been sitting out incold weather:

1. Start the engine.2. Select

When you select thesystem automatically switches toFresh Air mode and turns on theA/C.

3. Switch the fan and temperaturecontrols to maximum.

To rapidly remove exterior frost orice from the windshield (on very colddays), first select the Recirculationmode. Once the windshield is clear,select the Fresh Air mode to avoidfogging the windows.

These settings direct all the air flowto the defroster vents at the base ofthe windshield and the side windowdefroster vents. The air flow will getwarmer and clear the windows fasteras the engine warms up. You canclose the side vents with the dialunderneath each vent. This will sendmore warm air to the windshielddefroster vents.

For safety, make sure you have aclear view through all the windowsbefore driving away.

To Turn Everything OffTo shut off the system temporarily,turn the fan speed and temperaturecontrol dials all the way to the left.

You should shut the systemcompletely off only for the first fewminutes of driving in cold weather,until the engine coolant warms upenough to operate the heater. Keepthe fan on at all other times so staleair does not build up in the interior.


Climate Control System

On EX-V6 modelThe automatic climate controlsystem in your Honda picks theproper combination of air condi-tioning, heating, and ventilation tomaintain the interior temperatureyou select. The system also adjuststhe fan speed and air flow levels.

The direction of air flow from thevents in the center and each side ofthe dashboard is adjustable.

To adjust the air flow from thecenter vent, move the tab up-and-down and side-to-side.On the driver's-side vent, move thevent up-and-down and move the tabside-to-side. On the passenger's-sidevent, move the tab up-and-down andmove the vent side-to-side.

The side vents can be opened andclosed with the dials underneaththem.

CENTER VENTS

The climate control system draws airthrough the exterior vents at thebottom of the windshield. Keepthese vents clear of leaves and otherdebris.

DRIVER'S-SIDE VENT

For the climate control system toprovide heating and cooling, theengine must be running.

CONTINUED



PASSENGER'S-SIDE VENT



Fully-automatic Operation

Control in fully-automatic mode,press the AUTO button and set thefan control dial to AUTO, then setthe desired temperature by turningthe temperature control dial. You willsee FULL AUTO in the system'sdisplay. The light above the

button also shows you whichmode, Recirculation or Fresh Air, isselected.

The system automatically selects theproper mix of conditioned and/orheated air that will, as quickly aspossible, raise or lower the interiortemperature from its current level tothe set temperature.

When you set the temperature to itslower limit (60°F/18°C) or its upperlimit (90°F/32°C), the system runsat full cooling or heating only. It doesnot regulate the interior temperature.When the temperature is set

between the lower and upper limits,the system regulates the interiortemperature to the set value.

In cold weather, the fan will notcome on automatically until the carhas been driven for a short time andthe heater starts to develop warm air.

Pressing the OFF button shuts theclimate control system completelyoff. Keep the system completely offonly for short periods. To keep staleair and mustiness from collecting,you should have the fan running atall times.


TEMPERATURECONTROL DIAL

FULL AUTODISPLAY

FAN CONTROL DIAL

AUTO BUTTON OFF BUTTON


Semi-automatic OperationYou can manually select variousfunctions of the Climate Controlsystem when it is in FULL AUTO.All other features remain auto-matically controlled. Making anymanual selection causes the wordFULL to go out.

Air Conditioning (A/C) ButtonPress the A/C button to turn the airconditioning on and off. You will seeA/C ON or A/C OFF in the display.

When you turn the A/C off, the sys-tem cannot regulate the inside tem-perature if you set the dial below theoutside temperature. With the A/Con, use the temperature control dialto adjust the temperature of the airflow to a comfortable setting.

Recirculation ButtonThis button controls the source ofthe air going into the system. Whenthe indicator above this button is lit,air from the car's interior is sentthrough the system again (Recircula-tion mode). When the indicator is off,air is brought in from outside the car(Fresh Air mode).

You can, for example, manually putthe system in recirculation modewhen driving through an area ofsmoke or fumes.


TEMPERATURECONTROL DIAL

AIR CONDITIONING BUTTON

RECIRCULATION BUTTON


Fan Control DialYou can manually select the fanspeed by turning the fan control dial.When you turn the dial clockwise,the fan is taken out of automaticmode and starts to run at its lowestspeed. Turning the dial fullyclockwise increases the fan's speed,which increases air flow.

Mode ButtonUse the MODE button to select thevents the air flows from. Some airwill flow from the dashboard cornervents in all modes. Each time youpress the MODE button, the displayshows the mode selected. Press thebutton four times to see all themodes.

CONTINUED


MODE BUTTON FAN CONTROL DIAL


The main air flow is dividedbetween the floor vents and de-froster vents at the base of the wind-shield.

The main air flow comesfrom the floor vents.

The main air flow is dividedbetween the dashboard vents andthe floor vents.

The main air flow comesfrom the dashboard vents.



The button directs the mainair flow to the windshield for fasterdefrosting. It also overrides anyMODE selection you may have made.

When you select the A/Cturns on automatically and thesystem selects Fresh Air mode. Forfaster defrosting, manually set thefan speed to high. You can alsoincrease air flow to the windshield byclosing the side vents in thedashboard.

When you turn off bypressing the button again, thesystem returns to its former settings.

Rear Window Defogger ButtonThis button turns the rear windowdefogger on and off (see page 67 ).


REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER BUTTON


Sunlight Sensor/TemperatureSensor

The climate control system has twosensors. A sunlight sensor is locatedin the top of the dashboard and atemperature sensor is next to thesteering column. Do not cover thesensors or spill any liquid on them.


SUNLIGHT SENSOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR

Audio System

AM/FM/Cassette Stereo AudioSystemFor LX and LX-V6 modelsYour Honda's audio system providesclear reception on both AM and FMbands, while the preset buttons allowyou to easily select your favoritestations.

The cassette system features DolbyB* noise reduction, automaticsensing of chromium-dioxide (CrO2)tape, and autoreverse for continuousplay.

* Dolby noise reduction manufactured underlicense from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpo-ration. "DOLBY" and the double-D symbol

are trademarks of Dolby LaboratoriesLicensing Corporation.


Audio System

Operating the RadioThe ignition switch must be inACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) tooperate the audio system. Turn thesystem on by pushing the PWR/VOL knob.Adjust the volume by turning thePWR/VOL knob.

The band and frequency that theradio was last tuned to is displayed.To change bands, press the AM/FMbutton. On the FM band, ST will bedisplayed if the station is broadcast-ing in stereo. Stereo reproduction onAM is not available.

You can use any of four methods tofind radio stations on the selectedband: TUNE, SEEK, SCAN or thePreset buttons.

TUNE — Use the TUNE bar to tunethe radio to a desired frequency.Press the upper part ( ) to tuneto a higher frequency, or the lowerpart ( ) to tune to a lowerfrequency. The frequency numberswill start to change rapidly. Releasethe bar when the display reaches thedesired frequency. To change thefrequency in small increments, pressand release the TUNE bar quickly.

SEEK — The SEEK functionsearches the band for a station witha strong signal. To activate it, pushthe SEEK switch up or down, thenrelease it. Depending on which wayyou push the switch, the systemscans upward or downward from thecurrent frequency. It stops when itfinds a station with a strong signal.


Audio System

SCAN — The SCAN functionsamples all the stations with strongsignals on the selected band. Toactivate it, press the SCAN button,then release it. When the system isin the SCAN mode, SCN shows inthe display. The system will scan upthe band for a station with a strongsignal. When it finds one, it will stopand play that station forapproximately five seconds. If you donothing, the system will then scanfor the next strong station and playthat for five seconds. When it plays astation that you want to continuelistening to, press the SCAN buttonagain.

CONTINUED


PWR/VOLKNOB

SEEK SWITCH TUNE BAR

AM/FMBUTTON

SCAN BUTTON

Audio System

Preset — You can store thefrequencies of your favorite radiostations in the six preset buttons.Each button will store one frequencyon the AM band, and twofrequencies on the FM band.

To store a frequency:

1. Select the desired band, AM orFM. FM1 and FM2 let you storetwo frequencies with each Presetbutton.

2. Use the TUNE or SEEK functionto tune the radio to a desiredstation.

3. Pick the Preset button you wantfor that station. Press the buttonand hold it until you hear a beep.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a totalof six stations on AM and twelveon FM.

Once a station's frequency is stored,simply press and release the properpreset button to tune to it.The preset frequencies will be lost ifyour car's battery goes dead, isdisconnected, or the radio fuse isremoved.


AM/FM BUTTON

SEEK SWITCH PRESETBUTTONS

TUNE BAR

chetan mistry

Audio System

Adjusting the SoundBalance/Fader — These twocontrols adjust the strength of thesound coming from each speaker.The Balance control adjusts the side-to-side strength, while the Fadercontrol adjusts the front-to-backstrength.

To adjust the fader, push on theBASS/FADER control knob to get itto pop out. Pull it out slightly farther,and adjust the front-to-back sound toyour liking. Push the knob back inwhen you are done so you cannotchange the setting by accidentallybumping it.

To adjust the balance, push on theTREBLE/BALANCE control knobto get it to pop out. Pull it out slightlyfarther, and adjust the side-to-sidesound to your liking. Push the knobback in when you are done so youcannot change the setting byaccidentally bumping it.

Treble/Bass — Use these controlsto adjust the tone to your liking.

To adjust the Treble level, push onthe TREBLE/BALANCE controlknob to get it to pop out. Withoutpulling it out farther, turn the knobto adjust the treble level. Push theknob back in when you are done soyou cannot change the setting byaccidentally bumping it.

To adjust the Bass level, push on theBASS/FADER control knob to get itto pop out. Without pulling it outfarther, turn the knob to adjust thebass level. Push the knob back inwhen you are done so you cannotchange the setting by accidentallybumping it.

Radio Frequencies and ReceptionFor information, See page 143.


BASS/FADERCONTROL

TREBLE/BALANCICONTROL

chetan mistry

Audio System

Audio System LightingYou can use the instrument panelbrightness control knob to adjust theillumination of the audio system (seepage 64). The audio systemilluminates when the parking lightsare on, even if the radio is turned off.

Operating the Cassette PlayerTurn the audio system ON. Makesure the tape opening on the cassetteis facing to the right, then insert thecassette most of the way into the slot.The system will pull it in the rest ofthe way, and begin to play.

The tape direction indicator will lightto show you which side of thecassette is playing. The indicatesthe side you inserted facing upwardis now playing. If you want to playthe other side, press the PROGbutton.

Dolby B noise reduction turns onwhen you insert a cassette. If thetape was not recorded with Dolby Bnoise reduction, turn it off bypressing the button.

When the system reaches the end ofthe tape, it will automatically reversedirection and play the other side. Ifyou want to remove the cassettefrom the drive, press the EJECTbutton.

Tape Search FunctionsWith a cassette playing, you can usethe FF, REW, SKIP, or REPEATfunction to find a desired program.

FF/REW — Fast Forward and Re-wind move the tape rapidly. To re-wind the tape, push the REW button.You will see REW in the display. Tofast forward the tape, push the FFbutton. You will see FF displayed.Press the PLAY button to take thesystem out of rewind or fast forward.

If the system reaches the end of thetape while in fast forward or rewind,it automatically stops that function,reverses direction, and begins to play.

SKIP — The Skip Function allowsyou to find the beginning of a songor passage. To find the beginning ofthe song or passage currentlyplaying, push the SKIP switch down.You will see REW flashing in thedisplay as the tape rewinds. To findthe beginning of the next song, pushthe SKIP switch up. You will see FFflashing in the display as the tapefast forwards. When the systemfinds the beginning of a song orpassage, it goes back to PLAY mode.


Audio System

REPEAT — The Repeat functioncontinuously replays the currentsong or passage. Press the RPTbutton to activate it; you will see RPTdisplayed as a reminder. When thesystem reaches the end of the songor passage currently playing, it willautomatically go into rewind. Whenit senses the beginning of the samesong or passage, the system returnsto PLAY mode. It will continue torepeat this same program until youdeactivate REPEAT by pressing thebutton again.

RPT BUTTON

CONTINUED


REWBUTTON

FFBUTTON

PLAY BUTTON

PROG BUTTON

DOLBY BUTTONSKIP BUTTON

EJECT BUTTON CASSETTE SLOT TAPE DIRECTIONINDICATOR

Audio System

The SKIP and REPEAT functionsuse silent periods on the tape to findthe end of a song or passage. Thesefeatures may not work to yoursatisfaction if there is almost no gapbetween selections, a high noiselevel between selections, or a silentperiod in the middle of selection.

Caring for CassettesDamaged cassettes can jam insidethe drive or cause other problems.See page 154 for information oncassette care and protection.


EJECT BUTTON CASSETTE SLOT TAPE DIRECTIONINDICATOR

REWBUTTON

FFBUTTON

RPT BUTTON

SKIP BUTTON

PLAY BUTTON

PROG BUTTON

DOLBY BUTTON

Audio System

Operating the Optional CDPlayer/ChangerA Compact Disc changer is availablefrom your dealer. It holds up to sixdiscs, providing several hours ofcontinuous entertainment. Youoperate the CD changer with thesame controls used for the radio andcassette player.

Your dealer also has an accessory in-dash single CD player available thatis operated by the radio controls. Tooperate this unit, use the instructions(except for those relating to multiplediscs) in this section.

Using the instructions that camewith the changer, load the desiredCDs in the magazine, and load themagazine in the changer. Play onlystandard round discs. Odd-shapedCDs may jam in the drive or causeother problems.

CONTINUED


PRESET BUTTONS

SKIP SWITCH

RPT BUTTON

PWR/VOL KNOB

AM/FM BUTTON

TAPE/CD BUTTON RANDOM INDICATOR

REPEAT INDICATOR

Audio System

To operate the CD changer or player,the ignition must be in ACCESSORY(I) or ON (II) and the audio systemmust be on.

Press the CD button until "CD"appears in the display. The systemwill start to play the first track of thefirst disc in the magazine. Play onlystandard round discs.

When that disc ends, the next disc inthe magazine is loaded and played.After the last disc finishes, thesystem returns to disc 1.

To select a different disc, press theappropriate preset button (1 — 6). Ifyou select an empty slot in themagazine, the changer will, afterfinding that slot empty, try to loadthe CD in the next slot. Thiscontinues until it finds a CD to loadand play.

You can use the SKIP switch toselect tracks within a disc. If youpush and release the SKIP switch,the system will move to thebeginning of a track. Push the switchup to move to the beginning of thenext track, and push the switchdown to move to the beginning ofthe current track.

If you push and hold the SKIP switch,you will hear a beep and the systemwill continue to move across tracks.Release the switch when you think ithas reached the desired place on thedisc.

REPEAT — When you activate theRepeat feature by pressing the RPTbutton, the system continuouslyreplays the current track. You willsee RPT in the display as a reminder.Press the RPT button again to turn itoff.

RANDOM PLAY — This feature,when activated, plays the tracks on aCD in random order, rather than inthe order they are recorded on theCD. To activate Random Play, pressand hold the RPT button until yousee RDM in the display. The systemwill then select and play tracksrandomly on the current disc. Whenall tracks on that disc have beenplayed, the next disc is loaded andplayed randomly. This continuesuntil you deactivate Random Play bypressing RPT again.


Audio System

If the system is in Repeat mode, youmust turn it off by pressing RPTbefore you can select Random Play.Then press the button again untilyou see RDM displayed.

To take the system out of CD mode,press the AM/FM button or insert acassette in the player. If a tape isalready in the cassette player, pressthe TAPE button. When you returnto CD mode, play will continue at thesame disc and track.

If you turn the system off while a CDis playing, either with the PWR/VOLknob or the ignition switch, play willcontinue at the same disc and trackwhen you turn it back on.

Protecting Compact DiscsFor information on how to handleand protect compact discs, see page148.


AM/FM BUTTON

TAPE/CD BUTTON

RANDOM INDICATOR

REPEAT INDICATOR

PRESET BUTTONS

SKIP SWITCH

RPT BUTTON

PWR/VOL KNOB

Audio System

CD Changer Error IndicationsIf you see an error indication in thedisplay while operating the CDchanger, find the cause in the chartto the right. If you cannot clear theerror indication, take the car to yourHonda dealer.


Audio System

AM/FM/CD Audio SystemFor EX and EX-V6 modelsYour Honda's audio system providesclear reception on both AM and FMbands, while the preset buttons allowyou to easily select your favoritestations.

The anti-theft feature will disable thesystem if it is disconnected from thecar's battery. To get the systemworking again, you must enter acode number (see page 156 ).


Audio System

Operating the RadioThe ignition switch must be inACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) tooperate the audio system. Turn thesystem on by pushing the PWR/VOL knob. Adjust the volume byturning the same knob.

The band and frequency that theradio was last tuned to is displayed.To change bands, press the AM orFM button. On the FM band, ST willbe displayed if the station is broad-casting in stereo. Stereoreproduction on AM is not available.

SEEK BUTTONS


SCAN BUTTON PRESET BUTTONS

AM BUTTONFM BUTTON

PWR/VOL KNOB TUNE KNOB

Audio System

You can use any of four methods tofind radio stations on the selectedband: TUNE, SEEK, SCAN or thePreset buttons.

TUNE — Use the TUNE knob totune the radio to a desired frequency.Turn the TUNE knob to the right totune to a higher frequency, or to theleft to tune to a lower frequency.Turn the knob right or left until thedisplay reaches the desiredfrequency.

SEEK — The SEEK functionsearches the band for a station witha strong signal. To activate it, presseither SEEK button thenrelease it. Depending on whichSEEK button you press, the systemscans upward or downward from thecurrent frequency. It stops when itfinds a station with a strong signal.

SCAN — The SCAN functionsamples all the stations with strongsignals on the selected band. Toactivate it, press the SCAN button,then release it. The system will scanup the band for a station with astrong signal. When it finds one, itwill stop and play that station forapproximately five seconds. If you donothing, the system will then scanfor the next strong station and playthat for five seconds. When it plays astation that you want to continuelistening to, press the SCAN buttonagain.

Preset — You can store thefrequencies of your favorite radiostations in the six preset buttons.Each button will store one frequencyon the AM band, and twofrequencies on the FM band.

To store a frequency:1. Select the desired band, AM or

FM. FM1 and FM2 let you storetwo frequencies with each Presetbutton.

2. Use the TUNE or SEEK functionto tune the radio to a desiredstation.

3. Pick the Preset button you wantfor that station. Press the buttonand hold it until you hear a beep.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a totalof six stations on AM and twelveonFM.

Once a station's frequency is stored,simply press and release the properpreset button to tune to it.The preset frequencies will be lost ifyour car's battery goes dead, isdisconnected, or the radio fuse isremoved.


CONTINUED

Audio System

AUTO SELECT — If you aretraveling far from home and can nolonger receive the stations youpreset, you can use the Auto Selectfeature to find stations in the localarea.

To activate Auto Select, press theA. SEL button. A. SEL will flash inthe display, and the system will gointo scan mode for several seconds.It automatically scans both bands,looking for stations with strongsignals; It stores the frequencies ofsix AM stations and twelve FMstations in the preset buttons. Youcan then use the preset buttons toselect those stations.

If you are in a remote area, AutoSelect may not find six strong AMstations or twelve strong FM stations.If this happens, you will see a "0"displayed when you press any presetbutton that does not have a stationstored.


A. SEL INDICATOR

A. SEL BUTTON

Audio System

If you do not like the stations AutoSelect has stored, you can storeother frequencies in the presetbuttons. Use the TUNE, SEEK, orSCAN function to find the desiredfrequencies, then store them in theselected preset buttons as describedpreviously.

Auto Select does not erase thefrequencies that you preset pre-viously. When you return home, turnoff Auto Select by pressing theA. SEL button. The preset buttonswill then select the frequencies youoriginally set.


PRESET BUTTONS SEEK BUTTONS

TUNE KNOB

Audio System

Adjusting the SoundBalance/Fader — These twocontrols adjust the strength of thesound coming from each speaker.The Balance control adjusts the side-to-side strength, while the Fadercontrol adjusts the front-to-backstrength.

To adjust the fader, push on theBASS/FADER control knob to get itto pop out. Pull it out slightly farther,and adjust the front-to-back sound toyour liking. Push the knob back inwhen you are done so you cannotchange the setting by accidentallybumping it.

To adjust the balance, push on theTREBLE/BALANCE control knobto get it to pop out. Pull it out slightlyfarther, and adjust the side-to-sidesound to your liking. Push the knobback in when you are done so youcannot change the setting byaccidentally bumping it.

Treble/Bass — Use these controlsto adjust the tone to your liking.

To adjust the Treble level, push onthe TREBLE/BALANCE controlknob to get it to pop out. Withoutpulling it out farther, turn the knobto adjust the treble level. Push theknob back in when you are done soyou cannot change the setting byaccidentally bumping it.

To adjust the Bass level, push on theBASS/FADER control knob to get itto pop out. Without pulling it outfarther, turn the knob to adjust thebass level. Push the knob back inwhen you are done so you cannotchange the setting by accidentallybumping it.


BASS/FADERCONTROL

TREBLE/BALANCECONTROL

Audio System

Audio System LightingYou can use the instrument panelbrightness control knob to adjust theillumination of the audio system (seepage 64). The audio systemilluminates when the parking lightsare on, even if the radio is turned off.

Radio FrequenciesYour Honda's radio can receive thecomplete AM and FM bands.Those bands cover these frequen-cies:

AM band:530 to 1,710 kilohertzFM band:87.7 to 107.9 megahertz

Radio stations on the AM band areassigned frequencies at least tenkilohertz apart (530, 540, 550).Stations on the FM band areassigned frequencies at least 0.2megahertz apart (87.9, 88.1, 88.3).

Stations must use these exactfrequencies. It is fairly common forstations to round-off the frequency intheir advertising, so your radio coulddisplay a frequency of 100.9 eventhough the announcer may identifythe station as "FM101."

Radio ReceptionHow well your Honda's radioreceives stations is dependent onmany factors, such as the distancefrom the station's transmitter,nearby large objects, and atmos-pheric conditions.

A radio station's signal gets weakeras you get farther away from itstransmitter. If you are listening to anAM station, you will notice the soundvolume becoming weaker, and thestation drifting in and out. If you arelistening to an FM station, you willsee the stereo indicator flickering offand on as the signal weakens.Eventually, the stereo indicator will

go off and the sound will fadecompletely as you get out of range ofthe station's signal.

Driving very near the transmitter ofa station that is broadcasting on afrequency close to the frequency ofthe station you are listening to canalso affect your radio's reception.You may temporarily hear bothstations, or hear only the station youare close to.


CONTINUED

Audio System

Radio signals, especially on the FMband, are deflected by large objectssuch as buildings and hills. Yourradio then receives both the directsignal from the station's transmitter,and the deflected signal. This causesthe sound to distort or flutter. This isa main cause of poor radio receptionin city driving.

Radio reception can be affected byatmospheric conditions such asthunderstorms, high humidity, andeven sunspots. You may be able toreceive a distant radio station oneday and not receive it the next daybecause of a change in conditions.

Electrical interference from passingvehicles and stationary sources cancause temporary reception problems.

As required by the FCC:Changes or modifications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible forcompliance could void the user'sauthority to operate the equipment.


Audio System

Operating the CD PlayerYou operate the CD player with thesame controls used for the radio.

With the system on, insert the discinto the CD slot. Push the disc inhalfway, the drive will pull it in therest of the way and begin to play.The number of the track that isplaying is shown in the display.

Do not play 3-inch (8-cm) discs inthis system. Play only standardround discs. Odd-shaped CDs mayjam in the drive or cause otherproblems.

When the system reaches the end ofthe disc, it will return to the begin-ning and play that disc again.

You can switch to the radio while aCD is playing by pressing the AM orFM button. Press the CD button toreturn to playing the CD. The CDwill begin playing where it left off. CONTINUED


PWR/VOL KNOB FM BUTTON AM BUTTON

EJECT BUTTON CD SLOT SKIP BUTTONS

REPEAT BUTTON CD BUTTON RDM BUTTON

Audio System

If you turn the system off while a CDis playing, either with the PWR/VOLknob or by turning off the ignition,the disc will stay in the drive. Whenyou turn the system back on, the CDwill begin playing where it left off.

Press the eject button to remove thedisc from the drive.

If you eject the disc, but do notremove it from the slot, the systemwill automatically reload the discafter 15 seconds and put the CDplayer in pause mode. To beginplaying the disc, press the CD button.

You can use the SKIP buttons whilea disc is playing to select passagesand change tracks.

To move rapidly within a track, pressand hold an appropriate SKIP button.Press the button to move forward,or the button to move backward.Release the button when the systemreaches the point you want.Each time you press the buttonand release it, the system skipsforward to the beginning of the nexttrack. Press and release thebutton to skip backward to thebeginning of the current track. Pressand release it again to skip to thebeginning of the previous track.

REPEAT — To activate the Repeatfeature, press and release the Repeatbutton. You will see REPEAT in thedisplay. The system continuouslyreplays the current track. Press theRepeat button again to turn it off.

RANDOM PLAY — This feature,when activated, plays the tracks onthe CD in random order, rather thanin the order they are recorded on theCD. To activate Random Play, pressthe RDM button. You will see RDMin the display. The system will thenselect and play tracks randomly.This continues until you deactivateRandom Play by pressing the RDMbutton again.


Audio System

Operating the CD Changer(Optional)A Compact Disc changer is availablefor your car. It holds up to six discs,providing several hours ofcontinuous entertainment. Youoperate this CD changer with thesame controls used for the in-dashCD player.

Load the desired CDs in themagazine and load the magazine inthe changer according to theinstructions that came with the unit.Play only standard round discs. Odd-shaped CDs may jam in the drive orcause other problems.

To select the CD changer, press theCD button. The disc and tracknumbers will be displayed.

To select a different disc, press theappropriate preset button (1 — 6). Ifyou select an empty slot in themagazine, the changer will, afterfinding that slot empty, try to loadthe CD in the next slot. Thiscontinues until it finds a CD to loadand play.

If you load a CD in the in-dash playerwhile the changer is playing a CD,the system will stop the changer andbegin playing the in-dash CD. Toselect the changer again, press theCD button. Play will begin where itleft off. Use the CD button to switchbetween the player and the changer.

If you eject the in-dash CD while it isplaying, the system will automaticallyswitch to the CD changer and beginplay where it left off. If there are noCDs in the changer, the display willflash. You will have to select anothermode (AM or FM) with the FM orAM button.

When you switch back to CD mode,the system selects the same unit (in-dash or changer) that was playingwhen you switched out of CD mode.

To use the SKIP, REPEAT, andRANDOM functions, refer to the in-dash player operating instructions.


Audio System

Protecting Compact Discs

Handle a CD by its edges; nevertouch either surface. Contaminationfrom fingerprints, liquids, felt-tippens, and labels can cause the CD tonot play properly, or possibly jam inthe drive.

When a CD is not being played, storeit in its case to protect it from dustand other contamination. To preventwarpage, keep CDs out of directsunlight and extreme heat.

To clean a disc, use a clean soft cloth.Wipe across the disc from the centerto the outside edge.

A new CD may be rough on theinner and outer edges. The smallplastic pieces causing this roughnesscan flake off and fall on the re-cording surface of the disc, causingskipping or other problems. Removethese pieces by rubbing the innerand outer edges with the side of apencil or pen.

Never try to insert foreign objects inthe CD player or the magazine.


Audio System

CD Player Error IndicationsIf you see an error indication in thedisplay while operating the CDplayer, find the cause in the chart tothe right. If you cannot clear theerror indication, take the car to yourHonda dealer.


Audio System

CD Changer Error IndicationsIf you see an error indication in thedisplay while operating the CDchanger, find the cause in the chartto the right. If you cannot clear theerror indication, take the car to yourHonda dealer.


Audio System

Operating the Cassette Player(Optional)The cassette system features DolbyB* noise reduction, automaticsensing of chromium-dioxide (CrO2)tape, and autoreverse for continuousplay.

Make sure the tape opening on thecassette is facing to the right, theninsert the cassette most of the wayinto the slot. The system will pull itin the rest of the way, and begin toplay.

* Dolby noise reduction manufactured underlicense from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpo-ration. "DOLBY" and the double-D symbol

are trademarks of Dolby LaboratoriesLicensing Corporation.

CONTINUED


REPEAT BUTTON PROG BUTTON SKIP BUTTONS

PLAY BUTTONNR BUTTON

REW BUTTON TAPEDIRECTIONINDICATOR FF BUTTON

AM BUTTON

FM BUTTON CD/TAPE CHG BUTTON

Audio System

The tape direction indicator will lightto show you which side of thecassette is playing. The indicatesthe side you inserted facing upwardis now playing. If you want to playthe other side, press the PROGbutton.

Dolby B noise reduction turns onwhen you insert a cassette. If thetape was not recorded with Dolby Bnoise reduction, turn it off bypressing the NR button.

When the system reaches the end ofthe tape, it will automatically reversedirection and play the other side. Ifyou want to remove the cassettefrom the drive, press the EJECTbutton on the cassette player.

If you turn the system off while atape is playing, either with the PWR/VOL knob or by turning off theignition, the cassette will remain inthe drive. When you turn the systemback on, the tape will begin playingwhere it left off.

To switch to the radio or CD playerwhile a tape is playing, press the AM,FM, or CD/TAPE CHG button. Tochange back to the cassette player,push the CD/TAPE CHG button.

Tape Search FunctionsWith a cassette playing, you can usethe FF, REW, SKIP, or REPEATfunction to find a desired program.

FF/REW — Fast Forward and Re-wind move the tape rapidly. To re-wind the tape, push the REW button.You will see REW in the display. Tofast forward the tape, push the FFbutton. You will see FF displayed.Press the PLAY button to take thesystem out of rewind or fast forward.If the system reaches the end of thetape while in fast forward or rewind,it automatically stops that function,reverses direction, and begins to play.


Audio System

SKIP — The skip function allowsyou to find the begining of a song orpassage. To skip to the beginning ofa song or passage currently playing,push the button. You will seeREW flashing in the display as thetape rewinds. To skip to the begin-ning of the next song, push thebutton. You will see FF flashing inthe display as the tape fast forwards.When the system finds the begin-ning of a song or passage, it goesback to PLAY.

REPEAT — The Repeat functioncontinuously replays the currentsong or passage. Press the REPEATbutton to activate it; you will seeREPEAT displayed as a reminder.When the system reaches the end ofthe song or passage currentlyplaying, it will automatically go intorewind.When it senses the beginning of thesame song or passage, the systemreturns to PLAY mode. It willcontinue to repeat this sameprogram until you deactivateREPEAT by pressing the buttonagain.

The SKIP and REPEAT functionsuse silent periods on the tape to findthe end of a song or passage. Thesefeatures may not work to yoursatisfaction if there is almost no gapbetween selections, a high noiselevel between selections, or a silentperiod in the middle of selection.


Audio System

Caring for the Cassette PlayerThe cassette player picks up dirt andoxides from the tape. This contami-nation builds up over time andcauses the sound quality to degrade.To prevent this, you should clean theplayer after every 30 hours of use.Your dealer has a cleaning kitavailable.

If you do not clean the cassetteplayer regularly, it may eventuallybecome impossible to remove thecontamination with a normalcleaning kit.

Use 100-minute or shorter cassettes.Cassettes longer than that usethinner tape that may break or jamthe drive.

Look at the cassette before youinsert it. If the tape is loose, tightenit by turning a hub with a pencil oryour finger.If the label is peeling off, remove itfrom the cassette or it could causethe cassette to jam in the player.Never try to insert a warped ordamaged cassette in the player.

When they are not in use, storecassettes in their cases to protectthem from dust and moisture. Neverplace cassettes where they will beexposed to direct sunlight, high heat,or high humidity. If a cassette isexposed to extreme heat or cold, letit reach a moderate temperaturebefore inserting it in the player.

Never try to insert foreign objectsinto the cassette player.

If you see the error indicationon the display, press the

EJECT button and remove thecassette from the unit. Make surethe tape is not damaged. If thecassette will not eject or the errorindication stays on after the cassetteejects, take the vehicle to yourHonda dealer.

If a problem develops in the connec-tion between the cassette player andthe radio, you will see inthe display. Take the vehicle to yourHonda dealer.


Audio System

Remote Audio Controls

On EX-V6 modelTwo controls for the audio systemare mounted in the steering wheelhub. These let you control basicfunctions without removing yourhand from the wheel.

The top and bottom buttons adjustthe volume up or downPress the proper button and hold ituntil the desired volume is reached,then release it.

The AUDIO/CH button has threefunctions, depending on whether youare listening to the radio, or playing acassette or CD.

If you are listening to the radio, usethe AUDIO/CH button to changestations. Each time you press thisbutton, the system advances to thenext preset station on the band youare listening to. You will see thenumber of the selected Preset buttonin the display. To change bands,press the AM or FM button on theaudio system's front panel.

If you are playing a cassette, use theAUDIO/CH button to advance to thenext selection. You will see "FF"blinking in the display when youpress the AUDIO/CH button. Thesystem fast forwards until it senses asilent period, then goes back toPLAY.

If you are playing a CD, the systemskips to the beginning of the nexttrack each time you push theAUDIO/CH button. You will see thedisc and track number in the display.


AUDIO/CHBUTTON

Audio System

Theft ProtectionOn EX and EX-V6 modelsYour car's audio system will disableitself if it is disconnected fromelectrical power for any reason. Tomake it work again, the user mustenter a specific five-digit code in thePreset buttons. Because there arehundreds of number combinationspossible from five digits, making thesystem work without knowing theexact code is nearly impossible.

You should have received a card thatlists your audio system's codenumber and serial number. It is bestto store this card in a safe place athome. In addition, you should writethe audio system's serial number inthis Owner's Manual. If you shouldhappen to lose the card, you mustobtain the code number from yourHonda dealer. To do this, you willneed the system's serial number.

If your car's battery is disconnectedor goes dead, or the radio fuse isremoved, the audio system willdisable itself. If this happens, youwill see "Code" in the frequencydisplay the next time you turn on thesystem. Use the Preset buttons toenter the five-digit code. If it isentered correctly, the radio will startplaying.

If you make a mistake entering thecode, do not start over or try tocorrect your mistake. Complete thefive-digit sequence, then enter thecorrect code. You have ten tries toenter the correct code. If you areunsuccessful in ten attempts, youmust then leave the system on forone hour before trying again.

You will have to store your favoritestations in the Preset buttons afterthe system begins working. Youroriginal settings were lost whenpower was disconnected.


Security System

Standard on EX and EX-V6 modelsOptional on LX and LX-V6 modelsThe security system helps to protectyour car and valuables from theft.The horn sounds and a combinationof headlights, parking lights, sidemarker lights and taillights flashes ifsomeone attempts to break into yourcar or remove the radio. This alarmcontinues for two minutes, then thesystem resets. To reset an alarmingsystem before the two minutes haveelapsed, unlock either door with thekey or the remote transmitter.

The security system sets auto-matically fifteen seconds after youlock the doors, hood, and trunk. Forthe system to activate, you must lockthe doors from the outside with thekey, lock tab, door lock switch, orremote transmitter. The securitysystem light next to the driver's doorlock starts blinking immediately toshow you the system is setting itself.

Once the security system is set,opening either door (without usingthe key or the remote transmitter),or the hood, will cause it to alarm. Italso alarms if the radio is removedfrom the dashboard or the wiring iscut.

With the system set, you can stillopen the trunk with the master keyor the remote transmitter (if thetransmitter is equipped with a trunkopener) without triggering the alarm.The alarm will sound if the trunklock is forced, or the trunk is openedwith the trunk release handle.

The security system will not set ifthe hood, trunk, or either door is notfully closed. If the system will not set,check the Door and Brake LampMonitor on the instrument panel(see page 56), to see if the doorsand trunk are fully closed. Since it isnot part of the monitor display,manually check the hood.

Do not attempt to alter this systemor add other devices to it.


SECURITY SYSTEM LIGHT

158

Before Driving

Before you begin driving your Honda,you should know what gasoline touse, and how to check the levels ofimportant fluids. You also need toknow how to properly store luggageor packages. The information in thissection will help you. If you plan toadd any accessories to your car,please read the information in thissection first.

Break-in Period.............................. 160Gasoline.......................................... 160Service Station Procedures .......... 161

Filling the Fuel Tank................. 161Opening the Hood..................... 162

Oil Check................................ 164Engine Coolant Check.......... 166

Fuel Economy................................ 167Vehicle Condition...................... 167Driving Habits............................ 167

Accessories and Modifications.... 168Carrying Cargo.............................. 170

Before Driving

Break-in Period, Gasoline

Break-in PeriodHelp assure your car's futurereliability and performance by payingextra attention to how you driveduring the first 600 miles (1,000 km).During this period:

Avoid full-throttle starts and rapidacceleration.

Avoid hard braking. New brakesneed to be broken-in by moderateuse for the first 200 miles (300km).

You should follow these same re-commendations with an overhauledor exchanged engine, or when thebrakes are relined.

GasolineYour Honda is designed to operateon unleaded gasoline with a pumpoctane number of 86 or higher. Useof a lower octane gasoline can causea persistent, heavy metallic rappingnoise in the engine that can lead tomechanical damage.

We recommend gasolines containingdetergent additives that help preventfuel system and engine deposits.

Using gasoline containing lead willdamage your car's emissionscontrols. This contributes to airpollution.

In Canada, some gasolines containan octane-enhancing additive calledMMT. If you use such gasolines,your emission control systemperformance may deteriorate andthe Malfunction Indicator Lamp onyour instrument panel may turn on.If this happens, contact yourauthorized Honda dealer for service.

Before Driving

Service Station Procedures

Filling the Fuel Tank

1. Because the fuel fi ll cap is on thedriver's side of the car, park withthat side closest to the servicestation pumps.

2. Open the fuel fi ll door by pushingon the handle to the left of thedriver's seat.

FUEL FILL CAP

3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly.You may hear a hissing sound aspressure inside the tank escapes.Place the cap in the holder on thefuel fill door.

4. Stop filling the tank after the fuelnozzle automatically clicks off. Donot try to "top off" the tank, leavesome room for the fuel to expandwith temperature changes.

Your car has an on-board refuelingvapor recovery system to helpkeep fuel vapors from going intothe atmosphere. If the fuel pumpkeeps clicking off even though thetank is not full, there may be aproblem with this system. Consultyour dealer.

CONTINUED

Before Driving

Gasoline is highly flammableand explosive. You can beburned or seriously injuredwhen handling fuel.

Stop the engine and keepheat, sparks, and flame away.Handle fuel only outdoors.Wipe up spills immediately.

Push

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5. Screw the fuel fill cap back on,tighten it until it clicks severaltimes. If you do not properlytighten the cap, the MalfunctionIndicator Lamp may come on (seepage 293).

6. Push the fuel fill door closed untilit latches.

Opening the Hood

1. Shift to Park or Neutral and setthe parking brake. Pull the hoodrelease handle located under thelower left corner of the dashboard.The hood will pop up slightly.

LATCH

2. Standing in front of the car, putyour fingers under the front edgeof the hood to the right of center.Slide your hand to the left untilyou feel the hood latch handle.Push this handle up until itreleases the hood. Lift the hood.

Before Driving

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE


If you can open the hood withoutlifting the hood latch handle, or thehood latch handle moves stiffly ordoes not spring back as before, themechanism should be cleaned andlubricated (see page 233).

SUPPORT ROD

To close the hood, lift it up slightly toremove the support rod from thehole. Put the support rod back intoits holding clip. Lower the hood toabout a foot (30 cm) above thefender, then let it drop.After closing the hood, make sure itis securely latched.

CONTINUED

Before Driving

GRIP

4-cylinder models

3. 4-cylinder modelsPull the support rod out of its clipby holding the grip and insert theend into the hole on the front ofthe hood around the center.


6-cylinder modelsLift the hood up most of the way.The hydraulic supports will lift itup the rest of the way and hold itup.

To close the hood, lower it to about afoot (30 cm) above the fender, thenpress down firmly with your hands.After closing the hood, make sure itis securely latched.

Oil Check

DIPSTICK

Check the engine oil level every timeyou fill the car with fuel. Wait a fewminutes after turning the engine offbefore you check the oil.

1. Remove the dipstick (orangehandle).

DIPSTICK

6-cylinder models

Before Driving

4-cylinder models6-cylinder models


2. Wipe the dipstick with a cleancloth or paper towel.

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

6-cylinder models

CONTINUED

Before Driving

4-cylinder models


UPPER MARK

4. Remove the dipstick again andcheck the level. It should bebetween the upper and lowermarks.

If it is near or below the lower mark,see Adding Oil on page 212 .

MAX

4-cy!inder models MIN

Look at the coolant level in theradiator reserve tank. Make sure it isbetween the MAX and MIN lines. Ifit is below the MIN line, see AddingEngine Coolant on page 217 forinformation on adding the propercoolant.

RESERVE TANK MAX

Refer to Owner MaintenanceChecks on page 209 for informationon checking other items in yourHonda.

Before Driving

Engine Coolant Check

MIN6-cylinder models

LOWER MARK

RESERVE TANK

Fuel Economy

The condition of your car and yourdriving habits are the two mostimportant things that affect the fuelmileage you get.

Vehicle ConditionAlways maintain your car accordingto the maintenance schedule. Thiswill keep it in top operating condition.

An important part of that mainte-nance is the Owner MaintenanceChecks (see page 209 ). Forexample, an underinflated tirecauses more "rolling resistance,"which uses fuel. It also wears outfaster, so check the tire pressure atleast monthly.

In winter, the build-up of snow onyour car's underside adds weight androlling resistance. Frequent cleaninghelps your fuel mileage and reducesthe chance of corrosion.

Driving HabitsYou can improve fuel economy bydriving moderately. Rapid acceler-ation, abrupt cornering, and hardbraking use more fuel.

Always drive in the highest gear thatallows the engine to run and acceler-ate smoothly.

Depending on traffic conditions, tryto maintain a constant speed. Everytime you slow down and speed up,your car uses extra fuel. Use thecruise control, when appropriate, toincrease fuel economy.

A cold engine uses more fuel than awarm engine. It is not necessary to"warm-up" a cold engine by letting itidle for a long time. You can driveaway in about a minute, no matterhow cold it is outside. The enginewill warm up faster, and you getbetter fuel economy. To cut down onthe number of "cold starts," try tocombine several short trips into one.

The air conditioning puts an extraload on the engine which makes ituse more fuel. Turn off the A/C tocut down on air conditioning use.Use the flow-through ventilationwhen the outside air temperature ismoderate.

Before Driving

Accessories and Modifications

Modifying your car, or installingsome non-Honda accessories, canmake your car unsafe. Before youmake any modifications or add anyaccessories, be sure to read thefollowing information.

AccessoriesYour dealer has Genuine Hondaaccessories that allow you topersonalize your car. Theseaccessories have been designed andapproved for your car, and arecovered by warranty.

Non-Honda accessories are usuallydesigned for universal applications.Although aftermarket accessoriesmay fit on your car, they may notmeet factory specifications, andcould adversely affect your car'shandling and stability. (See"Modifications" on the page 169 foradditional information.)

When properly installed, cellularphones, alarms, two-way radios, andlow-powered audio systems shouldnot interfere with your car'scomputer-controlled systems, suchas the SRS and anti-lock brakesystem.

However, if electronic accessoriesare improperly installed, or exceedyour car's electrical system capacity,they can interfere with the operation

of your car, or even cause theairbags to deploy.

Before installing any accessory:

Make sure the accessory does notobscure any lights, or interferewith proper car operation orperformance.

Be sure electronic accessories donot overload electrical circuits(see page 296).

Have the installer contact yourHonda dealer for assistance beforeinstalling any electronic accessory.

If possible, have your dealer inspectthe final installation.

Before Driving

Improper accessories ormodifications can affect yourcar's handling, stability andperformance, and cause acrash in which you can be hurtor killed.

Follow all instructions in thisowner's manual regardingaccessories and modifications.

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Accessories and Modifications

ModificationsDo not remove any originalequipment or modify your car in anyway that would alter its design oroperation. This could make your carunsafe and illegal to drive.

For example, do not make anymodifications that would change theride height of your car, or installwheels and tires with a differentoverall diameter.

Such modifications can adverselyaffect handling, and interfere withthe operation of the car's anti-lockbrakes and other systems.

In addition, any modifications thatdecrease ground clearance increasethe chance of undercarriage partsstriking a curb, speed bump, or otherraised object, which could causeyour airbags to deploy.

Do not modify your steering wheelor any other part of yourSupplemental Restraint System.Modifications could make thesystem ineffective.

Additional Safety PrecautionDo not attach or place objects onthe airbag covers. Any objectattached to or placed on the coversmarked "SRS AIRBAG," in thecenter of the steering wheel andon top of the dashboard, couldinterfere with the proper operationof the airbags. Or, if the airbagsinflate, the objects could bepropelled inside the car and hurtsomeone.

Only on models equipped with sideairbags

Do not attach hard objects on ornear a front door. If a side airbaginflates, a cup holder or other hardobject attached on or near thedoor could be propelled inside thecar and hurt someone.

Do not place any objects over theoutside edge of a front seat-back.Covering the outside edge of afront seat-back, with a non-Hondaseat cover for example, couldprevent the airbag from inflatingproperly.

Before Driving

Carrying Cargo

Your car has several convenientstorage areas so you can stow cargosafely.

The glove box, and the pockets inthe doors and seat-backs, aredesigned for small, lightweight items.The trunk is intended for larger,heavier items. In addition, the backseat can be folded down to allow youto carry more cargo or longer items.

However, carrying too much cargo,or improperly storing it, can affectyour car's handling, stability andoperation and make it unsafe. Beforecarrying any type of cargo, be sure toread the following pages.

Before Driving

CONSOLE COMPARTMENT DOOR POCKET

TRUNK SEAT-BACK POCKET GLOVE BOX

Carrying Cargo

Load LimitThe maximum load for your car is850 1bs (395kg).

This figure includes the total weightof all occupants, cargo, accessories,and the tongue weight if you aretowing a trailer.

To figure out how much cargo youcan carry:

Add up the weight of all occupants.

If you are towing a trailer, add thetongue weight to the numberabove.

Subtract the total from 850 Ibs(395kg).

The final number is the total weightof cargo you can carry.

Carrying Items in the PassengerCompartment

Store or secure all items that couldbe thrown around and hurtsomeone during a crash.

Do not put any items on top of therear shelf. They can block yourview and be thrown around the carduring a crash.

Be sure items placed on the floorbehind the front seats cannot rollunder the seats and interfere withthe driver's ability to operate thepedals, or with the properoperation of the seats.

Keep the glove box closed whiledriving. If the lid is open, apassenger could injure their kneesduring a crash or sudden stop.

Before Driving

Overloading or improperloading can affect handling andstability and cause a crash inwhich you can be hurt or killed.

Follow all load limits and otherloading guidelines in thismanual.

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Carrying Cargo

Carrying Cargo in the Trunk or ona Roof Rack

Distribute cargo evenly on thefloor of the trunk, placing theheaviest items on the bottom andas far forward as possible.

If you fold down the back seat, tiedown items that could be thrownabout the car during a crash orsudden stop.

If you carry large items thatprevent you from closing the trunklid, exhaust gas can enter thepassenger area. To avoid thepossibility of carbon monoxidepoisoning, follow the instructionson page 49 .

If you can carry any items on aroof rack, be sure the total weightof the rack and the items does notexceed the maximum allowableweight. Please contact your Hondadealer for further information.

Cargo NetOn EX and EX-V6 modelsYou can use the cargo net to securesmall items in the trunk.

Before Driving

Driving

This section gives you tips onstarting the engine under variousconditions, and how to operate the5-speed manual and automatictransmissions. It also includesimportant information on parkingyour car, the braking system, andfacts you need if you are planning totow a trailer.

Preparing to Drive......................... 174Starting the Engine........................ 175

Starting in Cold Weatherat High Altitude ..................... 176

5-speed Manual Transmission..... 177Recommended Shift Points...... 178Engine Speed Limiter ............... 178

Automatic Transmission............... 178Shift Lever Position Indicator ..179Shift Lever Positions................. 179Engine Speed Limiter ............... 182Shift Lock Release..................... 182

Parking............................................ 184The Braking System...................... 185

Brake Wear Indicators.............. 185Brake System Design................ 186Anti-lock Brakes........................ 186

Important SafetyReminders.......................... 187

ABS Indicator......................... 187Driving in Bad Weather................ 188Towing a Trailer............................ 190

Driving

Preparing to Drive

You should do the following checksand adjustments every day beforeyou drive your car.

1. Make sure all windows, mirrors,and outside lights are clean andunobstructed. Remove frost, snow,or ice.

2. Check that the hood and trunk arefully closed.

3. Visually check the tires. If a tirelooks low, use a gauge to check itspressure.

4. Check that any items you may becarrying with you inside are storedproperly or fastened downsecurely.

5. Check the adjustment of the seat(see page 87).

6. Check the adjustment of theinside and outside mirrors (seepage 99).

7. Check the adjustment of thesteering wheel (see page 68).

8. Make sure the doors are securelyclosed and locked.

9. Fasten your seat belt. Check thatyour passengers have fastenedtheir seat belts (see page 15 ).

10. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).Check the indicator lights in theinstrument panel.

11. Start the engine (see page 175).

12. Check the gauges and indicatorlights in the instrument panel (seepage 53).

Driving

Starting the Engine

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. In cold weather, turn off allelectrical accessories to reducethe drain on the battery.

3. Manual Transmission:Push the clutch pedal down all theway. START (III) does notfunction unless the clutch pedal isdepressed.

Automatic Transmission:Make sure the shift lever is inPark. Press on the brake pedal.

4. Without touching the acceleratorpedal, turn the ignition key to theSTART (III) position. If the enginedoes not start right away, do nothold the key in START (III) formore than 15 seconds at a time.Pause for at least 10 secondsbefore trying again.

5. If the engine does not start within15 seconds, or starts but stallsright away, repeat step 4 with theaccelerator pedal pressed half-waydown. If the engine starts, releasepressure on the accelerator pedalso the engine does not race.

6. If the engine still does not start,press the accelerator pedal all theway down and hold it there whilestarting in order to clear flooding.As before, keep the ignition key inthe START (III) position for nomore than 15 seconds. Return tostep 5 if the engine does not start.If it starts, lift your foot off theaccelerator pedal so the enginedoes not race.

Driving

Starting the Engine

Starting in Cold Weather at HighAltitude (Above 8,000 feet/2,400 meters)An engine is harder to start in coldweather. The thinner air found athigh altitude above 8,000 feet (2,400meters) adds to the problem.Use the following procedure:

1. Turn off all electrical accessoriesto reduce the drain on the battery.

2. Push the accelerator pedal half-way to the floor and hold it therewhile starting the engine. Do nothold the ignition key in START(III) for more than 15 seconds.When the engine starts, releasethe accelerator pedal gradually asthe engine speeds up and smoothsout.

3. If the engine fails to start in step 2,push the accelerator pedal to thefloor and hold it there while youtry to start the engine for no morethan 15 seconds. If the enginedoes not start, return to step 2.

Driving

5-speed Manual Transmission

The manual transmission is syn-chronized in all forward gears forsmooth operation. It has a lockout soyou cannot shift directly from Fifthto Reverse. When shifting up ordown, make sure you push the clutchpedal down all the way, shift to thenext gear, and let the pedal upgradually. When you are not shifting,do not rest your foot on the clutchpedal. This can cause your clutch towear out faster.

Come to a full stop before you shiftinto Reverse. You can damage thetransmission by trying to shift intoReverse with the car moving. Pushdown the clutch pedal, and pause fora few seconds before shifting intoReverse, or shift into one of theforward gears for a moment. Thisstops the gears so they won't "grind."

When slowing down, you can getextra braking from the engine byshifting to a lower gear. This extrabraking can help you maintain a safespeed and prevent your brakes fromoverheating while going down asteep hill. Before downshifting,make sure engine speed will not gointo the tachometer's red zone in thelower gear.

Driving

Rapid slowing or speeding-upcan cause loss of control onslippery surfaces. If you crash,you can be injured.

Use extra care when driving onslippery surfaces.

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5-speed Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission

Recommended Shift PointsDrive in the highest gear that letsthe engine run and acceleratesmoothly. This will give you the bestfuel economy and effective emis-sions control. The following shiftpoints are recommended:

Engine Speed LimiterIf you exceed the maximum speedfor the gear you are in, the enginespeed will enter into the tachometer'sred zone. If this occurs, you may feelthe engine cut in and out. This iscaused by a limiter in the engine'scomputer controls. The engine willrun normally when you reduce theRPM below the red zone.

Before downshifting, make sure theengine will not go into thetachometer's red zone in the lowergear.

Automatic TransmissionYour Honda's transmission has fourforward speeds, and is electronicallycontrolled for smoother shifting. Italso has a "lock-up" torque converterfor better fuel economy. You mayfeel what seems like another shiftwhen the converter locks.

Driving

Automatic Transmission

Shift Lever Position Indicator

This indicator between the fuelgauge and temperature gauge showswhich position the shift lever is in.

The "D4" indicator comes on for afew seconds when you turn theignition switch ON (II). If it flasheswhile driving (in any shift position),it indicates a possible problem in thetransmission. Avoid rapid acceler-ation and have the transmissionchecked by an authorized Hondadealer as soon as possible.

Shift Lever Positions

The shift lever has seven positions.It must be in Park or Neutral to startthe engine. When you are stopped inD4, D3, 2 ,1, N or R, press firmly onthe brake pedal, and keep your footoff the accelerator pedal.

CONTINUED

Driving

RELEASE BUTTON

SHIFT LEVER


Park (P) — This position mechani-cally locks the transmission. UsePark whenever you are turning off orstarting the engine. To shift out ofPark, you must press on the brakepedal and have your foot off theaccelerator pedal. Press the releasebutton on the side of the shift leverto move it.

If you have done all of the above andstill cannot move the lever out ofPark, see Shift Lock Release on page183.

You must also press the releasebutton to shift into Park. To avoidtransmission damage, come to acomplete stop before shifting intoPark. The shift lever must be in Parkbefore you can remove the key fromthe ignition switch.

Reverse (R) — To shift to Reversefrom Park, see the explanation underPark. To shift to Reverse fromNeutral, come to a complete stop andthen shift. Press the release buttonbefore shifting into Reverse fromNeutral.

Driving


Neutral (N) — Use Neutral if youneed to restart a stalled engine, or ifit is necessary to stop briefly withthe engine idling. Shift to Park posi-tion if you need to leave the car forany reason. Press on the brake pedalwhen you are moving the shift leverfrom Neutral to another gear.

Drive (D4) — Use this position foryour normal driving. The transmis-sion automatically selects a suitablegear for your speed and acceleration.You may notice the transmissionshifting up at higher speeds whenthe engine is cold. This helps theengine warm up faster.

Drive (D3) — This position is similarto D4, except only the first threegears are selected. Use D3 whentowing a trailer in hilly terrain, or toprovide engine braking when goingdown a steep hill. D3 can also keepthe transmission from cyclingbetween third and fourth gears instop-and-go driving.

For faster acceleration when in D3 orD4, you can get the transmission toautomatically downshift by pushingthe accelerator pedal to the floor.The transmission will shift down oneor two gears, depending on yourspeed.

Second (2) — To shift to Second,press the release button on the sideof the shift lever. This position locksthe transmission in second gear. Itdoes not downshift to first gearwhen you come to a stop. Secondgives you more power when climbing,and increased engine braking whengoing down steep hills. Use secondgear when starting out on a slipperysurface or in deep snow. It will helpreduce wheelspin.

CONTINUED

Driving


First (1) — To shift from Second toFirst, press the release button on theside of the shift lever. With the leverin this position, the transmissionlocks in First gear. By upshifting anddownshifting through 1, 2, D3 and D4,you can operate this transmissionmuch like a manual transmissionwithout a clutch pedal.

Engine Speed LimiterIf you exceed the maximum speedfor the gear you are in, the enginespeed will enter into the tachometer'sred zone. If this occurs, you may feelthe engine cut in and out. This iscaused by a limiter in the engine'scomputer controls. The engine willrun normally when you reduce theRPM below the red zone.

Shift Lock ReleaseThis allows you to move the shiftlever out of Park if the normalmethod of pushing on the brakepedal and pressing the releasebutton does not work.

1. Set the Parking brake.

2. Remove the key from the ignitionswitch.

Driving


3. Put a cloth on the edge of the ShiftLock Release slot cover next tothe shift lever.Use a small flat-tipped screwdriveror small metal plate (neither areincluded in the tool kit) to removethe cover. Carefully pry off theedge of the cover.

4. Insert the key in the Shift LockRelease slot.

5. Push down on the key while youpress the release button on theshift lever and move the shift leverout of Park to Neutral.

6. Remove the key from the ShiftLock Release slot, then reinstallthe cover. Make sure the notch onthe cover is on the left side.Depress the brake pedal andrestart the engine.

If you need to use the Shift LockRelease, it means your car isdeveloping a problem. Have the carchecked by your Honda dealer.

Driving

Parking

Always use the parking brake whenyou park your car. The indicator onthe instrument panel shows that theparking brake is not fully released; itdoes not indicate that the parkingbrake is firmly set. Make sure theparking brake is set firmly or yourcar may roll if it is parked on anincline.

If your car has an automatictransmission, set the parking brakebefore you put the transmission inPark. This keeps the car frommoving and putting pressure on theparking mechanism in thetransmission — making it easier tomove the shift lever out of Parkwhen you want to drive away.

If the car is facing uphill, turn thefront wheels away from the curb. Ifyou have a manual transmission, putit in first gear.

If the car is facing downhill, turn thefront wheels toward the curb. If youhave a manual transmission, put it inreverse gear.

Make sure the parking brake is fullyreleased before driving away.Driving with the parking brakepartially set can overheat or damagethe rear brakes.

Parking TipsMake sure the moonroof and thewindows are closed.

Turn off the lights.

Place any packages, valuables, etc.,in the trunk or take them with you.

Lock the doors.

On EX and EX-V6 modelsLock the doors with the key or theremote transmitter. Check theindicator on the driver's door toverify that the security system isset.

Never park over dry leaves, tallgrass, or other flammablematerials. The three way catalyticconverter gets very hot, and couldcause these materials to catch onfire.

Driving

The Braking System

Your Honda is equipped with frontdisc brakes. The brakes on the rearwheels may be disc or drum,depending on model. A power assisthelps reduce the effort needed onthe brake pedal. The ABS helps youretain steering control when brakingvery hard.

Put your foot on the brake pedal onlywhen you intend to brake. Restingyour foot on the pedal keeps thebrakes applied lightly, causing themto build up heat. Heat build-up canreduce how well your brakes work. Italso keeps your brake lights on allthe time, confusing drivers behindyou.

Constant application of the brakeswhen going down a long hill buildsup heat and reduces their effective-ness. Use the engine to assist thebrakes by downshifting to a lowergear and taking your foot off theaccelerator pedal.

Check your brakes after drivingthrough deep water. Apply thebrakes moderately to see if they feelnormal. If not, apply them gently andfrequently until they do. Since alonger distance is needed to stopwith wet brakes, be extra cautiousand alert in your driving.

Brake Wear IndicatorsThe front disc brakes on all modelshave audible brake wear indicators.They are also on the rear brakes ofcars equipped with ABS as standardequipment.When the brake pads need replacing,you will hear a distinctive metallic"screeching" sound when you applythe brakes. If you do not have thebrake pads replaced, they will beginscreeching all the time.

Your brakes may sometimes squealor squeak when you apply themlightly. Do not confuse this with thebrake wear indicators. They make avery audible "screeching."

Driving

The Braking System

Brake System DesignThe hydraulic system that operatesthe brakes has two separate circuits.Each circuit works diagonally acrossthe vehicle (the left-front brake isconnected with the right-rear brake,etc.). If one circuit should develop aproblem, you will still have brakingat two wheels.

Anti-lock BrakesThe EX, LX-V6 and EX-V6 modelshave an Anti-lock Brake System(ABS) as standard equipment. It isoptional on the U.S. LX model.

ABS helps to prevent the wheelsfrom locking up and skidding duringhard braking, allowing you to retainsteering control.

When the front tires skid, you losesteering control; the car continuesstraight ahead even though you turnthe steering wheel. The ABS helps toprevent lock-up and helps you retainsteering control by pumping thebrakes rapidly; much faster than aperson can do it.

You should never pump thebrake pedal, this defeats thepurpose of the ABS. Let the ABSwork for you by always keeping firm,steady pressure on the brake pedalas you steer away from the hazard.This is sometimes referred to as"stomp and steer."

You will feel a pulsation in the brakepedal when the ABS activates, andyou may hear some noise. This isnormal, it is the ABS rapidlypumping the brakes.

Activation varies with the amount oftraction your tires have. On drypavement, you will need to press onthe brake pedal very hard before youactivate the ABS. However, you mayfeel the ABS activate immediately ifyou are trying to stop on snow or ice.

Driving

Front

The Braking System

Important Safety RemindersABS does not reduce the time ordistance it takes to stop the car, itonly helps with steering controlduring braking. You should alwaysmaintain a safe following distancefrom other vehicles.

ABS will not prevent a skid thatresults from changing directionabruptly, such as trying to take acorner too fast or making a suddenlane change. Always drive at a safe,prudent speed for the road andweather conditions.

ABS cannot prevent a loss ofstability. Always steer moderatelywhen you are braking hard. Severeor sharp steering wheel movementcan still cause your car to veer intooncoming traffic or off the road.

A vehicle with ABS may require alonger distance to stop on loose oruneven surfaces, such as gravel orsnow, than a vehicle without anti-lock. Slow down and allow a greaterdistance between vehicles underthose conditions.

ABS Indicator

The ABS is self-checking. If anythinggoes wrong, the ABS indicator onthe instrument panel comes on (seepage 55). This means the anti-lockfunction of the braking system hasshut down. The brakes still work likea conventional system without anti-lock, providing normal stoppingability. You should have the dealerinspect your car as soon as possible.

Driving

*U.S. indicator shown

ABS INDICATOR*

Driving in Bad Weather

Rain, tog, and snow conditionsrequire a different driving techniquebecause of reduced traction andvisibility. Keep your car well-maintained and exercise greatercaution when you need to drive inbad weather. The cruise controlshould not be used in theseconditions.

Driving Technique — Always driveslower than you would in dryweather. It takes your car longer toreact, even in conditions that mayseem just barely damp. Applysmooth, even pressure to all thecontrols. Abrupt steering wheelmovements or sudden, hard appli-cation of the brakes can cause loss ofcontrol in wet weather. Be extracautious for the first few miles(kilometers) of driving while youadjust to the change in drivingconditions. This is especially true insnow. A person can forget somesnow-driving techniques during thesummer months. Practice is neededto relearn those skills.

Exercise extra caution when drivingin rain after a long dry spell. Aftermonths of dry weather, the firstrains bring oil to the surface of theroadway, making it slippery.

Driving

Driving in Bad Weather

Visibility — Being able to seeclearly in all directions and beingvisible to other drivers are importantin all weather conditions. This ismore difficult in bad weather. To beseen more clearly during daylighthours, turn on your headlights.

Inspect your windshield wipers andwashers frequently. Keep the wind-shield washer reservoir full of theproper fluid. Have the windshieldwiper blades replaced if they start tostreak the windshield or leave partsunwiped. Use the defroster and airconditioning to keep the windowsfrom fogging up on the inside (seepages 115 and 123).

Traction — Check your tiresfrequently for wear and properpressure. Both are important inpreventing "hydroplaning" (loss oftraction on a wet surface). In thewinter, mount snow tires on all fourwheels for the best handling.

Watch road conditions carefully,they can change from moment tomoment. Wet leaves can be as slip-pery as ice. "Clear" roads can havepatches of ice. Driving conditionscan be very hazardous when theoutside temperature is near freezing.The road surface can becomecovered with areas of water puddlesmixed with areas of ice, so yourtraction can change without warning.

Be careful when downshifting. Iftraction is low, you can lock up thedrive wheels for a moment and causea skid.

Be very cautious when passing, orbeing passed by other vehicles. Thespray from large vehicles reducesyour visibility, and the wind buffetingcan cause you to lose control.

Driving

Towing a Trailer

Your Honda has been designedprimarily to carry passengers andtheir cargo. You can use it to tow atrailer if you carefully observe theload limits, use the proper equipment,and follow the guidelines in thissection.

Load LimitsTotal Trailer Weight: The totalweight of the trailer andeverything loaded in it must notexceed 1,000 Ibs (450 kg). Towinga load that is too heavy canseriously affect your car'shandling and performance. It canalso damage the engine anddrivetrain.

Tongue Load: The weight thatthe tongue of a fully-loaded trailerputs on the hitch should beapproximately 10 percent of thetrailer weight. Too little tongueload can make the trailer unstableand cause it to sway. Too muchtongue load reduces front-tiretraction and steering control.

To achieve a proper tongue load,start by loading 60 percent of theload toward the front of the trailerand 40 percent toward the rear, thenreadjust the load as needed.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(GVWR):The total weight of the vehicle, alloccupants, all cargo, and thetongue load must not exceed:

(LX)3,990 Ibs (1,810 kg)(EX)4,035 Ibs (1,830 kg)(LX-V6, EX-V6)4,235 Ibs (1,920 kg)

Driving

Towing a Trailer

Gross Axle Weight Rating(GAWR):The total weight of the vehicle, alloccupants, all cargo, and thetongue load must not exceed:

(LX)2,160 Ibs (980 kg)(EX)2,185 Ibs (990 kg)(LX-V6.EX-V6)2,315 Ibs (1,050 kg)on the front axle

(LX)1,895 Ibs (860 kg)(EX)1,920 Ibs (870 kg)(LX-V6,EX-V6)1,940 Ibs. (880 kg)on the rear axle

Checking LoadsThe best way to confirm that vehicleand trailer weights are within limitsis to have them checked at a publicscale.

Using a suitable scale or a specialtongue load gauge, check the tongueload the first time you set up atowing combination (a fully-loadedvehicle and trailer), then recheck thetongue load whenever the conditionschange.

Driving

Exceeding load limits orimproperly loading your vehicleand trailer can cause a crash inwhich you can be seriouslyinjured or killed.

Check the loading of yourvehicle and trailer carefullybefore starting to drive.

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Towing a Trailer

Towing Equipment andAccessoriesTowing can require a variety ofequipment, depending on the size ofyour trailer, how it will be used, andhow much load you are towing.

Discuss your needs with your trailersales or rental agency, and follow theguidelines in the rest of this section.Also make sure that all equipment isproperly installed and that it meetsfederal, state, province, and localregulations.

HitchesAny hitch used on your vehicle mustbe properly bolted to the underbody.

Safety ChainAlways use a safety chain. Makesure that it is secured to both thetrailer and hitch, and that it crossesunder the tongue so it can catch thetrailer if it becomes unhitched.Leave enough slack to allow thetrailer to turn corners easily, but donot let the chain drag on the ground.

Driving

Towing a Trailer

Trailer BrakesHonda recommends that any trailerhaving a total weight of 1,000 Ibs(450 kg) or more be equipped withits own electric or surge-type brakes.

If you choose electric brakes, besure they are electronically actuated.Do not attempt to tap into yourvehicle's hydraulic system. Nomatter how successful it may seem,any attempt to attach trailer brakesto your vehicle's hydraulic systemwill lower braking effectiveness andcreate a potential hazard. Your car has a trailer lighting

connector located behind the leftside panel in the trunk. Refer to thedrawing above for the wiring colorcode and purpose of each pin.

If you use a converter, you can getthe connector and pins that matewith the connector in your car fromyour Honda dealer.

Since lighting and wiring vary withtrailer type and brand, you shouldalso have a qualified technicianinstall a suitable connector betweenthe vehicle and the trailer.

CONTINUED

Driving

Trailer Lights

BACK-UP LIGHT(GREEN/BLACK)

LEFT TURN SIGNAL(GREEN/BLUE)

TAILLIGHT(RED/BLACK)

BRAKE LIGHT(GREEN/WHITE)

RIGHT TURN SIGNAL(GREEN/YELLOW)

GROUND(BLACK)

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Towing a Trailer

Additional Trailer equipmentMany states and provinces requirespecial outside mirrors when towinga trailer. Even if they don't, youshould install special mirrors if youcannot clearly see behind you, or ifthe trailer creates a blind spot.

Ask your trailer sales or rentalagency if any other items arerecommended or required for yourtowing situation.

Pre-Tow ChecklistWhen preparing to tow, and beforedriving away, be sure to check thefollowing:

The vehicle has been properlyserviced, and the tires, brakes,suspension, and cooling systemare in good operating condition.

All weights and loads are withinlimits (see pages 190 and 191).

The hitch, safety chain, and anyother attachments are secure.

All items on and in the trailer areproperly secured and cannot shiftwhile you drive.

The lights and brakes on yourvehicle and the trailer are workingproperly.

Your vehicle tires and spare areproperly inflated (see page 247),and the trailer tires and spare areinflated as recommended by thetrailer maker.

Driving

Towing a Trailer

Driving Safely With a TrailerThe added weight, length, andheight of a trailer will affect yourvehicle's handling and performance,so driving with a trailer requiressome special driving skills andtechniques.

For your safety and the safety ofothers, take time to practice drivingmaneuvers before heading for theopen road, and follow the guidelinesdiscussed below.

Towing Speeds and GearsDrive slower than normal in alldriving situations, and obey postedspeed limits for vehicles with trailers.If you have an automatictransmission, use the D4 positionwhen towing a trailer on level roads.D3 is the proper shift lever positionto use when towing a trailer in hillyterrain. (See "Driving on Hills" in thenext column for additional gearinformation.)

Making Turns and BrakingMake turns more slowly and widerthan normal. The trailer tracks asmaller arc than your vehicle, and itcan hit or run over something thevehicle misses. Allow more time anddistance for braking. Do not brake orturn suddenly as this could cause thetrailer to jackknife or turn over.

Driving on HillsWhen climbing hills, closely watchyour temperature gauge. If it nearsthe red (Hot) mark, turn the airconditioning off, reduce speed and, ifnecessary, pull to the side of theroad to let the engine cool.

If the automatic transmission shiftsfrequently between 3rd and 4thgears while going up a hill, shift toD3.

If you must stop when facing uphill,use the foot brake or parking brake.Do not try to hold the vehicle inplace by pressing on the accelerator,as this can cause the automatictransmission to overheat.

When driving down hills, reduceyour speed and shift down to 2ndgear. Do not "ride" the brakes, andremember it will take longer to slowdown and stop when towing a trailer.

CONTINUED

Driving

Towing a Trailer

Handling Crosswinds and BuffetingCrosswinds and air turbulencecaused by passing trucks can disruptyour steering and cause trailerswaying. When being passed by alarge vehicle, keep a constant speedand steer straight ahead. Do not tryto make quick steering or brakingcorrections.

Backing UpAlways drive slowly and havesomeone guide you when backing up.Grip the bottom of the steeringwheel; then turn the wheel to the leftto get the trailer to move to the left,and turn the wheel right to move thetrailer to the right.

ParkingFollow all normal precautions whenparking, including firmly setting theparking brake and putting thetransmission in Park (automatic) orin 1 st or Reverse (manual). Also,place wheel chocks at each of thetrailer's tires.

Driving

Maintenance

This section explains why it isimportant to keep your car wellmaintained and to follow basicmaintenance safety precautions.

This section also includesMaintenance Schedules for normaldriving and severe driving conditions,a Maintenance Record, and instruc-tions for simple maintenance tasksyou may want to take care ofyourself.

If you have the skills and tools to per-form more complex maintenancetasks on your Honda, you may wantto purchase the Service Manual. Seepage 323 for information on how toobtain a copy, or see your Hondadealer.

Maintenance Safety....................... 198Important Safety Precautions.. 199

Maintenance Schedule.................. 200Maintenance Record..................... 207

Owner Maintenance Checks........ 209Fluid Locations............................... 210Engine Oil....................................... 212

Adding Oil................................... 212Recommended Oil..................... 212Synthetic Oil............................... 214Additives..................................... 214Changing the Oil and Filter...... 214

Cooling System.............................. 217Adding Engine Coolant............. 217Replacing Engine Coolant........ 219

Windshield Washers..................... 224Transmission Fluid........................ 225

AutomaticTransmission.......................... 225

5-speed ManualTransmission.......................... 227

Brake and Clutch Fluid................. 228Brake System............................. 228Clutch System............................ 229

Power Steering............................... 230Air Cleaner Element...................... 231Hood Latch..................................... 233Spark Plugs

(4-cylinder Models)............... 233Replacement............................... 233

Specifications............................. 234Spark Plugs

(6-cylinder Models)............... 235Replacement............................... 235Specifications............................. 237

Battery............................................ 238Wiper Blades.................................. 241Air Conditioning System............... 243Air Conditioning Filter.................. 244Drive Belts...................................... 244Timing Belt..................................... 245Tires................................................ 246

Inflation....................................... 246Inspection................................... 247Maintenance............................... 248Tire Rotation.............................. 249Replacing Tires and Wheels.... 249Wheels and Tires....................... 250Winter Driving........................... 250

Snow Tires.............................. 251Tire Chains............................. 251

Lights.............................................. 252Headlight Aiming...................... 254Replacing Bulbs......................... 255

Storing Your Car............................ 266

Maintenance

Maintenance Safety

Regularly maintaining your car is thebest way to protect your investment.Proper maintenance is essential toyour safety and the safety of yourpassengers. It will also reward youwith more economical, trouble-freedriving and help reduce air pollution.

This section includes instructions forsimple maintenance tasks, such aschecking and adding oil. Any serviceitems not detailed in this sectionshould be performed by a Hondatechnician or other qualifiedmechanic.

Some of the most important safetyprecautions are given here. However,we cannot warn you of everyconceivable hazard that can arise inperforming maintenance. Only youcan decide whether or not youshould perform a given task.

Maintenance

Improperly maintaining this caror failing to correct a problembefore driving can cause acrash in which you can beseriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the inspectionand maintenancerecommendations andschedules in this owner'smanual.

Failure to properly followmaintenance instructions andprecautions can cause you tobe seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the proceduresand precautions in this owner'smanual.

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Maintenance Safety

Important Safety PrecautionsBefore you begin any maintenance,make sure your car is parked onlevel ground and that the parkingbrake is set. Also, be sure the engineis off. This will help to eliminateseveral potential hazards:

Carbon monoxide poisoningfrom engine exhaust. Be surethere is adequate ventilationwhenever you operate the engine.

Burns from hot parts. Let theengine and exhaust system coolbefore touching any parts.

Injury from moving parts. Donot run the engine unless in-structed to do so.

Read the instructions before youbegin, and make sure you have thetools and skills required.

To reduce the possibility of fire orexplosion, be careful when workingaround gasoline or batteries. Use acommercially available degreaser orparts cleaner, not gasoline, to cleanparts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, andflames away from the battery and allfuel-related parts.

You should wear eye protection andprotective clothing when workingnear the battery or when usingcompressed air.

Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule

The Maintenance Schedule specifieshow often you should have your carserviced and what things needattention. It is essential that you haveyour car serviced as scheduled toretain its high level of safety,dependability, and emissions controlperformance.

The services and time or distanceintervals shown in the maintenanceschedule assume you will use yourcar as normal transportation forpassengers and their possessions.You should also follow theserecommendations:

Avoid exceeding your car's loadlimit. This puts excess stress onthe engine, brakes, and manyother parts of your car. The loadlimit is shown on the label on thedriver's doorjamb.

Operate your car on reasonableroads within the legal speed limit.

Drive your car regularly over adistance of several miles(kilometers).

Always use unleaded gasoline withthe proper octane rating (see page160).

Which Schedule to Follow:Service your car according to thetime and mileage periods on one ofthe Maintenance Schedules on thefollowing pages. Select the schedulefor "Severe Conditions" if most ofyour driving is done under one ormore of the conditions listed on thatpage. Otherwise, follow the schedulefor "Normal Conditions."

Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule

Your authorized Honda dealerknows your car best and can providecompetent, efficient service.However, service at a dealer is notmandatory to keep your warrantiesin effect. Maintenance may be doneby any qualified service facility orperson who is skilled in this type ofautomotive service. Keep all thereceipts as proof of completion, andhave the person who does the workfill out the Maintenance Record.Check your warranty booklet formore information.

We recommend the use of GenuineHonda parts and fluids whenever youhave maintenance done. These aremanufactured to the same high-quality standards as the originalcomponents, so you can be confidentof their performance and durability.

U.S. Cars:Maintenance, replacement orrepair of emissions controldevices and systems may be doneby any automotive repairestablishment or individual usingparts that are "certified" to EPAstandards.

According to state and federalregulations, failure to performmaintenance on the items markedwith # will not void your emissionswarranties. However, Hondarecommends that all maintenanceservices be performed at therecommended time or mileageperiod to ensure long-term reliability.

Maintenance

U.S. OwnersFollow the Normal ConditionsMaintenance Schedule if thesevere driving conditionsspecified in the SevereConditions MaintenanceSchedule do not apply.

NOTE: If you onlyOCCASIONALLY drive under a"severe" condition, you shouldfollow the Normal ConditionsMaintenance Schedule.

Canadian OwnersFollow the MaintenanceSchedule for Severe Conditions.

* 1 : Balancer belt applies to 4-cylindermodels only.

# : See information on maintenance andemissions warranty, last column, page2 0 1 .

Maintenance

Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in A, B, C as required for each distance/time interval. Follow thisschedule if the severe driving conditions described in the Severe Conditions Schedule on the next page do not apply.Canadian owners: Follow the schedule for Severe Conditions.

Maintenance

page 249 ).

* 1 : Balancer belt applies to 4-cylinder models only.# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last

column, page 201.

NOTE:Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, if noisy.

Maintenance

U.S. OwnersFollow the Severe ConditionsMaintenance Schedule if youdrive your vehicle MAINLYunder one or more of thefollowing conditions:

Driving less than 5 miles (8km) per trip or, in freezingtemperatures, driving lessthan 10 miles (16 km) per trip.Driving in extremely hot[over 90° F (32°C] conditions.E xtensive idling or longperiods of stop-and-go driving.Trailer towing, driving with aroof top carrier, or driving inmountainous conditions.Driving on muddy, dusty, orde-iced roads.

*1 : Balancer belt applies to 4-cylindermodels only.

*2 : Refer to page 245 for replacementinformation under special drivingconditions.

*3 : Refer to page 244 for replacementinformation under special drivingconditions.

# : See information on maintenance andemissions warranty, last column, page201.

Canadian OwnersFollow the MaintenanceSchedule for Severe Conditions.

Use this schedule if your vehicle is MAINLY driven in any of the following Severe Conditions, or normally driven in Canada; otherwise use the NormalSchedule. Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in A, B, C, D as required for each distance/time.Severe Conditions:

Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or, in freezing temperatures, driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.Driving in extremely hot (over 90°F/32°C) conditions.Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go driving.Trailer towing, driving with a roof top carrier, or driving in mountainous conditions.Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

page 249

NOTE:• Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.• Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, if noisy.

Maintenance

*1 : Balancer belt applies to 4-cylinder models only.

*2 : Refer to page 245 for replacement information under specialdriving conditions.

*3 : Refer to page 244 for replacement information under specialdriving conditions.

# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, lastcolumn, page 201.

Required Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules)

You or the servicing dealer can record all completed maintenance here, whether you follow the schedule for normal conditions (page 202 ) or severeconditions (page 204). Keep the receipts for all work done on your vehicle.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

Required Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules)

Maintenance

Owner Maintenance Checks

You should check the followingitems at the specified intervals. Ifyou are unsure of how to performany check, turn to the page given.

Engine oil level — Check everytime you fill the fuel tank. Seepage 164.

Engine coolant level — Check theradiator reserve tank every timeyou fill the fuel tank. See page 166.

Windshield washer fluid — Checkthe level in the reservoir monthly.If weather conditions cause you touse the washers frequently, checkthe reservoir each time you stopfor fuel. See page 224.

Automatic transmission — Checkthe fluid level monthly. See page225.

Brakes — Check the fluid levelmonthly. See page 228 .

Tires — Check the tire pressuremonthly. Examine the tread forwear and foreign objects. See page246.

Lights — Check the operation ofthe headlights, parking lights,taillights, high-mount brake light,turn signals, brake lights, andlicense plate lights monthly. Seepage 252.

Maintenance

Fluid Locations

4-cylinder Models

Maintenance

CLUTCH FLUID(5-speed ManualTransmission only)(Gray cap)

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK(Orange loop)

WASHER FLUID(Blue cap)

POWER STEERINGFLUID(Red cap)

BRAKE FLUID(Gray cap)

ENGINE OILFILL CAP(Black cap)

AUTOMATICTRANSMISSIONFLUID DIPSTICK(Yellow loop)

ENGINECOOLANTRESERVOIR

RADIATOR CAP

Fluid Locations

6-cylinder Models

Maintenance

ENGINE OILFILL CAP(Black cap)

BRAKE FLUID(Gray cap)

AUTOMATICTRANSMISSIONFLUID DIPSTICK(Yellow loop)

ENGINE COOLANTRESERVOIR

RADIATOR CAPPOWER STEERINGFLUID (Red cap)

WASHER FLUID(Blue cap)

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK(Orange loop)

Engine Oil

Adding Oil

To add oil, unscrew and remove theengine oil fill cap on top of the valvecover. Pour in the oil, and install theengine oil fill cap. Tighten it securely.Wait a few minutes and recheck theoil level. Do not fill above the uppermark; you could damage the engine.

ENGINE OIL FILL CAP

6-cylinder models

Recommended OilOil is a major contributor to yourengine's performance and longevity.Always use a premium-grade deter-gent oil. It is highly recommendedthat you use Genuine Honda Motoroil in your vehicle for as long as youown it.

You can determine an oil's SAEviscosity and Service Classificationfrom the API Service label on the oilcontainer.

A fuel-efficient oil is recommendedfor your Honda. This is shown on theAPI Service label by the words"Energy Conserving." This oil isformulated to help your engine useless fuel.

Maintenance

4-cylinder models

ENGINE OIL FILL GAP

Engine Oil

The API Service label also tells youthe service classification of the oil.Always use an oil that is labeled "APIService SJ." This service rating mayinclude other classifications, such asCD. These additional classificationsare not a problem, as long as thelabel also carries the SJ classification.

API SERVICE LABEL

The oil container may also displaythe API Certification seal. Make sureit says "For Gasoline Engines."

API CERTIFICATION SEAL

The SAE numbers tell you the oil'sviscosity or weight. Select the oil foryour car according to this chart.

An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 ispreferred for improved fuel economyand year-round protection in yourHonda. You may use a 10W-30 oil ifthe temperature in your area nevergoes below 20°F ( — 7°C).

Maintenance

Ambient Temperature

Engine Oil

Synthetic OilYou may use a synthetic motor oil ifit meets the same requirementsgiven for conventional motor oil:energy conserving, a serviceclassification of SJ, and the properweight as shown on the chart. Whenusing synthetic oil, you must followthe oil and filter change intervalsgiven in the maintenance schedule.

AdditivesYour Honda does not need any oiladditives. Purchasing additives forthe engine or transmission will notincrease your car's performance orlongevity. It only increases the costof operating your car.

Changing the Oil and FilterAlways change the oil and filteraccording 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 ifthey are not removed regularly.

Changing the oil and filter requiresspecial tools and access fromunderneath the car. The car shouldbe raised on a service station-typehydraulic lift for this service. Unlessyou have the knowledge and properequipment, you should have thismaintenance done by a skilledmechanic.

1. Run the engine until it reachesnormal operating temperature,then shut it off.

2. Open the hood and remove theengine oil fi ll cap. Remove the oildrain bolt and washer from thebottom of the engine. Drain the oilinto an appropriate container.

Maintenance

WASHER DRAIN BOLT

4-cylinder models

Engine Oil

3. Remove the oil filter and let theremaining oil drain. A specialwrench (available from yourHonda dealer) is required toremove the filter.

4. Install a new oil filter according toinstructions that come with it.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

WASHER DRAIN BOLT

6-cylinder models 6-cylinder models

OIL FILTEROIL FILTER

4-cylinder models

Engine Oil

5. Put a new washer on the drain bolt,then reinstall the drain bolt.Tighten it to:

(LX, EX)33 lbf.ft (44N.m,4.5kgf.m)

(LX-V6, EX-V6)29 lbf.ft (39 N.m, 4.0 kgf.m)

6. Refill the engine with the recom-mended oil.Engine oil change capacity(including filter):

(LX, EX)4.5 US qt (4.3 ,3.8 Imp qt)

(LX-V6, EX-V6)4.6 US qt (4.4 , 3.9 Imp qt)

7. Replace the engine oil fill cap.Start the engine. The oil pressureindicator light should go out withinfive seconds. If it does not, turn offthe engine and reinspect yourwork.

8. Let the engine run for severalminutes and check the drain boltand oil filter for leaks.

9. Turn off the engine, let it sit forseveral minutes, then check the oillevel. If necessary, add oil to bringthe level to the upper mark on thedipstick.

Improper disposal of engine oil can beharmful to the environment. If youchange your own oil, please dispose ofthe used oil properly. Put it in a sealedcontainer and take it to a recyclingcenter. Do not discard it in a trash binor dump it on the ground.

Maintenance

NOTICE

Cooling System

Adding Engine Coolant

If the coolant level in the reservetank is at or below the MIN line, addcoolant to bring it up to the MAX line.Inspect the cooling system for leaks.This coolant should always be amixture of 50 percent antifreeze and50 percent water. Never add straightantifreeze or plain water.

Always use Genuine HondaAntifreeze/Coolant. If it is notavailable, you may use anothermajor-brand non-silicate coolant as atemporary replacement. Make sure itis a high-quality coolantrecommended for aluminum engines.However, continued use of any non-Honda coolant can result incorrosion, causing the coolingsystem to malfunction or fail. Havethe cooling system flushed and

refilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as possible.

If the reserve tank is completelyempty, you should also check thecoolant level in the radiator.

1. Make sure the engine and radiatorare cool.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

4-cylinder models RESERVE TANK

Removing the radiator capwhile the engine is hot cancause the coolant to spray out,seriously scalding you.

Always let the engine andradiator cool down beforeremoving the radiator cap.


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Cooling System

2. Turn the radiator cap counter-clockwise, without pressing downon it, until it stops. This relievesany pressure remaining in thecooling system.

3. Remove the radiator cap bypushing down and turningcounterclockwise.

4. The coolant level should be up tothe base of the filler neck. Addcoolant if it is low.

5. Put the radiator cap back on.Tighten it fully.

6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank.Fill it to halfway between the MAXand MIN marks. Put the cap backon the reserve tank.

Maintenance

RADIATORCAP

4-cylinder models 6-Cylinder models RADIATORCAP 4-cylinder models RESERVETANK

Cooling System

Do not add any rust inhibitors orother additives to your car's coolingsystem. They may not be compatiblewith the coolant or engine compo-nents.

Replacing Engine CoolantThe cooling system should becompletely drained and refilled withnew coolant according to the timeand distance recommendations inthe maintenance schedule. Only useGenuine Honda Antifreeze/Coolant.

Draining the coolant requires accessto the underside of the car. Unlessyou have the tools and knowledge,you should have this maintenancedone by a skilled mechanic.

4-cylinder models

1. Turn the ignition ON (II). Turnthe heater temperature controldial to maximum heat (climatecontrol to 90°F/32°C). Turn offthe ignition. Open the hood. Makesure the engine and radiator arecool to the touch.

2. Remove the radiator cap.

CONTINUED

Maintenance


Cooling System

6-cyliner models

3. 4-cylinder modelsLoosen the drain plug on thebottom of the radiator. Thecoolant will drain through thesplash guard. Remove the drainbolt and washer from the engineblock.

6-cylinder modelsLoosen the drain plug on thebottom of the radiator. Thecoolant will drain through thesplash guard. Loosen the drainbolt.

Maintenance

DRAINBOLT

DRAINPLUG

4-cylinder models

DRAIN PLUG

6-cylinder models DRAIN BOLT

Cooling System

4. Remove the reserve tank from itsholder by pulling it straight up.Drain the coolant, then put thetank back in its holder.

6-cylinder modelsWhen removing the reserve tank,first remove the cruise control cableand the ground cable from their clips.After installing the tank back inplace, put the cables back in theirclips.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

RESERVE TANK RESERVE TANK CAP GROUND CABLE RESERVE TANK RESERVE TANK CAP

4-cylinder models HOLDER CRUISE CONTROL CABLE 6-cylinder models HOLDER

Cooling System

5. When the coolant stops draining,tighten the drain plug at thebottom of the radiator.

6. 4-cylinder modelsPut a new washer on the drain bolt,then reinstall the drain bolt in theengine block. Tighten it securely.Tightening torque:61 lbf.ft(83N.m,8.5kgf.m)

6-cylinder modelsTighten the drain bolt at the rearof the engine cylinder blocksecurely.Tightening torque:7 lbf.ft (10 N.m, 1.0 kgf.m)

7. Mix the recommended antifreezewith an equal amount of purifiedor distilled water in a cleancontainer. The cooling systemcapacity is:

4-cylinder modelsWith 5-speed manual transmission:1.45 US gal (5.5 ,1.21 Imp gal)With automatic transmission:1.43 US gal (5.4 ,1.19 Imp gal)

6-cylinder models1.48 US gal (5.6 ,1.23 Imp gal)

8. 4-cylinder modelsLoosen the bleeder bolt on top ofthe engine.

Pour coolant into the radiator.Tighten the bleeder bolt whencoolant comes out in a steadystream with no bubbles.

Maintenance

BLEEDER BOLT

Cooling System

9. 6-cylinder modelsPour coolant into the radiator upto the base of the filler neck.

Start the engine and let it run forabout 30 seconds. Then turn offthe engine.

10.Fill the radiator with coolant up tothe base of the filler neck.

11.Fill the reserve tank to the MAXmark. Install the reserve tank cap.

12.Install the radiator cap, andtighten it to the first stop.

13.Start the engine and let it run untilthe radiator cooling fan comes onat least twice. Then stop theengine.

14.Remove the radiator cap. Pourcoolant into the radiator up to thebase of the filler neck and into thereserve tank up to the MAX mark.

15.Start the engine and hold it at1,500 rpm until the radiator fancomes on. Turn off the engine.Check the coolant level in theradiator and add coolant if needed.

16.Install the radiator cap, andtighten it fully.

17.If necessary, fill the reserve tankto the MAX mark. Install thereserve tank cap.

Maintenance

FILLER NECK FILLER NECK

Fill up to here6-cylinder models4-cylinder models Fill up to here

Windshield Washers

Check the level in the windshieldwasher reservoir at least monthlyduring normal usage. In bad weather,when you use the washers often,check the level every time you stopfor fuel.

4-cylinder modelsThe windshield washer reservoir islocated behind the driver's sideheadlight.

6-cylinder modelsThe windshield washer reservoir islocated behind the passenger's sideheadlight.

On Canadian modelsThe low washer level indicator willlight when the level is low (see page57).

Check the reservoir's fluid level byremoving the cap and looking at thelevel gauge attached to the cap.

Fill the reservoir with a good-qualitywindshield washer fluid. Thisincreases the cleaning capability andprevents freezing in cold weather.

When you refill the reservoir, cleanthe edges of the windshield wiperblades with windshield washer fluidon a clean cloth. This will help tocondition the blade edges.

Do not use engine antifreeze or avinegar/water solution in thewindshield washer reservoir.

Antifreeze can damage your car's paint,while a vinegar/water solution candamage the windshield washer pump.

Use only commercially-availablewindshield washer fluid.

Maintenance

LEVEL GAUGE


LEVEL GAUGE

NOTICE

Transmission Fluid


Check the fluid level with the engineat normal operating temperature.

1. Park the car on level ground. Shutoff the engine.

2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)from the transmission and wipe itwith a clean cloth.

3. Insert the dipstick all the way intothe transmission securely asshown in the illustration.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

4-cylinder models DIPSTICK 6 cylinder models DIPSTICK 4-cylinder models

DIPSTICK

UPPER MARKLOWER MARK

Transmission Fluid

4. Remove the dipstick and checkthe fluid level. It should bebetween the upper and lowermarks.

5. If the level is below the lowermark, add fluid to bring it to theupper mark. Always use HondaPremium Formula AutomaticTransmission Fluid (ATF). If it isnot available, you may use aDEXRON® III automatictransmission fluid as a temporaryreplacement. However, continueduse can affect shift quality. Havethe transmission drained andrefilled with Honda ATF as soonas it is convenient.

4-cylinder cars — Add fluid in thedipstick tube.

6-cylinder cars — Remove the fi llplug to add fluid.

6. Insert the dipstick all the way backinto the transmission securely asshown in the illustration.

The transmission should be drainedand refilled with new fluid accordingto the time and distance recommen-dations in the maintenance schedule.

If you are not sure how to add fluid,contact your Honda dealer.

Maintenance

DIPSTICK

UPPER MARKLOWER MARK

6-cylinder models

Transmission Fluid

5-speed Manual Transmission

ChecK the fluid level with thetransmission at normal operatingtemperature and the car sitting onlevel ground. Remove thetransmission filler bolt and carefullyfeel inside the bolt hole with yourfinger. The fluid level should be upto the edge of the bolt hole. If it isnot, add Genuine Honda ManualTransmission Fluid (MTF) until itstarts to run out of the hole. Reinstallthe filler bolt and tighten it securely.

If Honda MTF is not available, youmay use an API service SG, SH or SJgrade motor oil with a viscosity ofSAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 as atemporary replacement. An SGgrade is preferred, but an SH or SJgrade may be used if SG is notavailable. However, motor oil doesnot contain the proper additives andcontinued use can cause stiffershifting. Replace as soon asconvenient.

The transmission should be drainedand refilled with new fluid accordingto the time and distance recommen-dations in the maintenance schedule.

Maintenance

FILLERBOLT

Correct level

Brake and Clutch Fluid

Check the fluid level in the reser-voirs monthly. There are up to tworeservoirs, depending on the model.They are:

Brake fluid reservoir (all models)Clutch fluid reservoir(manual transmission only)

The brake fluid should be replacedaccording to the time and distancerecommendations in the mainte-nance schedule.

Always use Genuine Honda DOT 3brake fluid. If it is not available, youshould use only DOT 3 or DOT 4fluid, from a sealed container, as atemporary replacement. However,the use of any non-Honda brake fluidcan cause corrosion and decreasethe life of the system. Have thebrake system flushed and refilledwith Honda DOT 3 brake fluid assoon as possible.

Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is notcompatible with your car's brakingsystem and can cause extensivedamage.

Brake System

The fluid level should be betweenthe MIN and MAX marks on the sideof the reservoir. If the level is at orbelow the MIN mark, your brakesystem needs attention. Have thebrake system inspected for leaks orworn brake pads.

Maintenance

4-cylinder models MIN

MAX

Brake and Clutch Fluid

MAX

Clutch System

MAX

MIN

The fluid should be between theMIN and MAX marks on the side ofthe reservoir. If it is not, add brakefluid to bring it up to that level. Usethe same fluid specified for thebrake system.

Low fluid level can indicate a leak inthe clutch system. Have this systeminspected as soon as possible.

Maintenance

6-cylinder models MIN

Power Steering

4-cylinder models LOWER LEVEL

You should check the fluid level inthe power steering reservoirmonthly. Check the level when theengine is cold. Look at the side ofthe reservoir. The fluid should bebetween the UPPER LEVEL andLOWER LEVEL. If it is below theLOWER LEVEL, add power steeringfluid to the UPPER LEVEL.

UPPER LEVEL

6-cylinder models LOWER LEVEL

Always use Genuine Honda PowerSteering Fluid. If it is not available,you may use another power steeringfluid as an emergency replacement.However, continued use can causeincreased wear and poor steering incold weather. Have the powersteering system flushed and refilledwith Honda PSF as soon as possible.

A low power steering fluid level canindicate a leak in the system. Checkthe fluid level frequently and havethe system inspected as soon aspossible.

Turning the steering wheel to full leftor right lock and holding it there candamage the power steering pump.

Maintenance

NOTICE

UPPER LEVEL

Air Cleaner Element

The air cleaner element should becleaned or replaced according to thetime and distance recommendationsin the maintenance schedule.

Cleaning (Severe Conditions)Clean the air cleaner element byblowing compressed air through it inthe opposite direction to normal airflow. If you do not have access tocompressed air (such as a servicestation), ask your Honda dealer to dothis service.

Follow the replacement procedurefor removal and reinstallation.

Replacement4-cylinder Models

HOLD-DOWN CLAMPS

The air cleaner element is inside theair cleaner housing on the passenger'sside of the engine compartment.To replace it:

1. Unsnap the four hold-down clampsand remove the air cleanerhousing cover.

2. Remove the old air cleanerelement.

3. Carefully clean the inside of theair cleaner housing with a damprag.

4. Place the new air cleaner elementin the air cleaner housing.

5. Reinstall the air cleaner housingcover, snap the four hold-downclamps back into place.

Maintenance

AIR CLEANER ELEMENT

Air Cleaner Element

Replacement6-cylinder ModelsThe air cleaner element is inside theair cleaner housing on the driver'sside of the engine compartment.To replace it:

BOLTS

1. Loosen the four bolts and removethe air cleaner housing cover.

2. Remove the old air cleanerelement.

3. Carefully clean the inside of theair cleaner housing with a damprag.

AIR CLEANER ELEMENT

4. Place the new air cleaner elementin the air cleaner housing.

5. Reinstall the air cleaner housingcover, tighten the four bolts.

Maintenance

Hood Latch, Spark Plugs (4-cylinder Models)

Clean the hood latch assembly with amild cleaner, then lubricate it with amultipurpose grease. Lubricate allthe moving parts, including the pivot.To lubricate them, remove theholding clip and pull the cover away.Follow the time and distancerecommendations in theMaintenance Schedule. If you arenot sure how to clean and grease thelatch, contact your Honda dealer.

Spark PlugsThe spark plugs in your car shouldbe replaced according to the timeand distance recommendations inthe maintenance schedule.

Replacement

SPARK PLUG CAP

1. Clean up any dirt and oil aroundthe spark plug caps.

2. Remove the spark plug cap bypulling it straight out.

3. Remove the spark plug witha five-eighths inch (16 mm) sparkplug socket.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

Hood Latch

LATCH ASSEMBLYPIVOTS

Spark Plugs (4-cylinder Models)

4. Put the new spark plug into thesocket; then screw it into the hole.Screw it in by hand so you do notcrossthread it.

5. Torque the spark plug. (If you donot have a torque wrench, tightenthe spark plug two-thirds of a turnafter it contacts the cylinder head.)Tightening torque:13 lbf.ft (18 N.m, 1.8 kgf.m)

Tighten the spark plugs carefully. Aspark plug that is too loose canoverheat and damage the engine.Overtightening can cause damage tothe threads in the cylinder head.

6. Install the spark plug cap.

7. Repeat this procedure for theother three spark plugs.

Specifications:

NGK:DENSO:

PZFR5F-11PKJ16CR-L11

Spark Plug Gap:0.04 in (1.1 mm)

Maintenance

NOTICE


The spark plugs in your car shouldbe replaced according to the timeand distance recommendations inthe maintenance schedule.

Replacement

HOLDING CLIP

1. Loosen the two holding clips byturning the heads one-quarter turncounterclockwise with a flat-tippedscrewdriver. Remove the cover onthe front cylinder bank by pullingit straight up.

2. Clean up any dirt and oil that havecollected around the ignition coils.

3. Disconnect the wire connectorfrom the ignition coil by pushingon the lock tab and pulling on theconnector. Pull on the plasticconnector, not the wires.

CONTINUED

Maintenance


4. Use a wrench to remove thehexagon socket head cap boltholding the ignition coil. Removethe ignition coil by pulling itstraight out.

5. Remove the spark plug witha five-eighths inch (16 mm) sparkplug socket.

6. Put the new spark plug into thesocket; then screw it into the hole.Screw it in by hand so you do notcrossthread it.

7. Torque the spark plug. (If you donot have a torque wrench, tightenthe spark plug two-thirds of a turnafter it contacts the cylinder head.)Tightening torque:13 lbf.ft (18 N.m,1.8 kgf.m)

Maintenance


Tighten the spark plugs carefully. Aspark plug that is too loose canoverheat and damage the engine.Overtightening can cause damage tothe threads in the cylinder head.

8. Install the ignition coil. Reinstallthe hexagon socket head cap bolt.

9. Push the wire connector onto theignition coil. Make sure it locks inplace.

10.Repeat this procedure for theother five spark plugs.

11.Reinstall the cover on the frontcylinder bank while putting itsmounting clip in the hole on thepassenger's side. Secure the coverby turning the heads of the twoholding clips one-quarter turnclockwise with a flat-tippedscrewdriver.

Specifications:

NGK:DENSO:

PZFR5F-11PKJ16CR-L11

Spark Plug Gap:0.04 in (1.1 mm)

Maintenance

NOTICE

Battery

Check the condition of your car'sbattery monthly. You should checkthe color of the test indicator window,and for corrosion on the terminals.

TEST INDICATOR WINDOW

Check the battery condition bylooking at the test indicator windowon the battery.The label on the battery explains thetest indicator's colors.

TEST INDICATOR WINDOW

Check the battery terminals forcorrosion (a white or yellowishpowder). To remove it, cover theterminals with a solution of bakingsoda and water. It will bubble up andturn brown. When this stops, wash itoff with plain water. Dry off thebattery with a cloth or paper towel.Coat the terminals with grease tohelp prevent future corrosion.

Maintenance


Battery

If the terminals are severely cor-roded, clean them with baking sodaand water. Then use a wrench toloosen and remove the cables fromthe terminals. Always disconnect thenegative (—) cable first and recon-nect it last. Clean the battery termi-nals with a terminal cleaning tool orwire brush. Reconnect and tightenthe cables, then coat the terminalswith grease.

If you need to connect the battery toa charger, disconnect both cables toprevent damage to the car'selectrical system.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

The battery gives off explosivehydrogen gas during normaloperation.

A spark or flame can cause thebattery to explode with enoughforce to kill or seriously hurt you.

Wear protective clothing and aface shield, or have a skilledmechanic do the batterymaintenance.


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Rectangle

Battery

On EX and EX-V6 modelsIf your car's battery is disconnectedor goes dead, the audio system willdisable itself. The next time you turnon the radio you will see "Code" inthe frequency display. Use thePreset buttons to enter the five-digitcode (see page 156 ).

Charging the battery with the cablesconnected can seriously damage yourcar's electronic controls. Detach thebattery cables before connecting thebattery to a charger.

Maintenance

NOTICE

Wiper Blades

Check the condition of the wiperblades at least every six months.Look for signs of cracking in therubber, or areas that are gettinghard. Replace the blades if you findthese signs, or they leave streaksand unwiped areas when used.

To replace the blade:

1. Raise the wiper arm off thewindshield.Raise the driver's side first, thenthe passenger's side.

2. Disconnect the blade assemblyfrom the wiper arm by pushing inthe lock tab. Hold it in while youpush the blade assembly towardthe base of the arm.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

WIPER ARMS

LOCK TAB

Wiper Blades

BLADE

3. Remove the blade from its holderby grasping the tabbed end of theblade. Pull firmly until the tabscome out of the holder.

BLADE

4. Examine the new wiper blades. Ifthey have no plastic or metal rein-forcement along the back edge,remove the metal reinforcementstrips from the old wiper blade andinstall them in the slots along theedge of the new blade.

5. Slide the new wiper blade into theholder until the tabs lock.

6. Slide the wiper blade assemblyonto the wiper arm. Make sure itlocks in place.

7. Lower the wiper arm down againstthe windshield.Lower the passenger's side first,then the driver's side.

Maintenance

REINFORCEMENT

Air Conditioning System

Your car's air conditioning is a sealedsystem. Any major maintenance,such as recharging, should be doneby a qualified mechanic. You can doa couple of things to make sure theair conditioning works efficiently.

Periodically check the engine'sradiator and air conditioningcondenser for leaves, insects, anddirt stuck to the front surface. Theseblock the air flow and reduce coolingefficiency. Use a light spray from ahose or a soft brush to remove them.

The condenser and radiator fins bendeasily. Only use a low-pressure sprayor soft-bristle brush to clean them.

AIR CONDITIONINGCONDENSER

Run the air conditioning at least oncea week during the cold weathermonths. Run it for at least tenminutes while you are driving at asteady speed with the engine atnormal operating temperature. Thiscirculates the lubricating oil con-tained in the refrigerant.

If the air conditioning does not get ascold as before, have your dealercheck the system. Recharge thesystem with Refrigerant HFC-134a(R-134a). (See Specifications onpages 306 and 308.)

Whenever you have the air conditioningsystem serviced, make sure the servicefacility uses a refrigerant recyclingsystem. This system captures therefrigerant for reuse. Releasingrefrigerant into the atmosphere candamage the environment.

Maintenance

NOTICE

NOTICE

Air Conditioning Filter, Drive Belts

Air Conditioning FilterThe air conditioning filter removespollen and dust that is brought infrom the outside through the heatingand cooling system/climate controlsystem.

This filter should be replaced every30,000 miles (48,000 km) undernormal conditions. It should bereplaced every 15,000 miles (24,000km) if you drive primarily in urbanareas that have high concentrationsof soot in the air from industry anddiesel-powered vehicles. Replace itmore often if air flow from theheating and cooling system/climatecontrol system becomes less thanusual. Have the air conditioning filterreplaced by your Honda dealer.

Drive Belts

Check the condition of the drivebelts (two on 4-cylinder models, oneon 6-cylinder models). Examine theedges of each belt for cracks orfraying.

POWER STEERING BELT

6-cylinder models

Check the tension of each belt bypushing on it with your thumbmidway between the pulleys.

Maintenance

POWER STEERINGBELT

ALTERNATOR BELT

4-cylinder models

Drive Belts, Timing Belt

The belts should have the following"play" or deflection.

4-cylinder modelsAlternator belt:

0.28 — 0.35 in (7.0 —9.0 mm)Power steering belt:

0.51 — 0.63 in (13.0 —16.0 mm)

6-cylinder modelsPower steering belt:

0.51 — 0.65 in (13.0 — 16.5 mm)

If you see signs of wear or looseness,have your dealer adjust or replacethe belts.

Timing BeltThe timing belt and balancer belt (4-cylinder models only) shouldnormally be replaced at the intervalsshown in the maintenance schedule.

Replace these belts at 60,000 miles(U.S.) or 100,000 km (Canada) if youregularly drive your car in one ormore of these conditions:

In very high temperatures(over 110°F,43°C).In very low temperatures(under — 20°F, — 29°C).

Maintenance

Tires

To safely operate your car, your tiresmust be the proper type and size, ingood condition with adequate tread,and correctly inflated. The followingpages give more detailed informationon how and when to check airpressure, how to inspect your tiresfor damage and wear, and what to dowhen your tires need to be replaced.

InflationKeeping the tires properly inflatedprovides the best combination ofhandling, tread life and ridingcomfort. Underinflated tires wearunevenly, adversely affect handlingand fuel economy, and are morelikely to fail from being overheated.Overinflated tires can make your carride more harshly, are more prone todamage from road hazards, and wearunevenly.

We recommend that you visuallycheck your tires every day. If youthink a tire might be low, check itimmediately with a tire gauge.

Use a gauge to measure the airpressure at least once a month. Eventires that are in good condition maylose 1 to 2 psi (7 to 15 kPa, 0.07 to0.15 kgf/cm2) per month.Remember to check the spare tire atthe same time you check all theother tires.

Check the pressure in the tires whenthey are cold. This means the carhas been parked for at least threehours. If you have to drive the carbefore checking the tire pressure,the tires can still be considered"cold" if you drive less than 1 mile(1.6 km).

If you check the pressure when thetires are hot (the car has been drivenseveral miles), you will see readings4 to 6 psi (30 to 40 kPa, 0.3 to 0.4kgf/cm2) higher than the coldreading. This is normal. Do not letair out to match the specified coldpressure. The tire will beunderinflated.

You should get your own tirepressure gauge and use it wheneveryou check your tire pressures. Thiswill make it easier for you to tell if apressure loss is due to a tire problemand not due to a variation betweengauges.

Maintenance

Using tires that are excessivelyworn or improperly inflated cancause a crash in which you canbe seriously hurt or killed.

Follow all instructions in thisowner's manual regarding tireinflation and maintenance.

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Tires

Recommended Tire Pressures forNormal DrivingThe following chart shows therecommended cold tire pressures formost normal driving conditions andspeeds. Tire pressures for highspeed driving are the same as fornormal driving.

The compact spare tire pressure is:60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm2)

These pressures are also given onthe tire information label on thedriver's doorjamb.

Tubeless tires have some ability toself-seal if they are punctured.However, because leakage is oftenvery slow, you should look closelyfor punctures if a tire starts losingpressure.

InspectionEvery time you check inflation, youshould also examine the tires fordamage, foreign objects, and wear.

You should look for:

Bumps or bulges in the tread orside of the tire. Replace the tire ifyou find either of these conditions.

Cuts, splits, or cracks in the sideof the tire. Replace the tire if youcan see fabric or cord.

Excessive tread wear.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

Tires

Your car's tires have wear indicatorsmolded into the tread. When thetread wears down to that point, youwill see a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) wideband running across the tread. Thisshows there is less than 1/16 inch(1.6 mm) of tread left on the tire. Atire that is this worn gives very littletraction on wet roads. You shouldreplace the tire if you can see thetread wear indicator in three or moreplaces around the tire.

MaintenanceIn addition to proper inflation,correct wheel alignment helps todecrease tire wear. If you find a tireis worn unevenly, have your dealercheck the wheel alignment.

The tires were properly balanced bythe factory. They may need to berebalanced at some time before theyare worn out. Have your dealercheck the tires if you feel a consis-tent vibration while driving. A tireshould always be rebalanced if it isremoved from the wheel for repair.

Make sure the installer balances thewheels when you have new tiresinstalled. This increases ridingcomfort and tire life. Your car'soriginal tires were dynamic or "spin"balanced at the factory. For bestresults, have the installer perform adynamic balance.

On some modelsImproper wheel weights can damageyour car's aluminum wheels. Use onlyGenuine Honda wheel weights forbalancing.

Maintenance

INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS

TREAD WEAR INDICATORS

NOTICE

Tires

Tire Rotation

To help increase tire life anddistribute wear more evenly, youshould have the tires rotated every7,500 miles (12,000 km). Move thetires to the positions shown in thechart each time they are rotated.

When shopping for replacementtires, you may find that some tiresare "directional." This means theyare designed to rotate only in onedirection. If you use directional tires,they should be rotated only front-to-back.

Replacing Tires and WheelsThe tires that came with your carwere selected to match the perform-ance capabilities of the car whileproviding the best combination ofhandling, ride comfort, and long life.You should replace them with radialtires of the same size, load range,speed rating, and maximum cold tirepressure rating (as shown on thetire's sidewall). Mixing radial andbias-ply tires on your car can reduceits braking ability, traction, andsteering accuracy.

It is best to replace all four tires atthe same time. If that is not possibleor necessary, then replace the twofront tires or the two rear tires as apair. Replacing just one tire canseriously affect your car's handling.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

Front Front

(For Non-directionalTires and Wheels)

(For DirectionalTires and Wheels)

Installing improper tires on yourcar can affect handling andstability. This can cause a crashin which you can be seriouslyhurt or killed.

Always use the size and type oftires recommended in thisowner's manual.

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Tires

The ABS works by comparing thespeed of the wheels. When replacingtires, use the same size originallysupplied with the car. Tire size andconstruction can affect wheel speedand may cause the system to workinconsistently.

If you ever need to replace a wheel,make sure the wheel's specificationsmatch those of the original wheelthat came on your car. Replacementwheels are available at your Hondadealer.

Wheels and TiresWheel:(LX, EX)

1 5 x 6 JJ(LX-V6)

15 x 6 1/2 JJ(EX-V6)

16 x 6 1/2 JJ

Tire:(LX, EX)

P195/65R15 89H(LX-V6)

P205/65R 15 92V(EX-V6)

P205/60R16 91V

See page 310 for information aboutDOT Tire Quality Grading.

Winter DrivingTires that are marked "M+S" or"All Season" on the sidewall have anall-weather tread design. Theyshould be suitable for most winterdriving conditions. Tires withoutthese markings are designed foroptimum traction in dry conditions.They may not provide adequateperformance in winter driving.For the best performance in snowyor icy conditions, you should installsnow tires or tire chains. They maybe required by local laws undercertain conditions.

Maintenance

Tires

Snow TiresIf you mount snow tires on yourHonda, make sure they are radialtires of the same size and load rangeas the original tires. Mount snowtires on all four wheels to balanceyour car's handling in all weatherconditions. Keep in mind the tractionprovided by snow tires on dry roadsmay not be as high as your car'soriginal equipment tires. You shoulddrive cautiously even when the roadsare clear. Check with the tire dealerfor maximum speed recommenda-tions.

Tire ChainsMount traction devices (Link-type orcable-type) only when required bydriving conditions or local laws.Make sure they are the correct sizefor your tires. Install them only onthe front tires.

4-cylinder modelsIf link-type traction devices are used,they must be SAE class "S". Cable-type traction devices can also beused.

6-cylinder modelsBecause your Honda has limited tireclearance, mount only SAE Class "S"cable-type traction devices.

Link-type "chains" should not beused. No matter how tight they seemto be installed, they can come intocontact with the body andsuspension, causing serious damage.

All ModelsWhen installing traction devices,follow the manufacturer'sinstructions and mount them astightly as you can. Drive slowly withthem installed. If you hear themcoming in contact with the body orchassis, stop and investigate. Makesure the traction devices areinstalled tightly, and that they arenot contacting the brakes orsuspension.Remove them as soon as you startdriving on cleared roads.

Traction devices that are the wrongsize or improperly installed candamage your car's brake lines,suspension, body, and wheels. Stopdriving if they are hitting any part ofthe car.

Maintenance

NOTICE

Lights

Check the operation of your car'sexterior lights at least once a month.A burned out bulb can create anunsafe condition by reducing yourcar's visibility and the ability tosignal your intentions to otherdrivers.

Maintenance

HEADLIGHT HIGH BEAM

PARKING LIGHT HEADLIGHT LOW BEAM TURN SIGNAL/SIDEMARKER LIGHT

Lights

Check the following:

Headlights (low and high beam)Parking lightsTaillightsBrake lightsHigh-mount brake lightTurn signalsBack-up lightsHazard light functionLicense plate lightSide marker lightsDaytime running lights(Canadian models)

If you find any bulbs are burned out,replace them as soon as possible.Refer to the chart on pages 307 and309 to determine what type ofreplacement bulb is needed.

Maintenance

TURN SIGNAL/TAILLIGHT HIGH-MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT

REAR SIDE MARKER LIGHT STOP/TAILLIGHT BACK-UP LIGHT

LICENSEPLATE LIGHT

Lights

Headlight AimingThe headlights were properly aimedwhen your car was new. You shouldcheck their aim if you regularly carryheavy items in the trunk or pull atrailer. Each headlight assembly hashorizontal and vertical adjustmentindicators. These are set to theirstandard positions after theheadlights are aimed at the factory.

To check these settings:

1. Make sure the fuel tank is full.Park the vehicle on level ground.

2. The driver or someone whoweighs the same should be sittingin the driver's seat for all checksand adjustments.Load the trunk with the items younormally carry.

HORIZONTAL ANGLE GAUGE

If you usually pull a trailer, load it asyou would normally and attach it tothe car. Push down on the front andrear bumpers several times to makesure the car is sitting normally.

3. Open the hood.

4. Check the horizontal angle gauge.The line on the adjustment screwindicator should line up with themark on the gauge.

5. Check the vertical angle gauge.The bubble should be locatedunderneath the "0" mark on thegauge.

Maintenance

VERTICAL ANGLE GAUGE

Lights

6. If either indicator is not alignedwith its mark as described, anadjustment can be made using aPhillips-head screwdriver torealign it with the mark. Pleaserefer to the illustrations.

7. If you cannot get the indicator toalign, have your Honda dealerinspect the car for body damage orsuspension problems.

Replacing a Headlight BulbYour car has two bulbs on each side,four in total. Make sure you arereplacing the bulb that is burned out.Your car uses halogen headlightbulbs. When replacing a bulb, handleit by its plastic case and protect theglass from contact with your skin orhard objects. If you touch the glass,clean it with denatured alcohol and aclean cloth.

Halogen headlight bulbs get very hotwhen lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratchon the glass can cause the bulb tooverheat and shatter.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT

NOTICE

Lights

1. Open the hood.

4-cylinder modelsIf you need to change the head-light bulb on the passenger's side,remove the radiator reserve tankand the air intake duct.

6-cylinder modelsIf you need to change theheadlight bulb on the driver's side,remove the radiator reserve tank.

2. Remove the electrical connectorfrom the bulb by squeezing theconnector to unlock the tab, thenslide the connector off the bulb.

3. Remove the bulb by turning itapproximately one-quarter turncounterclockwise.

4. Insert the new bulb into the holeand turn it one-quarter turn clock-wise to lock it in place.

5. Push the electrical connector backonto the bulb. Make sure it is onall the way.

6. Turn on the headlights to test thenew bulb.

7. 4-cylinder models(Passenger's side)Reinstall the radiator reserve tankand the air intake duct.

6-cylinder models(Driver's side)Reinstall the radiator reserve tank.

Maintenance

TAB

BULB

4-cylinder models

AIR INTAKEDUCT

Lights

Replacing Front Turn Signal andSide Marker Light Bulbs

1. If you are changing the bulb onthe driver's side, start the engine,turn the steering wheel all the wayto the right, and turn off theengine. If you are changing thebulb on the passenger's side, turnthe steering wheel to the left.

2. Use a flat-tipped screwdriver toremove the holding clip from theinner fender.

3. Pull the inner fender away fromthe fender and bumper.

4. Remove the socket from theheadlight assembly by turning itone-quarter turn counterclockwise.

5. Remove the burned out bulb fromthe socket by pushing it in andturning counterclockwise until itunlocks.

6. Install the new bulb in the socket.Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.

7. Insert the socket back into theheadlight assembly. Turn itclockwise to lock it in place.

8. Test the lights to make sure thenew bulb is working.

9. Put the inner fender in place.Install the holding clip. Lock it inplace by pushing on the center.

Maintenance

HOLDING CLIP

Lights

Replacing a Parking Light Bulb

1. Open the hood. The front parkinglight is next to the headlight bulb.

4-cylinder modelsIf you need to change a bulb onthe passenger's side, remove theradiator reserve tank. On thedriver's side, remove the powersteering fluid tank.

6-cylinder modelsIf you need to change a bulb on

the driver's side, remove theradiator reserve tank.

2. Remove the socket from theheadlight assembly by turning itone-quarter turn counterclockwise.

3. Pull the bulb straight out of itssocket.Push the new bulb straight intothe socket until it bottoms.

4. Insert the socket back into theheadlight assembly. Turn itclockwise to lock it in place.

5. Turn on the parking lights tomake sure the new bulb works.

6. 4-cylinder models(Passenger's side)Reinstall the radiator reserve tank.(Driver's side)Reinstall the power steering fluidtank.

6-cylinder models(Driver's side)Reinstall the radiator reserve tank.

Maintenance

POWER STEERING FLUID TANK

HOLDER

Lights

Replacing Rear Bulbs(in Fenders)

1. Open the trunk.

2. Remove the fastener on the side ofthe trunk lining by turning itcounterclockwise with a coin. Pullthe lining back.

3. Determine which of the two bulbsis burned out: stop/taillight or turnsignal/taillight.

4. Remove the socket by turning itone-quarter turn counterclockwise.


6. Reinstall the socket into the lightassembly by turning it clockwiseuntil it locks.


8. Reinstall the trunk lining. Makesure it is installed under the edgeof the trunk seal.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

FASTENER

Lights

9. Put the fastener in the hole on theside of the trunk lining and pushon the center until it locks (thecenter is flush with the head).

Replacing Rear Bulbs (in TrunkLid)

1. Open the trunk.

2. Remove the screw securing theplastic cover. Then remove theplastic cover.

3. Determine which of the two bulbsis burned out: stop/taillight orback-up light.

Maintenance

SCREW

Lights

4. Remove the socket by turning itone-quarter turn counterclockwise.


6. Reinstall the socket into the lightassembly.


8. Reinstall the plastic cover andsecure it with the screw.

Replacing a Rear Side MarkerLight Bulb

1. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver toloosen the side marker assemblymounting screw.

2. Remove the assembly from thefender by pulling out the backedge and sliding the assemblybackwards.

3. Remove the socket from the lightassembly by turning it counter-clockwise.

4. Remove the bulb from the socketby pulling it straight out.Install the new bulb. Turn on theheadlights to test the bulb.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

SCREW

Lights

5. Insert the socket in the assembly.Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.

6. Reinstall the side marker assem-bly in the bumper. Tighten themounting screw securely.

Replacing a High-mount BrakeLight Bulb

1. Open the trunk and remove thesocket from the light assembly byturning it one-quarter turn counter-clockwise.

2. Remove the burned-out bulb bypulling it straight out of the socket.

3. Install the new bulb and reinstallthe socket. Make sure the newbulb is working.

Maintenance

Lights

Replacing a Rear License Bulb

1. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver toloosen the two screws holding thelicense plate light assembly to thebracket. Slide the assembly outfrom the bracket.

2. Remove the socket from the lightassembly by turning it one-quarterturn counterclockwise.

3. Pull the bulb straight out of itssocket. Push the new bulb in untilit bottoms in the socket.

4. Turn on the parking lights andcheck that the new bulb isworking.

5. Put the license light assembly inplace. Tighten the two screwssecurely.

Maintenance

Lights

Replacing Bulbs in the InteriorCourtesy LightsThe ceiling light, door light andvanity mirror light come apart thesame way. They do not all use thesame bulb.

1. Remove the lens by carefullyprying on the edge of the lens witha fingernail file or a small flat-tipscrewdriver. Do not pry on theedge of the housing around thelens.

Ceiling light:Pry on the front edge of the lensnear both sides.

Door light:Pry on the top middle of the lens.

Maintenance

CEILING LIGHT DOOR LIGHT

Lights

SPOTLIGHT

Spotlights:Pry on the front edge in front ofboth spotlights.

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

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

Replacing the Trunk Light Bulb

1. Open the trunk. Pull down thetrunk light cover.

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

3. Push the new bulb into the metaltabs.

4. Push the cover back in place.

Maintenance

LENS

TRUNK LIGHT

VANITY MIRROR LIGHT

Storing Your Car

If you need to park your car for anextended period (more than onemonth), there are several things youshould do to prepare it for storage.Proper preparation helps preventdeterioration and makes it easier toget your car back on the road. Ifpossible, store your car indoors.

Fill the fuel tank.

Change the engine oil and filter(see page 214).

Wash and dry the exteriorcompletely.

Clean the interior. Make sure thecarpeting, floor mats, etc. arecompletely dry.

Leave the parking brake off. Putthe transmission in Reverse (5-speed manual) or Park(automatic).

Block the rear wheels.

If the car is to be stored for alonger period, it should besupported on jackstands so thetires are off the ground.

Leave one window open slightly (ifthe car is being stored indoors).

Disconnect the battery.

Support the front wiper bladearms with a folded towel or rag sothey do not touch the windshield.

To minimize sticking, apply asilicone spray lubricant to all doorand trunk seals. Also, apply avehicle body wax to the paintedsurfaces that mate with the doorand trunk seals.

Cover the car with a "breathable"cover, one made from a porousmaterial such as cotton.Nonporous materials, such asplastic sheeting, trap moisture,which can damage the paint.

If possible, run the engine for awhile periodically (preferably oncea month).

If you store your car for 12 monthsor longer, have your Honda dealerperform the inspections called for inthe 24 months/30,000 miles (48,000km) maintenance schedule (NormalConditions) as soon as you take itout of storage (see page 202 ). Thereplacements called for in themaintenance schedule are notneeded unless the car has actuallyreached that time or mileage.

Maintenance

Appearance Care

Regular cleaning and polishing ofyour Honda helps to keep it "new"looking. This section gives you hintson how to clean your car andpreserve its appearance: the paint,brightwork, wheels and interior. Alsoincluded are several things you cando to help prevent corrosion.

Exterior Care.................................. 268Washing...................................... 268Waxing........................................ 269Aluminum Wheels..................... 269Paint Touch-up........................... 269

Interior Care................................... 270Carpeting.................................... 270Fabric.......................................... 270Vinyl............................................ 270Leather........................................ 270Seat Belts.................................... 271Windows..................................... 271Air Fresheners........................... 271

Corrosion Protection..................... 272Body Repairs.................................. 273

Appearance Care

Exterior Care

WashingFrequent washing helps preserveyour car's beauty. Dirt and grit canscratch the paint, while tree sap andbird droppings can permanently ruinthe finish.

Wash your car in a shady area, not indirect sunlight. If the car is parked inthe sun, move it into the shade andlet the exterior cool down before youstart.

Only use the solvents and cleanersrecommended in this Owner'sManual.

Chemical solvents and strong cleanerscan damage the paint, metal, andplastic on your car.

Rinse the car thoroughly with coolwater to remove loose dirt.

Fill a bucket with cool water. Mixin a mild detergent, such asdishwashing liquid or a productmade especially for car washing.

Wash the car using the water anddetergent solution and a soft-bristle brush, sponge, or soft cloth.Start at the top and work your waydown. Rinse frequently.

Check the body for road tar, treesap, etc. Remove these stains withtar remover or turpentine. Rinse itoff immediately so it does notharm the finish. Remember to re-wax these areas, even if the rest ofthe car does not need waxing.

When you have washed and rinsedthe whole exterior, dry it with achamois or soft towel. Letting itair-dry will cause dulling and waterspots.

As you dry the car, inspect it forchips and scratches that could allowcorrosion to start. Repair them withtouch-up paint (see page 269).

Appearance Care

NOTICE

Exterior Care

WaxingAlways wash and dry the whole carbefore waxing it. You should waxyour car, including the metal trim,whenever water sits on the surfacein large patches. It should form intobeads or droplets after waxing.

You should use a quality liquid orpaste wax. Apply it according to theinstructions on the container. Ingeneral, there are two types ofproducts:

Waxes — A wax coats the finish andprotects it from damage by exposureto sunlight, air pollution, etc. Youshould use a wax on your Hondawhen it is new.

Polishes — Polishes and cleaner/waxes can restore the shine to paintthat has oxidized and lost some of itsshine. They normally contain mildabrasives and solvents that removethe top layer of the finish. You

should use a polish on your Honda ifthe finish does not have its originalshine after using a wax.

Cleaning tar, insects, etc. withremovers also takes off the wax.Remember to re-wax those areas,even if the rest of the car does notneed waxing.

Aluminum WheelsOn some modelsClean your Honda's aluminum alloywheels as you do the rest of theexterior. Wash them with the samesolution, and rinse them thoroughly.

The wheels have a protective clear-coat that keeps the aluminum fromcorroding and tarnishing. Usingharsh chemicals, including somecommercial wheel cleaners, or stiffbrushes can damage this clear-coat.Only use a mild detergent and softbrush or sponge to clean the wheels.

Paint Touch-upYour dealer has touch-up paint tomatch your car's color. The colorcode is printed on a sticker on thedriver's doorjamb. Take this code toyour dealer so you are sure to getthe correct color.

Inspect your car frequently for chipsor scratches in the paint. Repairthem right away to prevent corrosionof the metal underneath. Use thetouch-up paint only on small chipsand scratches. More extensive paintdamage should be repaired by aprofessional.

Appearance Care

Interior Care

CarpetingVacuum the carpeting frequently toremove dirt. Ground-in dirt will makethe carpet wear out faster.Periodically shampoo the carpet tokeep it looking new. Use one of thefoam-type carpet cleaners on themarket. Follow the instructions thatcome with the cleaner, applying itwith a sponge or soft brush. Keepthe carpeting as dry as possible bynot adding water to the foam.

FabricVacuum dirt and dust out of thematerial frequently. For generalcleaning, use a solution of mild soapand lukewarm water, letting it air dry.To clean off stubborn spots, use acommercially-available fabric cleaner.Test it on a hidden area of the fabricfirst, to make sure it does not bleachor stain the fabric. Follow theinstructions that come with thecleaner.

VinylRemove dirt and dust with a vacuumcleaner. Wipe the vinyl with a softcloth dampened in a solution of mildsoap and water. Use the samesolution with a soft-bristle brush onmore difficult spots. You can also usecommercially-available spray orfoam-type vinyl cleaners.

LeatherOn some modelsVacuum dirt and dust from theleather frequently. Pay particularattention to the pleats and seams.Clean the leather with a soft clothdampened with clear water, thenbuff it with a clean, dry cloth. Iffurther cleaning is needed, use asoap specifically for leather, such assaddle soap. Apply this soap with adamp, soft cloth. Wipe down andbuff as described above.

Appearance Care

Interior Care

Seat Belts

If your seat belts get dirty, you canuse a soft brush with a mixture ofmild soap and warm water to cleanthem. Do not use bleach, dye, orcleaning solvents. They can weakenthe belt material. Let the belts air-dry before you use the car.

Dirt build-up in the loops of the seatbelt anchors can cause the belts toretract slowly. Wipe the insides ofthe loops with a clean clothdampened in mild soap and warmwater or isopropyl alcohol.

WindowsClean the windows, inside and out,with a commercially-available glasscleaner. You can also use a mixtureof one part white vinegar to ten partswater. This will remove the haze thatbuilds up on the inside of thewindows. Use a soft cloth or papertowels to clean all glass and clearplastic surfaces.

The rear window defogger andantenna wires are bonded to the insideof the glass. Wiping vigorously up-and-down can dislodge and break thesewires. When cleaning the rear window,use gentle pressure and wipe side-to-side.

Air FreshenersIf you want to use an air freshener/deodorizer in the interior of your car,it is best to use a solid type. Someliquid air fresheners contain chemi-cals that may cause parts of theinterior trim and fabric to crack ordiscolor.

If you use a liquid air freshener,make sure you fasten it securely so itdoes not spill as you drive.

Appearance Care

LOOP

NOTICE

Corrosion Protection

Two factors normally contribute tocausing corrosion in your car:

1. Moisture trapped in body cavities.Dirt and road salt that collects inhollows on the underside of thecar stays damp, promotingcorrosion in that area.

2. Removal of paint and protectivecoatings from the exterior andunderside of the car.

Many corrosion-preventive measuresare built into your Honda. You canhelp keep your car from corrodingby performing some simple periodicmaintenance:

Repair chips and scratches in thepaint as soon as you discover them.

Inspect and clean out the drainholes in the bottom of the doorsand body.

Check the floor coverings fordampness. Carpeting and floormats may remain damp for a longtime, especially in winter. Thisdampness can eventually causethe floor panels to corrode.

Use a high-pressure spray to cleanthe underside of your car. This isespecially important in areas thatuse road salt in winter. It is also agood idea in humid climates andareas subject to salt air. Carsequipped with ABS have a sensorand wiring at each wheel. Becareful not to damage them.

Have the corrosion-preventivecoatings on the underside of yourcar inspected and repairedperiodically.

Appearance Care

Body Repairs

Body repairs can affect your car'sresistance to corrosion. If your carneeds repairs after a collision, payclose attention to the parts used inthe repair and the quality of thework.

Make sure the repair facility usesGenuine Honda replacement bodyparts. Some companies make sheetmetal pieces that seem to duplicatethe original Honda body parts, butare actually inferior in fit, finish, andcorrosion resistance. Once installed,they do not give the same high-quality appearance.

When reporting your collision to theinsurance company, tell them youwant Genuine Honda parts used inthe repair. Although most insurersrecognize the quality of originalparts, some may try to specify thatthe repairs be done with otheravailable parts. You should investi-gate this before any repairs havebegun.

Take your car to your authorizedHonda dealer for inspection after therepairs are completed. Your dealercan make sure that quality materialswere used, and that corrosion-preventive coatings were applied toall repaired and replaced parts.

Appearance Care

274

Taking Care of the Unexpected

This section covers the more-common problems that motoristsexperience with their vehicles. Itgives you information about how tosafely evaluate the problem and whatto do to correct it. If the problem hasstranded you on the side of the road,you may be able to get going again.If not, you will also find instructionson getting your car towed.

Compact Spare Tire....................... 276Changing a Flat Tire .................... 277If Your Engine Won't Start........... 283

Nothing Happens or theStarter Motor OperatesVery Slowly............................. 283

The Starter OperatesNormally................................ 284

Jump Starting................................. 285If Your Engine Overheats............. 288Low Oil Pressure Indicator.......... 291Charging System Indicator........... 292Malfunction Indicator Lamp ........ 293Brake System Indicator................ 294Closing the Moonroof................... 295Fuses............................................... 296

Checking and Replacing........... 297Emergency Towing....................... 301


Compact Spare Tire

Your car has a compact spare tirethat takes up less space. Use thisspare tire as a temporary replace-ment only. Get your regular tirerepaired or replaced and put back onyour car as soon as you can.

Check the inflation pressure of thecompact spare tire every time youcheck the other tires. It should beinflated to:60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm2)

Follow these precautions wheneveryou are using the compact spare tire:

Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)under any circumstances.

This tire gives a harsher ride andless traction on some road sur-faces than the regular tire. Usegreater caution while driving onthis tire.

Do not mount snow chains on thecompact spare.

The wheel of the compact sparetire is designed especially to fityour car. Do not use your sparetire on another vehicle unless it isthe same make and model.

The compact spare tire has a shortertread life than a regular tire. Replaceit when you can see the tread wearindicator bars. The replacementshould be the same size and designtire, mounted on the same wheel.The compact spare tire is notdesigned to be mounted on a regularwheel, and the compact wheel is notdesigned for mounting a regular tire.


INDICATORLOCATIONMARK

TREAD WEARINDICATORBAR

Changing a Flat Tire

If you have a flat tire while driving,stop in a safe place to change it.Stopping in traffic or on the shoulderof a busy road is dangerous. Driveslowly along the shoulder until youget to an exit or an area to stop thatis far away from the traffic lanes.

1. Park the car on firm, level andnon-slippery ground away fromtraffic. Put the transmission inPark (automatic) or Reverse(manual). Apply the parking brake.

2. Turn on the hazard warning lightsand turn the ignition switch toLOCK (0). Have all thepassengers get out of the car whileyou change the tire.

3. Open the trunk. Raise the trunkfloor by lifting up on the back edge.

4. The tools are in the tool box onthe right side of the trunk. Takethe tools out of the tool box.

5. Unscrew the wing bolt and takethe spare tire out of its well.

6. The jack is behind a cover in theright fender. Remove the cover byturning the handle counterclock-wise, then pulling on the cover.

CONTINUED


The car can easily roil off thejack, seriously injuring anyoneunderneath.

Follow the directions forchanging a tire exactly, andnever get under the car when itis supported only by the jack.

TRUNK FLOOR

SPARE TIRE JACK

TOOL KIT

COVER

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7. Turn the jack's end bracketcounterclockwise to loosen it, thenremove the jack.

8. Loosen the four wheel nuts (4-cylinder) or five (V-6) 1/2 turnwith the wheel wrench.

9. Find the jacking point nearest thewheel you are removing. Place thejack under the jacking point. Turnthe end bracket clockwise untilthe top of the jack contacts thejacking point. Make sure thejacking point tab is resting in thejack notch.


JACKWHEEL NUTS

WHEEL WRENCH JACKING POINT


10.Use the extension and wheelwrench as shown to raise thevehicle until the flat tire is off theground.

11.Remove the wheel nuts and flattire. Temporarily place the flat tireon the ground with the outsidesurface of the wheel facing up.You could scratch the wheel if youput it face down.

On LX and LX-V6 modelsDo not attempt to forcibly pry thewheel cover off with a screwdriver orother tool. The wheel cover cannotbe removed without first removingthe wheel nuts.

CONTINUED


EXTENSION

WHEEL WRENCH

WHEEL COVER

WHEEL NUTS


12.Before mounting the spare tire,wipe any dirt off the mountingsurface of the wheel and hub witha clean cloth. Wipe the hubcarefully, it may be hot fromdriving.

13.Put on the spare tire. Put thewheel nuts back on finger-tight,then tighten them in a crisscrosspattern with the wheel wrenchuntil the wheel is firmly againstthe hub. Do not try to tightenthem fully.

14.Lower the car to the ground andremove the jack.


BRAKE HUB


15.Tighten the wheel nuts securely inthe same crisscross pattern. Havethe wheel nut torque checked atthe nearest automotive servicefacility.Tighten the wheel nuts to:80 lbf.ft (108 N.m,11 kgf.m)

16. On EX and EX-V6 modelsRemove the center cap beforestoring the flat tire in the trunkwell.

CONTINUED


4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models CENTER CAP


17.Place the flat tire face down in thespare tire well.

18.Remove the spacer cone from thewing bolt, turn it over, and put itback on the bolt.

19.Secure the flat tire by screwingthe wing bolt back into its hole.

20.Store the jack in its holder. Turnthe jack's end bracket to lock it inplace. Replace the cover. Store thetools.

21.Store the wheel cover or centercap in the trunk. Make sure it doesnot get scratched or damaged.

22.Lower the trunk floor, then closethe trunk lid.


WING BOLT SPACERCONE

Loose items can fly around theinterior in a crash and couldseriously injure the occupants.

Store the wheel, jack and toolssecurely before driving.

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If Your Engine Won't Start

Diagnosing why your engine won'tstart falls into two areas, dependingon what you hear when you turn thekey to START (III):

You hear nothing, or almostnothing. The engine's startermotor does not operate at all, oroperates very slowly.

You can hear the starter motoroperating normally, or the startermotor sounds like it is spinningfaster than normal, but the enginedoes not start up and run.

Nothing Happens or the StarterMotor Operates Very SlowlyWhen you turn the ignition switch toSTART (III), you do not hear thenormal noise of the engine trying tostart. You may hear a clicking soundor series of clicks, or nothing at all.Check these things:

Your car has the ImmobilizerSystem. You should use aproperly-coded master or valet keyto start the engine (see page 73 ).A key that is not properly codedwill cause the immobilizer systemindicator in the dash panel to blinkrapidly.

Check the transmission interlock.If you have a manual transmission,the clutch pedal must be pushedall the way to the floor or thestarter will not operate. With anautomatic transmission, it must bein Park or Neutral.

Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).Turn on the headlights and checktheir brightness. If the headlightsare very dim or don't light at all,the battery is discharged. SeeJump Starting on page 285 .

CONTINUED


If Your Engine Won't Start

Turn the ignition switch to START(III). If the headlights do not dim,check the condition of the fuses. Ifthe fuses are OK, there is proba-bly something wrong with theelectrical circuit for the ignitionswitch or starter motor. You willneed a qualified technician todetermine the problem. (SeeEmergency Towing on page 301.)

If the headlights dim noticeably orgo out when you try to start theengine, either the battery is dis-charged or the connections arecorroded. Check the condition ofthe battery and terminal connec-tions (see page 238 ). You canthen try jump starting the car froma booster battery (see page 285 ).

The Starter Operates NormallyIn this case, the starter motor'sspeed sounds normal, or even fasterthan normal, when you turn theignition switch to START (III), butthe engine does not run.

Are you using the proper startingprocedure? Refer to Starting theEngine on page 175 .

Do you have fuel? Turn theignition switch to ON (II) for aminute and watch the fuel gauge.The low fuel level warning lightmay not be working, so you werenot reminded to fill the tank.

There may be an electricalproblem, such as no power to thefuel pump. Check all the fuses(see page 296).

If you find nothing wrong, you willneed a qualified technician to findthe problem. See EmergencyTowing on page 301.


Jump Starting

If your car's battery has run down,you may be able to start the engineby using a booster battery. Althoughthis seems like a simple procedure,you should take several precautions.

You cannot start a Honda with anautomatic transmission by pushingor pulling it.

To jump start your car, follow thesedirections closely:

1. Open the hood and check thephysical condition of the battery(see page 238 ). In very coldweather, check the condition ofthe electrolyte. If it seems slushyor like ice, do not try jump startinguntil it thaws.

/f a battery sits in extreme cold, theelectrolyte inside can freeze.Attempting to jump start with a frozenbattery can cause it to rupture.

2. Turn off all the electrical acces-sories: heater, A/C, climatecontrol, stereo system, lights, etc.Put the transmission in Neutral orPark and set the parking brake.

CONTINUED


A battery can explode if you donot follow the correct procedure,seriously injuring anyonenearby.

Keep all sparks, open flames,and smoking materials awayfrom the battery.

NOTICE

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W123

Jump Starting

3. Connect one jumper cable to thepositive (+) terminal on thebooster battery. Connect the otherend to the positive (+) terminalon your Honda's battery.

4. Connect the second jumper cableto the negative ( — ) terminal onthe booster battery. Connect theother end to the grounding strapas shown. Do not connect thisjumper cable to any other part ofthe engine.


4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models 4-cylinder models

Jump Starting

5. If the booster battery is in anothervehicle, have an assistant startthat vehicle and run it at a fast idle.

6. Start your car. If the starter motorstill operates slowly, check thejumper cable connections to makesure they have good metal-to-metal contact.

7. Once your car is running, discon-nect the negative cable from yourcar, then from the booster battery.Disconnect the positive cable fromyour car, then the booster battery.


If Your Engine Overheats

The pointer of your car's tempera-ture gauge should stay in the mid-range under most conditions. It maygo higher if you are driving up a longsteep hill on a very hot day. If itclimbs to the red mark, you shoulddetermine the reason.

Driving with the temperature gaugepointer at the red mark can causeserious damage to your engine.

Your car can overheat for severalreasons, such as lack of coolant or amechanical problem. The onlyindication may be the temperaturegauge climbing to or above the redmark. Or you may see steam orspray coming from under the hood.In either case, you should takeimmediate action.

1. Safely pull to the side of the road.Put the transmission in Neutral orPark and set the parking brake.Turn off the heating and cooling/climate control system and allother accessories. Turn on thehazard warning indicators.

2. If you see steam and/or spraycoming from under the hood, turnoff the engine.


NOTICE

Steam and spray from anoverheated engine canseriously scald you.

Do not open the hood if steamis coming out.

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3. If you do not see steam or spray,leave the engine running andwatch the temperature gauge. Ifthe high heat is due to overloading(climbing a long, steep hill on ahot day with the A/C running, forexample), the engine should startto cool down almost immediately.If it does, wait until the tempera-ture gauge comes down to the mid-point then continue driving.

4. If the temperature gauge stays atthe red mark, turn off the engine.

5. Wait until you see no more signsof steam or spray, then open thehood.

6. Look for any obvious coolant leaks,such as a split radiator hose.Everything is still extremely hot,so use caution. If you find a leak, itmust be repaired before youcontinue driving (see EmergencyTowing on page 301).

7. If you don't find an obvious leak,check the coolant level in theradiator reserve tank (see page166). If the level is below theMIN mark, add coolant to halfwaybetween the MIN and MAX marks.

8. If there was no coolant in thereserve tank, you may also have toadd coolant to the radiator. Let theengine cool down until the pointerreaches the middle of the tempera-ture gauge, or lower, before check-ing the radiator.

CONTINUED


Removing the radiator capwhile the engine is hot cancause the coolant to spray out,seriously scalding you.

Always let the engine andradiator cool down beforeremoving the radiator cap.

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9. Using gloves or a large heavycloth, turn the radiator capcounterclockwise, without pushingdown, to the first stop. Thisreleases any remaining pressure inthe cooling system. After thepressure releases, push down onthe cap and turn it until it comesoff.

10.Start the engine and set thetemperature control dial tomaximum (climate control toFULL AUTO at 90° F/32° C). Addcoolant to the radiator up to thebase of the filler neck. If you donot have the proper coolantmixture available, you can addplain water. Remember to havethe cooling system drained andrefilled with the proper mixture assoon as you can.

11. Put the radiator cap back ontightly. Run the engine and watchthe temperature gauge. If it goesback to the red mark, the engineneeds repair. (See EmergencyTowing on page 301.)

12.If the temperature stays normal,check the coolant level in theradiator reserve tank. If it hasgone down, add coolant to theMAX mark. Put the cap back ontightly.


Low Oil Pressure Indicator

LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR

This indicator should light when theignition switch is ON (II), and go outafter the engine starts. It shouldnever come on when the engine isrunning. If it starts flashing, itindicates that the oil pressuredropped very low for a moment, thenrecovered. If the indicator stays onwith the engine running, it showsthat the engine has lost oil pressureand serious engine damage ispossible. In either case, you shouldtake immediate action.

Running the engine with low oilpressure can cause serious mechanicaldamage almost immediately. Turn offthe engine as soon as you can safely getthe car stopped.

1. Safely pull off the road and shutoff the engine. Turn on the hazardwarning indicators.

2. Let the car sit for a minute. Openthe hood and check the oil level(see page 164 ). Although oil leveland oil pressure are not directlyconnected, an engine that is verylow on oil can lose pressure duringcornering and other drivingmaneuvers.

3. If necessary, add oil to bring thelevel back to the full mark on thedipstick (see page 212).

4. Start the engine and watch the oilpressure indicator. If the lightdoes not go out within ten seconds,turn off the engine. There is amechanical problem that needs tobe repaired before you cancontinue driving. (See EmergencyTowing on page 301.)


NOTICE

Charging System Indicator

CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR

This indicator should come on whenthe ignition switch is ON (II), and goout after the engine starts. If itcomes on brightly when the engineis running, it indicates that thecharging system has stoppedcharging the battery.

Immediately turn off all electricalaccessories: radio, heater, A/C,climate control, rear defogger, cruisecontrol, etc. Try not to use otherelectrically-operated controls such asthe power windows. Keep the enginerunning and take extra care not tostall it. Starting the engine willdischarge the battery rapidly.

By eliminating as much of theelectrical load as possible, you candrive several miles (kilometers)before the battery is too dischargedto keep the engine running. Drive toa service station or garage whereyou can get technical assistance.


Malfunction Indicator Lamp

This indicator comes on for a fewseconds when you turn the ignitionswitch ON (II). If it comes on at anyother time, it indicates one of theengine's emissions control systemsmay have a problem. Even thoughyou may feel no difference in yourcar's performance, it can reduceyour fuel economy and cause yourcar to put out excessive emissions.Continued operation may causeserious damage.

If you have recently refueled yourcar, the cause of this indicatorcoming on could be a loose ormissing fuel fill cap. Check the capand tighten it until it clicks severaltimes. Replace the fuel fill cap if it ismissing. Tightening the cap will notmake the indicator turn offimmediately; it takes three drivingtrips.

If the indicator remains on past threedriving trips, or the fuel cap was notloose or missing, have the carchecked by the dealer as soon aspossible. Drive moderately until thedealer has inspected the problem.Avoid full-throttle acceleration anddriving at high speed.

You should also have the dealerinspect your car if this indicatorcomes on repeatedly, even though itmay turn off as you continue driving.

If you keep driving with themalfunction indicator lamp on, you candamage your car's emissions controlsand engine. Those repairs may not becovered by your car's warranties.


MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP NOTICE

Brake System Indicator

The Brake System Indicator lightcomes on when you turn the ignitionON (II). If the parking brake is notset, it goes off after you start theengine. If the parking brake is set, itgoes off when you fully release theparking brake with the enginerunning.

If it comes on at any other time, itindicates a problem with the car'sbrake system. In most cases, theproblem is a low fluid level in thebrake fluid reservoir. Press lightly onthe brake pedal to see if it feelsnormal. If it does, check the brakefluid level the next time you stop at aservice station (see page 228 ). If thefluid level is low, take the car to yourdealer and have the brake systeminspected for leaks or worn brakepads.

However, if the brake pedal does notfeel normal, you should takeimmediate action. Because of thebrake system's dual-circuit design, aproblem in one part of the systemwill still give you braking at twowheels. You will feel the brake pedalgo down much farther before the carbegins to slow down, and you willhave to press harder on the pedal.The distance needed to stop will bemuch longer.

Slow down by shifting to a lowergear, and pull to the side of the roadwhen it is safe. Because of thelonger distance needed to stop, it ishazardous to drive the car. Youshould have it towed, and repaired assoon as possible. (See EmergencyTowing on page 301.)

If you must drive the car a shortdistance in this condition, driveslowly and cautiously.


BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR*

* U.S. indicator shown

Closing the Moonroof

If the electric motor will not closethe moonroof, do the following:

1. Check the fuse for the moonroofmotor (see page 296). If the fuseis blown, replace it with one of thesame or lower rating.

2. Try closing the moonroof. If thenew fuse blows immediately or themoonroof motor still does notoperate, you can close themoonroof manually.

3. Get the moonroof wrench out ofthe tool kit in the trunk.

4. Use a screwdriver or coin toremove the round plug in thecenter of the headliner.

5. Insert the moonroof wrench intothe socket behind this plug. Turnthe wrench until the moonroof isfully closed.

6. Remove the wrench. Replace theround plug.


ROUND PLUG SOCKET

Fuses

All the electrical circuits in your carhave fuses to protect them from ashort circuit or overload. Thesefuses are located in three fuse boxes.

The interior fuse boxes are locatedon each side of the dashboard. Toopen an interior fuse box, open thecar door. Pull the cover open, thentake it out of its hinges by pulling ittoward you.

The under-hood fuse box is locatedin the back of the engine compart-ment on the passenger's side. Toopen it, push the tabs as shown.


INTERIOR

COVER

UNDER-HOOD TAB

Fuses

Checking and Replacing FusesIf something electrical in your carstops working, the first thing youshould check for is a blown fuse.Determine from the chart on pages299 and 300, or the diagram on thefuse box lid, which fuse or fusescontrol that component. Check thosefuses first, but check all the fusesbefore deciding that a blown fuse isnot the cause. Replace any blownfuses and check the component'soperation.

1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK(0). Make sure the headlights andall other accessories are off.

2. Remove the cover from the fusebox.

FUSE

3. Check each of the large fuses inthe under-hood fuse box bylooking through the top at the wireinside. Removing these fusesrequires a Phillips-head screw-driver.

4. Check the smaller fuses in theunder-hood fuse box and all thefuses in the interior fuse boxes bypulling out each fuse with the fusepuller provided in the under-hoodfuse box.

CONTINUED


BLOWN

FUSE PULLER

Fuses

5. Look for a burned wire inside thefuse. If it is burned, replace it withone of the spare fuses of the samerating or lower.

If you cannot drive the car withoutfixing the problem, and you do nothave a spare fuse, take a fuse of thesame rating or a lower rating fromone of the other circuits. Make sureyou can do without that circuittemporarily (such as the accessorypower socket or radio).If you replace the blown fuse with aspare fuse that has a lower rating, itmight blow out again. This does notindicate anything wrong. Replace thefuse with one of the correct rating assoon as you can.

Replacing a fuse with one that has ahigher rating greatly increases thechances of damaging the electricalsystem. If you do not have a replace-ment fuse with the proper rating for thecircuit, install one with a lower rating.

6. If the replacement fuse of thesame rating blows in a short time,there is probably a seriouselectrical problem in your car.Leave the blown fuse in thatcircuit and have your car checkedby a qualified mechanic.

On EX and EX-V6 modelsIf the radio fuse is removed, theaudio system will disable itself. Thenext time you turn on the radio youwill see "Code" in the frequencydisplay. Use the Preset buttons toenter the five-digit code (see page156).


BLOWNNOTICE

Fuses

INTERIOR FUSE BOXDriver's Side

* : On Canadian models

Passenger's Side

* 1 : EX, EX-V6

* 2 : LX-V6, EX, EX-V6

* 3 : Canadian models

* 4 : U.S. models except LX CONTINUED


FrontFront

Fuses

UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX

* 1: EX-V6 in Canada

* 2 : EX, EX-V6


Emergency Towing

If your car needs to be towed, call aprofessional towing service or, if youbelong to one, an organization thatprovides roadside assistance. Nevertow your car behind another vehiclewith just a rope or chain. It is verydangerous.

There are three popular types ofprofessional towing equipment.

Flat-bed Equipment — The operatorloads your car on the back of a truck.This is the best way to transportyour Honda.

Wheel-Lift Equipment — The towtruck uses two pivoting arms that gounder the tires (front or rear) and liftthem off the ground. The other twotires remain on the ground. This isan acceptable way to tow yourHonda.

Sling-type Equipment — The towtruck uses metal cables with hookson the ends. These hooks go aroundparts of the frame or suspension andthe cables lift that end of the car offthe ground. Your car's suspensionand body can be seriously damaged.This method of towing isunacceptable.

If your Honda cannot be transportedby flat-bed, it should be towed bywheel-lift equipment with the frontwheels off the ground. If due todamage, your car must be towedwith the front wheels on the ground,do the following:

5-speed Manual TransmissionRelease the parking brake.Shift the transmission to Neutral.

Automatic Transmission:Release the parking brake.Start the engine.Shift to D4, then to N.Turn off the engine.

Improper towing preparation willdamage the transmission. Follow theabove procedure exactly. If you cannotshift the transmission or start theengine (automatic transmission), yourcar must be transported with the frontwheels off the ground.

With the front wheels on the ground,it is best to tow the car no fartherthan 50 miles (80 km), and keep thespeed below 35 mph (55 km/h).

CONTINUED


NOTICE

Emergency Towing

If you decide to tow your car with allfour wheels on the ground, makesure you use a properly-designed andattached tow bar. Prepare the car fortowing as described above, and leavethe ignition switch in Accessory (I)so the steering wheel does not lock.Make sure the radio and any itemsplugged into the accessory powersocket are turned off so they do notrun down the battery.

The steering wheel system can bedamaged if the steering wheel is locked.Leave the ignition switch in Accessory(I), and make sure the steering wheelturns freely before you begin towing.

Trying to lift or tow your car by thebumpers will cause serious damage.The bumpers are not designed tosupport the car's weight.


NOTICE

NOTICE

Technical Information

The diagrams in this section giveyou the dimensions and capacities ofyour Honda, and the locations of theidentification numbers. The expla-nations of several electronic andmechanical systems on your Hondaare for the more technically-orientedowner.

Identification Numbers................. 304Specifications

(4-cylinder Models)................... 306Specifications

(6-cylinder Models)................... 308DOT Tire Quality Grading

(U.S. Cars)............................. 310Treadwear.................................. 310Traction....................................... 310Temperature.............................. 311

Oxygenated Fuels.......................... 312Driving in Foreign Countries....... 313

Emissions Controls........................ 314The Clean Air Act...................... 314Crankcase Emissions Control

System..................................... 314Evaporative Emissions Control

System..................................... 314Onboard Refueling Vapor

Recovery................................. 314Exhaust Emissions Controls.... 315

PGM-FI System..................... 315Ignition Timing Control

System................................. 315Exhaust Gas Recirculation

(EGR) System.................... 315Three Way Catalytic

Converter............................ 315Replacement Parts..................... 315

Three Way Catalytic Converter... 316


Identification Numbers

Your car has several identifyingnumbers located in various places.

The Vehicle Identification Number(VIN) is the 17-digit number yourHonda dealer uses to register yourcar for warranty purposes. It is alsonecessary for licensing and insuringyour car. The easiest place to findthe VIN is on a plate fastened to thetop of the dashboard. You can see itby looking through the windshieldon the driver's side. It is also on theCertification label attached to thedriver's doorjamb, and is stamped onthe engine compartment bulkhead.The VIN is also provided in bar codeon the Certification label.


CERTIFICATION LABEL

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

Identification Numbers

The Engine Number is stamped intothe engine block. It is on the front.

The Transmission Number is on alabel on top of the transmission.


4 cylinder ModelsAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NUMBER

ENGINE NUMBER

6-cylinder ModelsENGINE NUMBER

MANUALTRANSMISSIONNUMBER

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NUMBER

* 1 : Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in theengine.Reserve tank capacity:0.16 US gal (0.6 , 0.13 Imp gal)

* 2 : Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.


Specifications (4-cylinder Models)


page 299

page 300

page 234.


* 1 : Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in theengine.Reserve tank capacity:0.16 US gal (0.6 ,0.13 Imp gal)

* 2 : Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.



* 1 : EX-V6* 2 : LX-V6


page 299

page 300

page 237.

DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Cars)

The tires on your vehicle meet allU.S. Federal Safety Requirements.All tires are also graded fortread wear, traction, and temperatureperformance according toDepartment of Transportation(DOT) standards. The followingexplains these gradings.

Uniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found whereapplicable on the tire sidewallbetween the tread shoulder and themaximum section width. Forexample:

Treadwear 200Traction AATemperature A

TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a compara-tive rating based on the wear rate ofthe tire when tested under controlledconditions on a specified governmenttest course. For example, a tiregraded 150 would wear one and onehalf (1-1/2) times as well on thegovernment course as a tire graded100. The relative performance oftires depends upon the actual condi-tions of their use, however, and maydepart significantly from the normdue to variations in driving habits,service practices, and differences inroad characteristics and climate.

TractionThe traction grades, from highest tolowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Thosegrades represent the tire's ability tostop on wet pavement as measuredunder controlled conditions onspecified government test surfaces ofasphalt and concrete. A tire marked Cmay have poor traction performance.

Warning: The traction grade assignedto this tire is based on straight-aheadbraking traction tests, and does notinclude acceleration, cornering,hydroplaning, or peak tractioncharacteristics.


DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Cars)

TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (thehighest), B, and C, representing thetire's resistance to the generation ofheat and its ability to dissipate heatwhen tested under controlledconditions on a specified indoorlaboratory test wheel. Sustained hightemperature can cause the materialof the tire to degenerate and reducetire life, and excessive temperaturecan lead to sudden tire failure. Thegrade C corresponds to a level ofperformance which all passenger cartires must meet under the FederalMotor Vehicle Safety Standard No.109. Grades B and A representhigher levels of performance on thelaboratory test wheel than theminimum required by law.

Warning: The temperature grade forthis tire is established for a tire thatis properly inflated and not over-loaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-tion, or excessive loading eitherseparately or in combination, cancause heat build-up and possible tirefailure.


Oxygenated Fuels

Some conventional gasolines arebeing blended with alcohol or anether compound. These gasolinesare collectively referred to asoxygenated fuels. To meet clean airstandards, some areas of the UnitedStates and Canada use oxygenatedfuels to help reduce emissions.

If you use an oxygenated fuel, besure it is unleaded and meets theminimum octane rating requirement.

Before using an oxygenated fuel, tryto confirm the fuel's contents. Somestates/provinces require thisinformation to be posted on thepump.

The following are the U.S. EPA andCanadian CGSB approvedpercentages of oxygenates:

ETHANOL (ethyl or grain alcohol)You may use gasoline containing upto 10 percent ethanol by volume.

Gasoline containing ethanol may bemarketed under the name "Gasohol."

MTBE (Methyl Tertiary ButylEther)You may use gasoline containing upto 15 percent MTBE by volume.

METHANOL (methyl or woodalcohol)Your vehicle was not designed touse fuel that contains methanol.Methanol can corrode metal parts inthe fuel system, and also damageplastic and rubber components. Thisdamage would not be covered byyour warranties.

If you notice any undesirableoperating symptoms, try anotherservice station or switch to anotherbrand of gasoline.

Fuel system damage or performanceproblems resulting from the use ofan oxygenated fuel containing morethan the percentages of oxygenatesgiven above are not covered underwarranty.


Driving in Foreign Countries


If you are planning to take yourHonda outside the U.S. or Canada,contact the tourist bureaus in theareas you will be traveling in to findout about the availability of unleadedgasoline with the proper octanerating.

If unleaded gasoline is not available,be aware that using leaded gasolinein your Honda will affect perfor-mance and fuel mileage, and damageits emissions controls. It will nolonger comply with U.S. andCanadian emissions regulations, andwill be illegal to operate in NorthAmerica. To bring your car back intocompliance will require the replace-ment of several components, such asthe oxygen sensors and the threeway catalytic converter. These re-placements are not covered underwarranty.

Emissions Controls

The burning of gasoline in your car'sengine produces several byproducts.Some of these are carbon monoxide(CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) andhydrocarbons (HC). Gasolineevaporating from the tank alsoproduces hydrocarbons. Controllingthe production of NOx, CO, and HCis important to the environment.Under certain conditions of sunlightand climate, NOx and HC react toform photochemical "smog." Carbonmonoxide does not contribute tosmog creation, but it is a poisonousgas.

The Clean Air ActThe United States Clean Air Act*sets standards for automobileemissions. It also requires thatautomobile manufacturers explain toowners how their emissions controlswork and what to do to maintainthem. This section summarizes howthe emissions controls work.Scheduled maintenance is on page202.

* In Canada, Honda vehicles complywith the Canadian Motor VehicleSafety Standards (CMVSS) forEmissions valid at the time they aremanufactured.

Crankcase Emissions ControlSystemYour car has a Positive CrankcaseVentilation System. This keepsgasses that build up in the engine'scrankcase from going into theatmosphere. The Positive CrankcaseVentilation valve routes them from

the crankcase back to the intakemanifold. They are then drawn intothe engine and burned.

Evaporative Emissions ControlSystemAs gasoline evaporates in the fueltank, an evaporative emissionscontrol canister filled with charcoaladsorbs the vapor. It is stored in thiscanister while the engine is off. Afterthe engine is started and warmed up,the vapor is drawn into the engineand burned during driving.

Onboard Refueling VaporRecoveryThe Onboard Refueling VaporRecovery (ORVR) system capturesthe fuel vapors during refueling. Thevapors are adsorbed in a canisterfilled with activated carbon. Whiledriving, the fuel vapors are drawninto the engine and burned off.


Emissions Controls

Exhaust Emissions ControlsThe exhaust emissions controlsinclude four systems: PGM-FI,Ignition Timing Control, ExhaustGas Recirculation and Three WayCatalytic Converter. These foursystems work together to control theengine's combustion and minimizethe amount of HC, CO, and NOx thatcomes out the tailpipe. The exhaustemissions control systems areseparate from the crankcase andevaporative emissions controlsystems.

PGM-FI SystemThe PGM-FI System uses sequentialmultiport fuel injection.It has three subsystems: Air Intake,Engine Control, and Fuel Control.The Engine Control Module (ECM)/Powertrain Control Module (PCM-A /T only) uses various sensors todetermine how much air is goinginto the engine. It then controls howmuch fuel to inject under all

operating conditions.

Ignition Timing Control SystemThis system constantly adjusts theignition timing, reducing the amountof HC, CO and NOx produced.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)SystemThe Exhaust Gas Recirculation(EGR) system takes some of theexhaust gas and routes it back intothe intake manifold. Adding exhaustgas to the air/fuel mixture reducesthe amount of NOx produced whenthe fuel is burned.

Three Way Catalytic ConverterThe three way catalytic converter isin the exhaust system. Throughchemical reactions, it converts HC,CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaustto carbon dioxide (C02), dinitrogen(N2), and water vapor.

Replacement PartsThe emissions control systems aredesigned and certified to work to-gether in reducing emissions tolevels that comply with the Clean AirAct. To make sure the emissionsremain low, you should use only newGenuine Honda replacement parts ortheir equivalent for repairs. Usinglower quality parts may increase theemissions from your car.

The emissions control systems arecovered by warranties separate fromthe rest of your car. Read yourwarranty manual for more informa-tion.


Three Way Catalytic Converter

The three way catalytic convertercontains precious metals that serveas catalysts, promoting chemicalreactions to convert the exhaustgasses without affecting the metals.The catalytic converter is referred toas a three-way catalyst, since it actson HC, CO, and NOx. A replacementunit must be an original Honda partor its equivalent.

The three way catalytic convertermust operate at a high temperaturefor the chemical reactions to takeplace. It can set on fire any com-bustible materials that come near it.Park your car away from high grass,dry leaves, or other flammables.

A defective three way catalyticconverter contributes to air pollution,and can impair your engine's per-formance. Follow these guidelines toprotect your car's three way catalyticconverter.

Always use unleaded gasoline.Even a small amount of leadedgasoline can contaminate thecatalyst metals, making the threeway catalytic converter ineffective.

Keep the engine tuned-up.

Have your car diagnosed andrepaired if it is misfiring, back-firing, stalling, or otherwise notrunning properly.


THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER

Warranty and Customer Relations

Customer RelationsInformation................................. 318

U.S. Zone Office Map.................... 319Canada Zone Office Map.............. 320Warranty Coverages..................... 321Reporting Safety Defects

(U.S. Vehicles)........................... 322Authorized Manuals...................... 323


Customer Relations Information

Honda dealership personnel aretrained professionals. They shouldbe able to answer all your questions.If you encounter a problem that yourdealership does not solve to yoursatisfaction, please discuss it withthe dealership's management. TheService Manager or GeneralManager can help. Almost allproblems are solved in this way.

If you are dissatisfied with thedecision made by the dealership'smanagement, contact your HondaCustomer Relations Zone Office.Refer to the U.S. and Canadian ZoneOffice maps on the following pages.

When you call or write, please giveus this information:

Vehicle Identification Number(see page 304)Name and address of the dealerwho services your carDate of purchaseMileage on your carYour name, address, and tele-phone numberA detailed description of theproblemName of the dealer who sold thecar to you


U.S. Zone Office Map

The addresses and telephone numbers are subject to change. If you cannotreach your Zone office, ask your Honda dealer for the current information.

Western ZoneP.O. Box 2260

700 Van Ness AvenueTorrance, California90509-2260(310) 781-4565

Northwestern ZoneP.O. Box20186

12439 N.E. Airport WayPortland, Oregon 97230(503) 256-0943(also includes Alaska andHawaii)

South Central Zone4529 Royal Lane

Irving, Texas 75063(972) 929-5481

Central Zone101 South Stanfield Road

Troy, Ohio 45373(937) 332-6250

Northeastern ZoneP.O. Box 337

Eastgate industrial Park115 Gaither DriveMoorestown, New Jersey 08057(609) 235-5533Includes: NYC Metro area andFairfield County, CT area

Mid-Atlantic Zone902 Wind River Ln., Suite 200

Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878(301) 990-2020

Southeastern Zone1500 Morrison Parkway

Alpharetta, Georgia 30004(770) 442-2045

North Central Zone601 Campus Drive, Suite A-9

Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004(847) 870-5600

New England Zone555 O!d County Road

Windsor Locks, Connecticut 06096(860) 623-3310See Zone 5 for:NYC Metro area andFairfield County, CT area

West Central Zone1600 South Abilene Street, Suite D

Aurora, Colorado 80012(303) 696-3935

Puerto Rico and U.S. V.I.Bella International

P.O. Box 190816San Juan, PR 00919-0816(787) 250-4318


Canada Zone Office Map

CUSTOMER RELATIONSRELATIONS AVEC LA CLIENTELE

Honda Canada Inc.715 Milner AvenueToronto, ONM1B 2K8

Tel: 1-888-9-HONDA-9

Fax: Toll-free 1-877-939-0909Toronto (416) 287-4776


Honda Canada Inc.National Office

Warranty Coverages

U.S. OwnersYour new Honda is covered by thesewarranties:

New Car Limited Warranty — coversyour new vehicle, except for thebattery, emissions control systemsand accessories, against defects inmaterials and workmanship.

Emissions Control Systems DefectsWarranty and EmissionsPerformance Warranty — these twowarranties cover your vehicle's emis-sions control systems. Time, mileage,and coverage are conditional Pleaseread the warranty manual for exactinformation.

Original Equipment Battery LimitedWarranty — this warranty gives upto 100 percent credit toward areplacement battery.

Seat Belt Limited Warranty — a seatbelt that fails to function properly iscovered for the useful life of thevehicle.

Rust Perforation Limited Warranty— all exterior body panels arecovered for rust-through from theinside for the specified time periodwith no mileage limit.

Accessory Limited Warranty —Genuine Honda Accessories arecovered under this warranty. Timeand mileage limits depend on thetype of accessory and other factors.Please read your warranty manualfor details.

Replacement Parts LimitedWarranty — covers all GenuineHonda replacement parts againstdefects in materials and workman-ship.

Replacement Battery LimitedWarranty — provides proratedcoverage for a replacement batterypurchased from a Honda dealer.

Replacement Muffler LifetimeLimited Warranty — providescoverage for as long as the pur-chaser of the muffler owns the car.

Restrictions and exclusions apply toall these warranties. Please read the2000 Honda Warranty Informationbooklet that came with your car forprecise information on warrantycoverages. Your Honda's originaltires are covered by theirmanufacturer. Tire warranty infor-mation is in a separate booklet.

Canadian OwnersPlease refer to the 2000 WarrantyManual that came with your car.


Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Vehicles)

If you believe that your vehicle has adefect which could cause a crash orcould cause injury or death, youshould immediately inform theNational Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration (NHTSA) in additionto notifying American Honda MotorCo., Inc.

If NHTSA receives similar com-plaints, it may open an investigation,and if it finds that a safety defectexists in a group of vehicles, it mayorder a recall and remedy campaign.However, NHTSA cannot becomeinvolved in individual problemsbetween you, your dealer, orAmerican Honda Motor Co., Inc.

To contact NHTSA, you may eithercall the Auto Safety Hotline toll-freeat 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 inWashington D.C. area) or write to:NHTSA, U.S. Department ofTransportation, Washington,D.C. 20590. You can also obtainother information about motorvehicle safety from the Hotline.


Authorized Manuals

Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals(U.S. only)The following publications covering the operation andservicing of your vehicle can be obtained from HelmIncorporated, either by filling out the attached form or,for credit card holders, calling the toll-free phone numberon the form. For manuals prior to the year shown below,contact Helm Incorporated, P.O. Box 07280, Detroit,Michigan 48207, or call 1-800-782-4356.

Valid only for sales within the U.S. Canadian owners shouldcontact their authorized Honda dealer.

By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You canpay by check or money order, or charge to your credit card. Mail toHelm Incorporated at the address shown on the back of the order form.

61S8005

61S8006

61S8005EL

61S8030

31S82620

HON-R

Authorized Manuals

P.O. BOX 07280 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207 1-800-782-4356

Service Manual:This manual covers maintenance and recommendedprocedures for repair to engine and chassis components.It is written for the Journeyman mechanic, but is simpleenough for most mechanically-inclined owners to under-stand.

Electrical Troubleshooting Manual:This manual complements the Service Manual byproviding in-depth troubleshooting information for eachelectrical circuit in your vehicle.

Body Repair Manual:This manual describes the procedures involved in thereplacement of damaged body parts.

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

Index

Accessories and Modifications.... 168Accessories................................. 168Additional Safety Precaution.... 169Modifications............................. 169

ACCESSORY (Ignition KeyPosition)....................................... 76

Accessory Power Socket.............. 105Adding

Automatic TransmissionFluid........................................ 225

Brake Fluid................................. 228Clutch Fluid................................ 229Engine Coolant........................... 217Engine Oil................................... 212Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 227Power Steering Fluid................. 230Windshield Washer Fluid......... 224

Additional Information AboutYour Airbags............................ 48

Additional Safety Precautions.... 48Airbag Service.............................. 48

Additional Information AboutYour Front Airbags................. 43

How Your Front AirbagsWork......................................... 43

How Your SRS Indicator LightWorks........................................ 45

SRS Components......................... 43Additional Information About

Your Seat Belts........................ 40Lap/Shoulder Belts..................... 40Seat Belt Maintenance................ 42Seat Belt System Components... 40

Additional Information AboutYour Side Airbags.................... 46

How the Side Airbag IndicatorLight Works............................. 47

How Your Side Airbags Work.... 46Additives, Engine Oil..................... 214Adjustments

Headlights.................................. 254Head Restraints........................... 92Mirrors.......................................... 99Seats.............................................. 87Steering Wheel............................ 68

Airbag (SRS)............................... 9, 43Air Cleaner Element...................... 231

Air Conditioning Filter.................. 244Air Conditioning System.......110, 117

Maintenance............................... 243Usage................................. 113, 119

Air Outlets (Vents)............... 112, 117Air Pressure, Tires........................ 246Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 312Antifreeze...................................... 217Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

Indicator Light.................... 55, 187Operation.................................... 186

Anti-theft Steering Column Lock .. 75Appearance Care........................... 267Audio System........................ 125, 137Automatic Lighting Off Feature.... 63Automatic Speed Control................ 69Automatic Transmission............... 178

Capacity, Fluid.................. 306, 308Checking Fluid Level................ 225Shifting........................................ 179Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 179Shift Lever Positions................. 179Shift Lock Release..................... 182

CONTINUED

Index

BatteryCharging System

Indicator............................ 54, 292Jump Starting............................. 285Maintenance............................... 238Specifications..................... 307, 309

Before Driving............................... 159Belts, Seat..................................... 8, 40Beverage Holder............................ 102Body Repair.................................... 273Brakes

Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 186Break-in, New Linings .............. 160Fluid........................................... 228Light, Burned-out.............. 259, 260Parking........................................ 100System Indicator.................. 54, 294Wear Indicators......................... 185

Brakes, ABSOperation.................................... 186System Indicator.................. 55, 187

Braking System.............................. 185Break-in, New Vehicle .................. 160Brightness Control, Instruments... 64

Brights, Headlights......................... 62Bulb Replacement

Back-up Lights........................... 260Brake Lights ...................... 259, 260Ceiling Light............................... 264Courtesy Light........................... 264Front Parking Lights................. 258Front Side Marker Lights......... 257Headlights.................................. 255High-mount Brake Light.......... 262License Plate Lights.................. 263Rear Side Marker Lights.......... 261Specifications..................... 307, 309Spotlight...................................... 264Trunk Light................................ 265Turn Signal Lights..................... 257

Bulbs, Halogen............................... 255

Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 285Capacities Chart.................... 306, 308Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49Carrying Cargo.............................. 170Cassette Player

Care............................................. 154

Operation............................130, 151CAUTION, Explanation of.............. iiCD Changer.......................... 133, 147CD Player...............................133, 145Ceiling Light................................... 106Center Pocket................................ 105Certification Label........................ 304Chains............................................. 251Change Oil

How to........................................ 214When to....................................... 202

Changing a Flat Tire..................... 277Changing Engine Coolant............. 219Charging System Indicator.... 54, 292Checking

Automatic TransmissionFluid....................................... 225

Battery Condition...................... 238Brake Fluid................................. 228Clutch Fluid................................ 229Drive Belts.................................. 244Engine Coolant........................... 166Engine Oil................................... 164Fuses........................................... 297Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 227Power Steering Fluid................. 230

Index

Checklist, Before Driving............. 174Child Safety...................................... 20Cleaner Element, Air..................... 231Cleaning

Aluminum Wheels..................... 269Carpeting.................................... 270Exterior....................................... 262Fabric.......................................... 270Interior........................................ 270Leather........................................ 270Seat Belts.................................... 271Vinyl........................................... 270Windows..................................... 271

Climate Control System................ 117Clock, Setting the.......................... 101Clutch Fluid.................................... 229Coin Box......................................... 105CO in the Exhaust......................... 314Cold Weather, Starting in............. 176Compact Spare............................... 276Console Compartment................. 103Consumer Information*......... 318Controls, Instruments and . . . . . . . . 51Coolant

Adding......................... 217Checking........................ 166

Proper Solution.......................... 217Replacing.................................... 219Temperature Gauge.............. 59

Corrosion Protection.................... 272Courtesy Lights............................. 107Crankcase Emissions Control

System..................... 314Cruise Control Operation............... 69Customer Relations Office...... 319

DANGER, Explanation of................. iiDashboard................................... 2, 52Daytime Running Lights............. 63Dead Battery, What to Do............ 285Defects, Reporting Safety....... 322Defogger, Rear Window........... 67Defrosting the Windows....115, 123DEXRON® III Automatic

Transmission Fluid.................... 226Dimensions.............. 306, 308Dimming the Headlights................ 62Dipstick

Automatic Transmission......... 225Engine Oil................................... 164

Directional Signals............. 64Disabled, Towing Your

Car If........................................... 301Disc Brake Wear Indicators.... 185Disposal of Used Oil...................... 216Doors

Locking and Unlocking.......... 76Monitor Light..................... 56Power Door Locks....................... 76

DOT Tire Quality Grading........ 310Downshifting, 5-speed Manual

Transmission................. 176Drive Belts..................................... 244Driver and Passenger S a f e t y . . . .5Driving............................................ 173

Economy................... 167In Bad Weather.............. 188In Foreign Countries......... 313

Economy, Fuel................ 167Emergencies on the Road......... 275

Battery, Jump S ta r t i ng . . . . . .. 285

CONTINUED

Index

Emergencies on the RoadBrake System Indicator............ 294Changing a Flat Tire................. 277Charging System Indicator...... 292Checking the Fuses................... 296Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 291Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 293Manually Closing Moonroof.... 295Overheated Engine................... 288

Emergency Brake.......................... 100Emergency Flashers....................... 66Emissions Controls........................ 314Engine

Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 59Drive Belts.................................. 244Malfunction Indicator

Lamp................................. 55, 293Oil Pressure Indicator......... 54, 291Oil, What Kind to Use............... 212Overheating................................ 288Specifications..................... 307, 309

Ethanol in Gasoline....................... 312Evaporative Emissions Controls.. 314Exhaust Fumes................................ 49Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat

Belts by......................................... 18

Exterior, Cleaning the................... 268

Fabric, Cleaning............................. 270Fan, Interior...........................110, 121Features, Comfort and

Convenience............................... 109Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 161Filters

Air Cleaner................................. 231Air Conditioning........................ 244Oil................................................ 214

First Gear, Shifting........................ 1825-speed Manual Transmission

Checking Fluid Level................ 2275-speed Manual Transmission

Shifting the................................. 177Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 66Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 277Fluids

Automatic Transmission........... 225Brake........................................... 228Clutch.......................................... 229Manual Transmission............... 227Power Steering........................... 230

Windshield Washer................... 224FM Stereo Radio

Reception............................126, 138Folding Rear Seat............................ 93Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 313Four-way Flashers........................... 66Front End, Towing by

Emergency Wrecker................. 301Fuel.................................................. 160

Fill Door and Cap....................... 161Gauge............................................ 59Octane Requirement................. 160Oxygenated................................ 312Reserve Indicator......................... 57Tank, Filling the......................... 161

Fuses, Checking the...................... 296

Gas Mileage, Improving................ 167Gasohol........................................... 312Gasoline.......................................... 160

Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 57Gauge............................................ 59Octane Requirement................. 160Tank, Filling the......................... 161

Index

Gas Station Procedures................. 161Gauges

Engine Coolant Temperature .... 59Fuel............................................... 59

Gearshift Lever PositionsAutomatic Transmission........... 1795-speed Manual

Transmission.......................... 177Glass Cleaning............................... 271Glove Box......................................... 82

Halogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 255Hazard Warning Flashers............... 66Headlights......................................... 62

Aiming......................................... 254Automatic Lighting Off............... 63Daytime Running Lights............. 63High Beam Indicator................... 57High Beams, Turning on............ 62Low Beams, Turning on............. 62Reminder Chime.......................... 62Replacing Halogen Bulbs ......... 255Turning on.................................... 62

Head Restraints............................... 92

Heating and Cooling...................... 110High Altitude, Starting at.............. 176High-Low Beam Switch .................. 62HomeLink Universal

Transmitter.................................. 83Hood Latch..................................... 233Hood, Opening the........................ 162Horn................................................... 61Hot Coolant, Warning About........ 217Hydraulic Clutch............................ 229Hydroplaning.................................. 189

Identification Number, Vehicle.... 304If Your Car Has to be Towed....... 301Ignition

Keys............................................... 72Switch............................................ 75Timing Control System............. 315

Immobilizer System......................... 73Important Safety Precautions .......... 6Indicator Lights, Instrument

Panel.............................................. 53Infant Restraint................................ 20Inflation, Proper Tire .................... 246

Inside Mirror.................................... 99Inspection,Tire.............................. 247Instrument Panel.........................3, 52Instrument Panel Brightness......... 64Interior Cleaning............................ 270Interior Lights................................ 106Introduction......................................... i

Jacking up the Car......................... 278Jack, Tire........................................ 277Jump Starting................................. 285

Keys................................................... 72

Label, Certification........................ 304Lane Change, Signaling.................. 64Lap/Shoulder Belts................... 15, 40Leaking of Exhaust into Vehicle ... 49

CONTINUED

Index

LightsBulb Replacement..................... 255Indicator........................................ 53Parking.......................................... 62Turn Signal................................... 64

Load Limit...................................... 171LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....... 75Lockout Prevention......................... 77Locks

Anti-theft Steering Column........ 75Fuel Fill Door............................. 161Glove Box..................................... 82Power Door.................................. 76Trunk............................................ 81

Low Coolant Level......................... 166Lower Gear, Downshifting to a.... 177Low Oil Pressure Indicator... 54, 291Lubricant Specifications

Chart................................... 306, 308Luggage.......................................... 170

Required Indicator....................... 60Safety........................................... 198Schedule.............................. 202-206

Malfunction Indicator Lamp. 55, 293Manual Transmission.................... 177Manual Transmission Fluid ......... 227Meters, Gauges................................ 58Methanol in Gasoline.................... 312Mirrors, Adjusting........................... 99Moonroof.......................................... 98

Closing Manually....................... 295Operation...................................... 98

Neutral Gear Position.................... 181New Vehicle Break-in ................... 160Normal Shift Speeds...................... 178NOTICE, Explanation of............... iNumbers, Identification................ 304

Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 160Odometer.......................................... 58Odometer, Trip................................ 59

OilChange, How to ......................... 214Change, When to....................... 202Checking Engine....................... 164Pressure Indicator............... 54, 291Selecting Proper Viscosity

Chart....................................... 213Onboard Refueling Vapor

Recovery..................................... 314ON (Ignition Key Position)............ 76Opening the Hood......................... 162Operation in Foreign Countries... 313Outside Mirrors............................... 99Overheating, Engine..................... 288Owner Maintenance Checks........ 209

Paint Touch-up............................... 269Panel Brightness Control............... 64Park Gear Position......................... 180Parking............................................ 184Parking Brake................................ 100Parking Lights.................................. 62Parking Over Things that Burn... 184PGM-FI System.............................. 315

Maintenance................................... 197Owner Maintenance Checks.... 209Record.................................. 207-208

Index

Polishing and Waxing................... 269Power

Door Locks................................... 76Mirrors.......................................... 99Seats.............................................. 89Steering....................................... 230Windows....................................... 96

Pre-Drive Safety Checklist............. 11Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 18Proper Seat Belt Usage................... 15Protecting Adults............................. 12

Additional Safety Precautions.... 18Advice for Pregnant Women...... 18

Protecting Children......................... 20Protecting Infants........................ 28Protecting Larger Children........ 35Protecting Small Children.......... 32Using Child Seats with

Tethers...................................... 39

Radiator Overheating.................... 288Radio/Cassette Sound System.... 125Radio/CD Sound System.............. 137Rear End Towing........................... 301

Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 259Rear Seat Access ............................. 91Rear Seat, Folding........................... 93Rear View Mirror............................. 99Rear Window Defogger.................. 67Reclining the Seat Backs.......... 87, 90Recommended Shift Speeds ........ 178Reminder Lights.............................. 53Remote Audio Controls................. 155Remote Transmitter........................ 78Replacement Information

Air Cleaner Element.................. 231Coolant........................................ 219Engine Oil and Filter................. 214Fuses........................................... 296Light Bulbs................................. 255Schedule.............................. 200-206Spark Plugs ....................... 233, 235Timing Belt................................. 245Tires............................................ 249Wiper Blades.............................. 241

Replacing Seat Belts After aCrash............................................. 42

Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant.... 166Restraint, Child................................ 20Reverse Gear Position................... 180

Rotation, Tire................................. 249

Safety Belts.................................. 8, 40Safety Defects, Reporting* .......... 322Safety Features.................................. 7

Airbags............................................ 9Door Locks................................... 10Head Restraints........................... 10Seat Belts........................................ 8Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10

Safety Labels, Location of.............. 50Safety Messages................................ iiSeat Belt, Additional Information.. 40

Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 40Seat Belt Maintenance................ 42Seat Belt System Components... 40

Seat Belts..................................... 8, 40Cleaning...................................... 271Maintenance................................. 42Reminder Light and

Beeper................................. 40, 54System Components.................... 40

CONTINUED

Index

Seat BeltsTether Attachment Points.......... 39Use During Pregnancy................ 18Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt.... 15

Seats, Adjusting the......................... 87Seat Heaters..................................... 95Security System............................. 157Serial Number................................ 304Service Intervals............................ 202Service Manual* ............................ 323Service Station Procedures.......... 161Setting the Clock........................... 101Shifting

The AutomaticTransmission.......................... 179

The 5-speed ManualTransmission.......................... 177

Shift Lever Position Indicator...... 179Shift Lock Release......................... 182Side Airbags..................................... 46Side Airbag Indicator...................... 47Side Marker Lights, Bulb

Replacement in.......................... 261Signaling Turns................................ 64Snow Tires...................................... 251Solvent-type Cleaners.................... 268

Sound System.........................125, 137Spare Tire

Inflating....................................... 276Specifications..................... 307, 309

Spark Plugs, Replacing......... 233, 235Specifications Charts ............ 306, 308Speed Control................................... 69Speedometer.................................... 58Spotlights........................................ 106SRS, Additional Information........... 43

Additional Safely Precautions.... 48How the SRS Indicator

Works........................................ 45How Your Airbags Work............ 43SRS Components......................... 43SRS Service................................... 48

SRS Indicator.............................. 45, 55START (Ignition Key Position)..... 76Starting the Engine........................ 175

In Cold Weather at HighAltitude................................... 176

With a Dead Battery................. 285Steam Coming from Engine......... 288Steering Wheel

Adjustment................................... 68Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 75

Stereo Sound System........... 125, 137Storing Your Car............................ 266Sunglasses Holder......................... 101Sun Visor......................................... 104Supplemental Restraint

System................................... 9, 43Servicing....................................... 48SRS Indicator.......................... 45, 55System Components.................... 43

Synthetic Oil................................... 214

Tachometer...................................... 58Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 259Taking Care of the Unexpected .. 275Tape Player.............................130, 151Technical Descriptions

Driving in Foreign Countries... 313Emissions Control Systems...... 314Oxygenated Fuels...................... 312Three Way Catalytic

Converter................................ 316Tire Information........................ 310

Temperature Gauge........................ 59Tether Attachment Points.............. 39

Index

Theft Protection............................. 156Three Way Catalytic Converter... 316Time, Setting the........................... 101Timing Belt..................................... 245Tire Chains..................................... 251Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 277Tires................................................ 246

Air Pressure............................... 246Checking Wear.......................... 247Compact Spare........................... 276DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 310Inflation....................................... 246Inspection................................... 247Maintenance............................... 248Replacing.................................... 249Rotating....................................... 249Snow............................................ 251Specifications..................... 307, 309Tire Chains................................. 251Technical Information.............. 310Winter Driving........................... 250

Tools, Tire Changing.................... 277Towing

A Trailer...................................... 190Emergency Wrecker................. 301

TransmissionChecking Fluid Level,

Automatic............................... 225Checking Fluid Level,

Manual.................................... 227Fluid Selection ................... 226, 227Identification Number............... 305Shifting the Automatic.............. 179Shifting the Manual................... 177

Treadwear...................................... 310Trip Meter........................................ 59Trunk................................................. 81

Opening the.................................. 81Open Monitor Light.................... 56

Turn Signals..................................... 64

Underside, Cleaning...................... 272Unexpected, Taking Care

of the........................................... 275Uniform Tire Quality Grading..... 310Unleaded Gasoline......................... 160Upholstery Cleaning...................... 270Used Oil, How to Dispose of........ 216

Vanity Mirror................................. 104Vehicle Capacity Load .................. 171Vehicle Dimensions .............. 306, 308Vehicle Identification Number..... 304Vehicle Storage.............................. 266Ventilation..............................113, 117VIN.................................................. 304Vinyl Cleaning................................ 270Viscosity, Oil................................... 213

Warning BeepersHeadlights on............................... 62Key in Ignition.............................. 76Seat Belts................................ 40, 52

WARNING, Explanation of.............. iiWarning Labels, Location of.......... 50Warranty Coverages*................... 321Washer, Windshield

Checking the Fluid Level......... 224Indicator........................................ 57

CONTINUED

Index

Washer, WindshieldOperation...................................... 66

Washing.......................................... 268Waxing and Polishing................... 269Wheels

Adjusting the Steering................ 68Alignment and Balance............. 248Compact Spare........................... 276Wrench....................................... 277

WindowsCleaning...................................... 271Operating the Power................... 96Rear, Defogger............................ 67

WindshieldCleaning........................................ 65Defroster........................... 115, 123

Wipers, WindshieldChanging Blades........................ 241Operation...................................... 65

Worn Tires..................................... 247Wrecker, Emergency Towing...... 301

*: U.S. and Canada only

Service Information Summary

Gasoline:Unleaded gasoline, pump octanenumber of 86 or higher.

Fuel Tank Capacity:17.12 US gal (64.8 l,14.26 Imp gal)

Recommended Engine Oil:API Service SJ "EnergyConserving" oil, SAE 5W-30viscosity (see page 212).

Oil change capacity (includingfilter):

LX, EX4.5 US qt (4.3 l, 3.8 Imp qt)

LX-V6, EX-V64.6 US qt (4.4 l, 3.9 Imp qt)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:Honda Premium FormulaAutomatic Transmission Fluidpreferred, or a DEXRON® III ATFas a temporary replacement (seepage 226).

5-speed Manual TransmissionFluid:Honda Manual TransmissionFluid preferred, or an API serviceSG, SH or SJ, SAE 10W-30 or10W-40 motor oil as a temporaryreplacement (see page 227 ).

Capacity:2.0 US qt (1.9 l,1.7 Imp qt)

Power Steering Fluid:Genuine Honda Power SteeringFluid preferred, or another brandof power steering fluid as atemporary replacement. Do notuse ATF (see page 230 ).

Brake Fluid:Genuine Honda DOT 3 Brake Fluidpreferred, or a DOT 3 or DOT 4brake fluid as a temporaryreplacement (see page 228).

Tire Pressure (measured cold):LX, EXFront/Rear:

29 psi (200 kPa , 2.0 kgf/cm2)

LX-V6Front/Rear:

30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 kgf/cm2)

EX-V6Front/Rear:

32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm2)

Spare Tire:60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm2)

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