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2000 Civic Hatchback 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 ................................................................................................................. 51Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls. Comfort and Convenience Features .............................................................................................. . 77How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features. Before Driving.................................................................................................................................. . 99What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo. Driving .............................................................................................................................................. 113The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer. Maintenance ..................................................................................................................................... 129The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer. Appearance Care.............................................................................................................................. 183Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs. Taking Care of the Unexpected ...................................................................................................... 189This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them. Technical Information..................................................................................................................... 213ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information. Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada) ................................................................ 225A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us. Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...................................................................................................... 231How 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

Owner's Identification

OWNER

ADDRESSSTREET

CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/POSTAL CODE

V. I. N.

DELIVERY DATE

DEALER NAME

ADDRESS

(Date sold to original retail purchaser)

DEALER NO.

STREET

CITY

OWNER'S SIGNATURE

DEALER'S SIGNATURE

STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/POSTAL CODE

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 effect 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.

Introduction

Congratulations ! Your selection of a 2000 Honda Civic 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.

ldc

s

Your Car at a Glance

HEATING/COOLINGCONTROLS(P. 78)

AUDIO SYSTEM (P. 86)DIGITAL CLOCK(P. 91)

DOOR LOCK(P. 68)

FUEL FILLDOOR RELEASE(P. 101)

HOOD RELEASEHANDLE(P. 102)

Your Car at a Glance

INSTRUMENT PANELBRIGHTNESS(P. 62)

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS(P. 64)

WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS(P. 63)

REAR WINDOWDEFOGGER(P. 64)

HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS(P. 61,62)

TILT ADJUSTMENT(P. 65)

HORN BUTTONS

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........................................ 8

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

Protecting Adults.............................121. Close and Lock the Doors...... 122. Adjust the Front Seats............ 123. Adjust the Seat-Backs............. 134. Adjust the Head Restraints.... 145. Fasten and Position the Seat

Belts...................................... 156. Adjust the Steering Wheel..... 177. Maintain a Proper Sitting

Position................................. 18Advice for Pregnant Women...... 19Additional Safety Precautions.... 19

Protecting Children......................... 21All Children Must Be

Restrained................................ 21Children Should Sit in the Back

Seat............................................ 22The Passenger's Airbag Poses

Serious Risks to Children....... 22If You Must Drive with Several

Children.................................... 24

If a Child Requires CloseAttention................................... 24

Additional Safety Precaution...... 24General Guidelines for Using

Child Seats................................ 25Protecting Infants........................ 29Protecting Small Children.......... 33Protecting Larger Children........ 37Using Child Seats with

Tethers...................................... 40Additional Information About Your

Seat Belts.................................. 42Seat Belt System Components... 42Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42Lap Belt......................................... 43Seat Belt Maintenance................ 44

Additional Information About YourSRS............................................ 45

SRS Components......................... 45How Your Airbags Work............ 45How the SRS Indicator Light

Works........................................ 47SRS Service................................... 47Additional Safety Precautions.... 48

Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49Safety Labels.................................... 50


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 21.)

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 page9 .)

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 132 .)


Your Car's Safety Features

* : The passenger's airbag is not available on the Canadian CX model.

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.


(1) Safety Cage(2) Crush Zones(3) Seats & Seat-Backs(4) Head Restraints(5) Collapsible Steering Column(6) Seat Belts(7) Driver's Airbag(8) Passenger's Airbag'(9) Door Locks


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 side andrear impacts and rollovers. (Yourairbag can only be helpful in amoderate to severe frontal

collision.)

Help keep you from being thrownagainst the inside of the vehicleand against other occupants.

Keep you from being thrown outof the vehicle.

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.


Airbags

The passenger's airbag is not availableon the Canadian CX model.Your car has a SupplementalRestraint System (SRS) with frontalairbags to help protect the driver anda front seal passenger.

This system also includesan indicator light on the

instrument panel to alert you to apossible problem with the system.

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

Airbags do not replace seat belts.The seat belts are the occupants'primary protection in all types ofcollisions. The airbags supplementthe seat belts by providing extraprotection for the head and chestof each front seat occupant in amoderate to severe frontalcollision.

Airbags offer no protection in sideimpacts, rear impacts, rollovers,or minor collisions. Airbags aredesigned to deploy only during amoderate to severe frontalcollision.

Airbags can pose serious hazards.To do their job, airbags mustinflate with tremendous force andspeed. So while airbags save lives,they can cause serious injuries toadults and larger children who are

not wearing seat belts, are notwearing them properly, are sittingtoo close to the airbag, or are notsitting in a proper position. Infantsand small children are at an evengreater risk of injury or death.

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


SRS


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 safetyfeatures, 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 21).

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 ).

Both doors and the hatch areclosed and locked (see page 12 ).

All cargo is properly stored orsecured (see page 109 ).

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 37 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.

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 68 for how to lock thedoors.

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 airbag during acrash.


2.Adjust the Front Seats

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 69 for how to adjust thefront seats.

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 airbaginflates.

CONTINUED


3.Adjust the Scat-Backs

Sitting too close to an airbagcan result in serious injury ordeath if the airbags inflate.

Always sit as far back from theairbags as possible.

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 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 70 for how to adjust seat-backs.

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.


4.Adjust the Head Restraints

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.

Protecting Adults

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

See page 70 for how to adjust thehead restraints.

5.Fasten and Position the SeatBelts

Using a Lap/Shoulder BeltInsert 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.

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.

Using the Lap Belt

Insert the latch plate into the bucklemarked CENTER.

If the belt is too short, hold the latchplate at a right angle and pull on theplate to extend the belt. Then insertthe latch plate into the buckle, andtug on the belt to make sure the beltis securely latched.


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

Make sure all seat belts areproperly positioned beforedriving.

Protecting Adults

Position the belt as low as possibleacross your hips. This lets yourstrong pelvic bones take the force ofa crash and reduces the chance ofinternal injuries.

Pull on the loose end of the belt for asnug but comfortable fit.

If a Seat Belt Doesn't Work ProperlyIf 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 42 for additionalinformation about your seat beltsystem and how to take care of yourbelts. 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 65 for how to adjust thesteering wheel.


6.Adjust the Steering Wheel

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 airbag.

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.

chetan mistry

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 vehicle.

We recommend that pregnantwomen use a lap/shoulder beltwhenever possible. Remember tokeep the lap portion of the belt aslow as possible across your 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.

CONTINUED


Protecting Adults

Do not place hard or sharp objectsbetween yourself and an airbag.Carrying hard or sharp objects onyour lap, or driving with a pipe orother sharp object in your mouth,can result in injuries if yourairbags inflate.

Do 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.

Keep your hands and arms awayfrom the airbag covers. If yourhands or arms are close to theairbag covers in the center of thesteering wheel and on top of thedashboard, they could be injured ifthe 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 page25.)

A larger child should always berestrained with a seat belt. (See page37.)


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.

chetan mistry

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 Airbag PosesSerious Risks to ChildrenThe passenger's airbag is not availableon the Canadian CX model.Airbags have been designed to helpprotect adults in a moderate tosevere frontal collision. To do this,the passenger's airbag is quite large,and it inflates with tremendousspeed.

InfantsNever put a rear-facing child seat inthe front seat of a vehicle equippedwith a passenger's airbag. If theairbag inflates, it can hit the back ofthe child seat with enough force tokill or very seriously injure an infant.

Small ChildrenPlacing a forward-facing child seat inthe front seat of a vehicle equippedwith a passenger's airbag can behazardous. If the vehicle seat is toofar forward, or the child's head isthrown forward during a collision, aninflating airbag can strike the childwith enough force to kill or veryseriously injure a small child.

Larger ChildrenChildren who have outgrown childseats are also at risk of being injuredor killed by an inflating passenger'sairbag. Whenever possible, largerchildren should sit in the back seat,properly restrained with a seat belt.(See page 37 for importantinformation about protecting largerchildren.)


Protecting Children

U.S. ModelsTo remind you of the passenger'sairbag hazards, and that childrenmust be properly restrained in theback seat, your car has warninglabels on the dashboard and on thedriver's and front passenger's visors.Please read and follow theinstructions on these labels.

Canadian ModelsThe passenger's airbag is not availableon the Canadian CX model.To remind you of the airbag hazards,your car has warning labels on thedriver's and front passenger's visors.Please read and follow theinstructions on these labels.


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 37).

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 18).

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 airbag, and paying closeattention to a child distracts thedriver from the important tasks ofdriving, placing both 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 PrecautionDo 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 page29 for additional information onprotecting infants.

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 33 foradditional information on protectingsmall children.

CONTINUED


Protecting 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.


Protecting Children

Placing a Child SeatThe passenger's airbag is not availableon the Canadian CX model,This 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 passenger's airbag hazard.

Small children: Not recommended,due to the passenger's airbaghazard. If a small child must ridein front, move the vehicle seat tothe rear-most position and securea front-facing child seat with theseat belt (see page 34 ).

Back SeatsInfants: Recommended positions.

Secure a rear-facing child seatwith the seat belt (see page 30 ).

Small children: Recommendedpositions. Secure a front-facingchild seat with the seat belt (seepage 34).


CONTINUED

Airbags Pose SeriousRisks to Children

The passenger's airbag inflateswith enough force to kill orseriously 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 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 belt or the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. A child whose seatis not properly secured to the carcan be endangered in a crash. Seepages 30 and 34 for instructions onhow to secure child seats in thiscar.

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'sairbag inflates, it can hit the back ofthe child seat with enough force tokill or seriously injure an infant. If aninfant must be closely watched, werecommend that another adult sit inthe back seat with 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.

CONTINUED


Placing a rear-facing child seatin the front seat can result inserious injury or death if theairbags inflate.

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

Protecting Children

Installing a Rear-Facing Child Seatwith a Lap/Shoulder BeltThe lap/shoulder belts in the outerback seats have a lockingmechanism that must be activated tosecure a child seat.

The following pages provideinstructions on how to secure a rear-facing child seat with this type ofseat belt.

See page 32 for how to secure a rear-facing child seat in the center backseat with the lap belt.

For tips on installing a rear-facingchild seat with either type of seatbelt, see page 32 .

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.


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.

CONTINUED


Protecting Children

Installing a Rear-Facing Child Seatwith the Lap Belt

To install a rear-facing child seat inthe center back seat with the lap belt,follow instruction number 1 on page30 for routing and latching the seatbelt. Then pull hard on the loose endof the belt to remove any slack (itmay help to put weight on the childseat while pulling on the belt).Finally, follow instruction number 5on page 31 to verify that the childseat is secure.

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.


Protecting Children

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 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 airbag can behazardous. If the vehicle seat is toofar forward, or the child's head isthrown forward during a collision, aninflating passenger's airbag canstrike the child with enough force tocause very serious or fatal injuries. Ifa small child must be closelywatched, we recommend thatanother adult sit in the back seatwith the child.

CONTINUED


Protecting Children

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.

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder BeltThe lap/shoulder belts in the outerback and front passenger seatingpositions have a locking mechanismthat must be activated to secure achild seat.

The following pages provideinstructions on how to secure aforward-facing child seat with thistype of seat belt.

See page 36 for how to secure aforward-facing child seat in thecenter back seat with the lap 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.


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

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

Protecting Children

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.

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.

CONTINUED


Protecting Children

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

Installing a Child Seat with the LapBelt

To install a forward-facing child seatin the center back seat with the lapbelt, follow instruction number 1 onpage 34 for routing and latching theseat belt. Then pull hard on the looseend of the belt to remove any slack;it may help to put weight on the childseat while pulling on the belt. Finally,follow instruction number 5 on page35 to verify that the child seat issecure.

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 Children

Protecting Larger ChildrenWhen a child reaches therecommended weight or height limitfor a forward-facing child seat, thechild should sit in one of the outerback seats and wear a lap/shoulderbelt. The lap/shoulder belt providesbetter protection than the lap 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.

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.


Allowing a larger child to sitimproperly in the front seat canresult in injury or death if theairbags inflate.

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

CONTINUED

Protecting Children

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 seat belts and increase the chanceof serious injury in a crash.

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

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.


Protecting Children

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 airbagposes serious risks to children. If theseat is too far forward, or the child'shead is thrown forward during acollision, or the child is unrestrainedor out of position, an inflating airbagcan kill or seriously injure the child.

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 37). Ifthe seat belt does not fit properly,the child should not sit in the front.

CONTINUED


Protecting Children

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.

Using Child Seats with Tethers

Your car has three tether anchoragepoints on the trunk lining forsecuring a tether-style child seat tothe car.

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


Protecting Children


Attach the tether strap hook to thetether anchorage point as shown inthe illustration and tighten the strapaccording to the child seat maker'sinstructions.

Additional Information About Your Seat Belts

Seat Belt System ComponentsYour seat belt system includes lap/shoulder belts in the front seats andthe outer back seats, and a lap belt inthe center back seat.

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 lap/shoulder belts have anemergency locking retractor.In normal driving, the retractor letsyou move freely in your seat while itkeeps some tension on the belt.During a collision or sudden stop,the retractor automatically locks thebelt to help restrain your body.

All the lap/shoulder belts except thedriver's have an additional lockingmechanism that must be activated tosecure a child seat. (See pages30 and 34 for instructions on how tosecure child seats with this type ofseat 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.

Lap BeltThe lap belt has one manually-adjusted belt that fits across the hips.

To fasten the belt, insert the latchplate into the buckle markedCENTER, then tug on the belt tomake sure the buckle is latched.

To unlock the belt, push the redPRESS button.

See page 16 for how to lengthen thelap belt, and how to properly positionthe belt.



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 lifetime warrantyon seat belts. Honda will repair orreplace any seat belt component thatfails to function properly duringnormal use. Please see your HondaWarranty Information booklet fordetails.

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 186.


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.

chetan mistry

Additional Information About Your SRS

SRS ComponentsThe passenger's airbag is not availableon the Canadian CX model.Your 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 thesensors, control unit, the airbagactivators, and all related wiringwhen the ignition is ON (II).

An indicator light on theinstrument panel that alerts you toa possible problem with thesystem (see page 47).

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

How Your Airbags Work

If you ever have a moderate tosevere frontal collision, the sensorswill detect rapid deceleration andsignal the control unit to instantlyinflate the airbags.

During a crash, your seat belt helpsrestrain your lower body and torso.Your airbag provides a cushion tohelp restrain and protect your headand chest.

CONTINUED



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 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 SRSlight is to alert you to a

potential problem with yourSupplemental Restraint System.

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 airbags may not deploy whenyou need them. See your Hondadealer as soon as possible.

SRS ServiceYour Supplemental Restraint Systemis virtually maintenance-free, andthere are no parts you can safelyservice. However, you must haveyour car serviced if:

Your airbags ever inflate. Theairbags and the control unit mustbe replaced. Do not try to removeor replace the airbags 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.


SRS

Ignoring the SRS indicator lightcan result in serious injury ordeath if the airbags do notinflate when needed.

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


Additional Safety PrecautionsDo not attempt to deactivate yourairbags. Together, airbags andseat belts provide the bestprotection in a moderate to severefrontal collision.

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

See page 107 for further informationand precautions relating to your SRS.


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 hatch open, air flow canpull exhaust gas into your car'sinterior and create a hazardouscondition. If you must drive with thehatch open, open all the windowsand set the heating and coolingsystem as shown below.

If you must sit in your parked car,even in an unconfined area, with theengine running, adjust the heatingand cooling system 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.

Safety Labels


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.

HOOD

DASHBOARDU.S. models only

SUN VISORU.S. models

RADIATOR CAP

Canadian models (CX model: driver's visor only)

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.............................................. 57

Speedometer................................ 57Odometer...................................... 57Trip Meter.................................... 57Fuel Gauge................................... 58Temperature Gauge.................... 58Tachometer.................................. 58Maintenance Required

Indicator.................................... 59Controls Near the Steering

Wheel........................................ 60Headlights.................................... 61Daytime Running Lights............. 61Instrument Panel Brightness..... 62Turn Signals................................. 62Windshield Wipers...................... 63Windshield Washers................... 63Rear Window Wiper and

Washer...................................... 64Hazard Warning........................... 64Rear Window Defogger.............. 64Steering Wheel Adjustment....... 65

Keys and Locks................................ 66Keys............................................... 66

Ignition Switch............................. 66Door Locks................................... 68Hatch............................................. 68

Seat Adjustments............................. 69Front Seat Adjustments.............. 69Head Restraints........................... 70Rear Seat Access......................... 71

Folding Rear Seat............................ 71Cargo Area Cover............................ 72Mirrors.............................................. 73Parking Brake.................................. 73Glove Box......................................... 74Beverage Holder.............................. 74Accessory Power Socket................ 75Ashtrays............................................ 75Interior Light.................................... 76


Control Locations


DOOR LOCK(P. 68)

HEATING/COOLINGCONTROLS(P. 78)

AUDIO SYSTEM(P. 86)DIGITAL CLOCK(P. 91)

FUEL FILLDOOR RELEASE(P. 101)

HOOD RELEASEHANDLE(P. 102)

Indicator Lights

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


CX and U.S. DX

CHARGING SYSTEMINDICATOR

PARKING BRAKE ANDBRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR*

HATCH-OPENINDICATOR

LOW FUELINDICATOR(U.S. DX only)

MALFUNCTIONINDICATOR LAMP

SEAT BELTREMINDER LIGHT

HIGH BEAMINDICATOR

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTSYSTEM INDICATOR

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

LOW OILPRESSUREINDICATOR

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.


Canadian DX

PARKING BRAKE ANDBRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR

HATCH-OPENINDICATOR

LOW FUEL INDICATOR

SEAT BELTREMINDER LIGHT

MALFUNCTIONINDICATOR LAMP

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTSYSTEM INDICATOR

HIGH BEAM INDICATOR

CHARGING SYSTEMINDICATOR

LOW OILPRESSURE INDICATORWASHERLEVEL INDICATOR

Indicator Lights

Charging SystemIndicator

If this light comes on when theengine is running, the battery is notbeing charged. For completeinformation, see page 202 .

Low Oil PressureIndicator

The engine can be severely damagedif this light flashes or stays on whenthe engine is running. For completeinformation, see page 201.

Supplemental RestraintSystem Indicator

This indicator lights when you turnthe ignition switch ON (II). If itcomes on at any other time, itindicates a problem in thesupplemental restraint system. Forcomplete information, see page 47.

Parking Brakeand BrakeSystemIndicator

This 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, or comes onwhile driving, it can indicate aproblem in the brake system. Forcomplete information, see page204.


BRAKESRS

U.S. Canada

Indicator Lights

Malfunction IndicatorLamp

See page 203.

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 172 ). 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.

High Beam Indicator

This light comes on with the highbeam headlights. See page 61 forinformation on the headlightcontrols.

On Canadian models, this indicatorcomes on with reduced brightnesswhen the Daytime Running Lights(DRL) are on (see page 61).


Hatch-open Indicator

This light comes on if the hatch isnot closed tightly.

Low Fuel Indicator

On DX modelThis 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 152).

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).

OdometerThe odometer shows the total dis-tance your car has been driven. Itmeasures miles in U.S. models andkilometers in Canadian models.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.

Trip MeterThis meter shows the number ofmiles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada)driven since you last reset it. Toreset it, push the trip meter resetbutton.

The locations of the odometer andthe trip meter are reversed onCanadian models.


TEMPERATUREGAUGE

TRIP METER SPEEDOMETER FUELGAUGE

TRIP METERRESET BUTTONU.S. model shown ODOMETER

MAINTENANCEREQUIRED INDICATOR

Gauges

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.

The 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).

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 theupper blue zone. If it reaches the red(Hot) mark, pull safely to the side ofthe road. Turn to page 199 forinstructions and precautions onchecking the engine's coolingsystem.

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


TACHOMETER ODOMETER SPEEDOMETER FUEL GAUGETEMPERATUREGAUGE

TRIP METER RESET BUTTONTRIP METERCanadian model shown

Gauges

Maintenance Required Indicator

SLOT INDICATOR

U.S. ModelsThis indicator reminds you that it isnearing 7,500 miles (12,000 km)since the last scheduled maintenance.Refer to the Maintenance Schedulesfor Normal and Severe DrivingConditions on pages 134 — 138 .

When the distance driven since thelast scheduled maintenance nears7,500 miles (12,000 km), theindicator will turn yellow. If youexceed 7,500 miles (12,000 km), theindicator will turn red.

Your dealer will reset the indicatorwhen he performs the scheduledmaintenance. If someone elseperforms the maintenance, reset theindicator by inserting your key in theslot beside the indicator.


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 hazard warning lights switch ison the dashboard to the left of thecenter air vents.

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

INSTRUMENT PANELBRIGHTNESS(P. 62)

HAZARD WARNINGLIGHTS(P. 64)

WINDSHIELDWIPERS/WASHERS(P. 63)

HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS(P. 61,62)

HORN BUTTONS REAR WINDOWDEFOGGER(P. 64)


TILTADJUSTMENT(P. 65)


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 beeper 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 56).

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.

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 dial on the dashboard to the leftof the instrument panel controls thebrightness of the instrument panellights. Turn the dial to adjust thebrightness.

Turn Signals

TURN SIGNAL LEVER

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.



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. In low speed andhigh speed, the wipers run continu-ously.

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.

The wipers run at low speed whileyou're pulling the lever, thencomplete one more sweep of thewindshield after you release it.



Rear Window Wiper and Washer

On U.S. DX and Canadian modelsTo turn on the rear window wiper,turn the ring clockwise to ON. Toalso use the rear window washer,turn the ring clockwise past ON. Thewasher will spray as long as you holdthe ring in this position. If you turnthe ring counterclockwise from theOFF position, the washer will spraywithout activating the rear windowwiper.

Hazard Warning

Push the red button to the left of thecenter vents to turn on the hazardwarning lights (four-way flashers).This causes all four outside turnsignals and both indicators in theinstrument panel to flash. Use thehazard warning lights if you need topark in a dangerous area near heavytraffic, or if your car is disabled.

Rear Window Defogger

The rear window defogger will clearfog, frost, and thin ice from thewindow. Push the defogger button toturn it on and off. The light in thebutton lights to show the defogger ison. If you do not turn it off, thedefogger will shut itself off afterabout 25 minutes. It also shuts offwhen you turn off the ignition. Youhave to turn it on again when yourestart the car.



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

The defogger wires on the inside ofthe rear window can be accidentallydamaged. When cleaning the glass,always wipe side to side.

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.

Keys and Locks

Keys

Your car comes with two identicalkeys.They fit all the locks on your car:

IgnitionDoorsHatch

You should have received a keynumber plate with your set of keys.You will need this key number if youever have to get a lost key replaced.Keep the plate stored in a safe place.

When replacing keys, use onlyHonda-approved key blanks.

Ignition Switch

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

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


KEYNUMBERPLATE

KEYS

Keys and Locks

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.

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

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.


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

Remove the key from theignition switch only whenparked.

mehul

Warning3

Keys and Locks

Door Locks

LOCK TAB

Each door has a lock tab next to theinside door handle. Push the tab in tolock the door and pull it out to unlock.

To lock the passenger's door whengetting out of the car, push the locktab in and close the door. To lock thedriver's door, pull the door handleand push the lock tab in. Release thehandle, then close the door.

The doors can also be locked andunlocked from the outside with thekey.

Hatch

Use your key to lock and unlock thehatch.

To open the hatch, pull the handle,then lift up the hatch.


Keys and Locks, Seat Adjustments

The hatch also has a lock tab on theinside. To lock the hatch without thekey, push the lock tab down andclose the hatch.

See page 109 for cargo loading andweight limit information. Keep thehatch closed at all times whiledriving to avoid damaging the hatchand to prevent exhaust gas fromgetting into the interior. See CarbonMonoxide Hazard on page 49 .

Front Seat AdjustmentsSee pages 12 — 14 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.

CONTINUED


Seat Adjustments

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.

Head Restraints

See 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 forheight. 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.


RELEASE BUTTON

Seat Adjustments, Folding Rear Seat

Rear Seat Access

To get into the back seat on thedriver's side, pull up on the seat-backadjustment lever.

On U.S. modelsTo tilt the passenger's seat-back outof the way, push forward on therelease lever at the base of the seat-back.

On Canadian modelsPush the passenger's seat-back whilepushing the release lever to tilt theseat-back out of the way. The entireseat will slide forward at the sametime.

Folding Rear SeatThe back of the rear seat folds downto give you more cargo space. Eachside folds down separately. With onlyhalf the seat folded, you can stillcarry a passenger in the back seat.

To unlatch either side of the seat-back, pull up on the release tab.Move the seat belt out of the wayand fold the seat-back down.

CONTINUED


RELEASELEVER

SEAT-BACKADJUSTMENT LEVER

Folding Rear Seat, Cargo Area Cover

To lock the seat-back upright, movethe seat belt out of the way, thenpush the seat-back firmly against itslatch. Tug on the seat-back to makesure it is latched.

Do not put any heavy items on theseat-back when it is folded.

Make sure both rear shoulder beltsare positioned in front of the rearseat-back whenever the seat-back isin its upright position.

Make sure all items in the cargo areaare secured. Loose items can flyforward and cause injury if you haveto brake hard. See Carrying Cargoon page 109 .

Cargo Area Cover

On U.S. DX and Canadian modelsThe cargo area cover may be re-moved to give you more cargo height.

To remove the cargo area cover, liftthe back of the cover and fold it overthe front half. Place your hands,palms up, under the front half of thecover near the outside edges and liftit straight up.

To install the cover, line up themounting rods with the slots, thenpush down on the cover until it clipsinto place. Make sure it is securelylatched so it will not come loosewhile you are driving.


Mirrors, Parking Brake

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.

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 (see page 55).

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


NOTICEParking Brake

PARKING BRAKE LEVER

TAB

Glove Box, Beverage Holder

Glove Box

Open the glove box by pulling thehandle. Close it with a firm push.

Beverage Holder

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.

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


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.

chetan mistry

Accessory Power Socket, Ashtrays

Accessory Power Socket

To use the accessory power socket,pull down 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.

Ashtrays(Optional)Front and rear ashtrays are availableas options. The front ashtray fits inthe beverage holder.The rear ashtray fits in the rear ofthe center armrest.

Open the rear ashtray by swingingthe upper edge down. To remove theashtray for emptying, open theashtray and then lift it up and out.

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


NOTICEACCESSORY POWER SOCKET

Interior Light

The interior light has a three-position switch. In the OFF position,the light does not come on. In thecenter position, the interior lightcomes on when you open either door.In the ON position, the interior lightstays on continuously.


DOOR ACTIVATED

OFF

ON

Comfort and Convenience Features

The heating and optional airconditioning systems in your Hondaprovide a comfortable drivingenvironment in all weatherconditions.

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.)

Heating and Cooling........................ 78What Each Control Does............ 78How to Use the System............... 80To Turn Everything Off............. 85

Audio System................................... 86Operating the Radio.................... 86Adjusting the Sound.................... 88Radio Frequencies....................... 89Radio Reception........................... 89Digital Clock................................. 91Operating the Optional

Cassette Player........................ 92Tape Search Functions............... 92Caring for the Cassette Player... 94Operating the Optional

CD Player/Changer................ 95Protecting Compact Discs.......... 97CD Changer Error Indications... 98


Heating and Cooling

Proper use of the Heating andCooling system can make theinterior dry and comfortable, andkeep the windows clear for bestvisibility.

If your car does not have airconditioning, it can be installed atany time. Your dealer can install aGenuine Honda air conditioningsystem that meets Honda's highquality standards and is designed toexactly fit your car. Please contactyour dealer for more information.

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) Button(Optional)This button turns the air condi-tioning ON and OFF. The indicatorin the button lights when the A/C ison.

Rear Window Defogger ButtonThis button turns the rear windowdefogger on and off (see page 64 ).

Recirculation ButtonThis button controls the source ofthe air going into the system. Whenthe indicator in this button is lit, airfrom 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).


RECIRCULATION BUTTON AIR CONDITIONINGBUTTON

MODE CONTROLDIAL

TEMPERATURECONTROL DIAL

FAN CONTROL DIAL

REAR WINDOWDEFOGGERBUTTON

Heating and Cooling

Mode Control DialUse the MODE control dial to selectthe vents the air flows from. Someair will flow from the dashboardvents 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 the systemautomatically switches to Fresh Airmode and turns on the A/C.


Heating and Cooling

You can adjust the direction of theair coming from the dashboard ventsby moving the tab in the center ofeach vent up-and-down and side-to-side.

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

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.


Vent Controls

CENTER VENT SIDE VENT

Open

Close

Heating and Cooling

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 conditionclears.

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 hatch.

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

MODE CONTROLDIAL


FAN CONTROL DIAL

AIR CONDITIONINGBUTTON

Heating and Cooling

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

button. The light in 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 page58) 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 CONDITIONINGBUTTON

MODE CONTROLDIAL


FAN CONTROL DIAL

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.


MODE CONTROL DIAL


AIR CONDITIONING BUTTON

RECIRCULATION BUTTONFAN CONTROL DIAL

Heating and Cooling

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 dialbeside 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.


Audio System

AM/FM Stereo Audio SystemThe audio system is standard equip-ment on the U.S. DX model andCanadian models. It is optional onthe U.S. CX model.

Your Honda's audio system providesclear reception on both AM and FMbands, while the preset buttons allowyou to easily select your favoritestations.

A cassette player, CD player or CDchanger is available as optionalequipment.

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

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 three methods tofind radio stations on the selectedband: TUNE, SEEK, or the Presetbuttons.

TUNE — Use the TUNE/SEEKswitch to tune the radio to a desiredfrequency. Press the right side ( )to tune to a higher frequency, or the

left side ( ) to tune to a lowerfrequency. The frequency numberswill start to change rapidly. Releasethe switch when the display reachesthe desired frequency. To changethe frequency in small increments,press and release the TUNE/SEEKswitch quickly.

SEEK — The SEEK functionsearches the band for a station witha strong signal. To activate it, pressthe TUNE/SEEK switch until youhear a beep, then release it.Depending on which side of theswitch you press, the system scansupward or downward from thecurrent frequency. It stops when itfinds a station with a strong signal.

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.


Audio System

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.


TUNE/SEEK SWITCH PRESET BUTTONS

PWR/VOL KNOB STEREO INDICATOR AM/FM BUTTON

Audio System

Adjusting the SoundBass, Treble, Balance, and Fader areeach adjustable. You select which ofthese you want to adjust by pressingthe MODE button. The modechanges from BAS to TRE to FAD toBAL, and then back to VOL eachtime you press the button. Eachmode is shown in the display as itchanges.

Balance/Fader — These twomodes adjust the strength of thesound coming from each speaker.BAL adjusts the side-to-side strength,while FAD adjusts the front-to-backstrength.

Select BAL or FAD by pressing theMODE button. Adjust the Balance orFader to your liking by turning thePWR/VOL knob. The indicator barson the display show you the range.

Treble/Bass — Use these modes toadjust the tone to your liking. SelectTRE or BAS by pressing the MODEbutton. Adjust the desired mode byturning the PWR/VOL knob. Theindicator bars on the display showyou the range.

As you adjust a mode, you will hear abeep whenever the indicator barreaches the center, far left, and farright of its range. The system willautomatically return the display tonormal mode about seven secondsafter you stop adjusting a mode withthe PWR/VOL knob.


PWR/VOL KNOB

MODE BUTTON

Audio System

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 willgo 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

Digital ClockThe audio system also displays thetime. The ignition switch must be inACCESSORY (I) or ON (II).

To set the time, press the CLOCKbutton. The hour numbers will beginblinking. Press the Preset 5 button toget the numbers to count down, orthe Preset 6 button to get the hoursto count up.

Press the CLOCK button again, andthe minutes numbers will beginblinking. Use the Preset 5 or Preset6 button to change the minutes tothe correct value.

After you have set the clock, pressthe CLOCK button again to return tothe normal display. If you do not, thesystem will automatically return tothe normal display about sevenseconds after you stop pressing thePreset buttons.


TIME DISPLAYED

PRESET 5 BUTTON

PRESET 6 BUTTON

CLOCK BUTTON

Audio System

Operating the Optional CassettePlayerThe 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.

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.

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 play

the 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.

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 optional CDchanger while listening to a tape,

press the AM/FM or CD/TAPEbutton. To change back to thecassette player, press the CD/TAPEbutton.

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

FF/REW — Fast Forward andRewind move the tape rapidly. Pressand release the REW side of theTUNE/SEEK switch to rewind thetape, or the FF side to fast forward.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

TMS — The Tape Music Searchfunction allows you to find thebeginning of a song or passage. Toactivate TMS, press FF or REW untilyou hear a beep. You will see TMSdisplayed. When the system reachesthe beginning of the next song orpassage (FF), or the beginning ofthe song just played (REW), it goesback to PLAY mode.

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.

The TMS 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 a selection.


RPTBUTTON

PROGBUTTON

TAPE DIRECTIONINDICATOR

AM/FM BUTTON

TUNE/SEEKSWITCH

PLAY BUTTON NR BUTTON CD/TAPE BUTTON

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

Operating the Optional CDPlayer/ChangerA Compact Disc changer is availablethrough your dealer. It holds up tosix discs, providing several hours ofcontinuous entertainment. Youoperate the CD changer with thesame controls used for the radio.

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.

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

CD PlayerInsert the disc into the CD slot. Pushthe disc in halfway, the drive will pullit in the rest of the way. Push theCD/TAPE button and the disc willstart to play.

You will see the track number beingplayed in the display.

You can also play 3-inch (8-cm) discswithout using an adapter ring. In allcases, play only standard round discs.Odd-shaped CDs may jam in thedrive or cause other problems.

When the system reaches the end ofthe disc, it will return to the begin-ning and play that disc again.

CONTINUED


PWR/VOL KNOB REPEAT INDICATOR AM/FM BUTTON

TUNE/SEEKSWITCH

RPTBUTTON PRESET BUTTONS

CD/TAPEBUTTON

Audio System

Press the EJECT button to removethe disc from the player.

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.

CD ChangerUsing 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.

Press the CD/TAPE button. You willsee "CD" in the display. The systemwill start to play the first track of thefirst disc. When that disc ends, thenext disc in the magazine is loadedand played. After the last discfinishes, the system 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.

CD Player and ChangerYou can use the TUNE/SEEKswitch to select tracks within a disc.If you press and release the TUNE/SEEK switch, the system will moveto the beginning of a track. Press the

side to move to the beginningof the next track, and the sideto move to the beginning of thecurrent track.

If you push and hold the TUNE/SEEK switch, you will hear a beepand the system will continue to moveacross tracks. Release the switchwhen you think it has reached thedesired place on the disc.

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.

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 CD/TAPE button. When youreturn to CD mode, play will contin-ue at the same point that it left off.

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


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 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.


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.............................. 100Gasoline.......................................... 100Service Station Procedures .......... 101

Filling the Fuel Tank................. 101Opening the Hood..................... 102

Oil Check................................ 104Engine Coolant Check.......... 105

Fuel Economy................................ 106Vehicle Condition...................... 106Driving Habits............................ 106

Accessories and Modifications.... 107Carrying Cargo.............................. 109

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 fill cap is on thedriver's side of the car, park withthat side closest to the servicestation pumps.

2. Open the fuel fill door by pullingon the handle to the left of thedriver's seat.

3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly.You may hear a hissing sound aspressure inside the tank escapes.

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

FUEL FILL CAP

Pull

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.


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 203).

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.

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 to the left until itreleases the hood. Lift the hood.

Before Driving

HOODRELEASEHANDLE

LATCH


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 158).

3. Pull the support rod out of its clipand insert the end into the hole onthe left side of the hood.

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

SUPPORT ROD

CLIP


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).

2. Wipe the dipstick with a cleancloth or paper towel.

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

Before Driving

Oil Check

DIPSTICK


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 143 .

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 147 forinformation on adding the propercoolant.

Refer to Owner MaintenanceChecks on page 141 for informationon checking other items in yourHonda.

Before Driving

UPPER MARKLOWER MARK

Engine Coolant Check

RESERVETANK

MAX

MIN

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 141). 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.

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 108 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.

However, if electronic accessoriesare improperly installed, or exceedyour car's electrical system capacity,they can interfere with the operationof 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 205).

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.

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 othersystems.

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 on theairbag covers. Any object attached toor placed on the covers marked "SRSAIRBAG," in the center of thesteering wheel and on top of thedashboard, could interfere with theproper operation of the airbags. Or,if the airbags inflate, the objectscould be propelled inside the car andhurt someone.

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-back, aredesigned for small, lightweight items.The cargo area 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

CARGO AREA

*: DX model GLOVE BOX

DOOR POCKET

SEAT-BACK POCKET*

Carrying Cargo

Load LimitThe maximum load for your car is850 lbs (395 kg).

This figure includes the total weightof all occupants, cargo, andaccessories.

To figure out how much cargo youcan carry:

Add up the weight of all occupants.

Subtract the total from 850 Ibs(395 kg).

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.

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.

chetan mistry

Carrying Cargo

Carrying Cargo in the Cargo Areaor on a Roof Rack

Distribute cargo evenly on thefloor of the cargo area, 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.

Do not place items on the cargoarea cover, or stack objects higherthan the top of the back seat. Theycould block your view and bethrown about the vehicle during acrash or sudden stop.

If you carry large items thatprevent you from closing thehatch, 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.

Before Driving

112

Driving

This section gives you tips onstarting the engine under variousconditions, and how to operate the5-speed manual and automatictransmissions. It also includes impor-tant information on parking your car,and the braking system.

Preparing to Drive......................... 114Starting the Engine........................ 115

Starting in Cold Weatherat High Altitude ..................... 115

5-speed Manual Transmission..... 116Recommended Shift Points...... 117Engine Speed Limiter ............... 117

Automatic Transmission............... 118Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 118Shift Lever Positions................. 119Engine Speed Limiter ............... 121Shift Lock Release..................... 122

Parking............................................ 123Parking Tips............................... 123

The Braking System...................... 124Brake Wear Indicators.............. 124Brake System Design................ 125

Driving in Bad Weather................ 126Towing a Trailer............................ 127

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 hatch 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 69 ).

6. Check the adjustment of theinside and outside mirrors (seepage 73 ).

7. Check the adjustment of thesteering wheel (see page 65).

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 115).

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 within

15 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.

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 the vehicle speed is lowenough that you will not activate theengine speed limiter in the lowergear. On Canadian DX models,make sure the engine speed willnot go into the tachometer's redzone in the lower gear beforedownshifting.

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.


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 LimiterOn all models in the U.S., and CX modelin CanadaIf you exceed the maximum speedfor the gear you are in, 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 theengine speed by upshifting orslowing down.

Before downshifting, make sure thevehicle speed is low enough that youwill not activate the engine speedlimiter in the lower gear.

On DX model in CanadaIf 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.

Driving

Automatic Transmission

Your 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.

This indicator on the instrumentpanel shows which position the shiftlever 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.

Driving

Canadian DXCX and U.S. DX

Shift Lever Position Indicator


Shift Lever Positions

The shift lever has six positions. Itmust be in Park or Neutral to startthe engine. When you are stopped inD4, D3, 2, N or R, press firmly on thebrake pedal, and keep your foot offthe accelerator pedal.

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.

CONTINUED

Driving

RELEASEBUTTON

SHIFT LEVER


If you have done all of the above andstill cannot move the lever out ofPark, see Shift Lock Release on page122.

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.

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.

Driving


Drive (D3) — This position is similarto D4, except only the first threegears are selected. Use D3 to provideengine braking when going down asteep hill. D3 can also keep thetransmission from cycling betweenthird and fourth gears in stop-and-godriving.

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.

Engine Speed LimiterOn all models in the U.S., and CXmodel in CanadaIf you exceed the maximum speedfor the gear you are in, 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 theengine speed by upshifting orslowing down.

On DX model in CanadaIf 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.

Driving


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.

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.

RELEASE BUTTON

SHIFT LOCKRELEASE SLOT

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 windows are closed.

Turn off the lights.

Place any packages, valuables, etc.,in the cargo area or take themwith you.

Lock the doors.

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

All Civics are equipped with frontdisc brakes. The brakes on the rearwheels are drum. A power assisthelps reduce the effort needed onthe brake pedal.

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.

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

Driving

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.

Front

Driving in Bad Weather

Rain, fog, and snow conditions re-quire a different driving techniquebecause of reduced traction andvisibility. Keep your car well-maintained and exercise greatercaution when you need to drive inbad weather.

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.

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 defrosters and airconditioning to keep the windowsfrom fogging up on the inside (seepage 83 ).

Driving

Driving in Bad Weather, Towing a Trailer

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.

Towing a TrailerYour vehicle is not designed to tow atrailer. Attempting to do so can voidyour warranties.

Driving

128

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 231 for information on how toobtain a copy, or see your Hondadealer.

Maintenance Safety....................... 130Important Safety Precautions.. 131

Maintenance Schedule.................. 132Maintenance Record..................... 139Owner Maintenance Checks........ 141Fluid Locations............................... 142Engine Oil....................................... 143

Adding Oil................................... 143Recommended Oil..................... 143Synthetic Oil............................... 144Additives..................................... 144Changing the Oil and Filter...... 145

Cooling System.............................. 147Adding Engine Coolant............. 147Replacing Engine Coolant........ 149

Windshield Washers..................... 152Transmission Fluid........................ 153

AutomaticTransmission.......................... 153

5-speed ManualTransmission.......................... 154

Brake and Clutch Fluid................. 154Brake System............................. 155Clutch System............................ 155

Power Steering............................... 156Air Cleaner Element...................... 157

Hood Latch..................................... 158Spark Plugs..................................... 158

Replacement............................... 158Specifications............................. 159

Battery............................................ 160Wiper Blades.................................. 162Air Conditioning System............... 164Drive Belts...................................... 165Timing Belt..................................... 165Tires................................................ 166

Inflation....................................... 166Recommended Tire Pressures

for Normal Driving............ 167Tire Pressure Adjustment

for High Speed Driving..... 167Inspection................................... 168Maintenance............................... 168Tire Rotation.............................. 169Replacing Tires and Wheels.... 169Wheels and Tires....................... 170Winter Driving........................... 170

Snow Tires.............................. 171Tire Chains............................. 171

Lights.............................................. 172Replacing Bulbs......................... 174

Storing Your Car............................ 181

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.

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 page100).

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. Vehicles: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.

#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 133.

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.

#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, lastcolumn, page 133.

Note:Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.

page 169

Maintenance

# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 133.

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.Extensive idling or longperiods of stop-and-go driving.Driving with a roof rack, ordriving in mountainousconditions.Driving on muddy, dusty, orde-iced roads.

*: Refer to page 165 for replacementinformation under special drivingconditions.

Canadian OwnersFollow the MaintenanceSchedule for Severe Conditions.

Maintenance

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 comss 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.Driving with a roof rack, or driving in mountainous conditions.Driving or, muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.

# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 133.* : See Timing Belt on page 165 to determine need for replacement,

NOTE:Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.

page 169

CONTINUEDMaintenance

# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, lastcolumn, page 133.

* : See Timing Belt on page 165 to determine need for replacement.

NOTE:

Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.

Maintenance

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 134) or severeconditions (page 136). 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 104.

Engine coolant level — Check theradiator reserve tank every timeyou fill the fuel tank. See page 105 .

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 152 .

Automatic transmission — Checkthe fluid level monthly. See page153.

Brakes — Check the fluid levelmonthly. See page 155 .

Tires — Check the tire pressuremonthly. Examine the tread forwear and foreign objects. See page166.

Lights — Check the operation ofthe headlights, parking lights,taillights, high-mount brake light,turn signals, brake lights, andlicense plate lights monthly. Seepage 172.

Maintenance

Fluid Locations

Maintenance

AUTOMATICTRANSMISSIONFLUID DIPSTICK(Yellow loop)

BRAKE FLUID(Gray cap)

CLUTCH FLUID(5-speed ManualTransmission only)(Gray cap)

ENGINE OILFILL CAP

WASHER FLUID(Blue cap)

POWERSTEERINGFLUID(Red cap)

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK(Orange loop)

ENGINECOOLANTRESERVOIR

RADIATOR CAP

Engine Oil

Adding Oil

To add oil, unscrew and remove theengine oil fi ll cap on top of the valvecover. Pour in the oil, and replace 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.

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.

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

CONTINUED

Maintenance

ENGINE OILFILL CAP

Engine Oil

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).

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.

Maintenance

Ambient Temperature

Engine Oil

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 fill cap. Remove the oildrain bolt and washer from thebottom of the engine. Drain the oilinto an appropriate container.

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

OIL FILTER

OIL DRAIN BOLT WASHER

Engine Oil

5. Put a new washer on the drain bolt,then reinstall the drain bolt.Tighten it to:33 Ibf.ft (44 N.m , 4.5 kgf.m)

6. Refill the engine with the recom-mended oil.Engine oil change capacity(including filter):3.8 US qt (3.6 ,3.2 Imp qt)

7. Reinstall 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 andrefilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as possible.

If the reserve tank is completelyempty, you should also check thecoolant level in the radiator.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

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.

chetan mistry

Cooling System

1. Make sure the engine and radiatorare cool.

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.

Do not add any rust inhibitors orother additives to your car's coolingsystem. They may not be compatiblewith the coolant or engine compo-nents.

Maintenance

RADIATOR CAP RESERVE TANK

Cooling System

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.

1. Turn the ignition ON (II). Turnthe temperature control dial tomaximum heat. Turn off theignition. Open the hood. Makesure the engine and radiator arecool to the touch.

2. Remove the radiator cap.

3. Loosen the drain plug on thebottom of the radiator. Thecoolant will come out through thehole in the splash cover.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

DRAIN PLUG

Cooling System

RESERVE TANK RESERVETANK CAP

HOLDER

4. Remove the reserve tank from itsholder by pulling it straight up.Drain the coolant, then put thetank back in its holder.

5. When the coolant stops draining,tighten the drain plug at thebottom of the radiator.

6. Mix the recommended antifreezewith an equal amount of purifiedor distilled water in a cleancontainer. The cooling systemcapacity is:

With 5-speed manual transmission:0.82 US gal (3.1 , 0.68 Imp gal)

With automatic transmission:0.79 US gal (3.0 ,0.66 Imp gal)

FILLER NECK

Fill up to here

7. Pour 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.

Maintenance

Cooling System

8. Check the level in the radiator,add coolant if needed.

9. Fill the reserve tank to the MAXmark. Install the reserve tank cap.

10.Install the radiator cap, andtighten it to the first stop.

RESERVE TANK

11.Start the engine and let it run untilthe radiator fan comes on twotimes. Then stop the engine.

12.Remove the radiator cap. Fill theradiator with coolant up to thebase of the filler neck.

13.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.

14.Install the radiator cap, andtighten it fully.

15.If necessary, fill the reserve tankto the MAX mark. Install thereserve tank cap.

Maintenance

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. This reservoir supplies thewindshield and rear window washers.

The windshield washer reservoir islocated behind the driver's sideheadlight. Check the reservoir's fluidlevel by removing the cap andlooking at the level gauge attachedto the cap.

Canadian ModelsThe low washer level indicator willlight when the level is low (see page56).

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

NOTICE

LEVEL GAUGE

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.

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 into the filler holeto bring it to the upper mark.Always use Honda PremiumFormula Automatic TransmissionFluid (ATF). If it is not available,you may use a DEXRON® I IIautomatic transmission fluid as atemporary replacement. However,continued use can affect shiftquality. Have the transmissiondrained and refilled with HondaATF as soon as it is convenient.

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.

Maintenance


DIPSTICK

UPPERMARKLOWERMARK

Transmission Fluid, Brake and Clutch Fluid


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 as it isconvenient.

The transmission should be drainedand refilled with new fluid accordingto the time and distance recommen-dations in the maintenance schedule.

Brake and Clutch FluidCheck 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.

Maintenance

FILLER BOLT

Correct level

Brake and Clutch Fluid

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.

Clutch System

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

MAX

MIN MIN

MAX

Power Steering

Except for CX model with manualtransmissionYou 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.

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

UPPER LEVEL

LOWER LEVEL

NOTICE

Air Cleaner Element

The air cleaner element should bereplaced according to the time anddistance recommendations in themaintenance schedule.

Replacement

The air cleaner element is inside theair cleaner housing in the enginecompartment.

To replace it:

1. Unsnap the four clips and removethe air cleaner housing 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 clips back intoplace.

Maintenance

AIR CLEANER ELEMENT

CLIPS

Hood Latch, Spark Plugs

Clean the hood latch assembly with amild cleaner, then lubricate it with amultipurpose grease. Lubricate allthe moving parts, including the pivot.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

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.

Maintenance

Hood Latch

PIVOTS SPARK PLUG CAP

Spark Plugs

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:

ZFR5F-11KJ16CR-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.

Check the battery condition bylooking at the test indicator windowon the battery.The label on the battery explains thetest indicator's colors.

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

TEST INDICATOR WINDOW

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.

Charging the battery with the cablesconnected can seriously damage yourcar's electronic controls. Detach thebattery cables before connecting thebattery to a charger.

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.

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.

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.

Maintenance

WIPER ARMS

LOCK TAB

Wiper Blades

3. Remove the blade from its holderby grasping the tabbed end of theblade. Pull firmly until the tabscome out of the holder.

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.

Maintenance

BLADE

REINFORCEMENT

BLADE

Air Conditioning System (Optional)

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.

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 on page217.)

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

AIR CONDITIONINGCONDENSER

NOTICE

Drive Belts, Timing Belt

Drive Belts

POWER STEERINGBELT

ALTERNATORBELT

COMPRESSOR BELT

Check the condition of the two orthree drive belts. Examine the edgesof each belt for cracks or fraying.Check the tension of each belt bypushing on it with your thumbmidway between the pulleys.

The belts should have the following"play" or deflection.

Alternator belt:0.31 — 0.41 in (8.0 — 10.5 mm)

On cars with Power SteeringPower steering belt:0.41 — 0.55 in (10.5 — 14.0 mm)

On cars with Air Conditioning SystemCompressor belt:0.30 — 0.37 in (7.5 — 9.5 mm)

If you see signs of wear or looseness,have your dealer adjust or replacethe belts.

Timing BeltThe timing belt should normally bereplaced at the intervals shown inthe maintenance schedule.

Replace this belt 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(over110°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 one to two psi (10 to 20 kPa, 0.1to 0.2 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(1.6km).

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.

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.

Tires

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.

Recommended Tire Pressures forNormal DrivingThe following chart shows therecommended cold tire pressures formost normal driving conditions andspeeds.

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.

Tire Pressure Adjustment for HighSpeed DrivingHonda strongly recommends thatyou not drive faster than postedspeed limits and conditions allow. Ifyou decide it is safe to drive at highspeeds, be sure to adjust the cold tirepressures as shown below. If you donot adjust the tire pressure, exces-sive heat can build up and causesudden tire failure.

Maintenance

Tires

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.

INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS

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.

Maintenance

TREAD WEAR INDICATORS

Tires

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.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

Tire Rotation

Front Front

(For Non-directionalTires and Wheels)

(For DirectionalTires and Wheels)

Tires

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.

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 Tires

Wheels:14x5J

Tires:P185/65R1485S

See page 218 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

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.

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 snow chains on your vehiclewhen warranted by driving condi-tions or required by local laws. Makesure the chains are the correct sizefor your tires. Install them only onthe front tires. If metal chains areused, they must be SAE class "S."Cable type traction devices can alsobe used.

When installing chains, follow themanufacturer's instructions andmount them as tightly as you can.Drive slowly with chains installed. Ifyou hear the chains contacting thebody or chassis, stop and investigate.Make sure the chains are installedtightly, and that they are notcontacting the brake lines orsuspension. Remove the chains assoon as you begin driving on clearedroads.

Chains of the wrong size or that areimproperly installed can damage yourcar's brake lines, suspension, body, andwheels. Stop driving if you hear thechains hitting any part of the 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 TURN SIGNAL/SIDE MARKER/PARKING LIGHTS

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 page 217 todetermine what type of replacementbulb is needed.

Maintenance

HIGH-MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT

STOP/TAILLIGHT

SIDE MARKERLIGHT

TURN SIGNALLIGHT

TAILLIGHTBACK-UP LIGHT

LICENSE PLATELIGHTS

Lights

Replacing a Headlight BulbYour car has halogen headlightbulbs, one on each side. Whenreplacing a bulb, handle it by its steelbase and protect the glass fromcontact with your skin or hardobjects. If you touch the glass, cleanit with denatured alcohol and a cleancloth.

Halogen headlight bulbs get very hotwhen lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratchon the glass can cause the bulb tooverheat and shatter.

1. Open the hood.Except for CX model with manualtransmissionIf you need to change the head-light bulb on the driver's side,remove the power steeringreservoir tank by pulling it out ofits holder.

2. Remove the electrical connectorfrom the bulb by squeezing theconnector on both sides to unlockthe tab. Pull the connector straightoff.

Maintenance

NOTICE

HOLDER WEATHER SEAL BULB

CONNECTOR HOLD-DOWN WIRE

Lights

3. Remove the rubber weather sealby pulling on the tab.

4. Unclip the end of the hold-downwire from its slot. Pivot it out ofthe way and remove the bulb.

5. Insert the new bulb into the hole,making sure the tabs are in theirslots. Pivot the hold-down wireback in place and clip the end intothe slot.

6. Install the rubber seal over theback of the headlight assembly.Make sure it is right side up; it ismarked "TOP."

7. Push the electrical connector ontothe tabs of the new bulb. Makesure it locks in place.Turn on the headlights to test thenew bulb.

8. (Driver's side)Except for CX model with manualtransmissionReinstall the power steeringreservoir.

Replacing the Front Side Marker/Turn Signal and Parking LightBulb1. If you are changing the bulb on

the 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.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

Lights

2. Use a flat-tipped screwdriver toremove the holding clip from theinner fender.

3. Pull the inner fender cover back.

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 cover in place.Install the holding clip. Lock it inplace by pushing on the center.

Maintenance

HOLDINGCLIP

Lights

Replacing Rear Bulbs

1. Open the hatch.

2. Remove the cover from the insidepanel by pulling on its edge.

3. Determine which bulb, taillight,stop/taillight, back-up light, sidemarker light or turn signal isburned out. Remove the socket forthat bulb by turning counterclock-wise.

4. Except turn signal bulbPull the bulb straight out of itssocket.Push the new bulb straight intothe socket until it bottoms.

Turn signal bulbRemove the bulb from the socketby pushing it in and turningcounterclockwise until it unlocks.Install the new bulb in the socket.Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.

5. Reinstall the socket into the lightassembly by turning it clockwiseuntil it locks.

6. Test the lights to make sure thenew bulb is working.

7. Reinstall the cover.

Maintenance

COVER

Lights

Replacing the High-mount BrakeLight Bulb

1. Open the hatch.

2. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver toloosen the two screws holding thebrake light assembly.

On CX modelFirst remove the caps by prying onthe edge using a small flat-tipscrewdriver.

3. Remove the brake light assembly.Remove the socket from the brakelight assembly by turning itcounterclockwise.

Maintenance

SCREWS CAPS

SCREWS

BULB

Lights

4. Remove the burned-out bulb bypulling it straight out of the socket.Push the new bulb straight intothe socket until it bottoms.

5. Reinstall the socket. Turn itclockwise until it locks.Test the lights to make sure thenew bulb is working.

6. Reinstall the brake light assembly.Tighten the two screws securely.

On CX medelReinstall the caps on the brakelight assembly.

Replacing a Rear License Bulb

1. Remove the license light assemblyby carefully prying on the edge ofthe lens with a flat-tip screwdriverand pulling the assembly out.

2. Pull the lens from the bulb holderby pulling the lens while squeezingthe tabs on both sides of theholder.

3. Pull the bulb straight out of itssocket. Push the new bulb in untilit bottoms in the socket.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

BULB

Lights

4. Turn on the parking lights andcheck that the new bulb isworking.

5. Put the lens back on the bulbholder and push it until it latches.Put the light assembly back intothe hole. Push it to snap it in place.

Replacing an Interior Light Bulb

1. Remove the lens by carefullyprying on the edge of the lens inthe middle with a fingernail file ora small flat-tip screwdriver. Do notpry on the edge of the housingaround the lens.

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.

Maintenance

INTERIOR 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 145 ).

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 and rear wiperblade arms with a folded towel orrag so they do not touch thewindshield.

To minimize sticking, apply asilicone spray lubricant to all doorand hatch seals. Also, apply a bodywax to the painted surfaces thatmate with the door and hatch 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 134 ). Thereplacements called for in themaintenance schedule are notneeded unless the car has actuallyreached that time or mileage.

Maintenance

182

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.................................. 184Washing...................................... 184Waxing........................................ 185Paint Touch-up........................... 185

Interior Care................................... 186Carpeting.................................... 186Fabric.......................................... 186Vinyl............................................ 186Seat Belts.................................... 186Windows..................................... 187Air Fresheners........................... 187

Corrosion Protection..................... 187Body Repairs.................................. 188

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 185).

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. Youshould 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.

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.

Seat BeltsIf 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.

Appearance Care

LOOP

Interior Care, Corrosion Protection

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 wires arebonded to the inside of the glass.Wiping vigorously up-and-down candislodge and break the defogger wires.When cleaning the rear window, usegentle 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.

Corrosion ProtectionTwo 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.

CONTINUED

Appearance Care

NOTICE

Corrosion Protection, Body Repairs

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.

Have the corrosion-preventivecoatings on the underside of yourcar inspected and repairedperiodically.

Body RepairsBody 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

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....................... 190Changing a Flat Tire .....................191If Your Engine Won't Start........... 196

Nothing Happens or theStarter Motor OperatesVery Slowly............................. 196

The Starter OperatesNormally.................................197

Jump Starting................................. 197If Your Engine Overheats............. 199Low Oil Pressure Indicator.......... 201Charging System Indicator........... 202Malfunction Indicator Lamp ........ 203Brake System Indicator................ 204Fuses............................................... 205

Checking and Replacing........... 206Emergency Towing....................... 210


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.

INDICATOR LOCATION MARK

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.


TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR

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 hatch. Raise the cargoarea floor by lifting up on the backedge.

4. Take the tool kit from the sparetire well. Remove the jack (in thejack cover) from the inside of thespare tire.

5. Unscrew the wing bolt and takethe spare tire out of its well.


The car can easily roll off thejack, seriously injuring anyoneunderneath.

Follow the directions forchanging a tire exactly, andnever get under the car when itis supported only by the jack.

TOOL KIT FLOOR LID

SPARE TIRE JACK

CONTINUED


6. Loosen the four wheel nuts 1/2turn with the wheel wrench.

7. Locate the jacking point nearestthe tire you need to change. It ispointed to by an arrow molded intothe underside of the body. Placethe jack under the jacking point.Turn the end bracket clockwiseuntil the top of the jack contactsthe jacking point. Make sure thejacking point tab is resting in thejack notch.

8. Use the extension and wheelwrench as shown to raise the caruntil the flat tire is off the ground.


JACKING POINT WHEEL WRENCH EXTENSION


9. 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 DX model and Canadian SE modelDo not attempt to forcibly pry thewheel cover off with a screwdriver orother tool. The wheel cover cannotbe removed without first removingthe wheel nuts.

10. 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.

CONTINUED


BRAKE HUB


11.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.

12.Lower the car to the ground andremove the jack.

13.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)



14. Remove the wheel cover or centercap.Place the flat tire face down in thespare tire well.

15.Remove the spacer cone from thewing bolt, turn it over, and put itback on the bolt.

16.Secure the flat tire by screwingthe wing bolt back into its hole.

17.Store the jack and tool kit back inthe spare tire well.

18.Store the wheel cover or centercap in the spare tire well. Makesure it does not get scratched ordamaged.

19.Lower the floor lid, then close thehatch.


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.

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:

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 197 .

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 210 .)

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 160 ). You canthen try jump starting the car froma booster battery (see page 197).


If Your Engine Won't Start, Jump Starting

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 115 .

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 206).

If you find nothing wrong, you willneed a qualified technician to findthe problem. See EmergencyTowing on page 210 .

Jump StartingIf 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 160 ). In very coldweather, check the condition ofthe electrolyte. If it seems slushyor like ice, do not try jump startinguntil it thaws.

If 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, 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

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.

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.


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 coolingsystem and all other accessories.Turn on the hazard warningindicators.

2. If you see steam and/or spraycoming from under the hood, turnoff the engine.

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.

CONTINUED


NOTICE

Steam and spray from anoverheated engine canseriously scald you.

Do not open the hood if steamis coming out.

If Your Engine Overheats

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 210 ).

7. If you don't find an obvious leak,check the coolant level in theradiator reserve tank (see page105 ). 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 pointer

reaches the middle of the tempera-ture gauge, or lower, before check-ing the radiator.

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. Add coolant to theradiator up to the base of the fillerneck. If you do not have theproper coolant mixture available,you can add plain water.Remember to have the coolingsystem drained and refilled withthe proper mixture as soon as youcan.

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 210 .)

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.


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.

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 104). 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 143 ).

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 210 .)


LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR NOTICE

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: heater, A/C, reardefogger, etc. Try not to use otherelectrically-operated controls such asthe radio. Keep the engine runningand take extra care not to stall it.Starting the engine will dischargethe 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.


CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR

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 lightshould normally come on only whenthe parking brake is not fullyreleased.

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 155 ). 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 210.)

If you must drive the car a shortdistance in this condition, driveslowly and cautiously.


BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR*

*U.S. indicator shown

Fuses

All the electrical circuits in your carhave fuses to protect them from ashort circuit or overload. Thesefuses are located in two fuse boxes.

The interior fuse box is underneaththe dashboard on the driver's side.Remove the fuse box lid by swingingthe lid down and pulling it straightout of its hinges.

The under-hood fuse box is locatedin the engine compartment next tothe battery. To open it, push the tabas shown.


INTERIOR TAB UNDER-HOOD

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 pages208 and 209 , 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.

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 box bypulling out each fuse with the fusepuller provided in the interior fusebox.


FUSE

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.

CONTINUED


BLOWN

NOTICE

Fuses

INTERIOR FUSE BOX

* : On Canadian models


Fuses

UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX


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 hooks

on 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 TransmissionRelease 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).

If your car is equipped with a frontspoiler, remove it before towing so itis not damaged.


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 system can be damaged ifthe steering wheel is locked. Leave theignition switch in Accessory (I), andmake sure the steering wheel turnsfreely 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

212

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................. 214Specifications................................. 216DOT Tire Quality Grading

(U.S. Vehicles)....................... 218Treadwear.................................. 218Traction....................................... 218Temperature.............................. 219

Oxygenated Fuels.......................... 220Driving in Foreign Countries....... 221Emissions Controls........................ 222

The Clean Air Act...................... 222Crankcase Emissions Control

System.................................... 222Evaporative Emissions Control

System.................................... 222Onboard Refueling Vapor

Recovery................................. 222Exhaust Emissions Controls.... 223

PGM-FI System..................... 223Ignition Timing Control

System.................................223Three Way Catalytic

Converter............................ 223Replacement Parts..................... 223

Three Way Catalytic Converter... 224


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.


VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

CERTIFICATION LABEL

Identification Numbers

The Engine Number is stamped intothe engine block.

The Transmission Number is on alabel on top of the transmission.


ENGINE NUMBER

TRANSMISSION NUMBER

Specifications

* 1 : Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in theengine.Reserve tank capacity: 0.11 US gal (0.4 ,0.09 Imp gal)

* 2: U.S. CX model* 3 : Except U.S. CX model


page 159

Specifications

* 1 : Canadian DX model with automatic transmission


page 208

page 209

DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)

The tires on your car meet all U.S.Federal Safety Requirements. Alltires are also graded for treadwear,traction, and temperature perform-ance according to Department ofTransportation (DOT) standards.The following explains thesegradings.

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. Vehicles)

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 to usefuel 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 page134.

* 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 three systems: PGM-FI,Ignition Timing Control and ThreeWay Catalytic Converter. Thesethree systems work together tocontrol the engine's combustion andminimize the amount of HC, CO, andNOx that comes out the tailpipe. Theexhaust emissions control systemsare separate 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)or the Powertrain Control Module(PCM) uses various sensors todetermine how much air is goinginto the engine. It then controls howmuch fuel to inject under all operat-ing conditions.

Ignition Timing Control SystemThis system constantly adjusts theignition timing, reducing the amountof HC, CO and NOx produced.

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 (CO2), 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................................. 226

U.S. Zone Office Map.................... 227Canada Zone Office Map.............. 228Warranty Coverages..................... 229Reporting Safety Defects

(U.S. Vehicles)........................... 230Authorized Manuals...................... 231


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 214)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. Box 20186

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 Old 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. Box190816San 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.

61S0307

61S0307EL

61S0330

61S0331

31S03640

HON-R

PublicationForm Number

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.

Index

Accessories and Modifications.... 107Accessories................................. 107Additional Safety Precaution.... 108Modifications............................. 108

ACCESSORY (Ignition KeyPosition)........................................ 67

Accessory Power Socket................ 75Adding

Automatic TransmissionFluid........................................ 153

Brake Fluid................................. 155Clutch Fluid................................ 155Engine Coolant........................... 147Engine Oil................................... 143Manual Transmission Fluid..... 154Power Steering Fluid................. 156Windshield Washer Fluid......... 152

Additional Information AboutYour Seat Belts........................ 42

Lap Belt......................................... 43Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42Seat Belt Maintenance................ 44Seat Belt System Components... 42

Additional Information AboutYour SRS................................... 45

Additional Safety Precautions.... 48How the SRS Indicator

Works........................................ 47How Your Airbags Work............ 45SRS Components......................... 45

Additives, Engine Oil..................... 144Adjustments

Head Restraints........................... 70Mirrors.......................................... 73Seats.............................................. 69Steering Wheel............................ 65

Airbag (SRS)................................ 9, 45Air Cleaner Element...................... 157Air Conditioning System................. 78

Maintenance............................... 164Usage............................................. 78

Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 80Air Pressure, Tires........................ 166

High Speed Driving................... 167Normal Driving.......................... 167

Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 220Antifreeze....................................... 147Anti-theft Steering Column

Lock............................................... 67

Appearance Care........................... 183Ashtrays (Optional)......................... 75Audio System................................... 86Automatic Transmission............... 118

Capacity, Fluid........................... 216Checking Fluid Level................ 153Shifting........................................ 118Shift Position Indicator............. 118Shift Lever Positions................. 119Shift Lock Release..................... 122

BatteryCharging System

Indicator............................ 55, 202Jump Starting............................. 197Maintenance............................... 160Specifications............................. 217

Before Driving................................. 99Belts, Seat..................................... 8, 42Beverage Holder.............................. 74Body Repairs.................................. 188

CONTINUED

Index

BrakesBreak-in, New Linings .............. 100Fluid............................................ 154Light, Burned-out...................... 177Parking.......................................... 73System Indicator.................. 55, 204Wear Indicators......................... 124

Braking System.............................. 124Break-in, New Car......................... 100Brightness Control, Instruments... 62Brights, Headlights......................... 61Bulb Replacement

Back-up Lights........................... 177Brake Light................................ 177Front Parking Lights................. 175Front Side Marker Lights......... 175Headlights.................................. 174High-mount Brake Light.......... 178Interior Light.............................. 180License Plate Lights.................. 179Rear Side Marker Lights.......... 177Specifications............................. 217Turn Signal Lights..................... 175

Bulbs, Halogen............................... 174

Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 197Capacities Chart............................. 216Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49Cargo Area Cover............................ 72Carrying Cargo.............................. 109Cassette Player

Care............................................... 94Operation...................................... 92

CAUTION, Explanation of............... iiCD Changer...................................... 95CD Player.......................................... 95Certification Label......................... 214Chains............................................. 171Change Oil

How to......................................... 145When to....................................... 134

Changing a Flat Tire..................... 191Changing Engine Coolant............. 149Charging System Indicator.... 55, 202Checking

Automatic TransmissionFluid........................................ 153

Battery Condition...................... 160Brake Fluid................................. 155

Clutch Fluid................................ 155Drive Belts.................................. 165Engine Coolant........................... 105Engine Oil................................... 104Fuses.......................................... 205Manual Transmission Fluid..... 154Power Steering Fluid................. 156

Checklist, Before Driving............. 114Child Safety...................................... 21Cleaner Element, Air..................... 157Cleaning

Exterior....................................... 184Interior........................................ 186Seat Belts.................................... 186Vinyl............................................ 186Windows..................................... 187

Clock, Setting the ............................ 91Clutch Fluid.................................... 155CO in the Exhaust......................... 222Cold Weather, Starting in............. 115Compact Spare............................... 190Consumer Information*................ 226Controls, Instruments and.............. 51Coolant

Adding......................................... 147Checking..................................... 105

Index

Proper Solution.......................... 147Replacing.................................... 149Temperature Gauge.................... 58

Corrosion Protection..................... 187Crankcase Emissions Control

System......................................... 222Customer Relations Office........... 226

DANGER, Explanation of................. iiDashboard.................................... 2, 52Daytime Running Lights................. 61Dead Battery, What to Do............ 197Defects, Reporting Safety............. 230Defog and Defrost........................... 83Defogger, Rear Window................. 64Defrosting the Windows................. 83DEXRON® III Automatic

Transmission Fluid.................... 153Dimensions..................................... 216Dimming the Headlights................ 61Dipstick

Automatic Transmission........... 153Engine Oil................................... 104

Directional Signals........................... 62

Disabled, Towing Your Car If...... 210Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 124Disposal of Used Oil...................... 146Doors

Locking and Unlocking............... 68DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 218Downshifting, 5-speed Manual

Transmission.............................. 116Drive Belts...................................... 165Driver and Passenger Safety............ 5Driving............................................ 113

Economy..................................... 106In Bad Weather.......................... 126In Foreign Countries................. 221

Economy, Fuel............................... 106Emergencies on the Road............. 189

Battery, Jump Starting.............. 197Brake System Indicator............ 204Changing a Flat Tire................. 191Charging System Indicator...... 202Checking the Fuses................... 206Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 201Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 203

Overheated Engine................... 199Emergency Brake............................ 73Emergency Flashers....................... 64Emergency Towing....................... 210Emissions Controls........................ 222Engine

Belts.............................................165Coolant Temperature Gauge..... 58Malfunction Indicator

Lamp................................. 56, 203Oil Pressure Indicator......... 55, 201Oil, What Kind to Use............... 143Overheating................................ 199Specifications............................. 216

Engine Speed Limiter .......... 117, 121Ethanolin Gasoline....................... 220Evaporative Emissions Controls.. 222Exhaust Fumes................................ 49Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat

Belts by......................................... 19Exterior, Cleaning the................... 184

CONTINUED

Index

Fabric, Cleaning............................. 186Fan, Interior...................................... 78Features, Comfort and

Convenience................................. 72Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 101Filter

Air Cleaner................................. 157Oil................................................ 145

5-speed Manual TransmissionChecking Fluid Level................ 154Shifting the................................. 116

Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 64Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 191Fluids

Automatic Transmission........... 153Brake........................................... 154Clutch.......................................... 154Manual Transmission............... 154Power Steering........................... 156Windshield Washer................... 152

FM Stereo RadioReception...................................... 89

Folding Rear Seat............................ 71Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 221

Four-way Flashers........................... 64Front End, Towing by

Emergency Wrecker................. 210Fuel.................................................. 100

Fill Door and Cap....................... 101Gauge............................................ 58Octane Requirement................. 100Oxygenated................................ 220Reserve Indicator......................... 56Tank, Filling the......................... 101

Fuses, Checking the...................... 205

Gas Mileage, Improving................ 106Gasohol........................................... 220Gasoline.......................................... 100

Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 56Gauge............................................ 58Octane Requirement................. 100Tank, Filling the......................... 101

Gas Station Procedures................. 101Gauges

Engine CoolantTemperature............................ 58

Fuel................................................ 58

Gearshift Lever PositionsAutomatic Transmission........... 1185-speed Manual

Transmission.......................... 116Glass Cleaning............................... 187Glove Box......................................... 74

Halogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 174Hatch

Opening the.................................. 68Open Monitor Light.................... 56

Hazard Warning Flashers............... 64Headlights

Daytime Running Lights............. 61High Beam Indicator................... 56High Beams, Turning on............ 61Low Beams, Turning on............. 61Reminder Beeper......................... 61Replacing Halogen Bulbs ......... 174Turning on.................................... 61

Head Restraints............................... 70Heating and Cooling........................ 78High Altitude, Starting at.............. 115High-Low Beam Switch .................. 61

Index

Hood Latch..................................... 158Hood, Opening the........................ 102Horn............................................... 3, 60Hot Coolant, Warning about........ 147Hydraulic Clutch............................ 155Hydroplaning.................................. 127

Identification Number, Vehicle.... 214If Your Car Has to be Towed....... 210Ignition

Keys.............................................. 66Switch............................................ 66Timing Control System............. 223

Important Safety Precautions .......... 6Indicator Lights, Instrument

Panel.............................................. 53Infant Restraint................................ 29Inflation, Proper Tire .................... 166

High Speed Driving................... 167Normal Driving.......................... 167

Inside Mirror.................................... 73Inspection, Tire.............................. 168Instrument Panel............................. 53Instrument Panel Brightness......... 62

Interior Cleaning............................ 186Interior Light.................................... 76Introduction......................................... i

Jacking up the Car......................... 192Jack, Tire........................................ 191Jump Starting................................. 197

Keys................................................... 66

Label, Certification........................ 214Lane Change, Signaling.................. 62Lap Belt............................................. 43Lap/Shoulder Belt........................... 42Leaking of Exhaust into Car.......... 49Lights

Bulb Replacement..................... 174Indicator........................................ 53Parking.......................................... 61Turn Signal................................... 62

Load Limit...................................... 110LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....... 67Locks

Anti-theft Steering Column........ 67Fuel Fill Door............................. 101Hatch............................................ 68

Low Coolant Level......................... 105Low Fuel Indicator.......................... 56Lower Gear, Downshifting to a.... 116Low Oil Pressure Indicator.... 55, 201Lubricant Specifications Chart.... 216Luggage.......................................... 109

Maintenance................................... 129Owner Maintenance Checks.... 141Record.................................. 139-140Required Indicator....................... 59Safety...........................................130Schedule.............................. 134-138

Malfunction Indicator Lamp.. 56, 203Manual Transmission.................... 116Manual Transmission Fluid ......... 154

CONTINUED

Index

Neutral Gear Position.................... 120New Vehicle Break-in ................... 100Normal Shift Speeds...................... 117NOTICE, Explanation of................... iiNumbers, Identification................ 214

Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 100Odometer.......................................... 57Odometer, Trip................................ 57Oil

Change, How to ......................... 145Change, When to....................... 134Checking Engine....................... 104Pressure Indicator............... 55, 201Selecting Proper Viscosity

Chart....................................... 144ON (Ignition Key Position)............ 67

Onboard Refueling VaporRecovery..................................... 222

Opening the Hatch.......................... 68Opening the Hood......................... 102Operation in Foreign Countries... 221Outside Mirrors............................... 73Overheating, Engine..................... 199Owner Maintenance Checks........ 141Oxygenated Fuels.......................... 220

Paint Touch-up............................... 185Panel Brightness Control............... 62Park Gear Position......................... 119Parking............................................ 123Parking Brake.................................. 73Parking Brake and Brake

System Indicator.................. 55, 204Parking Lights.................................. 61Parking Over Things that Burn... 224PGM-FI System.............................. 223Polishing and Waxing................... 185Power Steering............................... 156Pre-Drive Safety Checklist............. 11Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 19

Protecting Adults............................. 12Additional Safety Precautions.... 19Advice for Pregnant Women...... 19

Protecting Children......................... 21Protecting Infants........................ 29Protecting Larger Children........ 37Protecting Small Children.......... 33Using Child Seats with

Tethers......................................40

Radiator Overheating.................... 199Radio/Cassette Sound System....... 86Rear End Towing........................... 210Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 177Rear Seat Access............................. 71Rear Seat, Folding........................... 71Rear View Mirror............................. 73Rear Window Defogger.................. 64Rear Window Washer..................... 64Rear Window Wiper........................ 64Reclining the Seat Backs................ 70Recommended Shift Speeds ........ 117Reminder Lights.............................. 53

Meters, Gauges................................ 57Methanol in Gasoline.................... 220Mirrors, Adjusting........................... 73

Index

Replacement InformationAir Cleaner Element.................. 157Engine Coolant........................... 149Engine Oil and Filter................. 145Fuses........................................... 206Light Bulbs................................. 174Schedule..................................... 132Spark Plugs................................. 158Timing Belt................................. 165Tires............................................ 169Wiper Blades.............................. 162

Replacing Seat Belts After aCrash............................................. 44

Reserve Tank, EngineCoolant................................ 105, 147

Restraint, Child................................ 21Reverse Gear Position................... 120Rotation, Tire................................. 169

Safety Belts................................... 8, 42Safety Defects, Reporting* .......... 230Safety Features.................................. 7

Airbags............................................ 9Door Locks................................... 11

Head Restraints........................... 10Seat Belts........................................ 8Scats & Seat-Backs...................... 10

Safety Labels, Location of.............. 50Safety Messages................................ iiSeat Belts, Additional

Information............................... 42Lap Belt.........................................43Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42Scat Belt Maintenance................ 44Seat Belt System Components... 42

Seat Belts...................................... 8, 42Cleaning...................................... 186Maintenance................................. 44Reminder Light and

Beeper................................. 42, 54System Components.................... 42Tether Anchorage Points........... 40Use During Pregnancy................ 19Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt.... 15Wearing the Lap Belt.................. 16

Seats, Adjusting the......................... 69Serial Number................................ 214Service Intervals............................ 134Service Manual* ............................ 231Service Station Procedures .......... 101

Setting the Clock ............................. 91Shifting

The AutomaticTransmission.......................... 118

The 5-speed ManualTransmission.......................... 116

Shift Lever PositionIndicator...................................... 118

Shift Lock Release......................... 122Side Marker Lights, Bulb

Replacement in.......................... 177Signaling Turns................................ 62Snow Tires...................................... 171Solvent-type Cleaners.................... 184Sound System................................... 86Spare Tire

Inflating....................................... 190Specifications............................. 217

Spark Plugs, Replacing................. 158Specifications Charts..................... 216Speedometer.................................... 57SRS, Additional Information........... 45

Additional Safety Precautions.... 48

CONTINUED

Index

SRS, Additional InformationHow the SRS Indicator

Works........................................ 47How Your Airbags Work............ 45SRS Components......................... 45SRS Service................................... 47

SRS Indicator.............................. 47, 55START (Ignition Key Position)..... 67Starting the Engine........................ 115

In Cold Weather at HighAltitude................................... 115

With a Dead Battery................. 197Steam Coming from Engine......... 199Steering Wheel

Adjustment................................... 65Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 67

Stereo Sound System...................... 86Storing Your Car............................ 181Supplemental Restraint

System................................... 9, 45Servicing....................................... 47SRS Indicator.......................... 47, 55System Components.................... 45

Synthetic Oil................................... 144

Tachometer...................................... 58Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 177Taking Care of the

Unexpected................................ 189Tape Player....................................... 92Technical Descriptions

DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 218Driving in Foreign Countries... 221Emissions Control Systems...... 222Oxygenated Fuels...................... 220Three Way Catalytic

Converter................................ 224Temperature Gauge........................ 58Tether Anchorage Points............... 40Three Way Catalytic Converter... 224Time, Setting the............................. 91Timing Belt..................................... 165Tire Chains..................................... 171Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 191Tires................................................ 166

Air Pressure............................... 166Checking Wear.......................... 168Compact Spare........................... 190DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 218

Inflation....................................... 166Inspection................................... 168Replacing.................................... 169Rotating....................................... 169Snow............................................ 171Specifications............................. 217Tire Chains................................. 171

Tools, Tire Changing.................... 191Towing

A Trailer...................................... 127Emergency Wrecker................. 210

TransmissionChecking Fluid Level,

Automatic............................... 153Checking Fluid Level,

Manual.................................... 154Fluid Selection.................. 153, 154Identification Number............... 214Shifting the Automatic.............. 118Shifting the Manual................... 116

Treadwear...................................... 218Trip Meter........................................ 57Turn Signals..................................... 62

Index

Underside, Cleaning...................... 187Unexpected, Taking Care

of the........................................... 189Uniform Tire Quality Grading..... 218Unleaded Gasoline......................... 100Upholstery Cleaning...................... 186Used Oil, How to Dispose of........ 146

Vehicle Capacity Load .................. 110Vehicle Dimensions....................... 216Vehicle Identification Number..... 214Vehicle Storage.............................. 181Ventilation......................................... 81VIN..................................................214Vinyl Cleaning................................ 186Viscosity, Oil................................... 144

Seat Belts................................ 42, 54WARNING, Explanation of.............. iiWarning Labels, Location of.......... 50Warranty Coverages*................... 229Washer, Windshield

Checking the Fluid Level......... 152Indicator........................................ 56Operation...................................... 63

Washing.......................................... 184Waxing and Polishing................... 185Wheels

Adjusting the Steering................ 65Alignment and Balance............. 168Compact Spare........................... 190Wrench....................................... 192

WindowsCleaning...................................... 187Rear, Defogger............................ 64

WindshieldCleaning........................................ 63Defroster...................................... 83

Wipers, WindshieldChanging Blades........................ 162Operation...................................... 63

Worn Tires..................................... 168Wrecker, Emergency Towing...... 210

* U.S. and Canada only

Warning BeepersHeadlights on............................... 61Key in Ignition.............................. 67

Service Information Summary

Gasoline:Unleaded gasoline, pump octanenumber of 86 or higher.

Fuel Tank Capacity:11.9 US gal (45 ,9.9 Imp gal)

Recommended Engine Oil:API Service SJ "EnergyConserving" oil, SAE 5W-30viscosity (see page 143 ).

Oil change capacity (includingfilter):

3.8 US qt (3.6 ,3.2 Imp qt)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:Honda Premium FormulaAutomatic Transmission Fluidpreferred, or a DEXRON® III ATFas a temporary replacement (seepage 153).

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 154).

Capacity (including differential):1.9 US qt (1.8 ,1.6 lmp qt)

Power Steering Fluid:Genuine Honda Power SteeringFluid preferred, or another brandof power steering fluid as atemporary replacement. Do notuse ATF (see page 156).

Brake Fluid:Genuine Honda DOT3 Brake Fluidpreferred, or a DOT 3 or DOT 4brake fluid as a temporaryreplacement (see page 155).

Tire Pressure (measured cold):Front:

30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 kgf/cm2)Rear:

29 psi (200 kPa , 2.0 kgf/cm2)

Spare Tire:60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm2)