2000 S2000 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.................................................................................................................41
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features ............................................................................................... 85
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving..................................................................................................................................115
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving ..............................................................................................................................................129
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................143
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer.
Appearance Care..............................................................................................................................203
Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................211
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information.....................................................................................................................241
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................253
A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................259
How to order manuals and other technical literature.
Index...................................................................................................................................................... I
Service Information Summary
A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.
Owner's Identification Form
Owner's Identification
OWNER
-------------------------------------------------
ADDRESS
----------------~===---------------~-îš
STREET
CITY
STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/
POSTAL CODE
V.I.
N.
______________________
_
DELIVERY DATE
This
Owner's Manual should be
considered a permanent part of the
vehicle, and should remain with the
vehicle when it is sold.
This Owner's Manual covers
all
models of the S2000. You may find
descriptions of equipment and
features that are not on your
particular model.
The
information and specifications
included
in
this publication were
in
--------~----------~----------~-------
(Date
sold
to
original
retail
purchaser)
effect at the time of approval for
printing. Honda Motor
Co.,
Ltd.
DEALER
NAME
DEALER NO. reserves the right, however, to
----------------------
discontinue or change specifications
ADDRESS or design at any timewithout notice
CITY
STREET and without incurring any obligation
whatsoever.
STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/
POSTAL CODE
OWNER'S SIGNATURE
____________________________
__
DEALER'S SIGNATURE
____________________________
_
Main Menu
Congratulations on your selection of the 2000 Honda S2000. We are certain
you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the most sophisticated and
technologically-advanced sports cars in the world.
One of the
best
ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Honda is to
read this manual. In it, you
will
learn how to operate its driving controls and
convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner's manual
in
your car so you
can refer to it at any time.
Several warranties protect your new Honda. Read the warranty booklet
thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights
and responsibilities.
Maintaining your car according to the schedules given in this manual helps
to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. When
your car needs maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda dealer's staff is
specially trained in servicing
the
many systems unique to your Honda. Your
Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and
will
be pleased to answer
any questions and concerns.
Introduction
As you read this manual, you
will
find information that is preceded by
a
[NOTICE _
_]
symbol. This
information is intended to help you
avoid damage to your
S2000, other
property,
or
the environment.
Main Menu
A Few
Words
About Safety
Your safety, and the safety of others,
is very important. And operating this
car safely is an important
responsibility.
To
help you make informed
decisions about safety, we have
provided operating procedures and
other information on labels and in
this manual. This information alerts
you to potential hazards that could
hurt
you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or
possible to warn you about
all
the
hazards associated with operating or
maintaining your car.
You must use
your own good judgement.
i i
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 A and one of
three signal words:
DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These
signal words mean:
A DANGER
l
A CAUTION
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be
KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT
if
you don't follow instructions.
·]
You CAN be HURT
if
you don't follow
··
instructions.
• Safety
Headings
- such as Important Safety Reminders or Important
Safety Precautions.
• Safety
Section-
such as Driver and Passenger Safety.
•
Instructions
- how to use this car correctly and safely.
This
entire book is filled with important safety information - please read it
carefully.
Main Menu
4
Main Menu
This
section gives you important
information about how to protect
yourself and your passenger.
It
shows you how to use
seat
belts
properly.
It
explains your Supple-
mental Restraint System. And it tells
you how to properly restrain children
in your car.
Important Safety
Precautions .......... 6
Your Car's Safety
Features
.............. 7
Seat Belts ........................................ 8
Airbags ............................................ 9
Seats
& Seat-Backs ......................
10
Head Restraints ...........................
10
Door Locks ...................................
10
Pre-Drive Safety Checklist .........
11
Protecting Adults .............................
12
1.
Close and Lock
the
Doors ......
12
2.
Adjust
the
Front
Seats ............
12
3.
Adjust
the
Seat-Backs .............
13
4.
Fasten and Position
the
Seat
Belts ......................................
15
5.
Maintain a Proper Sitting
Position .................................
16
Advice for Pregnant Women ......
17
Additional Safety Precautions
....
18
Protecting Children .........................
19
All Children Must Be
Restrained ................................
19
Your Car is Not Recommended
for Child
Passengers ...............
20
The
Passenger's Air
bag
Poses
Serious Risks to Children .......
20
Additional Safety Precaution ......
22
Driver
and
Passenger Safety
General Guidelines for Using
Child Seats ................................
22
Protecting Small Children .......... 26
Protecting Larger Children ........
29
Additional Information About Your
Seat Belts ..................................
33
Seat Belt System Components
...
33
Lap/Shoulder Belt.. .....................
33
Seat Belt Maintenance ................ 34
Additional Information About Your
SRS ............................................ 35
SRS Components ......................... 35
How Your Air bags
Work
............ 35
How
the
Automatic Seat Belt
Tensioners Work ..................... 37
How
the
SRS Indicator Light
Works ........................................ 37
SRS Service ................................... 38
Additional Safety
Precautions
....
38
Carbon Monoxide Hazard .............. 39
Safety Labels ....................................
40
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
5
Main Menu
Important Safety Precautions
You'll find many safety
recommendations throughout this
section, and throughout this manual.
The
recommendations on this page
are the ones we consider to be the
most important.
Always
WearY
our
Seat
Belt
A seat belt is your best protection
in
all
types of collisions. Airbags
supplement seat belts, but airbags
are designed to inflate only
in
a
moderate to severe frontal collision.
So
even though your car is equipped
with airbags, make sure you and
your passenger always wear your
seat belts, and wear them properly.
(See page
15
) .
Your
Car
is
Not
Recommended
for
Child
Passengers
Since
all
children are safest
in
the
back seat of a car, and your car does
not have a back seat, we recommend
that you
do
not carry a child
passenger.
Due
to
the
passenger's
6 Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
airbag hazard,
you
should
never
carry
an
infant
in
a rear-facing child
seat
in
this
car.
If
a small child who
must be restrained in a forward-
facing child seat, or a larger child,
must ride
in
this car, be sure to
follow
all
instructions and safety
warnings
in
this manual. (See pages
26
and 29.)
Be
Aware
of
Airbag
Hazards
While airbags can save lives, they
can cause serious or fatal injuries to
occupants who sit too close to them,
or are not properly restrained.
Infants, young children, and short
adults are at the greatest
risk
Be
sure to follow
all
instructions and
warnings
in
this manual. (See page
7
.)
Don't
Drink
and
Drive
Alcohol and driving don't mix. Even
one drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions, and
your reaction time gets worse with
every additional
drink
So
don't drink
and drive, and don't let your friends
drink and drive, either.
Control
Your
Speed
Excessive speed is a major factor
in
crash injuries and deaths. Generally,
the higher the speed the
greater
the
risk, but serious accidents can also
occur
at
lower speeds. Never drive
faster than is safe for current
conditions, regardless of the
maximum speed posted.
Keep
Your
Car
in
Safe
Condition
Having a tire blowout or a
mechanical failure can be extremely
hazardous.
To
reduce the possibility
of such problems, check your tire
pressures and condition frequently,
and perform
all
regularly scheduled
maintenance. (See page 146
.)
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Your
Car's
Safety Features
Your car
is
equipped with many
features that work together to
protect you and your passenger
during a crash.
Some safety features
do
not require
any action on your part. These
include a strong steel framework
that forms a safety cage around the
passenger compartment; front and
rear crush zones that are designed to
crumple and absorb energy during a
crash; a collapsible steering column;
and seat belt tensioners that
automatically tighten the seat belts
in
the event
of
a crash.
These safety features are designed
to reduce the severity of injuries
in
a
crash. However, you and your
passenger can't take full advantage
of
these safety features unless you
remain sitting in a proper position
and
always wear
your
seat
belts
properly.
In
fact, some safety
features can contribute to injuries
if
they are not used properly.
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
7
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Your
Car's
Safety Features
Seat
Belts
For your safety, and the safety of
your passenger, your car is equipped
with seat belts in both seating
positions.
ITl
Your seat belt system also
L:::D:..J
includes a light on the
instrument panel to remind you and
your passenger to fasten your seat
belts.
Why
Wear
Seat
Belts
Seat belts have proven to be the
single most effective safety device.
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance
of
serious
injury or death
in
a crash, even
though your car has airbags.
8 Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
In addition, most states and
all
Canadian provinces require you to
wear seat belts.
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death
in
a crash, even
if you have airbags.
Be sure you and your
passenger
always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.
When properly worn, seat belts:
• Keep you connected to the vehicle
so you can take advantage
of
the
vehicle's built-in safety features.
• Help protect you in almost every
type of crash, including side and
rear
impacts and rollovers. (Your
air bag can only
be
helpful
in
a
moderate to severe frontal
collision.)
• Help keep you from being thrown
against the inside of the vehicle
and against other occupants.
• Keep you from being thrown out
of the vehicle.
• Help keep you in a good position
should the airbags ever deploy. A
good position reduces the risk of
injury from an inflating air bag, and
allows you to
get
the best
advantage from
the
airbag.
Of course, seat belts cannot
completely protect you
in
every
crash. But in most cases, seat belts
can reduce your risk of serious
injury.
What
you
should
do: Always wear
your seat belt, and make sure you
wear it properly.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Airbags
Your car
has
a Supplemental
Restraint System
(SRS)
with frontal
airbags to help protect the driver and
a passenger.
~
This
system also includes
~
an indicator light on the
instrument panel to alert you to a
possible problem with the system.
The
most important things you need
to know about your airbags are:
• Airbags do
not
replace
seat
belts.
The
seat belts are the occupants'
primary protection in all types of
collisions. Airbags supplement
seat belts
by
providing extra
protection for occupants' heads
and chests.
• Airbags
offer
no
protection in side
impacts, rear impacts, rollovers,
or
minor
collisions. Air bags are
designed to deploy only during a
moderate to severe frontal
collision.
Your
Car's
Safety Features
• Airbags can
pose
serious hazards.
To
do
their job, airbags must
inflate with tremendous force and
speed.
So
while airbags save lives,
they can cause serious injuries to
adults and larger children who are
not wearing seat belts, are not
wearing
them
properly, are sitting
too close to the airbag,
or
are not
sitting in a proper position. Infants
and small children are at an even
greater risk of injury or death.
What
you
should do: Always wear
your seat belt properly, and sit
upright and as far back as possible
from the steering wheel
or
dashboard.
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety 9
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Your
Car's
Safety Features
Seats
& Seat-Backs
Your car's seats are designed to keep
you in a comfortable, upright
position so you can take full
advantage of
the
protection offered
by seat belts and the energy
absorbing materials in
the
seats.
How you adjust your seats and seat-
backs can also affect your safety.
For
example, sitting too close to the
steering wheel or dashboard
increases the risk of you
or
your
passenger being injured by striking
the inside of the car, or by an
inflating airbag.
Reclining a seat-back too far reduces
the seat belt's effectiveness and
increases
the
chance that
the
seat's
occupant
will
slide under the seat
belt
in
a crash and be seriously
injured.
10
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
What
you
should
do: Move the seats
as far back as possible, and keep
adjustable seat-backs in an upright
position whenever
the
car is moving.
Head
Restraints
Head restraints can help protect you
from whiplash and other injuries.
Door
Locks
Keeping your doors locked reduces
the chance of being thrown out of
the car during a crash.
It
also helps
prevent occupants from accidentally
opening a door and falling out, and
outsiders from unexpectedly opening
your doors.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Pre-Drive
Safety
Checklist
To
make sure you and your
passenger get the maximum
protection from your car's safety
features, check the following each
time before you drive
away:
•
You
and any adult passenger, or a
larger child who has outgrown
child seats, are wearing your seat
belts and wearing
them
properly
(see page
15
) .
• A small child riding
in
a forward-
facing child seat is properly
restrained (see page
26).
• Occupants are sitting upright and
as far back as possible from
the
steering wheel and dashboard
(see page
12
) .
• Seat-backs are upright (see page
13
).
• Both doors are closed and locked
(see page
12
).
•
All
cargo is properly stored or
secured (see page 124).
The
rest of this section gives more
detailed information about how you
can maximize your safety.
Remember, however, that
no
safety
system can prevent
all
injuries or
deaths that can occur in severe
crashes, even when seat belts are
properly worn and the air bags deploy.
Your
Car's
Safety Features
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
11
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Protecting Adults
Introduction
The
following pages provide
instructions on how to properly
protect adult occupants.
These
instructions also apply to a
child whom you have decided is
large enough and mature enough to
ride as a passenger. (See page
29
for
important additional guidelines on
how to properly protect larger
children.)
1. Close and Lock the Doors
After everyone has entered the car,
be sure the doors are closed and
locked.
12
Driver and
Passenger
Safety
~
Your car has a door
~
monitor light on the
instrument panel to indicate when a
specific door is
not tightly closed.
For safety, locking the doors reduces
the chance
that
a passenger,
especially a child,
will
open a door
while the car is moving and
accidentally fall out.
It
also reduces
the chance of someone being thrown
out of the car during a crash.
For security, locked doors can
prevent an outsider from
unexpectedly opening a door when
you come to a stop.
See page
58
for how to lock the
doors.
2.Adjust
the
Front
Seats
Any driver who sits too close to the
steering wheel is at risk of being
seriously injured or killed by striking
the steering wheel,
or
from being
struck by an inflating airbag during a
crash.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
To reduce the chance of injury, wear
your seat belt properly, sit upright
with your back against the seat, and
move the seat as far back as possible
from
the
steering wheel while still
maintaining full control of the car.
Also make sure your passenger
moves the seat as far to
the
rear as
possible.
Sitting too close to an airbag
can
result
in
serious injury or
death it the airbags
inflate.
Always
sit as tar back from the
airbags as
possible.
Most shorter drivers can get far
enough away from the steering
wheel and still reach the pedals.
However, if you are concerned about
sitting too close, we recommend that
you investigate whether some type
of adaptive equipment may help.
Once your seat is adjusted correctly,
rock it back and forth to make sure
the seat is locked in position.
See page
68
for how to adjust the
seats.
3.Adjust
the
Seat-Backs
Adjust the driver's seat-back to a
comfortable, upright position,
leaving ample space between your
chest and the airbag cover in the
center of the steering wheel.
If
you
sit too close to the steering wheel,
you could be injured
if
the airbag
inflates.
Protecting Adults
A passenger should also adjust the
seat-back to an upright position, but
as far from
the
dashboard as
possible. A passenger who sits too
close to the dashboard could be
injured if the airbag inflates.
CONTINUED
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety 13
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Protecting Adults
Reclining a seat-back so that the
shoulder part of the belt no longer
rests against
the
occupant's chest
reduces the protective capability of
the belt.
It
also increases the chance
of sliding under the belt
in
a crash
and being seriously injured.
The
farther a seat-back is reclined, the
greater the risk of injury.
14
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
Reclining the seat-back too far
can
result
in
serious injury or
death
in
a crash.
Adjust the seat-back to an
upright position and sit
well
back
in
the seat.
See page
68
for how to adjust seat-
backs.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
4.Fasten
and
Position
the
Seat
Belts
Insert the latch plate into the buckle,
then tug on the belt to make sure the
belt is securely latched. Also check
that the belt is not twisted, because a
twisted belt can cause serious
injuries in a crash.
Position the lap part of the belt as
low as possible across your hips,
then pull up on the shoulder part of
the belt so the lap part fits snugly.
This lets your strong pelvic bones
take the force of a crash and reduces
the chance of internal injuries.
If necessary, pull up on the belt again
to remove any slack from the
shoulder part, then check that the
belt rests across the center of your
chest and over your shoulder. This
Protecting Adults
spreads the forces of a crash over
the strongest bones
in
your upper
body.
Improperly positioning the seat
belts can cause serious injury
or death
in
a crash.
Make sure
all seat belts are
properly positioned before
driving.
Never
place
the
shoulder
portion
of
a
lap/shoulder
belt
under
your
arm
or
behind
your
back. This could cause
very serious injuries
in
a crash.
CONTINUED
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
15
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Protecting Adults
If
a seat belt does not seem to work
as it should, it may not protect
the
occupant
in
a crash. No one
should
sit
in
a
seat
with an inoperative
seat
belt. Anyone using a seat belt
that
is
not working properly can be
seriously injured or killed. Have your
Honda dealer check
the
belt as soon
as possible.
See page
33
for additional
information about your seat belt
system and how to take care of your
belts.
16
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
5.Maintain
a
Proper
Sitting
Position
After occupants have adjusted their
seats and put on seat belts, it is very
important
that
they continue to sit
upright, well back in their seats, with
their feet on the floor, until the car is
parked and the engine is off.
Sitting improperly can increase the
chance of injury during a crash. For
example,
if
an occupant slouches,
lies down, turns sideways, sits
forward, leans forward or sideways,
or puts one or both feet up, the
chance of injury during a crash is
greatly increased.
In addition, an occupant who is out of
position can be seriously or fatally
injured by striking interior parts of
the car, or by being struck by an
inflating airbag.
Sitting improperly
or
out of
position can
result
in
serious
injury or death
in
a crash.
Always sit upright, well back
in
the seat, with your feet on the
floor.
Remember, to
get
the
best
protection from your car's airbags
and other safety features, you must
sit properly and wear your seat belt
properly.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Advice
for
Pregnant
Women
Because protecting the mother is the
best way to protect
her
unborn child,
a pregnant woman should always
wear a seat belt whenever she drives
or rides
in
a vehicle.
Remember to keep the lap portion of
the belt as
low
as possible across
your hips.
Protecting Adults
Pregnant women should also sit
upright and as far back as possible
from the steering wheel or
dashboard. This
will
reduce the risk
of injuries to both the mother and
her
unborn child that can be caused
by a crash or an inflating airbag.
Each time you have a check-up, ask
your doctor
if
it's okay for you to
drive.
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
17
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Protecting Adults
Additional
Safety
Precautions
• Two
people
should
never
use
the
same
seat
belt.
If
they do, they
could be very seriously injured in a
crash.
• Do
not
put
any
accessories on
seat
belts. Devices intended to improve
occupant comfort or reposition
the
shoulder part of a
seat
belt can
severely compromise the
protective capability of the seat
belt and increase the chance of
serious injury in a crash.
18
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
• Do
not
place
hard
or
sharp
objects
between
yourself
and
an
airbag.
Carrying hard or sharp objects on
your lap, or driving with a pipe or
other sharp object
in
your mouth,
can result
in
injuries
if
your
airbags inflate.
•
Keep
your
hands
and
arms
away
from
the
airbag covers.
If
your
hands or arms are close to the
SRS
covers in the center
of
the
steering wheel and on top of the
dashboard, they could be injured
if
the airbags inflate.
•
Do
not
attach
or
place objects on
the
airbag covers. Any object
attached to or placed on the
covers marked
"SRS AIRBAG,"
in the center of the steering
wheel and on top of
the
dashboard, could interfere with
the
proper operation of the
airbags.
Or, if the airbags inflate,
the
objects could be propelled
inside the car and
hurt
someone.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Children depend on adults to protect
them. However, despite their best
intentions, many parents and other
adults may not know how to
properly
protect young passengers.
So
if
you have children, or
if
you ever
need to drive with a grandchild or
other children in your car, be sure to
read this section.
Children who are unrestrained
or
improperly restrained can be
seriously injured or killed
in
a
crash.
Any
child too small for a seat
belt should be properly
restrained
in
a child seat. A
larger child should be properly
restrained with a seat belt.
Protecting
Children
All
Children
Must
Be
Restrained
Each year, many children are injured .
or killed
in
vehicle crashes because
they are either unrestrained or not
properly restrained. In fact, vehicle
accidents are the number one cause
of death of children ages
12
and
under.
To
reduce the number of child
deaths and injuries, every state and
Canadian province requires that
infants and children be restrained
whenever they ride in a vehicle.
Any
child who
is
too
small
to
wear a
seat
belt
should
be
properly
restrained
in
a
child
seat. (See page
26
.)
A larger
child
should
always
be
restrained
with a
seat
belt. (See page
29
.)
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
19
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Protecting Children
Your
Car
is
Not
Recommended
for
Child
Passengers
We strongly recommend that you
do
not carry any child
in
this car.
One reason is that your car does not
have a back seat, and accident
statistics show that a child of any
size or age is safer when they are
properly restrained
in
the back seat
of a vehicle.
In addition, your car
has
a passenger's
air bag which poses serious risks to
children-
particularly infants and
small children.
20 Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
The
Passenger's
Airbag
Poses
Serious
Risks
to
Children
Airbags have been designed to help
protect adults
in
a moderate to
severe frontal collision. To
do
this,
the passenger's airbag is quite large,
and it inflates with tremendous
speed.
As a result, we urge you to follow
these guidelines.
Infants
Never
put
a rear-facing
child
seat
in
the
front
seat
of
a
car
equipped
with
a
passenger's
airbag.
If
the air bag
inflates, it can hit the back of the
child seat with enough force to kill or
very seriously injure an infant.
Small
Children
Placing a
f01ward-facing child
seat
in
the
front
seat
of
a
car
equipped
with
a
passenger's
airbag can
be
hazardous.
If
the vehicle seat is too
far forward, or the child's head is
thrown forward during a collision, an
inflating airbag can strike the child
with enough force to kill or very
seriously injure a small child.
If
a
small child must ride
in
this car,
follow the instructions on page
23
.
Larger Children
Children who
have
outgrown
child
seats
are also
at
risk
of
being
injured
or
killed
by
an
inflating
passenger's
airbag.
If
a larger child must ride
in
this car, see page
29
for important
guidelines on how to decide whether
a child is large enough and mature
enough to ride as a passenger, and
how to properly protect the child.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
U.S. Models
To
remind you of
the
passenger's
airbag hazards, your car
has
warning
labels on the dashboard and on the
driver's and passenger's visors.
Please read and follow the
instructions on these labels.
A
WARNING
®
DEATH
or
SERIOUS
INJURY
can
occur
•
Children
12
and
under
can
be
krlled
by
the
rur
bag
•
NEVER
pula
rear-facrng
chrld
seat
rn
lhe
front
•
Sri
as
far
back
as
possrble
!rom
!he
arr
bag
•
ALWAYS
use
SEAT
BELTS
and
CHILD
RESTRAINTS
A
WARNING
Children
Can
Be
KILLED
or
INJURED
by
Passenger
Air
Bag
MaKe
sure
all
cnildren
use
sea!
bells
or
cnild
seals.
Canadian Models
To remind you of the airbag hazards,
your car has warning labels on the
driver's and passenger's visors.
Please read and follow
the
instructions on these labels.
CAUTION
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY:
•
FOR
MAXIMUM
SAFETY
PROTECTION
IN
ALL TYPES OF CRASHES, YOU MUST
ALWAYS
WEAR YOUR SAFETY BELT.
• DO NOT INSTALL REARWARD-FACING
CHILD SEATS
IN
ANY FRONT
PASSENGER SEAT POSITION.
•
DO
NOT SIT OR LEAN UNNECESSARILY
CLOSE TO
THE AIR BAG.
•
DO
NOT PLACE ANY OBJECTS OVER THE
AIR BAG
OR
BETWEEN THE AIR BAG
AND
YOURSELF.
• SEE
THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION AND EXPLANATIONS.
Protecting
Children
PRECAUTIONS:
POUR EVITER DES BLESSURES GRAVES:
• POUR PROFITER D'UNE PROTECTIOON
~~3j~t~Es
~cffR~·
~NEE?N~LQ-~~~~
~~~~~T~E.
• NINSTALLEZ JAMAIS
UN
SIEGE POUR
ENFANTS FAISANT FACE A L'ARRIERE SUR
LE
SIEGE
DU
PASSAGER AVANT.
•
NE VOUS APPUYEZ PAS ET NE VOUS ASSOYEZ
PAS PRES
DU
COUSSIN GONFLABLE.
• NE DEPOSEZ AUCUN OBJET SUR LE COUSSIN
GONFLABLE OU ENTRE
LE
COUSSIN
GONFLABLE ET VOUS.
e LISEZ
LE
GUIDE UTILISATEUR POUR DE
PLUS AMPLES RENSEIGNEMENTS.
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
21
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Protecting
Children
Additional Safety
Precaution
•
Do
not
leave a
child
alone
in
your
car. Leaving a child without adult
supervision is illegal
in
most states
and Canadian provinces and can
be very hazardous. For example, a
small child left
in
a car on a hot
day can die from heatstroke. A
child left alone with the key in the
ignition can accidentally set the
car
in
motion, possibly injuring
themselves
or
others.
22
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
General Guidelines
for
Using
Child
Seats
As discussed on page 20, because
your car does not have a back seat,
and because
of
the passenger's
airbag hazard, we strongly
recommend that you
do
not carry a
small child as a passenger
in
this car.
However,
if
you must carry a small
child
in
this car, the child must be
properly restrained in a child seat.
The
following pages give general
guidelines for selecting and installing
a child seat.
See page
26
for
additional information.
Selecting a Child
Seat
To
provide proper protection, a child
seat should meet three
requirements:
1.
The
child
seat
should
meet
safety
standards.
The
child seat should
meet Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard
213
(FMVSS
213)
or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard
213
(CMVSS 213). Look
for the manufacturer's statement
of compliance on the box and seat.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
2.
The
child
seat
should
be
of
the
3.
The
child
seat
should
fit
the
proper
type
and
size
to
fit
the
child.
passenger's
seat.
Small
Children: A child who can sit
up without support should be
restrained in a forward-facing child
seat.
See page
26
for additional
information on protecting small
children.
Due to variations
in
the design of
child seats, vehicle seats, and seat
belts,
all
child seats
will
not fit
all
seating positions in all cars.
However, Honda is confident
that
one or more child seat models can fit
and be properly installed in all
recommended seating positions
in
your car.
Protecting
Children
Before purchasing a child seat, we
recommend
that
parents
test
the
child seat to make sure it fits
properly
in
the passenger's seat.
If
a
previously purchased child seat does
not fit, you
will
need to buy a
different one that will fit.
CONTINUED
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
23
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Protecting
Children
Placing a Child
Seat
This page briefly summarizes
Honda's recommendations on where
to place a child seat in your car.
Airbags
Pose
Serious
Risks
to
Children
The
passenger's airbag inflates
with enough force to kill or
seriously injure an infant in a
rear-facing child seat.
A small child
in
a forward-facing
child seat is also at risk.
If
the
vehicle seat is too far forward,
or the child's head is thrown
forward during a collision, an
inflating airbag can kill or
seriously injure the child.
If
a small child must ride
in
this
car, follow the instructions
provided in this section.
24
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
Passenger's
Seat
Infants: Never in
the
passenger's
seat, due to
the
passenger's airbag
hazard.
Small
children: Not recommended,
due to
the
passenger's airbag
hazard.
If
a small child must ride
in
this car, move the vehicle seat
to the rear-most position and
secure a front-facing child seat
with
the
seat belt. (see page
27).
This car is not equipped with a
tether attachment point.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Installing a Child
Seat
Mter
selecting a proper child seat,
there are three main steps in
installing the seat:
1. Secure
the
child
seat
to
the
car
with a
seat
belt.
All
child seats
must be secured to the car with
the
lap part of a lap/shoulder belt.
A child whose seat is not properly
secured to
the
car can be
endangered
in
a crash. See page
27
for instructions on how to
secure a forward-facing child seat
in
this car.
2.
Make
sure
the
child
seat
is
firmly
secured.
Mter
installing a child
seat, push and pull the seat
forward and from side to side to
verify that it is secure.
To provide security during normal
driving maneuvers as well as during
a collision, we recommend that
parents secure a child seat as firmly
as possible.
However, a child seat does not need
to be
"rock solid."
It
may be difficult
to install a child seat so that it does
not move at
all.
Some side-to-side or
back-and-forth movement can be
expected and should not reduce the
child seat's effectiveness.
Protecting
Children
3. Secure
the
child
in
the
child seat.
Make sure the child is properly
strapped in the child seat
according to
the
child seat maker's
instructions. A child who is not
properly secured in a child seat
can be thrown out of the seat
in
a
crash and seriously injured.
Storing a Child
Seat
When you are not using a child seat,
either remove it and store it in a safe
place, or make sure it is properly
secured. An unsecured child seat can
be thrown around the car during a
crash or sudden stop and injure
someone.
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety 25
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Protecting
Children
Protecting
Small
Children
The
passenger's airbag poses
serious risks to small children.
If
the
vehicle seat is too far forward, or the
child's head is thrown forward
during a collision, or
the
child is
unrestrained or improperly
restrained, an inflating airbag can kill
or seriously injure the child.
For these reasons, we recommend
that you
do
not carry a small child as
a passenger.
26
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
If
you decide to carry a small child in
this car, follow the instructions and
guidelines below.
Child
Seat
Type
A child who can sit up without
support, and who fits within the child
seat maker's weight and height
limits, should be restrained
in
a
forward-facing, upright child seat.
Of the different seats available, we
recommend those
that
have a
five-
point harness system as shown.
We also recommend that a small
child stay
in
the child seat as long as
possible, until the child reaches the
weight or height limit for the seat.
Improperly placing a forward-
facing
child seat
in
the front
seat can
result
in
serious injury
or death if the airbags
inflate.
If
you must place a forward-
facing
child seat
in
front, move
the
vehicle seat as far back as
possible and properly restrain
the
child.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Child
Seat
Installation
The
passenger's seat belt has a
locking mechanism that must be
activated to secure a child seat.
The
following pages provide
instructions and tips on how to
secure a forward-facing child seat
with this type of seat belt.
1.
Move the vehicle seat to
the
rear-
most position. Moving the seat as
far back as possible reduces the
chance of a child being injured or
killed
if
the
passenger's airbag
inflates. (See page
68
for
instructions on how to adjust the
seat.)
2.
With the child seat
in
position,
route the belt through the child
seat according to the seat maker's
instructions, then insert the latch
plate into the buckle.
Protecting
Children
3.
To
activate the lockable retractor,
slowly pull the shoulder part
of
the
belt
all
the way out until it stops,
then let the belt feed back into the
retractor (you might hear a
clicking noise as the belt retracts).
4.
After the belt
has
retracted, tug on
it.
If
the belt is locked, you
will
not
be able to pull it out.
If
you can pull
the belt out, it is not locked and
you
will
need to repeat these steps.
CONTINUED
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
27
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Protecting
Children
5.
After confirming
that
the belt is
locked, grab the shoulder part of
the belt near the buckle and pull
up to remove any slack from the
lap part of the belt. Remember,
if
the lap part of the belt is not tight,
the child seat
will
not be secure.
It
may help to put weight on the
child seat, or push on the back of
the seat, while pulling up on the
belt.
28 Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
6.
Push and pull
the
child seat
forward and from side to side to
verify that it is secure enough to
stay upright during normal driving
maneuvers.
If
the child seat is not
secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to
retract fully,
then
repeat these
steps.
To
deactivate the locking
mechanism
in
order to remove a
child seat, unlatch
the
buckle,
unroute the seat belt, and let the belt
fully retract.
Additional
Precautions
for
Small
Children
•
Never
hold
a
small
child
on
your
lap. If you are not wearing a seat
belt
in
a crash, you could be
thrown forward into the
dashboard and crush the child.
If
you are wearing a seat belt, the
child can be torn from your arms
during a crash. For example,
if
your car crashes into a parked
vehicle at
30
mph (
48
km/h),
a
30-lb
(14
kg) child will become a
900-lb
(410 kg) force, and you will
not be able to hold on.
•
Never
put
a
seat
belt
over
yourself
and
a child. During a crash, the
belt could press deep into the child
and cause very serious injuries.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Protecting
Larger
Children
The
passenger's airbag poses
serious risks to children, including
those who have outgrown child seats.
If
the vehicle seat is too far forward,
or the child's head is thrown forward
during a collision, or the child is
unrestrained or out of position, an
inflating airbag can kill or seriously
injure the child.
For these reasons, we recommend
that you
do
not carry a child
passenger.
With this
in
mind, following are
some guidelines to help you decide
when a given child may ride in your
car.
The
Child
Should
Wear a
Seat
Belt
When a child reaches the
recommended weight or height limit
for a forward-facing child seat, the
child should wear a lap/shoulder belt.
If
a child
is
too short for the shoulder
part of the belt to properly fit, we
recommend that the child use a
booster seat until tall enough to use
the
seat belt without a booster.
The
following pages give
instructions on how to check proper
seat belt fit, what kind of booster
seat to use
if
one is needed, and
important precautions for a child
who must ride in this car.
Allowing a larger child to sit
improperly
in
the front seat can
result
in
injury or death
if
the
airbags
inflate.
If
a larger child must sit
in
front,
make sure the
child moves the
seat as far back as
possible
and wears the seat belt properly.
Protecting
Children
Checking
Seat
Belt
Fit
To
determine
if
a lap/shoulder belt
properly fits a child, have the child
put on the seat belt. Follow the
instructions on page 15.
Then
check
how the belt fits.
If
the shoulder part of the belt rests
over the child's collarbone and
against the center of the chest, as
shown, the child is large enough to
wear the seat belt.
CONTINUED
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
29
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Protecting
Children
However, if the belt touches or
crosses the child's neck,
the
child
needs to use a booster seat.
Do
not
let
a
child
wear a
seat
belt
across
the
neck.
This could result
in
serious neck injuries during a crash.
Do
not
let
a
child
put
the
shoulder
part
of
a
seat
belt
behind
the
back
or
under
the
arm. This could cause
very serious injuries during a crash.
It
also increases the chance that
the
child
will
slide under the belt
in
a
crash and be injured.
30
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
Do
not
put
any
accessories on a
seat
belt. Devices intended to improve
occupant comfort or reposition the
shoulder part of a seat belt, severely
compromise the protective capability
of the seat belt and increase the
chance of serious injury
in
a crash.
Two children
should
never
use
the
same
seat
belt.
If
they do, they could
be very seriously injured
in
a crash.
Using a
Booster
Seat
If a child needs a booster seat, we
recommend choosing a style that
allows the child to use the
lap/
shoulder belt directly, without a
shield, as shown.
Whichever style you select, follow
the booster seat maker's instructions.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
A child may continue using a booster
seat until the tops of the
ears
are
even with the top of
the
seat-back. A
child of this height should be tall
enough to use the
lap/
shoulder belt
without a booster.
JVhen Can a
Larger
Child
Ride
in
this
Car
Children vary widely. And while age
may be one indicator of when a child
can safely ride in this car, there are
other important factors you should
consider.
Protecting
Children
Physical
Size
Physically, a child must be large
enough for the
lap/
shoulder belt to
properly fit over the hips, chest, and
shoulder (see pages
15
and 29). If
the seat belt does not fit properly,
the child should use a booster seat.
Maturity
To
safely ride
in
this car, a child
must be able to follow the rules,
including sitting properly and
wearing
the
seat belt properly
throughout a ride.
CONTINUElJ
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
31
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Protecting
Children
If
you decide
that
a child can safely
ride in this car, be sure to:
• Carefully read the owner's manual
and make sure you understand
all
seat belt instructions and
all
safety
information.
• Move the vehicle seat to
the
rear-
most position.
• Have the child sit up straight, back
against the seat, and feet on or
near the floor.
• Check that the child's seat belt is
properly positioned and secured.
32
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
• Supervise the child. Even a mature
child sometimes needs to be
reminded to fasten the seat belt or
sit properly.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Seat
Belt
System
Components
Your seat belt system includes
lap/
shoulder belts
in
both seating
positions.
The
seat belts are also equipped with
automatic seat belt tensioners.
~
The
system also includes a
l±J
light on the instrument
panel to remind you and your
passenger to fasten your belts.
If
the
driver's seat belt is not fastened
before the ignition is turned
ON (II),
the
light
will
come on and a beeper
will also sound.
The
beeper
will
stop
after a few seconds,
but
the light
will
stay on until the driver's seat belt is
fastened.
Additional Information About
Your
Seat Belts
Lap/Shoulder
Belt
This
seat belt has a single belt that
goes over your shoulder, across your
chest and across your hips.
To
fasten
the
belt, insert the latch
plate into the buckle, then tug on the
belt to make sure the buckle is
latched.
To
unlock the belt, push the red
PRESS button on the buckle. Guide
the belt across your body to the door
pillar. After exiting the car, be sure
the belt is out of
the
way and
will
not
get
closed
in
the
door.
Both seat belts have an emergency
locking retractor.
In normal driving,
the
retractor lets
you move freely
in
your seat while it
keeps some tension on the belt.
During a collision or sudden stop,
the retractor automatically locks the
belt to help restrain your body.
The
passenger's seat belt has an
additional locking mechanism that
must be activated to secure a child
seat. (See page
27
for instructions on
how to secure a forward-facing child
seat with this type of belt.)
If
the shoulder part of the belt is
pulled
all
the way out, the locking
mechanism will activate.
The
belt
will
retract, but it
will
not allow the
passenger to move freely.
CONTINUED
Driver and
Passenger
Safety
33
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
To
deactivate the locking
mechanism, unlatch
the
buckle and
let the seat belt fully retract.
To
refasten the belt, pull it out only as
far as needed.
See page
15
for instructions on how
to wear the lap/shoulder belt
properly.
34
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
Seat
Belt Maintenance
For safety, you should check
the
condition
of
your seat belts regularly.
Pull each belt out fully and look for
frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check
that the latches work smoothly and
that the lap/shoulder belts retract
easily. Any belt not
in
good condition
or not working properly will not
provide good protection and should
be replaced as soon as possible.
U.S.
Models
Honda provides a lifetime warranty
on seat belts. Honda
will
repair or
replace any seat belt component
that
fails to function properly during
normal use.
Please see your Honda
WmTanty Information
booklet for
details.
·.
Not checking or maintaining
seat
belts can result
in
serious
injury or death if the seat
belts
do not work properly when
needed.
Check your seat
belts regularly
and have any problem
corrected as soon as possible.
If
a
seat
belt is worn during a crash,
you should have your dealer inspect
the belt, and replace it
if
necessary.
A belt that
has
been worn during a
crash may not provide
the
same level
of protection in a subsequent crash.
The
dealer should also inspect the
anchors for damage and replace
them if needed.
For information on how to clean your
seat belts, see page
207
.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
SRS Components
Your Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS)
includes:
• Two front airbags.
The
driver's
airbag is stored
in
the center of
the steering wheel; the front
passenger's airbag is stored
in
the
dashboard. Both are marked
"SRS
AIRBAG."
•
Automatic seat belt tensioners
that tighten
the
front seat belts
during a moderate to severe
frontal collision.
• Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe frontal
collision.
• A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors the
sensors, control unit, the airbag
activators, and all related wiring
when the ignition is
ON (II).
Additional Information
About
Your
SRS
• An indicator light on the How Your Airbags Work
instrument panel that alerts you to
a possible problem with the
system (see page
37).
• Emergency backup power in case
your car's electrical system
is
disconnected
in
a crash.
If
you ever have a moderate to
severe frontal collision, the sensors
will
detect rapid deceleration and
signal the control unit to instantly
inflate the airbags and activate the
automatic seat belt tensioners.
CON11NUED
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
35
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Additional
Information
About
Your
SRS
During a crash, your seat belt helps
restrain your lower body and torso,
while the tensioner tightens and
locks
the
seat belt to help keep you
in place.
Your air bag provides a
cushion to help restrain and protect
your head and chest.
Since both airbags use the same
sensors, both airbags normally
inflate at the same time. However, it
is possible for only one air bag to
inflate.
This can occur when the severity of
a collision is at the margin, or
threshold, that determines whether
or not the airbags will deploy. In
such cases, the seat belt will provide
sufficient protection, and the
supplemental protection offered by
the air bag would be minimal.
36
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
Mter inflating, the airbags
immediately deflate, so they won't
interfere with the driver's visibility,
or the ability to
steer
or
operate
other controls.
The
total time for inflation and
deflation is approximately one-tenth
of a second, so fast
that
most
occupants are not aware that the
airbags deployed until they see
them
lying
in
their laps.
Mter
a crash, you may see what
looks like smoke. This is actually
powder from the airbag's surface.
Although the powder is not harmful,
people with respiratory problems
may experience some temporary
discomfort.
If
this occurs,
get
out of
the car as soon as it is safe to
do
so.
U.S.
Owners
For additional information on how
your airbags work, see the booklet
titled
SRS· What You
Need
to
Know
About
Airbags that came with your
owner's manual.
Canadian Owners
For additional information on how
your airbags work, ask your dealer
for a copy of the booklet titled
SRS:
What
You
Need
to
Know
About
Airbags.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
How
the
Automatic
Seat
Belt
Tensioners
Work
Your Honda
has
automatic seat belt
tensioners for added protection
during a moderate to severe frontal
collision.
If
your airbags inflate, the tensioners
immediately tighten the front
seat
belts to help hold the occupants in
place.
The
belts will remain tight
until you unbuckle
them
in the
normal way.
Additional
Information
About
Your
SRS
How
the
SRS
Indicator
Light
Works
~
~he
J?Urpose
of
the
SRS
~
hght
1s
to alert you to a
potential problem with your
Supplemental Restraint System.
When you turn the ignition
ON (II),
this indicator will light up briefly
then
go out.
This
tells you
that
the
system is working properly.
However,
if
the light comes on at any
other time, you should have the
system checked by your dealer. For
example:
•
If
the SRS indicator light does not
come on after you turn the ignition
ON(II).
•
If
the
light stays on after
the
engine starts.
•
If
the
light comes on
or
flashes on
and off while you drive.
If
you see any of
these
indications,
your airbags and
seat
belt tensioners
may not deploy when you need them.
See your Acura dealer as soon as
possible.
Ignoring the SRS indicator light
can result
in
serious injury or
death if the airbags do not
inflate when needed.
Have your
vehicle checked by a
dealer as soon as possible if
the SRS
light alerts you to a
potential problem.
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
37
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Additional
Information
About
Your
SRS
SRSService
Your Supplemental Restraint System
is virtually maintenance-free, and
there are no parts you can safely
service. However, you must have
your car serviced
if:
•
Your
airbags
ever
inflate.
The
airbags, seat belt tensioners, and
control unit must be replaced.
Do
not try to remove or replace the
airbags yourself.
This must be done by a Honda
dealer or a knowledgeable body
shop.
•
The
SRS
indicator light alerts
you
to
a problem.
Take
your car to an
authorized Honda dealer as soon
as possible.
If
you ignore this
indication, the airbags might not
inflate when you need
them
(see
page
45
).
38
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
Additional
Safety
Precautions
•
Do
not attempt to deactivate your
airbags. Together, airbags and
seat belts provide the best
protection
in
a moderate to severe
frontal collision.
•
Do
not tamper with
SRS
components or wiring for any
reason. Tampering could cause
the airbags to deploy, possibly
causing very serious injury.
See page
123
for further information
and precautions relating to your
SRS.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Your car's exhaust contains carbon
monoxide gas.
You should have no
problem with carbon monoxide
entering the car in normal driving
if
you maintain your car properly.
Have the exhaust system inspected
for leaks whenever:
•
The
car is raised for an
oil
change.
• You notice a change
in
the sound
of
the
exhaust.
•
The
car was
in
an accident
that
may have damaged the underside.
Carbon monoxide gas
is
toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even
kill
you.
Avoid any
enclosed areas or
activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.
High levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly in enclosed areas,
such as a garage. Do not run the
engine with the garage door closed.
Even with the door open, run the
engine only long enough to move the
car out of the garage.
Carbon
Monoxide
Hazard
With the trunk lid open, air flow can
pull exhaust gas into your vehicle's
interior and create a hazardous
condition.
If
you must drive with the
trunk lid open, open
all
the windows
and set the heating and cooling
system as shown below.
If
you must sit in your parked car,
even
in
an unconfined area, with the
engine running, adjust the heating
and cooling system as follows:
1.
Push the
~
button.
2.
Select the w mode.
3.
Turn
the fan on high speed.
4.
Set the temperature control to a
comfortable setting.
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
39
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Safety
Labels
These
labels are
in
the locations
shown.
They
warn you of potential
hazards that could cause serious
injury. Read these labels carefully.
If
a label comes off or becomes hard
to read, contact your Honda dealer
for a replacement.
DASHBOARD
U.S.
models only
A
WARNING
Children
Can
Be
KILLED
or
INJURED
by
Passenger
Air
Bag
Male
sure
all
ctilcran
use
aeatbalts
or~ild
seata
40
Driver
and
Passenger
Safety
SUN
VISOR
U.S.
models
Canadian models
SEAT BELT TENSIONER
I
...
"·'·"''"""
I
...
~iEUl1>11
I
UrLOIIH
"'•[OIH
'""'"'
~"'"'""'lOS
I'
o
l'oN"""""
.....
,
.....
,
...
,
.........
,
..
_ ,
....
,
.............
, ........... .
•Do
,.,
"~'"
"
""'"~'"
""'
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.,.,,.
••
''""""
'""
'"
··-
......
~
..
"""
•h••'"-
"'
"~"'"
~;··;;;;;;;;:·:7
..
·.:~···
:~;::;~::;;;;;::;:::::·;:::~:~::~:~~···
BATTERY
SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT
SYSTEM
(SRS)@
~~~'-------=::_'7=~i-Y~~----I
This
vehlclf
Is
equipped with driver
and
front
seal passenger airbags
All
S
RS
electrical
wir1ng and con 1ecto
rs
ore
co
I
or
ed
~ell
ow.
Tamoering
wit~,
disconnecting
or using
e I
ec
~~
i
ca
I test equIpment
on
the S R S
wl
rln
g
can
maXe
the
syslem
inoperatiH
or
cause
Hcidentat
firing
of
th
inflator
A
WARNING
The
alrbag
Inflator
Is
uplosive
and, II
a c c ide
r.t
a
II
y
de
p I o
~
e
d,
can
serious I y h
urI
'IOU
Fc',lcw
Service
Manual
instructions caretulll'·
Main Menu
Table of Contents
This section gives information about
the controls and displays
that
contribute to the daily operation of
your Honda.
All
the essential
controls are within easy reach.
Control Locations ............................
42
Indicator Lights ................................
43
Gauges ..............................................
47
Speedometer ................................ 4 7
Select Button ................................ 4 7
Tachometer .................................. 4 7
Temperature Gauge ....................
47
Fuel Gauge ...................................
48
Odometer ......................................
48
Trip Meter ....................................
48
Maintenance Required
Indicator ....................................
49
Controls Near the Steering
Wheel ........................................
50
Headlights ....................................
51
Daytime Running Lights .............
52
Instrument Panel Brightness
.....
52
Turn
Signals .................................
53
Windshield Wipers ......................
53
Windshield Washers ...................
54
Steering Wheel Controls ................
55
Cruise Control ..............................
55
Keys and Locks ................................
58
Keys ...............................................
58
Immobilizer System .....................
59
Ignition Switch .............................
60
Instruments and Controls
Power Door Locks .......................
62
Remote Transmitter ....................
63
Trunk
............................................
66
Console Compartments ..............
67
Seat Adjustments .............................
68
Power Windows ...............................
69
Convertible Top ...............................
71
Opening the Convertible Top
.....
71
Closing the Convertible Top ...... 7 4
Convertible Top
Cover.. ..............
76
Maintenance .................................
77
Hazard Warning ...............................
79
Mirrors ..............................................
79
Adjusting the Power Mirrors
.....
79
Parking Brake ..................................
80
Beverage Holder ..............................
81
Accessory Power Socket ................
81
Audio Panel. ......................................
82
Interior Lights ..................................
83
Instruments and Controls
41
Main Menu
The
instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important
information about your car.
Indicator Lights
EliA~~~I\Id~vs"l'~:l\ll
IVIALFoi\Jt"fld~INDic.4.tdRtAMP:
.··
·
> · ll\lbicA'fOR: . .
..
....
·"--"-~~~'--'--:l.()WHII_lPR~ssDREIN[)ICAT0R:
.
*The
U.S.
instrument panel is shown. Differences for Canadian models are
noted in the text.
Instruments
and
Controls 43
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Indicator
Lights
I
~
I
Seat
Belt
Reminder
Light
This
indicator flashes for several
seconds when you turn
the
ignition
0 N (II).
It
flashes as a reminder to
you and your passenger to fasten
the
seat
belts. A
beeper
also sounds if
you have not fastened your
seat
belt.
If
you do not fasten your
seat
belt,
the
beeper will stop after a few
seconds
but
the
light stays on until
you do. Both
the
light and
the
beeper
stay off if you fasten your
seat
belt
before turning on
the
ignition.
44
Instruments
and
Controls
~
Low Oil
Pressure
~
Indicator
The
engine can
be
severely damaged
if this light flashes or stays on when
the
engine is running.
For
complete
information, see page 226 .
~
Charging
System
~
Indicator
If
this light comes on when
the
engine is running,
the
battery is not
being charged. For complete
information, see page 227 .
U.S.
Canada
I
BRAKE
I I
((D)
I
Parking
Brake
and
Brake
System
Indicator
This
light
has
two functions:
1.
It
lights as a reminder
that
you
have not released
the
parking
brake. Driving with
the
parking
brake applied can damage
the
brakes
and tires.
2.
If
it remains lit after you release
the
parking
brake
while
the
engine
is running,
or
comes on while
driving, it can indicate a problem
in
the
brake system. For complete
information,
see
page
229
.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
~
Supplemen~al
Restraint
~
System
Indicator
This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch
0 N (II).
If
it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem in
the
supplemental restraint system. For
complete information, see page 37.
U.S. Canada
I
ABS
II@)
I
Anti-lock
Brake
System
(ABS)
Indicator
This light normally comes on for a
few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch
ON (II), and when
you push the START button.
If
this
light comes on at any other time,
there
is
a problem in the
ABS.
If
this
happens, take the car to your dealer
to have it checked. With
the
light on,
your car still
has
normal braking
ability but no anti-lock.
~
Malfunction
Indicator
~Lamp
See page
228
.
I
FÂ¥
I
Trunk-open
Indicator
This light comes on
if
the trunk lid is
not closed tightly.
[I]
Door-open
Indicator
This light comes on
if
either door is
not closed tightly.
Indicator
Lights
~
Electric
Power
Steering
~
(EPS)
Indicator
This light normally comes on when
you turn the ignition
ON (II) and
goes off after the engine starts.
If
it
comes on at any other time, there is
a problem
in
the Electric Power
Steering system.
If
this happens,
stop the car
in
a safe place and turn
off the engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine, and watch the
EPS light. If it does not go off, or
comes back on again while driving,
take the car to your dealer to have it
checked. With the light
on,
the EPS
is
turned off, making the car harder
to steer.
Instruments
and
Controls 45
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Indicator
Lights
lA!
I Q I
Tum
Signal a!ld
~
Hazard
Wammg
Indicators
The
left or right turn signal light
blinks when you signal a lane change
or turn. If the light does not blink or
blinks rapidly, it usually means one
of the turn signal bulbs is burned out
(see page
192
) . Replace the bulb as
soon as possible, since other drivers
cannot see that you are signalling.
When you turn on the Hazard
Warning switch, both turn signal
lights blink.
All
turn signals on the
outside of the car should flash.
I § D I High
Beam
Indicator
This light comes on with the high
beam headlights.
See page
51
for
information on the headlight
controls.
46
Instruments
and
Controls
~
"Daytime
Running
~
Lights"
Indicator
Canadian models only
This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch to
ON
(ID
with
the headlight switch off and the
parking brake set.
It
should go off
if
you turn on the headlights or release
the parking brake.
If
it comes on at
any other time, it means there is a
problem with the DRL.
There
may
also be a problem with the high
beam headlights.
~
Immobilizer
System
~
Indicator
This indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch
0 N (ID.
It
will then go off
if
you have inserted a properly-coded
ignition key.
If
it is not a properly-
coded key, the indicator will blink
and
the
engine
will
not start (see
page
59
).
This indicator also blinks several
times when you turn the ignition
switch from
ON (II) to ACCESSORY
(I) or LOCK (0).
Cruise Control
Indicator
This lights when you
set
the cruise
control.
See page
55
for information
on operating the cruise control.
[ji]
Low
Fuel
Indicator
This light comes on as a reminder
that you must refuel soon.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Liquid crystal is used
in
the meter
panel. You may feel the indicators
appear slowly
in
the
low
temperature.
Speedometer
This shows your speed in miles per
hour (mph) or kilometers per hour
(km/h).
Select Button
The
Select button switches the
speedometer reading between miles
per hour and kilometer per hour.
It
also changes the odometer and trip
meters to read in miles or kilometers
correspondingly. To change the
readings, push the Select button and
hold it until you
hear
a beep.
Gauges
Tachometer
The
tachometer shows the engine
speed
in
revolutions per minute
(rpm). To protect the engine from
damage, never drive with the
tachometer reading in the red zone.
Temperature Gauge
This shows the temperature of the
engine's coolant. During normal
operation, the reading should be
in
the middle of the gauge. In severe
driving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill
driving, the reading may reach near
the red mark.
If
it reaches the red
mark, pull safely to the side of the
road.
Turn
to page
223
for
instructions and precautions on
checking
the
engine's cooling
system.
Instruments
and
Controls
4 7
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Gauges
Fuel
Gauge
This shows how much fuel you have.
It
is most accurate when the car is on
level ground.
It
may show slightly
more or less than the actual amount
when you are driving on curvy or
hilly roads.
48
Instruments
and
Controls
Odometer
The
odometer shows
the
total dis-
tance your car has been driven.
It
displays in miles and kilometers.
It
is illegal under
U.S.
federal law and
Canadian provincial regulations to
disconnect, reset,
or
alter
the
odometer with
the
intent to change
the number of miles
or
kilometers
indicated.
Trip
Meter
This meter shows the number of
miles or kilometers driven since you
last reset it.
There
are two trip meters, Trip A
and Trip
B.
Switch between Trip A
and Trip B by pressing the
TRIP
button repeatedly. Each trip meter
works independently, so you can
keep track of two different distances.
To reset a trip meter, display it and
then press and hold
the
TRIP button
until you
hear
a beep and the
number resets to
0.0.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Maintenance Required Indicator
This indicator reminds you that it
is
time to take your car in for
scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules
for Normal and
Severe Driving
Conditions on pages
148-152
.
When the distance driven since
the
last scheduled maintenance reaches
6,000
miles (9,600 km),
the
indicator
starts blinking.
If
you exceed 7,500
miles (12,000 km), the indicator stay
on.
Your dealer
will
reset the indicator
when they perform the scheduled
maintenance.
If
someone else
performs the maintenance, reset the
indicator yourself.
To reset the maintenance required
indicator, turn the ignition switch to
the
LOCK position, then press and
hold the trip meter reset button until
the indicator resets.
Gauges
Instruments
and
Controls
49
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Controls
Near
the Steering
Wheel
I
The
two levers on the steering
column contain controls for driving
features you use most often.
The
left
lever controls the turn signals,
headlights, and high beams.
The
right lever controls the windshield
washers and wipers.
The
engine start button and the
remote audio controls are under the
left air vent.
The
instrument panel brightness
control is
in
the lower left corner of
the speedometer.
The
cruise control master switch is
to the left
of
the steering column.
50
Instruments and Controls
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Headlights
The
rotating switch on the left lever
controls the lights. Turning this
switch to the
"
;oa~
" position turns
on the parking lights, taillights,
instrument panel lights, side-marker
lights, and
rear
license plate lights.
Turning the switch to
the
"
~D
"
position turns on
the
headlights.
Controls
Near
the Steering
Wheel
If you leave the lights on with the
ignition switch in
ACCESSORY
(I)
or LOCK
(O),
you will
hear
a
reminder tone when you open the
driver's door.
To
change from low beams to high
beams, push
the
turn signal lever
forward until you
hear
a click.
The
blue high beam indicator will light
(see page
46
) .
To
return to low
beams, pull the turn signal lever
back.
To
flash the high beams, pull the
turn signal lever back lightly, then
release it.
The
high beams will come
on and go off.
The
high beams
will
stay on for as long as you hold the
lever back, no matter what position
the headlight switch is in.
Instruments
and
Controls
51
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Controls Near
the
Steering Wheel
Daytime
Running
Lights
Canadian models only
With the headlight switch off, the
high beam headlights come on with
reduced brightness when you turn
the ignition switch to
0 N
(II)
and
release
the
parking brake.
They
remain on until you turn the ignition
off, even
if
you set the parking brake.
The
headlights revert to normal
operation when you turn
them
on
with the switch.
52
Instruments
and
Controls
Instrument
Panel
Brightness
·.···.·.~.·.~.·~.·
•.
~
...
·
..
~
...
·
..
~~.·~
..
·.·.~.~.'
.•.•.••.•.
'.
).
3)1,
..
~·.
~~
....
2;~··•············
•
~
••
< ;
.~C~L!io'""'"i
....
·
••
:•.
•
.•
•·•··.·····•·•
cat'J
+'f•H<i
··
ii
::
} c
....
~
....
,..,
...
.;,.,
....
,..,
..
..,..,..,.~~
........
.
!0•~~/Tri
The
buttons
in
the lower left corner
of the instrument panel adjust
the
brightness of the display
in
five steps.
Push the + or - button five times
to see the full range.
The
display dims when the parking
lights or headlights are turned
on.
Adjust the brightness to the desired
level with the headlight switch off,
and also with the headlight switch
on.
Both settings
will
remain at those
levels until you change them.
With
the
headlight switch
on,
you
can switch the display to full daytime
brightness by pushing and holding
the
+ button. Push the - button to
return the display to
the
original
brightness.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Turn Signals
Signal a turn or lane change with this
lever.
Push down on the lever to
signal a left turn, and up to signal a
right turn.
If
you push it up or down
all
the way, the turn signal continues
to blink even when you release the
lever.
It
shuts off automatically as
you complete the turn.
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
To
signal a lane change, push lightly Windshield Wipers
on the turn signal lever
in
the proper
direction and hold
it.
The
lever will
return to the center position as soon
as you release it.
This lever controls the windshield
wipers and washers.
It
has five
positions;
MIST: mist
OFF: off
INT: intermittent
LO:
low speed
HI:
high speed
To
select a position, push the lever
up or down.
CONTINUED
Instruments
and
Controls
53
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
In intermittent, the wipers operate
every few seconds. In low speed and
high speed, the wipers run continu-
ously.
54
Instruments
and
Controls
To
operate the wipers
in
mist mode,
push
the
control lever up from the
OFF position.
The
wipers run at high
speed until you release the lever.
This
gives you a quick way to clear
the windshield.
Windshield
Washers
To
clean
the
windshield, pull back on
the wiper control lever.
The
washers
spray until you release the lever.
The
wipers run at low speed while
you're pulling the lever, then
complete one more sweep of the
windshield after you release it.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Cruise
Control
Cruise control allows you to maintain
a
set
speed above
25
mph (
40
km/h)
without keeping your foot on
the
accelerator pedal.
It
should be used
for cruising on straight, open
highways.
It
is not recommended for
conditions such as city driving,
winding roads, slippery roads, heavy
rain, or bad weather. You should
have full control of
the
car
under
those conditions.
Improper use of the cruise
control can lead to a crash.
Use the cruise
control only
when traveling on open
highways
in
good weather.
NOTICE
The cruise control, as it operates,
moves the accelerator pedal. You can
damage your vehicle's accelerator
mechanism by resting your
foot
under
the pedal and blocking the movement.
Steering Wheel Controls
Using
the
Cruise Control
1.
Push in
the
Cruise Control Master
Switch on
the
dashboard beside
the
steering column.
The
indicator
by
the
switch will light.
2.
Accelerate to
the
desired cruising
speed above
25
mph
(40
km/h).
CONTINUED
Instruments
and
Controls 55
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Steering Wheel Controls
3.
Press and release the SET I decel
button on the steering wheel.
The
CRUISE CONTROL light on the
instrument panel comes on to
show the system is now activated.
The
cruise control may not hold
the set speed when you are going
up and down hills.
If
your speed
increases going down a hill, use
the brakes to slow down to the
desired speed. This
will
cancel the
56
Instruments
and
Controls
cruise control. To resume the set
speed, press the
RESUME/ accel
button.
The
CRUISE CONTROL
light on the instrument panel
comes
on.
Changing
the
Set
Speed
You
can increase
the
set cruising
speed
in
any of these ways:
• Press and hold the RESUME/
accel button.
The
car
will
acceler-
ate. When you reach the desired
cruising speed, release the button.
• Push on the accelerator pedal.
Ac-
celerate to the desired cruising
speed and press the
SET I decel
button.
• To increase your speed
in
very
small amounts, tap the
RESUME/
accel button repeatedly. Each time
you
do
this, your car
will
speed up
about 1 mph
(1.6
km/h).
You can decrease the set cruising
speed
in
any of these ways:
• Press and hold the SET I decel
button.
The
car
will
decelerate.
Release the button when you
reach the desired speed.
• To slow down in very small
amounts, tap the
SET I decel
button repeatedly. Each time you
do
this, your car
will
slow down
about 1 mph
(1.6
km/h).
• Tap the brake or clutch pedal
lightly with your foot.
The
CRUISE CONTROL light on the
instrument panel
will
go out.
When the car slows to the desired
speed, press
the
SET I decel button.
The
car
will
then
maintain the
desired speed.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Even with the cruise control turned
on, you can still use the accelerator
pedal to speed up for passing. After
completing the pass, take your foot
off the accelerator pedal.
The
car
will
return to
the
set cruising speed.
Resting your foot on the brake or
clutch pedal
will
cause the cruise
control to cancel.
Cancelling
the
Cruise Control
You
can cancel the cruise control in
any
of
these ways:
• Tap the brake or clutch pedal.
• Press
the
SET I decel and
RE-
SUME/ accel buttons at
the
same
time.
• Press the Cruise Control Master
Switch.
When you tap the brake or clutch
pedal, or press the SET and
RE-
SUME buttons at the same time, the
CRUISE CONTROL light on the
instrument panel will
go
out and the
car
will
begin to slow down.
You
can
use the accelerator pedal in the
normal way.
The
system remembers the
previously-set cruising speed. To
return to that speed, accelerate to
above
25
mph
(40
km/h)
and press
the
RESUME/ accel button until the
Steering Wheel
Controls
CRUISE CONTROL light comes
on.
The
car
will
accelerate to the same
cruising speed as before.
Pressing the Cruise Control Master
Switch turns the system completely
off and erases the previous cruising
speed from memory.
To
use the
system again, refer to
Using
the
Cruise Control
Instruments and Controls 57
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Keys and Locks
Keys
Your car comes with two master
keys and a valet key.
The
master key fits
all
the
locks on
your car:
• Ignition
• Doors
•
Trunk
• Lower console compartment
58
Instruments
and
Controls
The
valet key works only in the
ignition and the door locks. You can
keep the trunk and the lower console
compartment locked when you leave
your car and the valet key at a
parking facility.
You should have received a key
number plate with your keys. You
will
need this key number
if
you ever
have to
get
a lost key replaced. Keep
the plate stored
in
a safe place.
If
you
need to replace a key, use only
Honda-approved key blanks.
These
keys contain electronic
circuits that are activated by the
Immobilizer System.
They
will not
work to start the engine if the
circuits are damaged.
• Protect the keys from direct
sunlight, high temperature, and
high humidity.
• Do not drop the keys or
set
heavy
objects on them.
• Keep
the
keys away from liquids.
If
they
get
wet, dry
them
immedi-
ately with a soft cloth.
The
keys
do
not contain batteries.
Do
not try to take
them
apart.
Remote
Transmitter
Your car also comes with two remote
transmitters; see page
63
for an
explanation of the operation.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Immobilizer
System
The
Immobilizer System protects
your car from theft. A properly-
coded master or valet key must be
used
in
the ignition switch for the
engine to start.
If
an improperly-
coded key (or other device) is used,
the engine's fuel system is disabled.
When you
turn
the ignition switch to
ON
(II), the Immobilizer System
indicator should come on for a few
seconds, then go out.
If
the indicator
starts to blink, it means the system
does not recognize the coding of the
key.
Turn
the ignition switch to
LOCK
(O),
remove the key, reinsert
it, and turn
the
switch to ON
(II)
a gam.
The
system may not recognize your
key's coding
if
another immobilizer
key or other metal object is near the
ignition switch when you insert the
key.
To
make sure
the
system
recognizes
the
key code:
•
Do
not keep other immobilizer
keys
on
the same key ring.
• Use a plastic or leather key fob,
not metal.
• Keep other keys away from your
vehicle's key and
the
ignition
switch while trying to start the
engine.
If
the system repeatedly does not
recognize the coding of your key,
contact your Honda dealer.
This
indicator will also blink several
times when you turn the ignition
switch from
ON
(II)
to ACCESSORY
(I)
or LOCK (0).
Do
not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to
it.
Electrical
problems could result
that
may make
your car undriveable.
If
you have lost your key and you
cannot start the engine, contact your
Honda dealer.
Keys and Locks
As
required
by
the
FCC:
This device complies with Part 15
of
the
FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1)
This device
may
not
cause harmful interference, and
(2)
this device
must
accept
any
interference received, including
interference that
may
cause undesired
operation.
Changes or modifications
not
expressly
approved
by
the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Indust1y
Canada Standard RSS-210.
Operation
is
subject
to
the following two
conditions:
(1)
this device
may
not
cause
interference, and
(2)
this device
must
accept
any
interference that
may
cause
undesired operation
of
the device.
Instruments
and
Controls
59
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Keys and Locks
Ignition Switch
The
ignition switch is on the right
side of the steering column.
It
has
three positions:
• LOCK
(0)
• ACCESSORY
(I)
•
ON
(II)
60
Instruments
and
Controls
LOCK
(0)-
You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To
switch from ACCESSORY to
LOCK, you must push the key
in
slightly as you turn it.
The
anti-theft
lock will lock the steering column
when you remove the key.
If
the
front wheels are turned, the anti-
theft lock may sometimes make it
difficult to turn the key from
LOCK
to ACCESSORY. Firmly turn the
steering wheel to the left or to the
right as you turn the key.
Removing the key from the
ignition switch
while driving
locks the steering. This can
cause you to
lose control.
Remove the key from the
ignition switch
only when
parked.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
ACCESSORY
(I)
- In this position,
you can operate
the
audio
system
and
the
accessory power socket.
ON
(II) -
This
is
the
normal
key
position
when
driving. All features
and accessories on
the
car
are
usable.
Several of
the
lights on
the
instru-
ment
panel come on
as
a
test
when
you
turn
the
ignition switch from
ACCESSORY to
ON.
The
engine can be
started
with
the
key
in this position
by
pressing
the
engine START button (see page
131
).
The
engine will not
start
if
the
Immobilizer System does
not
recognize
the
key's coding (see page
59).
You will
hear
a reminder
beeper
if
you leave
the
key in
the
ignition
switch in
the
LOCK
(0)
or
ACCESSORY
(I)
position and open
the
driver's door. Remove
the
key
to
turn
off
the
beeper.
Keys and Locks
Instruments
and
Controls
61
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Keys and Locks
Power
Door
Locks
Each door has a lock tab next to the
inside door handle. When you push
in
the lock tab on the driver's door,
both doors lock.
Pulling out
the
lock
tab on the driver's door only unlocks
that door.
The
lock tab on the
passenger's door only locks and
unlocks that door.
62
Instruments
and
Controls
To lock the passenger's door when
getting out of the car, push the lock
tab
in
and close
the
door. To lock the
driver's door, remove the key from
the ignition switch, pull out either
the inside or outside door handle and
push the lock tab
in,
then close the
door.
Both doors lock when you use
the
key
in
the driver's door. Using the
key
in
the passenger's door only
locks and unlocks that door.
To unlock only the driver's door
from the outside, insert the key
in
the driver's door lock, turn the key
and release
it.
If
you turn
the
key
and hold
it,
both doors
will
unlock.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Remote
Transmitter
You can lock and unlock your car
with the remote transmitter. When
you push the
LOCK button, both
doors lock.
The
side
marker
lights
and taillights flash once.
When you push
the
UNLOCK button
once, only the driver's door unlocks.
The
parking lights and taillights
flash twice.
The
passenger's door
unlocks when you push the button a
second time.
The
interior light (if
the
interior light
switch is in
the
center position) will
come on when you press the
UNLOCK button.
If
you
do
not open
either door, the light will go out in
about
30
seconds and the doors will
automatically relock.
If
you relock
the doors with the remote
transmitter before
30 seconds have
elapsed, the light will go off
immediately.
You cannot lock or unlock the doors
with
the
remote transmitter
if
either
door is not fully closed
or
the
key is
in the ignition switch.
To
open
the
trunk, push and hold
the
TRUNK RELEASE button for
approximately one second.
Keys
and
Locks
Hom
Operation
The
horn will sound
if
you push
the
LOCK button a second time within
five seconds of locking the doors.
CONTINUED
Instruments
and
Controls 63
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Keys
and
Locks
Panic Mode
Panic mode allows you to remotely
activate your car's security system to
attract attention. When activated,
the
horn will sound, and
the
exterior
lights will flash for about
30
seconds.
To
activate panic mode, press and
hold
the
PANIC button for about one
second.
To
cancel Panic mode before
30
seconds, press any button on
the
remote transmitter. You can also
turn the ignition switch to
0 N (II).
64
Instruments
and
Controls
Replacing
the
Battery
When
the
remote transmitter's
battery begins to
get
weak, it may
take several pushes on the button to
lock or unlock
the
doors, and the
LED will
get
dim. Replace the
battery as soon as possible.
Battery type: CR2025
To
replace the battery, remove
the
round cover on
the
back of
the
trans-
mitter by turning it counterclockwise
with a coin.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Remove the old battery and note the
polarity. Make sure the polarity of
the new battery is the same (
+ side
facing up), then insert it
in
the
transmitter.
Align the
v mark on the cover
with the
0 mark on the
transmitter, then set the cover
in
place and turn it clockwise.
Transmitter
Care
Avoid severe shock to the trans-
mitter, such as dropping or throwing
it.
Also, protect it from extreme hot
or cold temperatures.
Clean the transmitter case with a
soft cloth.
Do
not use strong
cleaners or solvents that could harm
the case. Immersing the transmitter
in
any liquid will harm the trans-
mitter and cause it to not function
properly.
If you lose a transmitter, you
will
need to have the replacement
programmed to your vehicle's
system by your Honda dealer. Any
other transmitters you have
will
also
need to be reprogrammed.
Keys and Locks
As
required
by
the
FCC:
This device complies with Part 15
of
the
FCC rules. Operation is subject
to
the
following two conditions:
(1)
This device
may
not
cause harmful interference, and
(2)
this device
must
accept
any
interference received, including
interference that
may
cause undesired
operation.
Changes
or
modifications
not
expressly
approved
by
the party responsible for
compliance could void
the user's
authority to operate
the equipment.
111is
device complies with Industry
Canada Standard RSS-210.
Operation is subject
to
the following two
conditions:
(1) this device
may
not
cause
interference,
and
(2)
this device
must
accept
any
interference that
may
cause
undesired operation
of
the device.
Instruments
and
Controls
65
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Keys
and
Locks
Trunk
You can open the trunk in three
ways:
• Press the trunk release button in
the lower console compartment.
• Use
the
master key to open the
trunk lock.
The
valet key does not
work in this lock.
• Press and hold the trunk release
button on the remote transmitter
for approximately one second (see
page
63
).
66
Instruments
and
Controls
To
close the trunk, press down on
the trunk lid.
To protect items in
the
trunk when
you need to give the key to someone
else, lock the lower console
compartment with
the
master key
and give
the
other person the valet
key.
See page 124 for cargo loading and
weight limit information. Keep the
trunk lid closed
at
all times while
driving to avoid damaging the lid,
and to prevent exhaust gas from
getting into
the
interior. See Carbon
Monoxide Hazard
on page
39
.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Console
Compartments
The
area between the seats has two
compartments.
Open the lower
compartment by squeezing the
handle.
Close it with a firm push.
You can lock or unlock the lower
compartment with the master key.
The
lever to open the upper
compartment is inside the lower
compartment.
Push up the lever and
lift the
lid.
To close, lower the lid and
push it down until it latches.
Keys and Locks
Instruments
and
Controls 67
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Seat Adjustments
See pages 12 - 13 for important safety
information
and
warnings about
how
to
properly position seats
and
seat-backs.
Make all seat adjustments before
you start driving.
To
adjust the seat forward and
backward, pull up on the lever under
the seat cushion's front edge. Move
the seat to the desired position and
release the lever.
Try
to move the
seat to make sure it is locked
in
position.
68
Instruments
and
Controls
To
change the angle of the seat-back,
pull up on the lever on the outside of
the seat bottom. Move the seat-back
to the desired position and release
the lever. Let the seat-back latch in
the new position.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Your car's windows are electrically-
powered.
Turn
the ignition switch to
ON (II) to raise or lower either
window.
Each door
has
a switch
that
controls
its window.
To
open the window,
push
the
switch down and hold
it.
Release the switch when you want
the window to stop. Close the
window by pulling back on
the
switch and holding it.
Power Windows
The
driver's armrest has a master
power window control panel.
To
open
the
passenger's window, push
down on the switch and hold it down
until
the
window reaches the desired
position.
To
close
the
window, pull
back on
the
window switch. Release
the
switch when the window gets to
the position you want.
Closing a power window on
someone's hands or fingers can
cause serious injury.
Make sure your passenger
is
away from the window before
closing
it.
··---
CON11NUh1J
Instruments
and
Controls 69
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Power Windows
The
master control panel also con-
tains
these
extra features:
AUTO-
To
open
the
driver's
window fully, push
the
window
switch firmly down and release
it.
The
window automatically goes all
the
way down.
To
stop
the
window
from going all the way down, pull
back on the window switch briefly.
To
open the driver's window only
partially, push
the
window switch
down lightly and hold
it.
The
window
will stop as soon as you release the
switch.
The
AUTO function only works to
lower
the
driver's window.
To
raise
the
window, you
must
pull back on
the window switch and hold it until
the window reaches the desired
position.
70
Instruments
and
Controls
The
MAIN switch controls power to
the passenger's window. With this
switch off,
the
passenger's window
cannot
be
raised or lowered.
The
MAIN switch does not affect the
driver's window. Keep
the
MAIN
switch off when you have a child in
the car so the child does not
get
injured by operating
the
window
unintentionally.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The
convertible top on your Honda
lowers and raises electrically.
Before operating the convertible top,
make sure the car is parked on level
ground, and that there is enough
clearance above the top.
It
is advisable to raise the top
whenever you park the car. This
helps to protect the car from
unexpected weather changes, and
from theft of your valuables.
NOTICE
• Do not operate the convertible top
in
freezing weather. You can damage
the material and mechanism
of
the
convertible top.
• Do not operate the top
if
it is
wet,
dirty, or covered with ice or snow.
• Never drive the car with the
convertible top
half
open.
• Do not lower or raise the top while
the engine
is
running.
• Do not operate the convertible top
if
the car is raised on the jack, a hoist,
or on jack stands.
Lowering
the
Convertible
Top
Park your car in the shade whenever
possible.
Extended exposure to sunlight can
cause the convertible top to
deteriorate.
1.
Apply the parking brake.
The
convertible top
will
not operate
unless
the
parking brake is fully
engaged.
2.
Turn
the ignition switch to ON (II).
Convertible
Top
3.
There
is a latch on each side. Push
in
the tab and pull the locking
lever down.
CONTINUED
Instruments
and
Controls
71
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Convertible
Top
4.
Push the top forward while you
release the latches from the
windshield
header
by pushing the
locking levers forward.
72
Instruments
and
Controls
5.
With the latches released, pull
back on the locking levers and
push them up until they latch.
6.
Pull back and hold the ROOF
switch.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The
windows will lower and the roof
will
fold back. Release the ROOF
switch when the roof is retracted
completely into the
rear
shelf.
NOTICE
Do
not
sit on the
folded
convertible top,
or
put
heavy items on top
of
it.
Convertible
Top
Operating the convertible top
while any part of a passenger
is
in
the way of the convertible top
can cause serious injury.
Make sure that you, your
passenger or any other
people
around the car are clear of the
way of the moving
convertible
top.
Instruments
and
Controls 73
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Convertible
Top
Raising
the
Convertible
Top
1.
Apply
the
parking brake.
The
convertible top will not operate
unless
the
parking brake is fully
engaged.
2.
Turn
the
ignition switch to ON (II).
74
Instruments
and
Controls
3.
Push
the
ROOF switch forward
and hold it.
4.
The
windows, if raised, will lower
automatically.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The
convertible top will raise.
Release the
ROOF switch when the
top reaches
the
windshield header.
5.
Push in
the
tab on each locking
lever and pull the locking lever
down.
6.
While pushing the convertible top
forward, push the locking lever
forward and
set
the latch into the
windshield header.
7.
Pull back on the locking lever and
push it
up
until it latches. Make
sure it is securely latched.
Convertible
Top
Operating the convertible top
while any part of a passenger
is
in
the way of the convertible top
can cause serious injury.
Make sure that you, your
passenger or any other
people
around the car are clear of the
way of the moving
convertible
top.
NOTICE
Do not put heavy items on the closed
convertible top. You can damage the
material and the mechanism.
Instruments
and
Controls
75
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Convertible
Top
Convertible
Top
Cover
Use
the
convertible top cover when
the top
is
folded to help prevent
foreign objects, dirt, etc., from
getting into the material and
mechanism.
76
Instruments
and
Controls
1.
Remove the convertible top cover
from the trunk.
2.
Connect the snaps on the top
cover to the four pins on the back
of the interior panel.
3.
Hook the fastener string to the pin
on each side wall of the passenger
compartment.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
4.
Fit deep the rear part of the top
cover into the space behind the
convertible top.
5.
To
remove the top cover, reverse
the attaching procedure.
Dust is the main cause of creaks or
other sounds coming from the
convertible top.
Regularly clean the body seals with
glass cleaner and a soft cloth.
Do
not
use a scraper or de-icing chemicals
to remove frost, snow, or ice from
the top or
rear
window.
Convertible
Top
Every three to six months,
depending on how often the top is
folded, rub a thin film of Shin-Etsu
Silicone grease (available from your
Honda dealer,
PIN 08798-9013) onto
the seals wherever they touch the
convertible top or each other.
Instruments and Controls 77
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Convertible
Top
To
reduce
the
possibility
of
leaks:
• Use the door pull to open and
close the door. Do not push or pull
on the door glass.
78
Instruments
and
Controls
• Do not lean or sit on an open door.
•
The
convertible top seals are
designed to promote the flow of
water off the roof. Spraying high
pressure water directly on the
seals can distort them, causing a
leak.
Use only a low pressure
water stream when using a hose,
and avoid car washes.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Hazard Warning
Push the red button next to the roof
switch to turn on the hazard warning
lights (four-way flashers). This
causes
all
four outside turn signals
and both indicators in the instrument
panel to flash.
Use the hazard
warning lights
if
you need to park
in
a dangerous area near heavy traffic,
or
if
your vehicle
is
disabled.
Mirrors
Keep the inside and outside mirrors
clean and adjusted for best visibility.
Be sure to adjust the mirrors before
you start driving.
The
inside mirror
has
day and night
positions.
The
night position reduces
glare from headlights behind you.
Flip the tab on the bottom edge of
the mirror to select the day or night
position.
Hazard
Warning,
Mirrors
Adjusting
the
Power
Mirrors
Adjust the outside mirrors with the
adjustment switch on the driver's
door armrest:
1.
Turn
the ignition switch 0 N (II).
2.
Move the selector switch to L
(driver's side)
orR
(passenger's
side).
CONTINUED
Instruments
and
Controls
79
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Mirrors,
Parking
Brake
3.
Push the appropriate edge of
the
adjustment switch to move
the
mirror right, left, up or down.
4.
When you finish, move the
selector switch to the center (off)
position. This turns off the
adjustment switch
so
you can't
move a mirror out of position by
accidentally bumping the switch.
80
Instruments
and
Controls
Parking
Brake
To
apply the parking brake, pull the
lever up fully.
To
release it, pull up
slightly, push the button, and lower
the lever.
The
parking brake light on
the instrument panel should go out
when the parking brake is fully
released (see page
44
) . If you try to
drive the vehicle without releasing
the parking brake, the ABS indicator
may come on, and the ABS may not
work properly.
I NOTICE
Driving the car with the parking brake
applied can damage the rear brakes
and axles.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Beverage Holder
To
open the beverage holder, push
on the front edge.
Be careful when you are using the
beverage holder. A spilled liquid
that
is very hot can scald you or your
passenger. Spilled liquids can also
damage the upholstery, carpeting,
and electrical components
in
the
interior.
Beverage Holder, Accessory Power Socket
Accessory Power Socket
To
use the accessory power socket,
pull out on the cover.
The
ignition
switch must be
in
ACCESSORY (I)
or
ON
(II).
This socket is intended to supply
power for
12
volt DC accessories
that are rated
120 watts or less
(10
amps).
It
will not power an automotive type
cigarette lighter element.
Instruments
and Controls
81
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The
interior light has a three-
position switch. In the
0
FF
position,
the
light does not come
on.
In the
center position, the interior light
comes on when you open either door.
In the
ON position, the interior light
stays on continuously.
In addition, when the three position
switch is in the center position with
both doors closed, the two bulbs
in
the interior light can be turned on
separately by the pushbutton
switches next to them.
Push the
switch to turn the light on or off.
If
the three-position switch is
in
the
center position,
the
interior light
will
come on when you remove the key
from the ignition switch.
Interior
Lights
Instruments
and
Controls 83
Main Menu
Table of Contents
84
Main Menu
Comfort and Convenience Features
The
heating and air conditioning
systems
in
your Honda provide a
comfortable driving environment
in
all
weather conditions.
The
standard audio system
has
many features. This section
de-
scribes those features and how to
use them.
(If
you selected an
optional audio system, refer to the
operating instructions that came
with it.)
Heating and Cooling ........................ 86
What Each Control Does ............
86
How to Use the System ...............
88
To
Turn
Everything Off .............
93
Audio System
AM/FM/CD
Audio System .......
94
Operating the Radio ....................
95
Adjusting the Sound ....................
99
Audio System Lighting .............
100
Radio Frequencies .....................
100
Radio Reception .........................
101
Operating the
CD
Player ..........
102
Operating the
CD
Changer
......
107
Protecting Compact Discs ........ 108
CD
Player Error Indications
.....
110
CD
Changer Error
Indications ..............................
111
Remote Audio Controls ............
112
Theft
Protection ........................
113
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
85
Main Menu
Heating
and
Cooling
Proper use of the Heating and
Cooling system can make the
interior dry and comfortable, and
keep the windows clear for best
visibility.
What
Each
Control
Does
Fan
Control
Lever
Pushing this lever up and down
increases and decreases
the
fan
speed.
The
indicators next to the
lever show you the speed selected.
Temperature
Control Dial
Turning this dial clockwise increases
the temperature of the air
flow.
Air
Conditioning (A/C)
Button
This button turns the air condi-
tioning
ON and OFF.
The
indicator
in
the button lights when
theA/Cis
on.
86
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
Recirculation
Button
This button controls the source of
the air going into the system. When
the indicator
in
this button is lit, air
from the car's interior is sent
through the system again (Recircula-
tion mode). When the indicator is off,
air
is
brought
in
from outside the car
(Fresh Air mode).
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Mode Control Dial
Use the MODE control dial to select
the vents
the
air flows from.
;i
Air flows from the vents on
both sides of the instrument panel,
and from the dashboard vent
in
front
of the passenger.
W Air flow is divided between
the vents
in
the dashboard and the
floor vents.
~
Air flows from the center
vents in the dashboard above the
audio system, the vents on both
sides of the instrument panel and
from the floor vents.
Select this
position when you drive with the
convertible top folded.
W Air flows from the floor
vents and
the
vents on both sides of
the instrument panel.
~
Air flow is divided between
the floor vents, the defroster vents at
the base of the windshield and the
vents on both sides of the instrument
panel.
\W
Air flows from the defroster
vents at the base of the windshield
and the vents on both sides of the
instrument panel.
Heating
and
Cooling
When you select
\W
, the system
automatically switches to Fresh Air
mode and turns on the
A/C.
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
87
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Heating
and
Cooling
Vent Controls
You
can adjust the direction of the
air coming from the vents on both
sides of the instrument panel and at
the corner of the dashboard on the
passenger's side.
To
adjust the air
flow up and down, move the tab
in
the center of each vent up and down.
To adjust it left and right, turn the
dial under each vent left and right.
88
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
You
can shut off the air flow from
each vent by turning the dial
all
the
way toward the
t>UO
mark until it
clicks.
How
to
Use
the
System
This section covers how to set up
the
system controls for ventilation,
heating, cooling, dehumidifying, and
defrosting.
The
engine must be running for the
heater and air conditioning to
generate hot and cold air.
The
heater
uses engine coolant to warm the air.
If
the engine is cold, it
will
be several
minutes before you feel warm air
coming from the system.
The
air conditioning does not rely on
engine temperature.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
It
is
best
to leave
the
system in
Fresh
Air mode
under
almost all conditions.
Keeping
the
system in Recirculation
mode, particularly with
the
A/C
off,
can cause
the
windows to fog up.
Switch to Recirculation mode when
you are driving
through
smoky or
dusty conditions,
then
switch back to
Fresh
Air mode when
the
condition
clears.
The
outside air intakes for
the
heating and cooling system are at
the
base of
the
windshield. Keep
these
clear of leaves and
other
debris.
Ventilation
The
flow-through ventilation system
draws in outside air, circulates it
through
the
interior,
then
exhausts it
through vents behind
the
seat-backs.
Heating
and
Cooling
1.
Turn
the
temperature control dial
all
the
way to
the
left.
Make sure
theA/Cis
off.
2.
Select
;J
and
Fresh
Air mode.
3.
Set
the
fan to
the
desired speed.
CON11NUED
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
89
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Heating
and
Cooling
To Cool with
A/C
1.
Turn
on the AI C by pressing the
button.
The
light
in
the button
should come on when a fan speed
is selected.
2.
Make sure the temperature
control dial is
all
the way to the left.
3.
Select
;,;
.
4.
If
the outside air is humid, select
Recirculation mode.
If
the
outside
air is dry, select Fresh Air mode.
Set
the
fan to the desired speed.
If
the interior is very warm from
being parked
in
the sun, you can cool
it down more rapidly by setting up
the 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
all
the way to
the left.
3.
Set the fan to maximum speed.
4.
Open the windows partially. Select
;,;
and Recirculation mode.
90
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
When the interior has cooled down
to a more comfortable temperature,
close the windows and set the
controls as described for normal
cooling.
Air conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page
47)
when driving
in
stop-and-go
traffic or climbing a long, steep hill.
If it moves near the
red
mark, turn
off the
A/
C until the reading returns
to normal.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
To
Heat
To warm the interior:
1.
Start
the
engine.
2.
Select w 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
Air
Conditioning
Air conditioning, as it cools, removes
moisture from the air. When used
in
combination with the heater, it
makes the interior warm and dry.
1.
Switch the fan
on.
2.
Turn
on the air conditioning.
3.
Select w and Fresh Air mode.
4.
Adjust the temperature control
dial so the mixture of heated and
cooled air feels comfortable.
This setting
is
suitable for
all
driving
conditions whenever the outside
temperature is above
32°F (0°C).
Heating
and
Cooling
To
Defog
and
Defrost
To remove fog from
the
inside of the
windows:
1.
Switch the fan
on.
2.
Select @ .
When you select @ , the
system automatically switches to
Fresh Air mode and turns on the
A/C.
3.
Adjust the temperature control
dial so the air flow from the
defroster vents feels warm.
When you switch to another mode
from
@ , the
A/
C stays
on.
Press the
A/C
button to turn if
off.
CONTINUED
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
91
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Heating
and
Cooling
To remove exterior frost or ice from
the windshield and side windows
after the vehicle
has
been sitting out
in cold weather:
1.
Start the engine.
2.
Select
\@
.
When you select
\@
, the
system automatically switches to
Fresh Air mode and turns on the
A/C.
3.
Switch the fan and temperature
controls to maximum.
To
rapidly remove exterior frost or
ice from the windshield (on very cold
days), first select the Recirculation
mode.
Once the windshield is clear,
select the
Fresh
Air mode to avoid
fogging the windows.
92
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
MODE
CQNTROL·.DIAL
RECIRCULATION~~~
SUlTON
~;;;;;;;;;;;;:~
AIR .coNDitiONING
·~-+-::-:<i!o!!
SWITCH
~~~
Main Menu
Table of Contents
These
settings direct
all
the
air flow
to the defroster vents at the base of
the windshield and the side window
defroster vents.
The
air flow will
get
warmer and clear the windows faster
as the engine warms up. You can
close the side vents with the dial
beside each vent.
This
will
send
more warm air to the windshield
defroster vents.
For safety, make sure you have a
clear view through all the windows
before driving away.
To
Tum
Everything Off
To
shut off the system temporarily,
turn off the fan (no lights
illuminated).
You should shut the system
completely off only for the first few
minutes of driving in cold weather,
until the engine coolant warms up
enough to operate the heater. Keep
the fan on at
all
other times so stale
air does not build up
in
the interior.
Heating
and
Cooling
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
93
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio
System
AM/FM/CD
Audio
System
Your Honda's audio system provides
clear reception on both AM and FM
bands, while the preset buttons allow
you to easily select your favorite
stations.
The
anti-theft feature
will
disable the
system
if
it is disconnected from the
vehicle's battery.
To
get the system
working again, you must enter a
code number (see page
113
) .
94
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
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Main Menu
Table of Contents
Operating
the
Radio
The
ignition switch must be in
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to
operate the audio system.
Turn
the
system on by pushing the
PWR/
VOL
knob. Adjust
the
volume by
turning the same knob.
The
band and frequency that the
radio was last tuned to is displayed.
To change bands, press the
AM/FM
button. On
the
FM band, ST
will
be
displayed
if
the station is broadcast-
ing
in
stereo. Stereo reproduction on
AM
is not available.
You
can use any of four methods to
find radio stations on the selected
band:
TUNE, SEEK,
SCAN
or the
Preset buttons.
TUNE
- Use
the
TUNE
bar
to tune
the radio to a desired frequency.
Press the
~
side of the
bar
to tune
to a higher frequency, and the
~
side to tune to a lower
frequency.
The
frequency numbers
will
start to change rapidly. Release
the bar when the display reaches the
desired frequency. To change
the
frequency in small increments, press
and release the
TUNE bar quickly.
Audio
System
SEEK
-
The
SEEK function
searches the band for a station with
a strong signal. To activate
it,
press
the
SEEK bar on either the
1<111<111
or
~
side, then release
it.
Depending on which side you press,
the system scans upward or
down-
ward from the current frequency.
It
stops when it finds a station with a
strong signal.
CONTINUED
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
95
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
SCAN -
The
SCAN function
samples
all
the stations with strong
signals on the selected band.
To
activate it, press the SCAN button,
then release it. When the system is
in
the SCAN mode, SCAN shows in
the display.
The
system
will
scan up
the band for a station with a strong
signal. When it finds one, it will stop
and play that station for
approximately five seconds.
If
you
do
nothing, the system
will
then scan
for the next strong station and play
that for five seconds. When it plays a
station that you want to continue
listening to, press the
SCAN button
again.
Preset
- You can store the fre-
quencies of your favorite radio
stations in the six preset buttons.
Each button will store one frequency
on the
AM
band, and two on the FM
band.
96
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
Main Menu
Table of Contents
To store a frequency:
1.
Select the desired band,
AM
or
FM.
FMl
and FM2 let you store
two frequencies with each
Preset
button.
2.
Use the TUNE or SEEK function
to tune
the
radio to a desired
station.
3. Pick the Preset button you want
for that station.
Press the button
and hold it until you hear a beep.
4.
Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a total
of six stations on
AM
and twelve
onFM.
Once a station's frequency is stored,
simply press and release the proper
Preset button to tune to
it.
The
preset frequencies
will
be lost
if
your vehicle's battery goes dead, is
disconnected, or the radio fuse is
removed.
Audio System
CON11NUE1J
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
97
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio
System
AUTO
SELECf
-
If
you are
traveling far from home and can no
longer receive the stations you
preset, you can use the Auto Select
feature to find stations
in
the local
area.
To
activate Auto Select, press
the
A.
SEL button.
A.
SEL will flash
in
the display, and the system will go
into scan mode for several seconds.
It
automatically scans both bands,
looking for stations with strong
signals;
It
stores the frequencies
of
six AM stations and twelve FM
stations
in
the preset buttons. You
can then use the preset buttons to
select those stations.
If
you are in a remote area, Auto
Select may not find six strong AM
stations or twelve strong FM stations.
If
this happens, you
will
see a "0"
displayed when you press any preset
button that does not have a station
stored.
98
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
If
you
do
not like the stations Auto
Select has stored, you can store
other frequencies
in
the preset
buttons.
Use the TUNE, SEEK, or
SCAN function to find the desired
frequencies,
then
store
them
in
the
selected preset buttons as described
previously.
SCAN BUTTON
A.SELBUTTON
Auto Select does not erase the
frequencies
that
you preset pre-
viously. When you return home, turn
off Auto Select by pressing the
A.
SEL button.
The
preset buttons
will
then select the frequencies you
originally set.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Adjusting the Sound
Balance/Fader
-
These
two
controls adjust the strength of the
sound coming from each speaker.
The
Balance control adjusts the side-
to-side strength, while the Fader
control adjusts the front-to-back
strength.
To
adjust the fader, push on the
BASS/FADER control knob to get it
to pop out.
Pull it out slightly farther,
and adjust the front-to-back sound to
your liking.
Push the knob back
in
when you are done so you cannot
change the setting by accidentally
bumping it. With only two speakers,
set the fader control to the
maximum front setting.
To
adjust the balance, push on the
TREBLE/BALANCE control knob
to get it to pop out.
Pull it out slightly
farther, and adjust the side-to-side
sound to your liking.
Push the knob
back in when you are done so you
cannot change the setting by
accidentally bumping it.
BAS
TRE
FAD
PULL
BAL
Audio System
BASS/FAPER
CONTROL·
TREBLE/BALANCE
CONTROL
Treble/Bass - Use these controls
to adjust the tone to your liking.
To
adjust the Treble level, push on
the TREBLE/BALANCE control
knob to
get
it to pop out. Without
pulling it out farther, turn the knob
to adjust the treble level.
Push the
knob back
in
when you are done so
you cannot change the setting by
accidentally bumping it.
To
adjust the Bass level, push on the
BASS/FADER control knob to get it
to pop out. Without pulling it out
farther, turn the knob to adjust the
bass level.
Push the knob back
in
when you are done so you cannot
change the setting by accidentally
bumping it.
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
99
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio
System
Audio
System
Lighting
The
audio system illuminates when
the parking lights are on, even
if
the
radio is turned off.
1 00
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
Radio
Frequencies
Your Honda's radio can receive
the
complete AM and FM bands.
Those
bands cover these frequen-
cies:
AM band:
530 to 1,710 kilohertz
FMband:
87.7 to 107.9 megahertz
Radio stations on
the
AM band are
assigned frequencies at least ten
kilohertz apart
(530,
540,
550).
Stations on the FM band are
assigned frequencies
at
least
0.2
megahertz apart (87.9, 88.1, 88.3).
Stations must use these exact
frequencies.
It
is fairly common for
stations to round-off the frequency
in
their advertising, so your radio could
display a frequency of
100.9 even
though the announcer may identify
the station as
"FM101."
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Radio Reception
How well your Honda's radio
receives stations is dependent on
many factors, such as the distance
from the station's transmitter,
nearby large objects, and atmos-
pheric conditions.
A radio station's signal gets weaker
as you
get
farther away from its
transmitter.
If
you are listening to an
AM station, you will notice the sound
volume becoming weaker, and the
station drifting
in
and out. If you are
listening to an FM station, you
will
see the stereo indicator flickering off
and on as
the
signal weakens.
Eventually, the stereo indicator
will
go off and the sound
will
fade
completely as you
get
out of range of
the station's signal.
Audio System
Driving very near the transmitter of
a station that is broadcasting on a
frequency close to the frequency of
the station you are listening to can
also affect your radio's reception.
You may temporarily
hear
both
stations, or
hear
only the station you
are close to.
CON11NUED
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
101
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
Radio signals, especially on the FM
band, are deflected by large objects
such as buildings and hills. Your
radio then receives both the direct
signal from the station's transmitter,
and the deflected signal. This causes
the sound to distort or flutter. This is
a main cause of poor radio reception
in city driving.
1 02
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
Radio reception can be affected by
atmospheric conditions such as
thunderstorms, high humidity, and
even sunspots. You may be able to
receive a distant radio station one
day and not receive it
the
next day
because of a change
in
conditions.
Electrical interference from passing
vehicles and stationary sources can
cause temporary reception problems.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
As
required
by
the
FCC:
Changes or modifications
not
expressly
approved
by
the party responsible for
compliance could void
the
user's
authority to operate the equipment.
Audio
System
Comfort and Convenience Features 1 03
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
Operating the
CD
Player
You operate the
CD
player with the
same controls used for the radio.
With the ignition switch in
ACCESSORY
(I)
or
ON
(lD, insert
the disc into the
CD
slot. Push the
disc
in
halfway, the drive
will
pull it
in
the
rest
of the way and begin to
play.
The
number of the track
that
is
playing is shown
in
the
display.
You can also play 3-inch (8-cm) discs
without using an adapter ring. In
all
cases, play only standard round discs.
Odd-shaped CDs may jam in the
drive or cause other problems.
When the system reaches the end of
the disc, it will return to the begin-
ning and play that disc again.
1 04
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
Main Menu
Table of Contents
You can switch to
the
radio while a
CD
is playing
by
pressing
the
AM/
FM button. Press
the
CD
button to
return to playing
the
CD.
The
CD
will begin playing where it left off.
If
you turn the system off while a
CD
·is playing, either with
the
PWR/VOL
knob or by turning off the ignition,
the disc will stay in the drive. When
you turn the system back on, the
CD
will begin playing where it left off.
Press the eject button to remove the
disc from
the
drive.
If
you eject the disc, but
do
not
remove it from
the
slot, the system
will automatically reload
the
disc
after
15
seconds and put
the
CD
player in pause mode.
To
begin
playing the disc, press
the
CD
button.
You can use the
TUNE and
SEEK/
SKIP bars while a disc is playing to
select passages and change tracks.
To
move rapidly within a track, press
and hold the
TUNE bar. Press the
~
side to move forward. You will
see
CUE in the display. Press the
~
side to move backward. You
will see REW displayed. Release
the
bar
when the system reaches
the
point you want.
Audio
System
Each time you press the
~
side of
the SEEK/SKIP bar,
the
system
skips forward to the beginning of the
next track.
Press the
1+111
side to
skip backward to the beginning of
the current track.
Press it again to
skip to the beginning of the previous
track.
CONTINUED
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
1 05
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
REPEAT - To activate
the
Repeat
feature, press and release the RPT
button. You
will
see RPT
in
the
display.
The
system continuously
replays the current track.
Press the
RPT button again to turn it off.
1 06
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
RANDOM PLAY - This feature,
when activated, plays
the
tracks on
the
CD
in
random order, rather than
in
the order they are recorded on the
CD.
To activate Random Play, press
and release the
A.
SEL/RDM button.
You
will
see RDM in
the
display.
The
system
will
then select and play
tracks randomly. This continues
until you deactivate Random
Play by
pressing
A.
SEL/RDM again.
If
the system is in Repeat mode, you
must turn it off by pressing the RPT
button before selecting Random
Play.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Operating
the
CD
Changer
(Optional)
A Compact Disc changer is available
for your vehicle.
It
holds up to six
discs, providing several hours of
continuous entertainment. You
operate this
CD
changer with the
same controls used for the in-dash
CD
player.
Load the desired
CDs
in
the
magazine and load the magazine
in
the changer according to the
instructions that came with the unit.
Play only standard round discs. Odd-
shaped CDs may jam
in
the drive or
cause other problems.
To
select the
CD
changer, press the
CD
button.
The
disc and track
numbers
will
be displayed.
To
select a different disc, press the
appropriate preset button
(1-
6).
If
you select an empty slot in the
magazine, the changer
will,
after
finding that slot empty, try to load
the
CD
in
the next slot.
This
continues until it finds a
CD
to load
and play.
If
you load a
CD
in
the in-dash player
while the changer is playing a
CD,
the system will stop the changer and
begin playing the in-dash
CD.
To
select the changer again, press the
CD
button. Play
will
begin where it
left off.
Use the
CD
button to switch
between the player and the changer.
If
you eject the in-dash
CD
while it is
playing, the system
will
automatically
switch to the
CD
changer and begin
play where it left off.
If
there are no
CDs
in
the changer, the display
will
flash. You
will
have to select another
mode
(AM
or FM) with the button.
Audio
System
When you switch back to
CD
mode,
the system selects the same unit
(in-
dash or changer) that was playing
when you switched out of
CD
mode.
To
use the SKIP, REPEAT, and
RANDOM functions, refer to the
in-
dash player operating instructions.
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
1 07
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio
System
Protecting Compact
Discs
Handle a
CD
by its edges; never
touch either surface. Contamination
from fingerprints, liquids, felt-tip
pens, and labels can cause the
CD
to
not play properly, or possibly jam
in
the drive.
1 08
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
When a
CD
is not being played, store
it
in
its case to protect it from dust
and other contamination.
To
prevent
warpage, keep
COs out of direct
sunlight and extreme heat.
To
clean a disc, use a clean soft cloth.
Wipe across
the
disc from
the
center
to the outside edge.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
A new
CD
may be rough on the
inner and outer edges.
The
small
plastic pieces causing this roughness
can flake off and fall on the
re-
cording surface of the disc, causing
skipping or other problems. Remove
these pieces by rubbing the inner
and outer edges with the side of a
pencil or pen.
Never try to insert foreign objects in
the
CD
player or the magazine.
Audio
System
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
109
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
CD
Player Error Indications
If
you see an error indication
in
the
display while operating the
CD
player, find the cause
in
the chart to
the right.
If
you cannot clear the
error indication, take the vehicle to
your Honda dealer.
11
0
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
I
Indication
C-----
,-
.J
,_
,_f
.-
.-
..•
c -
,_.,_,
I
[d
•::
_ti
I
'-
,_,
I
,-
I
·--=·
E
-IJ,?
Cause Solution
Press the EJECT button and pull out the disc.
System Error Check
if
the disc
is
inserted correctly
in
CD
FOCUS Error
player.
Make sure the disc is not scratched or damaged.
Press the EJECT button and pull out the
elise.
Check the disc for damage
or
deformation.
Mechanical Error
If
the
CD
cannot be pulled out or the
error
indication does not disappear after the disc is
ejected, see your Honda dealer.
D_<J
nott~-y
to force the
elise
out of the player.
Communication Error
Consult your Honda dealer.
LSI
Error
------------
--
-----
-----
---
------
--
Main Menu
Table of Contents
CD
Changer
Error
Indications
If
you see an error indication in the
display while operating the
CD
changer, find the cause in the chart
to the right.
If
you cannot clear the
error indication, take
the
vehicle to
your Honda dealer.
:
Indication
I""_,
,_
'-'
aJ~~E
-DO
[d
crrx[-
I]
•
•
[d
rrrd~E-
:J2
[d
n1J:sc
..
--:-:
'-'
.-
'
I,DSC
..
---
L
Cl
'-'
Audio
System
Cause
Solution
· Press the magazine eject button and pull out
System Error the magazine, check for error indication. Insert
FOCUS Error
i
the magazine again.
If
the
code does not
disappear
or
the magazine cannot be pulled out,
consult your Honda dealer.
Press the magazine eject button and pull out
the magazine, check for error indication. Insert
Mechanical Error the magazine again. If the code does not
disappear
or
the magazine cannot be pulled out,
consult your Honda dealer.
Communication Error
See your Honda dealer.
LSI
Error
High temperature. Will disappear when the temperature returns to
normal.
No
CD
magazine
in
the Insert
CD
magazine.
CD
changer.
No
CD
in
the
CD
Insert
CD.
magazine.
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
111
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
Remote Audio Controls
AUDIO
CbNTROL··.·······
BUTTON
....
Four controls for the audio system
are on the left side of the dashboard
by the instrument panel.
These
let
you control basic functions without
distracting your attention from
driving.
Use the VOLUME lever to adjust the
volume.
Push the lever up to
increase the volume and down to
decrease it. Hold the lever until the
volume reaches the desired level,
112
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
then release
it.
If
you want to mute the sound
temporarily, push the
MUTE button.
The
indicator
in
the button
will
light
to indicate the mute function is on.
Press the button again to cancel
MUTE.
The
AUDIO CONTROL button
changes the mode.
Pressing the
button repeatedly selects AM,
FMl,
FM2, or
CD
(if
a
CD
is loaded) two.
The
CHANNEL button has two
functions, depending on whether you
are listening to the radio,
or
playing a
CD.
If
you are listening to the radio, use
the
CHANNEL button to change
stations. Each time you press this
button, the system advances to the
next preset station on the band you
are listening to. You will see the
number of the selected
Preset button
in
the audio system display.
If
you are playing a
CD,
the system
skips to the beginning of the next
track each time you push the
CHANNEL button.
These
controls work only with the
factory-installed audio system.
They
will not function
if
you install any
other system.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Theft Protection
Your car's audio system
will
disable
itself
if
it is disconnected from
electrical power for any reason. To
make it work again, the user must
enter a specific five-digit code in the
Preset buttons. Because there are
hundreds of number combinations
possible from five digits, making the
system work without knowing the
exact code is nearly impossible.
You should have received a card that
lists your audio system's code
number and serial number.
It
is best
to store this card
in
a safe place at
horne.
In
addition, you should write
the audio system's serial number
in
this Owner's Manual.
If
you should
happen to lose
the
card, you must
obtain the code number from your
Honda dealer. To do this, you
will
need the system's serial number.
If
your car's battery is disconnected
or goes dead, or the radio fuse is
removed,
the
audio system
will
disable itself.
If
this happens, you
will
see "Code" in the frequency
display the next time you turn on the
system.
Use the Preset buttons to
enter the five-digit code.
If
it is
entered correctly, the radio
will
start
playing.
If
you make a mistake entering the
code,
do
not start over or try to
correct your mistake. Complete the
five-digit sequence, then enter the
correct code.
You
have ten tries to
enter the correct code.
If
you are
unsuccessful
in
ten attempts, you
must then leave the system on for
one hour before trying again.
Audio System
You
will
have to store your favorite
stations
in
the Preset buttons after
the system begins working. Your
original settings were lost when
power was disconnected.
Comfort
and
Convenience
Features
113
Main Menu
Table of Contents
114
Main Menu
Before you begin driving your Honda,
you should know what gasoline to
use, and how to check
the
levels of
important fluids. You also need to
know how to properly store luggage
or packages.
The
information in this
section will help you.
If
you plan to
add any accessories to your vehicle,
·
please read
the
information in this
section first.
Before
Driving
Break-in Period .............................. 116
Gasoline .......................................... 116
Service Station Procedures ..........
117
Filling
the
Fuel
Tank
.................
117
Opening the Hood .....................
118
Oil
Check ................................
119
Engine Coolant Check .......... 120
Fuel Economy ................................
121
Car Condition .............................
121
Driving Habits ............................
121
Accessories and Modifications
....
122
Accessories .................................
122
Modifications .............................
123
Additional Safety Precaution
....
123
Carrying Cargo ..............................
124
General Precautions ......................
127
Before
Driving 115
Main Menu
Break-in
Period, Gasoline
Break-in Period
Help assure your car's future
reliability and performance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the first
600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:
• Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
Do
not exceed 5,500 rpm for the
first
600 miles (1,000 km) of
operation.
• Avoid hard braking. New brakes
need to be broken-in by moderate
use for the first
200 miles (300
km).
You should follow these same re-
commendations with an overhauled
or exchanged engine, or when the
brakes are relined.
116
Before
Driving
Gasoline
Your Honda is designed to operate
on premium unleaded gasoline with a
pump octane number of
91
or higher.
If
you are unable to find premium
unleaded gasoline, you may substi-
tute an unleaded regular gasoline.
The
engine
will
compensate for the
lower octane, but you may notice a
slight decrease in power as a result.
We recommend gasolines containing
detergent additives
that
help prevent
fuel system and engine deposits.
Using gasoline containing lead
will
damage your car's emissions
controls. This contributes to air
pollution.
In
Canada, some gasolines contain
an octane-enhancing additive called
MMT.
If
you use such gasolines,
your emission control system
performance may deteriorate and
the Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on.
If
this happens, contact your
authorized Honda dealer for service.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
1.
Because
the
fuel fill cap is on
the
driver's side of
the
car, park with
that
side closest to
the
service
station pumps.
2.
Open
the
fuel
fill
door by pulling
on
the
knob on
the
driver's door
jamb.
Gasoline
is
highly flammable
and explosive. You can be
burned or
seriously injured
when
handling fuel.
• Stop
the engine and keep
heat, sparks, and
flame away.
• Handle fuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
Service Station Procedures
3.
Remove the fuel
fill
cap slowly.
You may
hear
a hissing sound as
pressure inside
the
tank escapes.
Place
the
cap in the holder on the
fuel fill door.
CONTINUED
Before
Driving 117
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Service Station Procedures
4.
Stop filling the tank after the fuel
nozzle automatically clicks off. Do
not try to
"top off" the tank, leave
some room for the fuel to expand
with temperature changes.
5.
Screw the fuel
fill
cap back on,
tighten it until it clicks at least
three times.
If
you
do
not properly
tighten the cap, the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp may come on (see
page
228
).
6.
Push the fuel
fill
door closed until
it latches.
118
Before
Driving
Opening the Hood
1.
Shift to Neutral and
set
the
parking brake.
Pull the hood
release handle located under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
The
hood
will
pop up slightly.
2.
Standing in front of the car, put
your fingers under the front edge
of the hood to the right of center.
Slide your hand to the left until
you feel the hood latch handle.
Push this handle to the left until it
releases
the
hood. Lift the hood.
If
you can open the hood without
lifting the hood latch handle, or
the hood latch handle moves
stiffly or does not spring back as
before, the mechanism should
be
cleaned and lubricated (see page
174 ).
Main Menu
Table of Contents
3.
Pull
the
support rod out of its clip
and insert
the
end
into
the
hole on
the
front of
the
hood around
the
center.
To
close
the
hood, lift it up slightly
to remove
the
support rod from
the
hole. Put
the
support rod back
into its holding clip. Lower
the
hood to about a foot
(30
em) above
the
fender,
then
let it drop.
After closing
the
hood,
make
sure
it is securely latched.
Oil
Check
Check
the
engine
oil
level every time
you
fill
the
car with fuel. Wait a few
minutes after turning
the
engine off
before you check
the
oil.
1.
Remove
the
dipstick (black
handle).
Service Station Procedures
2.
Wipe
the
dipstick with a clean
cloth
or
paper towel.
CONTINUED
Before
Driving 119
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Service Station Procedures
3.
Insert it
all
the way back
in
its tube.
4.
Remove the dipstick again and
check the level.
It
should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
120
Before
Driving
If
it is near or below the lower mark,
see
Adding Oil on page 157.
Engine Coolant
Check
Look at the coolant level
in
the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between
the
MAX
and MIN lines.
If
it is below the MIN line, see Adding
Engine Coolant
on page
161
for
information on adding the proper
coolant.
Refer to
Owner Maintenance
Checks on page
155
for information
on checking other items
in
your
Honda.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The
condition of your car and your
driving habits are the two most
important things
that
affect the fuel
mileage you get.
Car
Condition
Always maintain your car according
to the maintenance schedule. This
will
keep it in top operating condition.
An important part of that mainte-
nance is the
Owner Maintenance
Checks
(see page
155
). For
example, an underinflated tire
causes more
"rolling resistance,"
which uses fuel. It also wears out
faster, so check the tire pressure
at
least monthly.
In winter, the build-up of snow on
your car's underside adds weight and
rolling resistance. Frequent cleaning
helps your fuel mileage and reduces
the chance of corrosion.
Driving Habits
You can improve fuel economy by
driving moderately. Rapid acceler-
ation, abrupt cornering, and hard
braking use more fuel.
Always drive
in
the highest gear that
allows the engine to run and acceler-
ate smoothly.
Depending on traffic conditions, try
to maintain a constant speed. Every
time you slow down and speed up,
your car uses extra fuel.
Use the
cruise control, when appropriate, to
increase fuel economy.
A cold engine uses more fuel than a
warm engine.
It
is not necessary to
"warm-up" a cold engine by letting it
idle for a long time. You can drive
away
in
about a minute, no matter
how cold it is outside.
The
engine
will
warm up faster, and you
get
better fuel economy.
To
cut down on
the number of
"cold starts," try to
Fuel Economy
combine several short trips into one.
The
air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
use more fuel.
Turn
off the
A/C
to
cut down on air conditioning use.
Use the flow-through ventilation
when the outside air temperature is
moderate.
Before
Driving
121
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Accessories and Modifications
Modifying your car, or installing
some non-Honda accessories, can
make your car unsafe. Before you
make any modifications or add any
accessories, be sure to read the
following information.
Accessories
Your dealer has Genuine Honda
accessories that allow you to
personalize your car.
These
accessories have been designed and
approved for your car, and are
covered by warranty.
Non-Honda accessories are usually
designed for universal applications.
Although aftermarket accessories
may fit on your car, they may not
meet factory specifications, and
could adversely affect your car's
handling and stability. (See
"Modifications" on
the
page
123
for
additional information.)
122
Before
Driving
Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
car's
handling, stability and
performance, and cause a
crash
in
which you can be hurt
or
killed.
Follow all
instructions
in
this
owner's
manual regarding
accessories and modifications.
When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interfere with your car's
computer-controlled systems, such
as the
SRS
and anti-lock brake
system.
However,
if
electronic accessories
are improperly installed, or exceed
your car's electrical system capacity,
they can interfere with the operation
of your car, or even cause the
airbags to deploy.
Before installing any accessory:
• Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights,
or
interfere
with proper car operation or
performance.
• Be sure electronic accessories
do
not overload electrical circuits
(see page 231).
• Have the installer contact your
Honda dealer for assistance before
installing any electronic accessory.
If
possible, have your dealer inspect
the final installation.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Modifications
Do
not remove any original
equipment or modify your car in any
way
that
would alter its design or
operation. This could make your car
unsafe and illegal to drive.
For example, do not make any
modifications
that
would change the
ride height of your car, or install
wheels and tires with a different
overall diameter.
Such modifications can adversely
affect handling, and interfere with
the operation of the car's anti-lock
brakes and other systems.
Accessories and Modifications
In addition, any modifications that
decrease ground clearance increase
the chance of undercarriage parts
striking a curb, speed bump, or other
raised object, which could cause
your airbags to deploy.
Do not modify your steering wheel
or any other part of your
Supplemental Restraint System.
Modifications could make the
system ineffective.
Additional Safety Precaution
Do not attach or place objects on the
airbag covers. Any object attached to
or placed on the covers marked
"SRS
AIRBAG,"
in
the center of the
steering wheel and on top of the
dashboard, could interfere with the
proper operation of the airbags.
Or,
if
the airbags inflate, the objects
could be propelled inside the car and
hurt
someone.
Before
Driving 123
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Carrying
Cargo
124
Before
Driving
Your car has several convenient
storage areas so you can stow cargo
safely.
The
upper and lower console
compartments are designed for small,
lightweight items.
The
trunk
is
intended for larger, heavier items.
However, carrying too much cargo,
or improperly storing
it,
can affect
your car's handling, stability and
operation and make it unsafe. Before
carrying any type of cargo, be sure to
read the following pages.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Load
Limit
The
maximum load for your car is
400
lbs
(185
kg).
This figure includes
the
total weight
of
all
occupants, cargo, and
accessories.
To figure out how much cargo you
can carry:
• Add up the weight of
all
occupants.
• Subtract the total from
400
lb
(185
kg).
The
final number is the total weight
of cargo you can carry.
Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash
in
which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits
and other
loading guidelines
in
this
manual.
Carrying Cargo
Carrying
Items
in
the
Passenger
Compartment
• Store or secure
all
items that could
be thrown around and
hurt
someone during a crash.
• Be sure items placed on the floor
behind the front seats cannot roll
under the seats and interfere with
the driver's ability to operate the
pedals, or with the proper
operation of the seats.
Before Driving 125
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Carrying
Cargo
Carrying Cargo
in
the
Trunk
• Distribute cargo evenly on the
floor of the trunk, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as far forward as possible.
126
Before
Driving
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Your Honda is designed to give you
optimum handling and performance
on well-maintained roads. As part of
this design, your car
has
a minimum
of ground clearance and very
low-
profile tires.
• Use caution
if
you should drive
your car on very rough or rutted
roads. You could damage the
suspension and underbody by
bottoming out. Going too fast over
parking lot
"speed bumps" can
also cause damage.
• Curbs and steep inclines could
damage the front and rear
bumpers. Low curbs that
do
not
affect the average car may be high
enough to hit the bumper on your
Honda.
The
front or rear bumper
may scrape when trying to drive
onto an incline, such as a steep
driveway or trailer ramps.
General Precautions
• Because of the low-profile tires
fitted to your car, the alloy wheels
are closer to the ground. Driving
over a pothole or road debris at
too high a speed can seriously
damage a wheel. Slow down under
these conditions.
Before
Driving 127
Main Menu
Table of Contents
128
Main Menu
This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
manual transmission.
It
also includes
important information on parking
your car, and
the
braking system.
Driving
Preparing to Drive .........................
130
Starting the Engine ........................
131
Starting in Cold Weather
at High Altitude .....................
132
6-speed Manual Transmission
.....
133
Recommended Shift Points ...... 134
Engine
Speed Limiter ............... 134
Reverse Lockout.. ...................... 134
Parking ............................................
135
The
Braking System ...................... 136
Brake Wear Indicators ..............
136
Brake System Design ................
137
Anti-lock Brakes ........................
137
Important Safety
Reminders ..........................
138
ABS Indicator .........................
139
Driving in Bad Weather ................
140
Towing a Trailer ............................
141
Driving 129
Main Menu
Preparing to Drive
You should do
the
following
checks
and adjustments every day before
you drive
your
car.
1.
Make
sure
all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights
are
clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,
or
ice.
2.
Check
that
the
hood and
trunk
are
fully closed.
3.
Visually
check
the
tires.
If
a tire
looks low,
use
a
gauge
to
check
its
pressure.
130 Driving
4.
Check
that
any items you
may
be
carrying with you inside
are
stored
properly or
fastened
down
securely.
5.
Check
the
adjustment of
the
seat
(see page 68 ) .
6.
Check
the
adjustment of
the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page
79
).
7.
Make
sure
the
doors
are
securely
closed and locked.
8.
Fasten
your
seat
belt.
Check
that
your
passenger
has
fastened his
seat
belt (see page
15
) .
9.
Turn
the
ignition switch ON (II).
Check
the
indicator lights in
the
instrument
panel.
10.Start
the
engine (see page 131 ) .
1l.Check
the
gauges
and
indicator
lights in
the
instrument
panel (see
page
43
).
Main Menu
Table of Contents
1.
Apply
the
parking brake.
2.
In cold weather,
turn
off all
electrical accessories to reduce
the
drain on
the
battery.
3.
Push
the
clutch pedal down all
the
way.
The
ENGINE
SfARTbutton
has
no effect unless
the
clutch
pedal is depressed.
4.
Turn
the
ignition key to ON (II)
position.
5.
Without touching
the
accelerator
pedal, push
the
ENGINE
Sf
ART
button.
If
the
engine does not
start
right away, do not hold
the
ENGINE
Sf
ART button for more
than
15
seconds at a time. Pause
for at least 10 seconds before
trying again.
Starting the
Engine
6.
If
the
engine does not
start
within
15
seconds,
or
starts
but
stalls
right away, repeat step 5 with
the
accelerator pedal pressed half-way
down.
If
the
engine starts, release
pressure
on
the
accelerator pedal
so
the
engine does not race.
7.
If
the
engine still does not start,
press
the
accelerator pedal
all
the
way down and hold it
there
while
starting in
order
to clear flooding.
As before, hold
the
ENGINE
Sf
ART button for no more
than
15
seconds. Return to step 6 if
the
engine does not start.
If
it starts,
lift your foot off
the
accelerator
pedal so
the
engine does not race.
Driving
131
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Starting the Engine
Starting
in
Cold
Weather
at
High
Altitude (Above
8,000
feet/
2,400
meters)
An engine is harder to start in cold
weather.
The
thinner air found at
high altitude above
8,000 feet (2,400
meters) adds to the problem.
132 Driving
Use the following procedure:
1.
Turn
off all electrical accessories
to reduce the drain on
the
battery.
2.
Push the accelerator pedal half-
way to
the
floor and hold it there
while starting the engine. Do not
hold the ENGINE START button
for more than
15
seconds. When
the engine starts, release
the
accelerator pedal gradually as the
engine speeds up and smooths out.
3.
If
the engine fails to start in step
2,
push
the
accelerator pedal to the
floor and hold it there while you
try to start the engine for no more
than
15
seconds.
If
the
engine
does not start, return to step
2.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The
manual transmission is synchro-
nized
in
all
forward
gears
for smooth
operation.
It
has a lockout
so
you
cannot shift directly from Fifth to
Reverse instead of sixth (see page
134). When shifting up or down,
make sure you push the clutch pedal
down all the way, shift to the next
gear, and let the pedal up gradually.
When you are not shifting,
do
not
rest
your foot on the clutch pedal.
This can cause your clutch to wear
out faster.
6-speed Manual Transmission
Come to a full stop before you shift
into Reverse.
You can damage the
transmission by trying to shift into
Reverse with the car moving.
Push
down the clutch pedal, and pause for
a few seconds before shifting into
Reverse, or shift into one of the
forward gears for a moment. This
stops the gears so they won't
"grind."
When slowing down, you can get
extra braking from the engine by
shifting to a lower gear. This extra
braking can help you maintain a safe
speed and prevent your brakes from
overheating while going down a
steep hill. Before downshifting,
make sure engine speed will not go
into the tachometer's red zone
in
the
lower gear.
Rapid slowing or speeding-up
can cause
loss of control on
slippery surfaces.
If
you crash,
you can be injured.
Use extra care when driving
on
slippery surfaces.
Driving 133
Main Menu
Table of Contents
6-speed Manual Transmission
Recommended
Shift
Points
Drive
in
the highest
gear
that lets
the engine run and accelerate
smoothly. This
will
give you the best
fuel economy and effective emis-
sions control.
The
following shift
points are recommended:
Shift
Up
Normal Acceleration
1st to 2nd
15
mph
(24
km/h)
2nd to 3rd
25
mph
(40
km/h)
3rd to 4th
40
mph
(64
km/h)
4th to 5th
47
mph
(75
km/h)
5th to 6th
52
mph
(83
km/h)
134 Driving
Engine
Speed
Limiter
Reverse
Lockout
If
you exceed the maximum speed
for the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer's
red zone. If this occurs, you may feel
the engine cut
in
and out.
This
is
caused by a limiter in the engine's
computer controls.
The
engine will
run normally when you reduce the
RPM below the
red
zone.
Before downshifting, make sure the
engine will not go into
the
tachometer's
red
zone
in
the lower
gear.
The
6-speed manual transmission
has a lockout so you cannot
accidentally shift from Fifth to
Reverse instead of Sixth.
With the clutch pedal depressed,
move
the
shift lever to the Reverse
side of
the
Neutral gate, then push
the shift lever down and shift to
Reverse.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Always use the parking brake when
you park your car.
The
indicator on
the instrument panel shows that the
parking brake is not fully released; it
does not indicate that the parking
brake is firmly set. Make sure the
parking brake is set firmly or your
car may roll
if
it is parked on an
incline.
If the car is facing uphill, turn the
front wheels away from the curb and
put
the
transmission
in
first gear.
If
the car is facing downhill, turn the
front wheels toward the curb and put
the transmission
in
reverse gear.
Make sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or damage
the rear brakes.
Parking
Parking Tips
• Make sure the convertible top and
the windows are closed.
•
Turn
off the lights.
• Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you.
• Lock the doors with the key or the
remote transmitter.
• Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other flammable
materials.
The
three way catalytic
converter gets very hot, and could
cause these materials to catch on
fire.
Driving 135
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The Braking System
Your Honda is equipped with disc
brakes at
all
four wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal.
The
ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
Put your foot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your foot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, causing them
to build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work.
It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind
you.
136
Driving
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their effective-
ness.
Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshifting to a lower
gear and taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see
if
they feel
normal.
If not, apply
them
gently and
frequently until they
do.
Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious
and alert in your driving.
Brake
Wear
Indicators
All
four brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
When the brake pads need replacing,
you will
hear
a distinctive metallic
"screeching" sound when you apply
the brakes.
If
you
do
not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin
screeching
all
the time.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal
or squeak when you apply
them
lightly.
Do
not confuse this with the
brake wear indicators.
They
make a
very audible
"screeching."
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Brake System Design
The
hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the
car (the left-front brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.).
If
one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
Anti-lock Brakes
Your
car
has an Anti-lock Brake
System
(ABS)
as standard
equipment. ABS helps to prevent the
wheels from locking up and skidding
during hard braking, allowing you to
retain steering control.
The
Braking
System
When the front tires skid, you lose
steering control; the car continues
straight ahead even though you turn
the steering wheel.
The
ABS helps to
prevent lock-up and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly; much faster than a
person can do
it.
CONTINUED
Driving 137
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The
Braking
System
You
should
never
pump
the
brake
pedal, this defeats
the
purpose of the
ABS.
Let
the
ABS
work for you by always keeping firm,
steady pressure on the brake pedal
as you
steer
away from the hazard.
This is sometimes referred to as
"stomp and steer."
You
will
feel a pulsation in
the
brake
pedal when the
ABS activates, and
you may
hear
some noise.
This
is
normal, it is the
ABS rapidly
pumping the brakes.
Activation varies with the amount of
traction your tires have.
On dry
pavement, you will need to press on
the brake pedal very
hard
before you
activate the
ABS.
However, you may
feel the
ABS activate immediately
if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
138
Driving
Important
Safety
Reminders
ABS
does
not
reduce
the
time
or
distance
it
takes
to
stop
the
car, it
only helps with steering control
during braking. You should always
maintain a safe following distance
from other vehicles.
ABS will
not
prevent
a
skid
that
results
from
changing direction
abruptly,
such as trying to take a
corner too fast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe,
prudent speed for the road and
weather conditions.
ABS
cannot
prevent
a loss
of
stability. Always
steer
moderately
when you are braking hard.
Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your car to veer into
oncoming traffic
or
off the road.
A
car
with
ABS
may
require
a
longer
distance
to
stop
on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel
or
snow, than a car without anti-lock.
Slow down and allow a
greater
distance between cars under those
conditions.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
ABS
Indicator
The
ABS is self-checking.
If
anything
goes wrong,
the
ABS indicator on
the instrument panel comes on (see
page
45
) . This means the anti-lock
function of the braking system has
shut
down.
The
brakes still work like
a conventional system without anti-
lock, providing normal stopping
ability. You should have the dealer
inspect your car as soon as possible.
The
Braking
System
Driving 139
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Driving
in
Bad
Weather
Rain, fog, and snow conditions re-
quire a different driving technique
because of reduced traction and
visibility. Keep your car well-
maintained and exercise greater
caution when you need to drive in
bad weather.
The
cruise control
should not be used in these condi-
tions.
140 Driving
Driving Technique - Always drive
slower than you would
in
dry
weather.
It
takes your car longer to
react, even
in
conditions that may
seem just barely damp. Apply
smooth, even pressure to
all
the
controls. Abrupt steering wheel
movements or sudden, hard appli-
cation of the brakes can cause loss of
control in wet weather. Be extra
cautious for the first few miles
(kilometers) of driving while you
adjust to the change in driving
conditions.
This
is especially true
in
snow. A person can forget some
snow-driving techniques during the
summer months.
Practice is needed
to relearn those skills.
Exercise extra caution when driving
in
rain after a long dry spell. After
months of dry weather, the first
rains bring
oil
to the surface of the
roadway, making it slippery.
Visibility - Being able to see
clearly in
all
directions and being
visible to other drivers are important
in
all
weather conditions.
This
is
more difficult
in
bad weather.
To
be
seen more clearly during daylight
hours, turn on your headlights.
Inspect your windshield wipers and
washers frequently. Keep the wind-
shield washer reservoir full of the
proper fluid. Have the windshield
wiper blades replaced
if
they start to
streak the windshield or leave parts
unwiped.
Use the defrosters and air
conditioning to keep the windows
from fogging up on
the
inside (see
page
91
).
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Traction - Check your tires
frequently for wear and proper
pressure. Both are important
in
preventing "hydroplaning" (loss of
traction on a wet surface). In the
winter, mount snow tires on all four
wheels for the
best
handling.
Watch road conditions carefully,
they can change from moment to
moment. Wet leaves can be as
slip-
pery as ice. "Clear" roads can have
patches of ice. Driving conditions
can be very hazardous when the
outside temperature is near freezing.
The
road surface can become
covered with areas of water puddles
mixed with areas of ice, so your
traction can change without warning.
Be careful when downshifting. If
traction is low, you can lock up the
drive wheels for a moment and cause
a skid.
Driving
in
Bad
Weather,
Towing
a
Trailer
Be very cautious when passing, or
being passed by other cars.
The
spray from large cars reduces your
visibility, and the wind buffeting can
cause you to lose control.
Towing a Trailer
Your car is not designed to tow a
trailer. Attempting to
do
so can void
your warranties.
Driving 141
Main Menu
Table of Contents
142
Main Menu
This
section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This
section also includes
Maintenance Schedules for normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself.
If
you have
the
skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase
the
Service Manual. See
page
259
for information on how to
obtain a copy,
or
see your Honda
dealer.
Maintenance
Safety ....................... 144
Important
Safety Precautions
..
145
Maintenance Schedule .................. 146
Required Maintenance Record
....
153
Owner Maintenance Checks ........
155
Fluid Locations ...............................
156
Engine
Oil
.......................................
157
Adding Oil... ................................
157
Recommended
Oil
..................... 157
Synthetic
Oil
...............................
158
Additives ..................................... 158
Changing
the
Oil and Filter..
....
159
Cooling System ..............................
161
Adding Engine Coolant .............
161
Replacing Engine Coolant ........
163
Windshield Washers .....................
167
6-speed Manual Transmission
Fluid ............................................
168
Differential Fluid ...........................
169
Brake and Clutch Fluid .................
170
Brake Fluid ................................. 170
Brake System .............................
170
Clutch System ............................
171
Air Cleaner Element.. ....................
172
Hood Latch .....................................
174
Maintenance
Spark Plugs .....................................
174
Replacement ...............................
17
4
Specifications ............................. 176
Battery ............................................
177
Wiper Blades .................................. 180
Air Conditioning System ...............
182
Air Conditioning Filter, .................
183
Drive Belt ........................................
184
Tires ................................................
185
Inflation .......................................
185
Inspection ...................................
187
Maintenance ...............................
188
Tire Rotation ..............................
188
Tire
Wear
....................................
188
Replacing Tires and Wheels
....
189
Wheels and Tires .......................
190
Winter Driving ........................... 190
Snow
Tires ..............................
191
Tire
Chains .............................
191
Lights ..............................................
192
Replacing Bulbs .........................
194
Storing Your Car ............................
202
Maintenance
143
Main Menu
Maintenance Safety
Regularly maintaining your car is the
best way to protect your investment.
Proper maintenance is essential to
your safety and the safety of your
passengers.
It
will
also reward you
with more economical, trouble-free
driving and help reduce air pollution.
Improperly maintaining this car
or
failing to correct a problem
before driving can cause a
crash
in
which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow
the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations and
schedules
in
this owner's
manual.
144
Maintenance
This section includes instructions for
simple maintenance tasks, such as
checking and adding
oil.
Any service
items not detailed in this section
should be performed by a Honda
technician or other qualified
mechanic.
Some of
the
most important safety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard
that
can arise in
performing maintenance.
Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perform a given task.
Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow
the procedures
and precautions
in
this owner's
manual.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Important Safety Precautions
Before you begin any maintenance,
make sure your car is parked on
level ground and that the parking
brake is set. Also,
be
sure the engine
is off. This
will
help to eliminate
several potential hazards:
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
from engine exhaust.
Be sure
there is adequate ventilation
whenever you operate
the
engine.
•
Bums
from hot parts. Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
before touching any parts.
• Injury from moving parts.
Do
not run the engine unless
in-
structed to do so.
Read
the
instructions before you
begin, and make sure you have
the
tools and skills required.
To reduce the possibility of fire or
explosion, be careful when working
around gasoline or batteries.
Use a
commercially available degreaser
or
parts cleaner, not gasoline, to clean
parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and
flames away from the battery and
all
fuel-related parts.
You
should wear eye protection and
protective clothing when working
near the battery or when using
compressed air.
Maintenance Safety
Maintenance 145
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Maintenance Schedule
The
Maintenance Schedule specifies
how often you should have your
car
serviced and
what
things
need
attention.
It
is essential
that
you have
your
car
serviced
as
scheduled to
retain its high level of safety,
dependability,
and
emissions control
performance.
146
Maintenance
The
services and time
or
distance
intervals shown in
the
maintenance
schedule
assume
you will
use
your
car
as
normal transportation for your
passenger
and possessions. You
should also follow
these
recommendations:
• Avoid exceeding your car's load
limit.
This
puts
excess
stress
on
the
engine, brakes, and many
other
parts
of
your
car.
The
load
limit is shown on
the
label on
the
driver's doorjamb.
• Operate your
car
on reasonable
roads within
the
legal
speed
limit.
• Drive your
car
regularly over a
distance of several miles
(kilometers).
• Always
use
unleaded gasoline with
the
proper
octane rating (see page
116 ).
Which Schedule to Follow:
Service
your
car
according to
the
time and mileage periods on one of
the
Maintenance Schedules on
the
following pages. Select
the
schedule
for
"Severe Conditions" if
most
of
your driving is done
under
one
or
more of
the
conditions listed on
that
page. Otherwise, follow
the
schedule
for
"Normal Conditions."
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Your authorized Honda dealer
knows your
car
best
and can provide
competent, efficient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualified service facility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Keep all the
receipts as proof of completion, and
have the person who does the work
fill out
the
Maintenance Record.
Check your warranty booklet for
more information.
We recommend the use of Genuine
Honda parts and fluids whenever you
have maintenance done.
These
are
manufactured to
the
same high-
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be confident
of their performance and durability.
U.S.
Cars:
Maintenance,
replacement
or
repair
of
emissions
control
devices
and
systems
may
be
done
by
any
automotive
repair
establishment
or
individual
using
parts
that
are
"certified"
to
EPA
standards.
Maintenance Schedule
According to state and federal
regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on the items marked
with
# will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Honda
recommends that all maintenance
services be performed
at
the
recommended time or mileage
period to ensure long-term reliability.
Maintenance
14
7
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Service at the indicated
miles x 1,000 15
30
45
60
75
90
105
distance
ortime
- whichever
kmx
1,000
24
48
72
96
120 144 168
comes first.
months
12
24
36
48
60
72
84
Replace engine oil
Replace
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
or
12
months
Replace engine oil
filter
•
•
• •
•
•
•
Check engine oil and coolant
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Replace air cleaner element
•
•
•
Inspect valve clearance
Adjust
only
if
noisy
•
Replace spark plugs
•
Inspect drive belt
•
•
•
Inspect idle speed
•
Replace engine coolant
•
•
•
Replace transmission fluid
•
Replace rear differential fluid
•
• •
Inspect
front
and rear brakes
•
•
• •
•
• •
Replace brake
fluid
•
•
Check parking brake adjustment
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Replace air conditioning filter
•
•
•
Check tire inflation and condition
Every
7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Visually inspect
the
following
items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and
lines (including ABS)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
All
fluid levels and condition
of
fluids
Cooling
system hoses and connections
Exhaust
system•
Fuel
lines and connections•
148
Maintenance
120
192
96
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
U.S. Owners
Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule
if
the
severe driving conditions
specified in
the
Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE:
If
you only
OCCASIONALLY drive under a
"severe" condition, you should
follow
the
Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Canadian Owners
Follow
the
Maintenance
Schedule for Severe Conditions.
#:
See
information
on maintenance and
emissions warranty,
last column, page 147.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Service at
the
indicated distance
or
time,
whichever
comes first. Do the
items
in A,
B,
Cas
required
for
each distance/time interval.
Follow
this
schedule
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.
7,500 mi/12,000
km/- Do
items
in A.
15,000 m i/24,000 km/1
yr
Do
items
in A,
B.
22,500 mi/36,000 km/-
Do
items
in A.
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2
yrs
Do
items
in A,
B,
C.
37,500 mi/60,000 km/- Do
items
in
A.
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
DReplace
coolant.
DReplace
brake fluid.
Do
items
in A,
B.
52,500 mi/84,000 km/- Do
items
in
A.
60,000 mi/96,000
km/4
yrs
Do
items
in A,
B,
C.
67,500 mi/108,000 km/- Do
items
in
A.
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5
yrs
DReplace
coolant.
Do
items
in A,
B.
82,500 mi/132,000 km/- Do items in A.
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6
yrs
DReplace
brake fluid.
DReplace
transmission
fluid.
Do
items
in A,
B,
C.
97,500 mi/156,000 km/- Do
items
in
A.
1 05,000 m i/168,000 km/7
yrs
Inspect valve clearance.
DReplace
coolant.
Dlnspect
idle speed.
DReplace
spark plugs.
Do
items
in A,
B.
112,500 mi/180,000 km/-
Do
items
in A.
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8
yrs
Do items in A,
B,
C.
Note:
• Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
• Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine,
if
noisy.
A
DReplace
engine oil.
DCheck
tire inflation and condition.
B
DReplace
engine oil filter.
Dlnspect
front
and rear brakes.
CCheck
parking brake adjustment.
Dlnspect
tie rod ends, steering gear
box
and boots.
Dlnspect
suspension components.
Dlnspect
driveshaft
boots.
Dlnspect
brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
DC
heck all
fluid
levels,
condition
of
fluids, and check
for
leaks.
Dlnspect
cooling system hoses and connections.
D"lnspect
exhaust system.
D"lnspect
fuel lines and connections.
c
DReplace
air cleaner element.
DReplace
rear differential fluid.
DReplace
air
conditioning
filter.
Dlnspect
drive
belt.
# : See
information
on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column,
page 147.
Maintenance 149
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Service at
the
indicated
miles
x 1,000
15
30 45
60 75
90
105 120
distance
or
time
-
whichever
km x 1,000
24 48 72 96
120 144 168
192
--~-~
comes
first.
months
12
24
36
48
60
72 84 96
Replace
engine
oil
and oil
filter
Replace every 3,750
miles
(6,000 km)
or
6
months
Check
engine
oil and
coolant
Check oil and
coolant
at each fuel
stop
Replace
air
cleaner
element
•
•
r-·-
. . .
·~
• •
Use
normal
schedule
except
in
dusty conditions
Inspect valve clearance
Adjust
only
if
noisy
•
Replace spark
plugs
•
-·~-~-·-·
~~-~
f-----
Inspect
drive
belt
•
• •
•
Inspect
idle
speed
I
•
--
Replace
engine
coolant
•
•
• -
----
Replace
transmission
fluid
• •
•
•
Replace rear differential
fluid
•
•
• •
• •
• •
Inspect
front
and rear brakes Inspect every 7,500 miles. (12,000
km)
or
6
months
Replace brake
fluid
•
-+-
•
Check parking brake
adjustment
•
•
• • • •
•
•
Replace air
conditioning
filter
1
"
1
•
•
•
•
i
-~I-
Lubricate
al_~!lir1J:JeS,
locks
and
latches
• •
• •
• •
•
•
Check tire
inflation
and
condition
Every 7,500
miles
(12,000 km)
Visually
inspect
the
following
items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and
boots
Every 7,500
miles
(12,000 km)
or
6
months
Suspension
components,
Drives
haft
boots
-----
r----~~
Brake hoses and lines
(including
ABS)
All
fluid
levels and
condition
of
fluids
Cooling
system
hoses and
connections
•
• •
•
•
• • •
Exhaust
system",
Fuel lines and
connections'
1
Lights and controls, Vehicle
underbody
*
1:
Refer to page183
for
replacement
information
under
special
driving
conditions.
150
Maintenance
U.S. Owners
Follow
the
Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your vehicle
MAINLY
under one or more of
the
following 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 in mountainous
conditions.
• Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.
Canadian Owners
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule for Severe Conditions.
#:
See
information
on
maintenance
and
emissions
warranty,
last
column,
page
147.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Use this schedule
if
your
vehicle is
MAINLY
driven in any
of
the
following
Severe Conditions,
or
normally
driven in Canada;
otherwise
use
the
Normal
Schedule. Service at the indicated distance
or
time,
whichever
comes first. Do the
items
in
A,
B,
C,
D
as
required
for
each distance/time.
3,750 mi/6,000 km/6
mos
Do items in A.
7,500 mi/12,000 km/- Do items in A,
B.
11,250 mi/18,000 km/-
Do items in A.
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1
yr
Do items in A,
B,
C.
18,750 mi/30,000 km/- Do items in A.
22,500 mi/36,000 km/1%
yrs
Do items_in_A,Jt ..
~------
--·
---~~---
26,250 mi/42,000 km/-
Do
items
in
A.
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2
vrs
Do
items
in A,
B,
C,
D.
33,750 mi/54,000 km/-
Do
items
in
A.
37,500 mi/60,000 km/2'/z vrs
Do
items
in A,
B.
41,250 mi/66,000 km/-
Do
items
in
A.
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3
yrs
DReplace
brake
fluid.
DReplace
coolant.
Do
items
in A,
B,
C.
48,750 mi/78,000 km/- Do
items
in
A.
52,500 mi/84,000 km/3'/z
vrs
Do
items
in A,
B.
56,250 mi/90,000 km/-
Do
items
in
A.
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4
vrs
_Do
items
in
A,
B,
C,
D.
63,750 mi/102,000 km/-
Do
items
in A.
67,500 mi/108,000
km/41!2
yrs
Do
items
in A,
B.
71,250 mi/114,000 km/-
Do
items
in
A.
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
']Replace
coolant.
Do
itefY!S_lll_
A,_B_,_(:,
-~--~--
78,750 mi/126,000 km/-
Do
items
in
A.
Note:
• Check engine oil and
coolant
at each fuel stop.
• Check and
adjust
valve clearance, cold engine,
if
noisy.
·--~
··-
Severe Conditions:
A
B
c
Driving less than 5 mi
(8
km) per
trip
or, in freezing
temperatures,
driving
less than 10 mi (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 in
mountainous
conditions.
Drivin_gon
muddy,
dusty,
or
de-iced roads.
[]Replace
enqine oil and filter.
Dlnspect
front
and rear brakes.
DC
heck
tire
inflation
and condition.
Dlnspect
tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Dlnspect
suspension components.
Dlnspect
driveshaft
boots.
ORe
place air cleaner element.
']Check
parking brake adjustment.
']Lubricate
all hinges, locks and latches.
']Replace
rear differential fluid.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
151
Main Menu
Table of Contents
82,500 mi/132,000
km/51/z
vrs Do
items
in A,
B.
86,250 mi/138,000 km/- Do
items
in
A.
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6
yrs
ORe
place brake
fluid.
Do items in A,
B,
C,
D.
93,750 mi/150,000 km/- Do items in A.
97,500 mi/156,000
km/61/z
yrs Do items in
A.
B.
101,250 mi/162,000 km/-
Do items in A.
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7
yrs
Dlnspect
valve clearance.
DReplace
coolant.
Dlnspect
idle speed.
DReplace
spark plugs.
Do
items
in A,
B,
C.
108,750 mi/174,000 km/- Do
items
in
A.
112,500 mi/180,000
km/71/z
yrs Do
items
in
A,
B.
116,250 mi/186,000 km/-
Do
items
in
A.
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8
vrs
Do
items
in A,
B,
C
D.
152
Maintenance
C
Dlnspect
brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
DC
heck all
fluid
levels,
condition
of
fluids,
and check
for
leaks.
Dlnspect
cooling
system hoses and connections.
D"lnspect
exhaust system.
D"lnspect
fuel lines and connections.
DCheck
all lights and controls.
Dlnspect
the underbody.
D
Dlnspect
drive
belt.
DReplace
transmission
fluid.
DReplace
air
conditioning
filter.
# : See
information
on
maintenance and
emissions
warranty,
last
column,
page 147.
*
1:
Refer
to
page183
for
replacement
information
under
special
driving
conditions.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
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 148)
or
severe
conditions
(page 150
).
Keep the receipts
for
all
work
done on
your
vehicle.
3,750 mi
6,000 km
(or
6 mo)
7,500 mi
12,000 km
11,250 mi
18,000 km
15,000 mi
24,000 km
(or
1 year)
18,750 mi
30,000 km
22,500 mi
36,000 km
(or
1'12
years)
26,250 mi
42,000 km
30,000 mi
48,000 km
(or 2 years)
Signature
or
dealer stamp
33,750 mi
54,000 km
37,500 mi
60,000 km
(or
2'12
years)
41,250 mi
66,000 km
45,000 mi
72,000 km
(or
3 years)
48,750 mi
78,000 km
52,500 mi
84,000 km
(or
3'12
years)
56,250 mi
90,000 km
60,000 mi
96,000 km
(or 4 years)
Signature
or
dealer
stamp
CONTINUED
Maintenance 153
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Required Maintenance Record (for
Normal
and
Severe Schedules)
63,750 mi
Signature
or
dealer
stamp
mi!km
93,750 mi
Signature
or
dealer
stamp
102,000 km 150,000 km
Date
97,500 mi
156,000 km
(or
6%
years)
71,250 mi
101,250 mi
114,000 km
162,000 km
75,000 mi
105,000 mi
120,000 km 168,000 km
(or
5 years)
(or
7 years)
78,750 mi 108,750 mi
126,000 km
174,000 km
82,500 mi
112,500 mi
132,000 km
180,000 km
(or
5
1
12
years)
(or
7% years)
86,250 mi 116,250 mi
138,000 km 186,000 km
90,000 mi
mi/km
120,000 mi
144,000 km 192,000 km
(or 6 years) Date (or 8 years)
154 Maintenance
Main Menu
Table of Contents
You should check the following
items at the specified intervals.
If
you are unsure of how to perform
any check, turn to the page given.
• Engine
oil
level - Check every
time you
fill
the fuel tank. See
page 119.
• Engine coolant level - Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you
fill
the fuel tank. See page 120 .
• Windshield washer fluid - Check
the level in the reservoir monthly.
If
weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
forfuel. See page 167.
• Brakes and clutch - Check the
fluid level monthly. See page
170 .
Owner
Maintenance Checks
• Tires - Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
186.
• Lights - Check the operation of
the
headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn
signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See
page 192.
Maintenance
155
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Fluid Locations
156 Maintenance
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Adding Oil
To
add
oil,
unscrew and remove the
engine oil fill cap on top of the left
valve cover.
Pour in
the
oil,
and
replace
the
engine oil
fill
cap.
Tighten it securely. Wait a few
minutes and
recheck
the
oil level. Do
not
fill
above
the
upper mark; you
could damage the engine.
Recommended Oil
Oil
is a major contributor to your
engine's performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade deter-
gent
oil.
It
is highly recommended
that you use Genuine Honda Motor
oil in your vehicle for as long as you
own it.
You can determine an oil's
SAE
viscosity and Service Classification
from
the
API Service label on
the
oil
container.
A fuel-efficient oil is recommended
for your Honda.
This
is shown on the
API Service label by the words
"Energy Conserving."
This
oil
is
formulated to help your engine use
less fuel.
Engine
Oil
The
API Service label also tells you
the
service classification of the
oil.
Always use an
oil
that
is labeled "API
Service SJ."
This
service rating may
include other classifications, such as
CD.
These
additional classifications
are not a problem, as long as the
label also carries
the
SJ
classification.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
15
7
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Engine
Oil
The
oil
container may also display
the
API Certification seal. Make sure
it says
"For Gasoline Engines."
158
Maintenance
The
SAE numbers tell you the oil's
viscosity or weight. Select the
oil
for
your car according to this chart.
60
.
10
20
"
~
c"
' - c '
AnlbielltTertlperature
An
oil
with a viscosity of
lOW-30
is
preferred for improved fuel economy
and year-round protection in your
Honda.
You may use a
5W-40
oil
if
the temperature
in
your area goes
below oaF (
-20°C).
Synthetic Oil
You may use a synthetic motor
oil
if
it meets the same requirements
given for conventional motor
oil:
energy conserving, a service
classification of
SJ,
and the proper
weight as shown on the chart. When
using synthetic
oil,
you must follow
the
oil
and filter change intervals
given
in
the
maintenance schedule.
Additives
Your Honda does not need any
oil
additives. Purchasing additives for
the engine or transmission will not
increase your car's performance or
longevity.
It
only increases the cost
of operating your car.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Changing
the
Oil and Filter
Always change
the
oil
and filter
according to the time and distance
(miles/kilometers) recommenda-
tions
in
the maintenance schedule.
The
oil
and filter collect contami-
nants that can damage your engine
if
they are not removed regularly.
Changing the
oil
and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath
the
car.
The
car should
be raised on a service station-type
hydraulic lift for this service.
Unless
you have the knowledge and proper
equipment, you should have this
maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
1.
Run
the
engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
2.
Remove the engine
oil
fill
cap.
Remove the
oil
drain bolt from the
bottom of
the
engine. Drain the
oil
into an appropriate container.
Engine
Oil
3.
Remove the
oil
filter and let the
remaining
oil
drain. A special
wrench (available from your
Honda dealer) is required to
remove the filter.
4.
Install a new
oil
filter according to
instructions that come with it.
CONTINUED
Maintenance 159
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Engine
Oil
5.
Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten it to:
33
lbf.ft
(45
N·m,
4.6 kgf·m)
6.
Refill the engine with
the
recom-
mended
oil.
Engine
oil
change capacity
(including filter):
5.1
US
qt
(4.8 Q, 4.2
Imp
qt)
7.
Install the engine
oil
fill
cap. Start
the engine.
The
oil
pressure
indicator light should go out within
five seconds. If it does not, turn off
the engine and reinspect your
work.
8.
Let the engine run for several
minutes and check the drain bolt
and
oil
filter for leaks.
160
Maintenance
9.
Turn
off the engine, let it sit for
several minutes, then check the
oil
level.
If
necessary, add
oil
to bring
the level to the upper mark on the
dipstick.
NOTICE
Improper disposal
of
engine oil can be
harmful
to
the environment.
If
you
change your own oil, please dispose
of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it
to
a recycling
center. Do not discard it
in
a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Adding Engine Coolant
If
the coolant level
in
the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the
MAX
line.
Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
This coolant should always be a
mixture of
50
percent antifreeze and
50
percent water. Never add straight
antifreeze
or
plain water.
Always use Genuine Honda
Antifreeze/Coolant.
If
it is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Make sure it
is a high-quality coolant
recommended for aluminum engines.
However, continued use of any non-
Honda coolant can result in
corrosion, causing the cooling
system to malfunction or fail. Have
the cooling system flushed and
refilled with Honda antifreeze/
coolant as soon as possible.
Cooling System
If
the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level
in
the radiator.
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine
is
hot can
cause the
coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator
cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
1.
Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
161
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Cooling
System
2.
Turn
the radiator cap counter-
clockwise, without pressing down
on it, until it stops.
This
relieves
any pressure remaining in the
cooling system.
3.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.
162
Maintenance
4.
The
coolant level should be up to
the base of the filler neck. Add
coolant
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
MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do
not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle's
cooling system.
They
may not be
compatible with
the
coolant or
engine components.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Replacing Engine Coolant
The
cooling system should be
completely drained and refilled with
new coolant according to
the
time
and distance recommendations in
the
maintenance schedule. Only use
Genuine Honda Antifreeze/Coolant.
Draining the coolant requires access
to
the
underside of
the
vehicle.
Unless you have
the
tools and
knowledge, you should have this
maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
1.
Turn
the
ignition ON (II).
Turn
the
heater
temperature control
dial fully clockwise.
Turn
the
ignition off.
2.
Open
the
hood. Make sure
the
engine and radiator are cool to
the
touch.
3.
Remove
the
radiator cap.
Cooling
System
4.
Loosen
the
drain plug on
the
bottom of
the
radiator.
The
coolant will drain through
the
splash guard. Remove
the
drain
bolt and washer from the engine
block.
CONTINUED
Maintenance 163
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Cooling
System
5.
Remove the reserve tank from its
holder by pulling it straight
up.
Drain the coolant, then put the
tank back
in
its holder.
164
Maintenance
6.
When the coolant stops draining,
tighten the drain plug at
the
bottom
of
the radiator.
Apply non-hardening sealant to the
drain bolt threads, put a new
washer on the drain bolt, and
reinstall
the
bolt in the engine
block. Tighten it securely.
Tightening torque:
61
lbf.ft
(83 N·m I 8.5 kgf·m)
7.
Mix the recommended antifreeze
with an equal amount of purified
or distilled water
in
a clean
container.
The
cooling system
capacity
is:
1.72 US gal (6.5 Q I 1.43
Imp
gal)
8.
Loosen
the
bleeder bolt on top of
the engine, and remove
the
bleeder cap near
the
engine
oil
fill
cap. Pour coolant into the radiator
up to the base of
the
filler neck.
Tighten the bleeder bolt and
reinstall the bleeder cap when
coolant comes out in a steady
stream with no bubbles.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
9.
Start
the
engine and let it run for
about
30
seconds.
Then
turn off
the engine.
lO.Pour coolant into the radiator up
to the base of the filler neck.
Cooling
System
ll.Fill the reserve tank to the
MAX
mark. Install the reserve tank cap.
12.Install the radiator cap, and
tighten it to
the
first stop.
13.Start the engine and let it run until
the radiator fan comes on two
times.
Then
stop the engine.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
165
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Cooling
System
14.Remove the radiator cap.
15.Pour coolant into the radiator up
to the base of the filler neck and
into the reserve tank up to the
MAX
mark.
16.Start
the
engine and hold it
at
1,500 rpm until
the
radiator fan
comes on.
Turn
off the engine.
Check the coolant level
in
the
radiator and add coolant
if
needed.
17.Install the radiator cap, and
tighten it fully.
18.If necessary, fill the reserve tank
to the
MAX
mark. Install the
reserve tank cap.
166
Maintenance
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Check the level
in
the windshield
washer reservoir at least monthly
during normal usage. In bad weather,
when you use the washers often,
check the level every time you stop
for fuel.
The
windshield washer reservoir is
located
in
the
rear
of the engine
compartment on the passenger's side.
Check the reservoir's fluid level by
removing the cap and looking at the
level gauge attached to the cap.
Windshield
Washers
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing
in
cold weather.
When you refill the reservoir, clean
the edges of
the
windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer fluid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition
the
blade edges.
NOTICE
Do
not
use engine antifreeze or a
vinegar/water solution
in
the
windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage your car's paint,
while a vinegar/water solution can
damage the windshield washer pump.
Use only commercially-available
windshield washer fluid.
Maintenance
167
Main Menu
Table of Contents
6-speed
Manual
Transmission
Fluid
Check the fluid level with
the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the car sitting on
level ground. Remove the
transmission filler bolt and carefully
feel inside the bolt hole with your
finger.
The
fluid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole.
If
it is
not, add Genuine Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it
starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the filler bolt and tighten it securely.
168
Maintenance
If
Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an
API service
SG,
SH
or
SJ
grade motor
oil
with a viscosity
of
SAE
lOW-30
or
lOW-40
as a
temporary replacement. An
SG
grade is preferred, but an SH or
SJ
grade may be used
if
SG
is not
available. However, motor
oil
does
not contain the proper additives and
continued use can cause stiffer
shifting. Replace as soon as
convenient.
The
transmission should be drained
and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations
in
the maintenance schedule.
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Check the fluid level with the
differential at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
onlevelground.Removethe
differential fluid filler bolt and
washer and carefully feel inside the
bolt hole with your finger.
The
fluid
level should
be
up to the edge of the
bolt hole.
If
it is not, slowly add fluid
until it starts to run out of
the
hole.
Use a SAE
90
viscosity hypoid gear
oil,
API service classified
GL5
or
GL6
only,
in
the differential.
Put a new washer on the filler bolt,
then reinstall the filler bolt. Tighten
it securely. Tightening torque:
33 lbf·ft (45
N·m,
4.6 kgf·m)
The
differential should be drained
and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance
recommendations in the
maintenance schedule.
Differential
Fluid
Maintenance
169
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Brake
and
Clutch
Fluid
Check the fluid level
in
the reser-
voirs monthly.
There
are two reser-
voirs.
They
are:
• Brake fluid reservoir
• Clutch fluid reservoir
The
brake fluid should be replaced
according to the time and distance
recommendations in
the
mainte-
nance schedule.
170
Maintenance
Brake
Fluid
Brake
System
Always use Genuine Honda DOT 3
brake fluid.
If
it is not available, you
should use only
DOT 3
or
DOT 4
fluid, from a sealed container, as a
temporary replacement. However,
the use of any non-Honda brake fluid
can cause corrosion and decrease
the life of the system. Have
the
brake system flushed and refilled
with Honda
DOT 3 brake fluid as
soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked
DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car's braking
system and can cause extensive
damage.
The
fluid level should be between
the MIN and
MAX
marks on the side
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
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Clutch
System
The
fluid should be between the
MIN and
MAX
marks on the side
of
the reservoir. If it is not, add brake
fluid to bring it up to
that
level. Use
the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Low fluid level can indicate a leak
in
the
clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.
Clutch
Fluid
Maintenance
171
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Air
Cleaner
Element
The
air cleaner element should be
replaced according to the time and
distance recommendations in the
maintenance schedule.
Follow the replacement procedure
for removal and reinstallation.
172
Maintenance
Replacement
To
replace
it:
1.
Unsnap the six clamps holding the
air cleaner housing cover.
2.
Remove the air cleaner housing
cover. Disconnect the air intake
duct from the air cleaner element.
3.
Remove
the
old air cleaner
element.
4.
Carefully clean the inside of the
air cleaner housing with a damp
rag.
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5.
Attach
the
new air cleaner
element to the duct. Install the
new air cleaner element in the air
cleaner housing. Make sure the
pin on the edge of
the
element fits
in
the hole in the bottom of
the
housing.
6.
Reinstall the air cleaner housing
cover, snap
the
six clamps back
into place.
Air
Cleaner Element
Maintenance 173
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Hood
Latch,
Spark
Plugs
Hood Latch
Clean the hood latch assembly with a
mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a
multipurpose grease. Lubricate
all
the moving parts, including the pivot.
Follow the time and distance
recommendations
in
the
Maintenance Schedule.
If
you are
not sure how to clean and grease the
latch, contact your Honda dealer.
17 4
Maintenance
Spark Plugs
The
spark plugs in your car are a
special platinum-tipped design for
longer life.
They
only need to be
replaced every 7 years or
105,000
miles (168,000 km), whichever
comes first.
Replacement
1.
Remove the four hexagon socket
head cap bolts holding the ignition
coil cover.
2.
Clean up any dirt and
oil
that have
collected around the ignition coils.
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3.
Remove
the
bolt holding the
ignition coil and pull the ignition
coil straight up slightly.
Disconnect
the
ignition coil
connector by pushing the tab and
pulling the connector back.
Pull the ignition coil
all
the way
up.
4.
Remove the spark plug with
a five-eighths inch (16 mm) spark
plug socket.
5.
Put the new spark plug into
the
socket; then screw it into
the
hole.
Screw it
in
by hand so you
do
not
crossthread it.
Spark
Plugs
6.
Torque the spark plug. (If you
do
not have a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn
after it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:
i
18
lbfeft
(25
N•m,
2.5
kgf•m)
CONTINUED
Maintenance 175
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Table of Contents
Spark
Plugs
I
NOTICE
I
Tighten the spark plugs carefully. A
spark plug that is too loose can
overheat and damage the engine.
Overtightening can cause damage to
the threads
in
the cylinder head.
7.
Install the ignition coil. Reinstall
the bolt.
8.
Repeat this procedure for the
other three spark plugs.
9.
Reinstall the cover on the cylinder
bank. Reinstall the four hexagon
socket head cap bolts.
176 Maintenance
Specifications:
NGK:
DENSO:
PFR7G-11S
PK22PR-L
11S
Spark Plug
Gap:
0.043
in
~g004in(1.1
mm
•g1mm)
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Check
the
condition of your car's
battery monthly. You should check
the color of
the
test indicator window,
and for corrosion on
the
terminals.
Check
the
battery condition
by
looking at the test indicator window
on the battery.
The
label on
the
battery explains the
test indicator's colors.
Battery
Check
the
battery terminals for
corrosion (a white or yellowish
powder).
To
remove it, cover the
terminals with a solution of baking
soda and water.
It
will bubble up and
turn
brown. When this stops, wash it
off with plain water. Dry off the
battery with a cloth or paper towel.
Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.
CONTINUED
Maintenance 177
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Battery
If
the terminals are severely cor-
roded, clean them with baking soda
and water.
Then
use a wrench to
loosen and remove
the
cables from
the terminals. Always disconnect
the
negative
(-)
cable first and recon-
nect it last. Clean
the
battery termi"
nals with a terminal cleaning tool or
wire brush. Reconnect and tighten
the cables, then coat
the
terminals
with grease.
178
Maintenance
If
you need to connect
the
battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damage to
the
car's
electrical system.
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark
or
flame can cause the
battery to
explode with enough
force to
kill
or
seriously hurt you.
Wear protective
clothing and a
face
shield, or have a skilled
mechanic do the battery
maintenance.
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If
your car's battery is disconnected
or
goes dead, the audio system
will
disable itself.
The
next time you turn
on the radio you
will
see "Code"
in
the
frequency display. Use the
Preset buttons to enter the five-digit
code (see page
113
) .
I NOTICE
Charging the battery with the cables
connected can seriously damage your
car's electronic controls. Detach the
battery cables before connecting the
battery
to
a charger.
Battery
Maintenance 179
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Wiper
Blades
Check
the
condition of
the
wiper
blades at least every six months.
Look for signs of cracking in
the
rubber,
or
areas
that
are
getting
hard. Replace
the
blades if you find
these
signs,
or
they leave streaks
and unwiped areas when used.
180
Maintenance
To
replace
the
blade:
1.
Raise
the
wiper
arm
off
the
windshield.
2.
Disconnect
the
blade assembly
from
the
wiper
arm
by pushing in
the
lock tab. Hold it in while you
push
the
blade assembly toward
the
base of
the
arm.
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3.
Remove the blade from its holder
by grasping the tabbed end of the
blade.
Pull firmly until the tabs
come out of the holder.
4.
Examine the new wiper blades.
If
they have no plastic or metal rein-
forcement along the back edge,
remove the metal reinforcement
strips from the old wiper blade and
install
them
in the slots along the
edge of
the
new blade.
Wiper
Blades
5.
Slide the new wiper blade into the
holder until
the
tabs lock.
6.
Slide the wiper blade assembly
onto the wiper arm. Make sure it
locks in place.
7.
Lower the wiper arm down against
the windshield.
Maintenance
181
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Air
Conditioning
System
Your car's air conditioning is a sealed
system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should
be
done
by a qualified mechanic. You can do
a couple of things to
make
sure
the
air conditioning works efficiently.
Periodically
check
the
engine's
radiator and air conditioning
condenser for leaves, insects, and
dirt
stuck
to
the
front surface.
These
block
the
air flow and
reduce
cooling
efficiency.
Use a light spray from a
hose or a soft
brush
to remove them.
NOTICE
The condenser and radiator
fins
bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure
~pray
or soft-bristle brush to clean them.
182 Maintenance
Run
the
air conditioning
at
least once
a
week
during
the
cold
weather
months. Run it for
at
least
ten
minutes while you
are
driving
at
a
steady speed with
the
engine
at
normal operating temperature.
This
circulates
the
lubricating oil con-
tained in
the
refrigerant.
If
the
air conditioning does
not
get
as
cold
as
before, have
your
dealer
check
the
system. Recharge
the
system with Refrigerant HFC-134a
(R-134a). (See Specifications on page
245.)
NOTICE
Whenever you have the air conditioning
system serviced, make sure the service
facility uses a refrigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
refrigerant
for
reuse. Releasing
refrigerant into the atmosphere can
damage the environment.
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The
air conditioning filter removes
pollen and dust from outside air the
heating and cooling system brings
into the interior.
It
should be
replaced according to the time and
distance recommendations
in
the
maintenance schedule.
This filter should be replaced every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) under
normal conditions.
It
should be
replaced every
15,000 miles (24,000
km)
if
you drive primarily in urban
areas that have high concentrations
of soot in the air from industry and
diesel-powered vehicles. Replace it
more often
if
air flow from
the
climate control system becomes less
than usual. Have the air conditioning
filter replaced by your Honda dealer.
Replacement
The
air conditioning filter is located
in
the engine compartment on the
passenger's side near the base of the
windshield.
1.
Open the hood. Unclip the
windshield base by pulling it
up.
Air
Conditioning
Filter
2.
Push the tab on the air
conditioning filter to unlock it
from the holder.
3.
Remove the old filter. Put a new
filter in the holder and push it in
until it locks.
4.
Put the pins on the windshield
base into their mating holes on the
support, and push the base down
until the pins snap
in.
Maintenance 183
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Drive
Belt
You
should check
the
condition of
the drive belt every 2 years. Examine
the edges of belt for cracks or
fraying.
184
Maintenance
An auto-tensioner adjusts
the
tension
of the drive belt.
The
pointer on
the
auto-tensioner
should be between
the
two lines of
the indicator.
If
the pointer is not
between
the
lines, contact your
Honda dealer.
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To
safely operate your car, your tires
must be
the
proper type and size,
in
good condition with adequate tread,
and correctly inflated.
The
following
pages give more detailed information
on how and when to check air
pressure, how to inspect your tires
for damage and wear, and what to
do
when your tires need to be replaced.
Using tires that are excessively
worn or improperly inflated can
cause a crash
in
which you can
be
seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all
instructions
in
this
owner's
manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.
Tires
Inflation
Keeping the tires properly inflated
provides the
best
combination of
handling, tread life and riding
comfort. Underinflated tires wear
unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more
likely to fail from being overheated.
Overinflated tires can make your car
ride more harshly, are more prone to
damage from road hazards, and wear
unevenly.
We recommend that you visually
check your tires every day.
If
you
think a tire might be
low,
check it
immediately with a tire gauge.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
185
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Table of Contents
Tires
Use a gauge to measure
the
air
pressure at least once a month. Even
tires that are
in
good condition may
lose one to two psi
(10
to
20
kPa,
0.1
to
0.2
kgf/
cm
2
)
per month.
Remember to check the spare tire at
the same
time
you check
all
the
other tires.
Check the pressure
in
the tires when
they are cold. This means the car
has been parked for at least three
hours. If you have to drive the car
before checking the tire pressure,
the tires can still be considered
"cold"
if
you drive less than 1 mile
(1.6
km).
186
Maintenance
If
you check the pressure when
the
tires are hot (the car has been driven
several miles), you
will
see readings
4 to 6 psi
(30
to
40
kPa,
0.3
to
0.4
kgf/cm
2
)
higher than the cold
reading. This is normal. Do not let
air out to match the specified cold
pressure.
The
tire
will
be
underinflated.
You
should
get
your own tire
pressure gauge and use it whenever
you check your tire pressures. This
will
make it easier for you to tell
if
a
pressure loss is due to a tire problem
and not due to a variation between
gauges.
Recommended
Tire
Pressures
for
Normal
Driving
The
following chart shows
the
recommended cold tire pressures for
most normal driving conditions and
speeds. Tire pressures for high
speed driving are
the
same as for
normal driving.
Fro=n~t:~~---,--~~---------,
Tire Size Cold Tire Pressure
205/55R16
89W
Rear:
Tire Size
225/50R16
92W
for Normal Driving
32 psi (220
kPa
, 2.2
kgf/cm
2
)
I
Cold Tire Pressure
for Normal Driving
! 32 psi (220
kPa
, 2.2
L_
___________
.L.I
__
k.=..gf_lc_m_
2
_)
_
--·-·-·-·-·-
The
compact spare tire pressure
is:
60
psi (420
kPa
, 4.2
kgf/cm
2
)
These
pressures are also given on
the tire information label on the
driver's doorjamb.
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Tubeless tires have some ability to
self-seal
if
they are punctured.
However, because leakage is often
very slow, you should look closely
for punctures if a tire starts losing
pressure.
Inspection
Every time you check inflation, you
should also examine the tires for
damage, foreign objects, and wear.
You should look for:
• Bumps or bulges
in
the tread or
side of the tire. Replace the tire
if
you find either of
these
conditions.
• Cuts, splits, or cracks in
the
side
of the tire. Replace the tire
if
you
can see fabric or cord.
• Excessive tread wear.
Tires
Your car's tires have wear indicators
molded into the tread. When the
tread wears down to that point, you
will see a
1/2
inch (12.7 mm) wide
band running across the tread.
This
shows there is less than 1/16 inch
(1.6
mm) of tread left on the tire. A
tire
that
is this worn gives very little
traction on wet roads. You should
replace
the
tire
if
you can see the
tread wear indicator in three or more
places around the tire.
Maintenance 187
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Tires
Maintenance
In
addition to proper inflation,
correct wheel alignment helps to
decrease tire wear.
If
you find a tire
is
worn unevenly, have your dealer
check the wheel alignment.
The
tires were properly balanced by
the factory.
They
may need to be
rebalanced at some time before they
are worn out. Have your dealer
check the tires
if
you feel a consis-
tent vibration while driving. A tire
should always be rebalanced if it is
removed from
the
wheel for repair.
188 Maintenance
Make sure the installer balances the
wheels when you have new tires
installed. This increases riding
comfort and tire life.
Your car's
original tires were dynamic or
"spin"
balanced at the factory. For best
results, have the installer perform a
dynamic balance.
NOTICE
Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle's aluminum wheels.
Use
only Genuine Honda wheel weights
for
balancing.
Tire Rotation
You should not rotate your Honda's
tires.
The
front and
rear
tires are
different sizes, so they cannot be
rotated front-to-rear.
The
original-
equipment tires on your Honda have
a unidirectional tread pattern, so
they cannot be rotated side-to-side.
Tire Wear
The
tires that came on your car were
designed and constructed to provide
superior grip during acceleration,
braking, and cornering. As a trade-
off, they
will
wear more rapidly than
tires used on ordinary passenger
cars. Because of the car's weight
distribution, and the fact that they
are the driving wheels, you may
expect the
rear
tires to wear more
rapidly than the front tires.
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You should carefully inspect your
car's tires for wear, damage, and
proper inflation every
7,500 miles
(12,000 km) (see page 186 ) .
Replacing Tires and Wheels
The
tires that came with your car
were selected to match the perform-
ance capabilities of the car while
providing the best combination of
handling, ride comfort, and long life.
You should replace them with radial
tires of the same size, load range,
speed rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire's sidewall). Mixing radial and
bias-ply tires on your car can reduce
its braking ability, traction, and
steering accuracy.
Tires
Installing improper tires on your
car can affect
handling and
stability. This can cause a crash
in
which you can
be
seriously
hurt or killed.
Always
use the size and type of
tires recommended
in
this
owner's
manual.
It
is best to replace
all
four tires at
the same time. If that is not possible
or necessary, then replace the two
front tires or the two
rear
tires as a
pair. Replacing just one tire can
seriously affect your car's handling.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
189
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Table of Contents
Tires
The
ABS works by comparing the
speed of the wheels. When replacing
tires, use the same size originally
supplied with the car. Tire size and
construction can affect wheel speed
and may cause the system to work
in-
consistently.
If
you ever need to replace a wheel,
make sure the wheel's specifications
match those of the original wheel
that came on your car. Replacement
wheels are available at your Honda
dealer.
190 Maintenance
Wheels and Tires
Wheels:
Front:
16x61/2JJ
Rear:
16x71/2JJ
Tires:
Front:
205/55R16
89W
Rear:
225/50R16
92W
See page
246
for information about
DOT Tire Quality Grading.
Winter Driving
Tires that are marked "M +
S"
on the
sidewall have an all-weather tread
design.
They
should be suitable for
most winter driving conditions. Tires
without these markings are designed
for optimum traction in dry
conditions.
They
may not provide
adequate performance in winter
driving.
For the best performance in snowy
or icy conditions, you should install
snow tires or tire chains.
They
may
be required by local laws under
certain conditions.
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Snow
Tires
If
you mount snow tires on your
Honda, make sure they are radial
tires of the same size and load range
as
the
original tires. Mount snow
tires on
all
four wheels to balance
your vehicle's handling in all weather
conditions. Keep
in
mind the traction
provided by snow tires on dry roads
may not be as high as your vehicle's
original equipment tires. You should
drive cautiously even when the roads
are clear. Check with the tire dealer
for maximum speed recommenda-
tions.
Tire Chains
Because your Honda has limited tire
clearance, mount only
SAE Class
"S"
cable-type traction devices on the
rear tires.
Use traction devices only
when required by driving conditions
or local laws. Make sure they are the
correct size for your tires.
Metal link-type
"chains" should not
be used.
No
matter how tight they
seem to be installed, they can come
into contact with the body and
suspension, causing serious damage.
When installing
the
cables, follow
the manufacturer's instructions and
mount
them
as tightly as you can.
Drive slowly with them installed.
If
you
hear
them
coming
in
contact
with the body or chassis, stop and
investigate. Make sure the cables are
installed tightly, and
that
they are
not contacting the brake lines
or
suspension. Remove
them
as soon as
you start driving on cleared roads.
Tires
NOTICE
Cables that are the wrong size
or
improperly installed can damage your ·
car's brake lines, suspension, body,
and
wheels. Stop driving
(l
they are hitting
any part
of
the car.
Maintenance
191
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Table of Contents
Lights
Check the operation of your car's
exterior lights at least once a month.
A burned out bulb can create an
unsafe condition
by
reducing your
car's visibility and the ability to
signal your intentions to other
drivers.
192
Maintenance
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Table of Contents
Lights
Check the following:
• Headlights (low and high beam)
• Parking lights
• Taillights
• Brake lights
•
Turn
signals
• Back-up lights
• Hazard light function
• License plate light
• Side marker lights
• Daytime running lights
(Canadian cars)
If
you find any bulbs are burned out,
replace
them
as soon as possible.
Refer to the chart on page
245
to
determine what type of replacement
bulb is needed.
Maintenance
193
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Table of Contents
Lights
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
The
low beam headlight bulbs are a
type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in
the
circuit even with
the
light switch off
and the key removed. Because of
this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam
headlight bulb yourself.
If
a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
car to your dealer to have it replaced.
194
Maintenance
Halogen bulbs are used for the high
beam headlight bulbs.
When
replacing a high beam headlight bulb,
handle it by its base and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects.
If
you touch the glass,
clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth.
NOTICE
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when
lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
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Table of Contents
1.
Open
the
hood.
If
you need to change
the
high
beam
headlight bulb on the left
side, remove the coolant reserve
tank from its holder by pulling it
straight up.
2.
Remove the electrical connector
from
the
bulb by squeezing
the
connector to unlock
the
tab, then
slide
the
connector off
the
bulb.
3.
Remove the rubber weather seal
by pulling on the tab.
4.
Unclip
the
end of
the
hold-down
wire from its slot.
Pivot it out of
the
way and remove the bulb
socket.
5.
Pull
the
bulb straight out of its
socket.
Push
the
new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.
Lights
6.
Insert
the
socket back into the
headlight assembly. Make sure
the
bulb is installed correctly by
looking through the headlight lens.
The
pins on
the
base of the bulb
should fit in
the
holes in the
headlight assembly.
Pivot
the
hold-
down wire back in place and clip
the end into the slot.
7.
Install
the
rubber seal over the
back of
the
headlight assembly.
Make sure it is right side
up;
it is
marked
''TOP."
8.
Push
the
electrical connector onto
the
new bulb.
Turn
on
the
headlights to
test
the
new bulb.
Maintenance
195
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Lights
Replacing Front
Tum
Signal and
Side Marker Light Bulbs
1.
If
you are changing
the
bulb on
the driver's side, start the engine,
turn the steering wheel
all
the way
to the right, and turn off the
engine.
If
you are changing the
bulb on the passenger's side, turn
the steering wheel to the left.
196 Maintenance
2.
Use a flat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the three holding clips
from the inner fender.
3.
Pull the inner fender cover back.
4.
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
5.
Pull
the
bulb straight out of its
socket.
6.
Install the new bulb in
the
socket.
7.
Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly.
Turn
it
clockwise to lock it
in
place.
8.
Test
the lights to make sure the
new bulb is working.
9.
Put the inner fender
in
place.
Install the two holding clips. Lock
each clip in place by pushing on
the center.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Replacing a Side Turn Signal Bulb
3.
Pull
the
bulb straight out of its
1.
Push
the
side turn signal assembly
forward until it pops out of
the
body.
2.
Turn
the
bulb holder one-quarter
turn counterclockwise to remove it
from
the
lens.
socket.
Push
the
new bulb straight into
the
socket until it bottoms.
4.
Put
the
bulb holder back into its
hole in
the
lens, and turn it
clockwise until it locks.
5.
Test
the
lights to make
sure
the
new bulb is working.
6.
Put
the
side
turn
signal assembly
back into
the
body, back first.
Push on
the
front edge until it
snaps into place.
Lights
Maintenance
197
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Lights
Replacing Rear Bulbs
1.
Open
the
trunk.
2.
Remove
the
fasteners from
the
trunk
lining.
To
remove a fastener,
push on
the
center
of
the
head
until it pops in.
Then
pull it out.
3.
Pull
the
lining back.
198 Maintenance
4.
Determine which of
the
four bulbs
is burned out: stop/taillight, back-
up light, turn signal, or side
marker.
5.
Remove
the
socket by turning it
one-quarter
turn
counterclockwise.
6.
Remove
the
burned
out bulb.
To
remove
the
stop/taillight, back-up
or
side
marker
light bulb, pull
the
bulb straight out of its socket.
To
remove
the
turn signal light bulb,
push it in and turn it
counterclockwise until it unlocks.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
7.
Install the new bulb
in
the socket.
8.
Push the socket into the light
assembly and turn it clockwise
until it locks.
9.
Test
the lights to make sure the
new bulb is working.
lO.Install the trunk lining and secure
it with the fasteners. To reinstall a
fastener, reset the fastener by
pushing on the pointed end until it
pops back almost flush with the
fingers on the housing.
Put the
fastener
in
the hole of the trunk
lining and push on the center until
it locks (the center is flush with
the head).
Lights
Maintenance
199
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Lights
Replacing a Rear License Bulb
1.
Insert a flat blade screwdriver
between
the
left edge of
the
lens
and
the
housing.
The
lens will
come down.
200
Maintenance
2.
Pull
the
bulb straight out of its
socket.
Push
the
new bulb in until
it bottoms in
the
socket.
3.
Test
the
lights to make sure the
new bulb is working.
4.
Put
the
lens back into
the
light
assembly, right side first.
Push on
the
left edge until it snaps into
place.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Replacing an Interior Light Bulb
1.
Remove
the
lens
by
carefully
prying on
the
front
edge
of
the
lens
near
both
sides.
2.
Remove
the
bulb
by
pulling it
straight out of its metal tabs.
3.
Push
the
new bulb into
the
metal
tabs.
Snap
the
lens
back
in place.
Lights
Replacing
the
Trunk Light Bulb
1.
Open
the
trunk. Pull down
the
trunk
light cover.
2.
Remove
the
bulb by pulling
it
straight out of its metal tabs.
3.
Push
the
new bulb into
the
metal
tabs.
4.
Push
the
cover
back
in place.
Maintenance
201
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Storing
Your
Car
If
you need to park your car for an
extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you
should
do
to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your car back on the road.
If
possible, store your car indoors.
• Fill the fuel tank.
• Change the engine
oil
and filter
(see page 159).
• Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
• Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry.
• Raise
the
convertible top cover.
• Leave the parking brake
off.
Put
the transmission
in
Reverse.
202
Maintenance
• Block the rear wheels.
•
If
the
car
is
to be stored for a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground.
• Leave one window open slightly
(if
the car
is
being stored indoors).
• Disconnect the battery.
• Support the front wiper blade
arms with a folded towel or rag so
they
do
not touch the windshield.
• To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to
all
door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehicle body wax to the painted
surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals.
• Cover the car with a "breathable"
cover, one made from a porous
material such as cotton.
Nonporous materials, such as
plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage
the
paint.
•
If
possible, run the engine for a
while periodically (preferably once
a month).
If
you store your car for
12
months
or longer, have your Honda dealer
perform the inspections called for
in
the
24
months/30,000 miles (48,000
km) maintenance schedule as soon
as you take it out of storage (see
page
148
).
The
replacements called
for
in
the maintenance schedule are
not needed unless the car has
actually reached that time or mileage.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Appearance
Care
Regular cleaning and polishing of
your Honda helps to keep it
"new"
looking. This section gives you hints
on how to clean your car and
preserve its appearance:
the
paint,
brightwork, wheels and interior. Also
included are several things you can
do
to help prevent corrosion.
Exterior
Care .................................. 204
Washing ......................................
204
Waxing ........................................
205
Aluminum Wheels ..................... 206
Paint Touch-up ........................... 206
Interior Care ...................................
207
Carpeting ....................................
207
Fabric ..........................................
207
Vinyl ............................................
207
Leather ........................................
207
Rear Window ..............................
207
Seat Belts .................................... 207
Windows .....................................
208
Air Fresheners ...........................
208
Corrosion Protection .....................
208
Body Repairs .................................. 210
Appearance
Care
203
Main Menu
Exterior
Care
Washing
Frequent washing helps preserve
your car's beauty. Dirt and grit can
scratch the paint, while tree sap and
bird droppings can permanently ruin
the finish.
Wash your car
in
a shady area, not
in
direct sunlight.
If
the car is parked
in
the sun, move it into the shade and
let the exterior cool down before you
start.
Only use the solvents and cleaners
recommended
in
this Owner's
Manual.
204
Appearance
Care
NOTICE
Chemical solvents and strong cleaners
can
damar;e the paint, metal, and
plastic on your car.
• Rinse the car thoroughly with cool
water to remove loose dirt.
• Fill a bucket with cool water. Mix
in
a mild detergent, such as
dishwashing liquid or a product
made especially for car washing.
• Wash the car, using the water and
neutral detergent solution and
sponge or soft cloth.
Start at a top
and work your way down. Rinse
frequently.
• Check the body for road tar, tree
sap, etc. Remove
these
stains with
tar remover or turpentine. Rinse it
off immediately so it does not
harm
the finish. Remember to re-
wax these areas, even
if
the rest of
the car does not need waxing.
Do
not use
harsh
chemicals to
remove stains from the
convertible top
or
rear
window.
Use a mild detergent/water
solution with a soft-bristle brush
on the top, and with a soft cloth on
the rear window.
• When you have washed and rinsed
the whole exterior, dry it with a
chamois or soft towel. Letting it
air-dry
will
cause dulling and water
spots.
Make sure the top is completely
dry before you fold
it.
As you dry
the
car, inspect it for
chips and scratches that could allow
corrosion to start. Repair
them
with
touch-up paint (see page
206
).
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Waxing
Always wash and dry the whole car
before waxing it. You should wax
your car, including the metal trim,
whenever water sits on
the
surface
in
large patches.
It
should form into
beads or droplets after waxing.
You should use a quality liquid or
paste wax. Apply it according to the
instructions on the container. In
general, there are two types of
products:
Waxes - A wax coats the finish and
protects it from damage by exposure
to sunlight, air pollution, etc. You
should use a wax on your Honda
when it is new.
Exterior
Care
Polishes - Polishes and cleaner I
waxes can restore the shine to paint
that
has oxidized and lost some of its
shine.
They
normally contain mild
abrasives and solvents that remove
the top layer of the finish. You
should use a polish on your Honda
if
the finish does not have its original
shine after using a wax.
Cleaning tar, insects, etc. with
removers also takes off the wax.
Remember to re-wax those areas,
even
if
the
rest
of the car does not
need waxing.
Appearance
Care
205
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Exterior
Care
Aluminum Wheels
Clean your Acura's aluminum alloy
wheels as you
do
the rest of the
exterior. Wash them with the same
solution, and rinse them thoroughly.
The
wheels have a protective clear-
coat that keeps the aluminum from
corroding and tarnishing.
Using
harsh chemicals, including some
commercial wheel cleaners, or stiff
brushes can damage this clear-coat.
Only use a mild detergent and soft
brush or sponge to clean the wheels.
206
Appearance
Care
Paint Touch-up
Your dealer has touch-up paint to
match your car's color.
The
color
code is printed on a sticker on the
driver's doorjamb.
Take
this code to
your dealer so you are sure to get
the correct color.
Inspect your car frequently for chips
or scratches
in
the paint. Repair
them right away to prevent corrosion
of the metal underneath.
Use the
touch-up paint only on small chips
and scratches. More extensive paint
damage should be repaired by a
professional.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Carpeting
Vacuum
the
carpeting frequently to
remove dirt. Ground-in dirt
will
make
the carpet wear out faster.
Periodically shampoo the carpet to
keep it looking new.
Use one of the
foam-type carpet cleaners on the
market. Follow the instructions
that
come with the cleaner, applying it
with a sponge
or
soft brush. Keep
the carpeting as dry as possible by
not adding water to the foam.
Fabric
Vacuum dirt and dust out of the
material frequently. For general
cleaning, use a solution of mild soap
and lukewarm water, letting it air dry.
To
clean off stubborn spots, use a
commercially-available fabric cleaner.
Test
it on a hidden area of the fabric
first, to make sure it does not bleach
or stain the fabric. Follow the
instructions
that
come with the
cleaner.
Vinyl
Remove dirt and dust with a vacuum
cleaner. Wipe
the
vinyl with a soft
cloth dampened in a solution of mild
soap and water.
Use the same
solution with a soft-bristle
brush
on
more difficult spots. You can also use
commercially-available spray
or
foam-type vinyl cleaners.
Leather
Vacuum dirt and dust from
the
leather frequently. Pay particular
attention to the pleats and seams.
Clean the leather with a soft cloth
dampened with clear water,
then
buff it with a clean, dry cloth.
If
further cleaning is needed, use a
soap specifically for leather, such as
saddle soap. Apply this soap with a
damp, soft cloth. Wipe down and
buff as described above.
Interior
Care
Rear Window
Clean
the
rear window with either
clean water or a mild
detergent/
water solution and a soft, damp cloth.
Never use a brush or dry cloth, and
do
not use any harsh chemicals or
abrasive cleaners. You
will
damage
the
window.
Polish the rear window periodically
with a
commerCially available plastic
polish made especially for
convertible rear windows.
Seat
Belts
If
your seat belts
get
dirty, you can
use a soft brush with a mixture of
mild soap and warm water to clean
them. Do not use bleach, dye,
or
cleaning solvents.
They
can weaken
the belt material. Let the belts air-
dry before you use
the
car.
Appearance
Care
207
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Interior Care, Corrosion Protection
Windows
Clean the windows, inside and out,
with a commercially-available glass
cleaner. You can also use a mixture
of one part white vinegar to ten parts
water.
This
will
remove the haze that
builds up on the inside of the
windows.
Use a soft cloth or paper
towels to clean all glass and clear
plastic surfaces.
208
Appearance
Care
Air Fresheners
If
you want to use an air freshener I
deodorizer in the interior of your car,
it is best to use a solid type.
Some
liquid air fresheners contain chemi-
cals that may cause parts of the
interior trim and fabric to crack or
discolor.
If
you use a liquid air freshener,
make sure you fasten it securely so it
does not spill as you drive.
Corrosion Protection
Two factors normally contribute to
causing corrosion
in
your car:
1.
Moisture trapped
in
body cavities.
Dirt and road salt
that
collects
in
hollows on the underside
of
the
car stays damp, promoting
corrosion
in
that area.
2.
Removal of paint and protective
coatings from
the
exterior and
underside of the car.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Many corrosion-preventive measures
are built into your Honda.
You can
help keep your car from corroding
by performing some simple periodic
maintenance:
• Repair chips and scratches
in
the
paint as soon as you discover them.
• Inspect and clean out
the
drain
holes
in
the bottom of the doors
and body.
• Check the floor coverings for
dampness. Carpeting and floor
mats may remain damp for a long
time, especially
in
winter. This
dampness can eventually cause
the floor panels to corrode.
• Use a high-pressure spray to clean
the underside of your car. This is
especially important
in
areas that
use road salt
in
winter.
It
is also a
good idea
in
humid climates and
areas subject to salt air. Be careful
of the
ABS wheel sensors and
wiring
at
each wheel.
• Have
the
corrosion-preventive
coatings on the underside of your
car inspected and repaired
periodically.
Corrosion Protection
Appearance
Care
209
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Body
Repairs
Body repairs can affect your car's
resistance to corrosion.
If
your car
needs repairs after a collision, pay
close attention to the parts used
in
the repair and the quality of the
work.
Make sure the repair facility uses
Genuine Honda replacement body
parts.
Some companies make
sheet
metal pieces that seem to duplicate
the original Honda body parts, but
are actually inferior
in
fit, finish, and
corrosion resistance.
Once installed,
they
do
not give the same high-
quality appearance.
21
0
Appearance
Care
When reporting your collision to the
insurance company, tell them you
want Genuine Honda parts used
in
the repair. Although most insurers
recognize the quality of original
parts, some may try to specify that
the repairs be done with other
available parts. You should investi-
gate this before any repairs have
begun.
Take
your car to your authorized
Honda dealer for inspection after the
repairs are completed. Your dealer
can make sure that quality materials
were used, and that corrosion-
preventive coatings were applied to
all
repaired and replaced parts.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Taking Care
of
the Unexpected
This section covers
the
more-
common problems
that
motorists
experience with their vehicles.
It
gives you information about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to
do
to correct
it.
If
the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If
not, you
will
also find instructions
on getting your car towed.
Compact Spare Tire .......................
212
Changing a Flat Tire .....................
213
If
Your Engine Won't Start ...........
218
Nothing Happens or the
Starter Motor
Operates
Very
Slowly .........................
218
The
Starter Operates
Normally .................................
219
Jump Starting .................................
220
If
Your Engine Overheats .............
223
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .......... 226
Charging System Indicator.. .........
227
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ........
228
Brake System Indicator ................
229
Closing the Convertible Top ........
230
Fuses ...............................................
231
Checking and Replacing ...........
232
If
Your Car Gets Stuck. .................
236
Emergency Towing .......................
238
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
211
Main Menu
Compact
Spare
Tire
Your car has a compact spare tire
that takes up less space.
Use this
spare tire as a temporary replace-
ment only. Get your regular tire
repaired or replaced and put back on
your car as soon as you can.
Check the inflation pressure of the
compact spare tire every time you
check the other tires.
It
should be
inflated
to:
60
psi (420
kPa
, 4.2 kgf/cm
2
)
212
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
Follow these precautions whenever
you are using the compact spare tire:
• Do not exceed
50
mph
(80
km/h)
under any circumstances.
• This tire gives a
harsher
ride and
less traction on some road sur-
faces than the regular tire.
Use
greater caution while driving on
this tire.
• Do not mount snow chains on the
compact spare.
•
The
wheel of the compact spare
tire is designed especially to fit
your car.
Do
not use your spare
tire on another vehicle unless it is
the same make and model.
The
compact spare tire has a shorter
tread life than a regular tire. Replace
it when you can see
the
tread wear
indicator bars.
The
replacement
should be the same size and design
tire, mounted on
the
same wheel.
The
compact spare tire is not
designed to be mounted on a regular
wheel, and
the
compact wheel is not
designed for mounting a regular tire.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
If
you have a flat tire while driving,
stop in a safe place to change it.
Stopping in traffic
or
on
the
shoulder
of a busy road is dangerous. Drive
slowly along
the
shoulder until you
get
to an exit
or
an area to stop
that
is far away from
the
traffic lanes.
The car can easily roll off the
jack,
seriously injuring anyone
underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire
exactly, and
never get under the car when it
is
supported only by the jack.
The
compact spare tire is smaller
than a standard tire, which
will
affect
the
vehicle's handling. Drive
cautiously when this spare is
mounted on your vehicle.
The
size difference may also cause
damage to
the
rear
differential, so do
not mount
the
compact spare on
the
rear.
If
either
rear
tire
goes
flat,
remove
the
front tire on
that
same
side, mount
the
compact spare tire
on
the
front,
then
mount
the
front
tire on
the
rear.
1.
Park
the
car on firm, level, non-
slippery ground away from traffic.
Put
the
transmission in Reverse.
Apply
the
parking brake.
2.
Turn
on
the
hazard warning lights
and turn
the
ignition switch to
LOCK
(O).
Have your passenger
get
out of
the
car while you
change
the
tire.
Changing
a
Flat
Tire
3.
Open
the
trunk. Lift up
the
tool
box lid and take
the
jack, wheel
wrench and extension out of
the
tool box.
NOTICE
Use the
jack
that came on your car.
If
you try
to
raise another car by this
jack
or
use another
jack
to raise your car,
the car
or
jack
can be damaged.
CONTINUED
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
213
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Changing
a
Flat
Tire
4.
Remove the three clips holding
the spare tire cover by pulling
straight up on the rings. Remove
the
spare tire cover.
214
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
5.
Unscrew the wing bolt and take
the spare tire out of the spare tire
shelf.
6.
Loosen the five wheel nuts
1/2
turn with the wheel wrench.
7.
Locate the jacking point nearest
the tire you need to change.
It
is
pointed to by an arrow molded into
the underside of the body. Place
the jack under the jacking point.
Turn
the end bracket clockwise
until the top of the jack contacts
the jacking point. Make sure the
jacking point tab is resting
in
the
jack notch.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
8.
Use the extension and wheel
wrench as shown to raise the car
until the flat tire is off
the
ground.
9.
Remove
the
wheel nuts and flat
tire. Temporarily place the flat tire
on the ground with the outside
surface of the wheel facing
up.
Placing the wheel face down could
mar its finish.
Changing
a
Flat
Tire
lO.Before mounting the spare tire,
wipe any dirt off the mounting
surface of the wheel and hub with
a clean cloth. Wipe the hub
carefully, it may be hot from
driving.
CONTINUED
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
215
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Changing
a
Flat
Tire
ll.Put
on the spare tire. Put the
wheel nuts back on finger-tight,
then tighten them
in
a crisscross
pattern with the wheel wrench
until the wheel is firmly against
the hub.
Do
not try to tighten
them
fully.
216
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
12.Lower the car to the ground and
remove the jack.
13.Tighten the wheel nuts securely
in
the same crisscross pattern. Have
the wheel nut torque checked at
the nearest automotive service
facility.
Tighten
the
wheel nuts
to:
80
lbf.ft
(1
08
N·m,
11
kgf·m)
Main Menu
Table of Contents
14.Remove the tool box from the
trunk well and replace the jack,
wheel wrench and extension
in
the
tool box.
15.Place the tool box into the spare
tire shelf
in
the trunk.
16.Replace the spare tire cover.
Secure it with the three clips.
Push
each clip down securely, and pivot
the
ring down flat.
17.Put the flat tire
in
the trunk well
vertically as shown.
Changing
a
Flat
Tire
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
217
Main Menu
Table of Contents
If
Your
Engine
Won't
Start
Diagnosing why your engine won't
start falls into two areas, depending
on what you
hear
when you press
the ENGINE START button.
•
You
hear nothing, or almost
nothing.
The
engine's starter
motor does not operate at
all,
or
operates very slowly.
•
You
can
hear
the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
faster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run.
218
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
Nothing
Happens
or
the
Starter
Motor
Operates
Very Slowly
When you press the ENGINE
START button, you
do
not hear the
normal noise of the engine trying to
start. You may hear a clicking sound
or series of clicks, or nothing at
all.
Check these things:
• Your car has the Immobilizer
System.
You
should use a
properly-coded master or valet key
to start the engine (see page 59).
A key that
is
not properly coded
will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator
in
the dash panel to blink
rapidly.
• Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Turn
on the headlights and check
their brightness.
If
the headlights
are very dim or don't light at
all,
the battery is discharged. See
Jump
Starting
on page 220.
• Press
the
ENGINE START button,
then release
it.
If
the headlights
do
not dim, check the condition of the
fuses.
If
the fuses are 0
K,
there is
probably something wrong with
the electrical circuit for the
ignition switch
or
starter motor.
You
will
need a qualified
technician to determine the
problem.
(See
Emergency
Towing on page
238
.)
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Table of Contents
If
the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
dis-
charged or the connections are
corroded.
Check the condition of the
battery and terminal connections
(see page 177). You can then try
jump starting the car from a booster
battery (see page 220).
The
Starter
Operates
Normally
In this case, the starter motor's
speed sounds normal, or even faster
than normal, when you press the
ENGINE START button, but the
engine does not run.
• Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer to
Starting
the
Engine
on page
131
.
•
Do
you have fuel? Turn the
ignition switch to
ON
(ID
for a
minute and watch the fuel gauge.
The
low fuel level warning light
may not be working, so you were
not reminded to
fill
the tank.
If
Your
Engine
Won't
Start
•
There
may be an electrical
problem, such as
no
power to the
fuel pump.
Check
all
the fuses
(see page
231
) .
If
you find nothing wrong, you
will
need a qualified technician to find
the problem. See
Emergency
Towing
on
page 238.
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
219
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Table of Contents
Jump
Starting
If
your car's
battery
has
run
down,
you may
be
able to
start
the
engine
by using a booster battery. Although
this
seems
like a simple procedure,
you should take several precautions.
220
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
A battery can explode
if
you do
not
follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep
all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
To
jump
start
your car, follow
these
directions closely:
1.
Open
the
hood and
check
the
physical condition of
the
battery
(see page 177 ) . In very cold
weather,
check
the
condition of
the
electrolyte.
If
it
seems
slushy
or like ice, do not
try
jump starting
until it thaws.
NOTICE
if
a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can freeze.
Attempting
to
jump start with a frozen
battery 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
and
set
the
parking brake.
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Table of Contents
3.
Connect one jumper cable to the
positive (
+)
terminal on the
booster battery. Connect the other
end to the positive (
+)
terminal
on your Honda's battery.
4.
Connect the second jumper cable
to the negative (
~)
terminal on
the
booster battery. Connect the
other end to the metal projection
near
the
intake manifold as shown
in
the illustration. Do not connect
this jumper cable to any other part
of the engine.
Jump
Starting
5.
If
the
booster battery
is
in another
vehicle, have an assistant start
that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.
CONTINUED
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
221
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Jump
Starting
6.
Start your car.
If
the starter motor
still operates slowly, check the
jumper cable connections to make
sure they have good metal-to-
metal contact.
222 Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
7.
Once your car is running, discon-
nect the negative cable from your
car, then from the booster battery.
Disconnect the positive cable from
your car, then the booster battery.
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Table of Contents
The
reading on your car's
temperature gauge should stay in
the
midrange
under
most conditions.
It
may go higher if you are driving up
a long steep hill on a very
hot
day.
If
it climbs to
the
red mark, you should
determine
the
reason.
NOTICE
Driving with the temperature gauge
reading
at
the red mark can cause
serious damage to your engine.
Your car can overheat for several
reasons,
such
as lack of coolant
or
a
mechanical problem.
The
only
indication may be
the
temperature
gauge climbing to or above
the
red
mark.
Or
you may
see
steam or
spray coming from
under
the
car
or
engine cover. In either case, you
should take immediate action.
Steam and spray from
an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is
coming out.
1.
Safely pull to
the
side of
the
road.
Put
the
transmission in Neutral
and
set
the
parking brake.
Turn
off
the
heating and cooling system
and all
other
accessories.
Turn
on
the
hazard warning indicators.
2.
If
you
see
steam
and/
or
spray
coming from
under
the
hood, turn
off
the
engine.
If
Your
Engine
Overheats
3.
If
you do not see steam or spray,
leave
the
engine running and
watch
the
temperature gauge.
If
the
high
heat
is due to overloading
(climbing a long, steep hill on a
hot day with
the
A/C
running, for
example),
the
engine should
start
to cool down almost immediately.
If
it does, wait until
the
tempera-
ture gauge comes down to
the
mid-
point
then
continue driving.
4.
If
the
temperature gauge stays at
the
red
mark, turn off
the
engine.
5.
Wait until you see no more signs
of
steam
or
spray,
then
open
the
hood.
CONTINUED
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
223
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Table of Contents
If
Your
Engine
Overheats
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, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see
Emergency
Towing on page
238
) .
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine
is
hot can
cause the
coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator
cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
224
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
7.
If
you don't find an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in
the
radiator reserve tank (see page
120 ) .
If
the level is below the
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and
MAX
marks.
8.
If
there was
no
coolant
in
the
reserve tank, you may also have to
add coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the reading
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge, or lower,
before checking the radiator.
9.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn
the
radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to
the
first stop. This
releases any remaining pressure
in
the cooling system. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap and turn it until it comes
off.
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Table of Contents
lO.Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the filler
neck.
If
you
do
not have
the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and refilled with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
ll.Put
the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine and watch
the temperature gauge.
If
it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair. (See
Emergency
Towing on page
238
.)
If
Your Engine Overheats
12.If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank.
If
it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX
mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
225
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Low
Oil
Pressure Indicator
This
indicator should light
when
the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
after
the
engine starts.
It
should
never come on when
the
engine is
running.
If
it starts flashing, it
indicates
that
the
oil pressure
dropped very low for a moment,
then
recovered.
If
the
indicator stays on
with
the
engine running, it shows
that
the
engine
has
lost oil
pressure
and serious engine damage is
possible. In either case, you should
take immediate action.
226
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
NOTICE
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn
off
the engine as soon as you can safely get
the car
stopped.
1.
Safely pull off
the
road and
shut
off
the
engine.
Turn
on
the
hazard
warning indicators.
2.
Let
the
car sit for a minute. Open
the
hood and check
the
oil level
(see page 119 ). Although oil level
and
oil
pressure
are
not directly
connected, an engine
that
is very
low on
oil
can lose
pressure
during
cornering and
other
driving
maneuvers.
3.
If
necessary, add oil to bring
the
level
back
to
the
full
mark
on
the
dipstick (see page 120 ) .
4.
Start
the
engine and watch
the
oil
pressure indicator.
If
the
light
does not go out within
ten
seconds,
turn off
the
engine.
There
is a
mechanical problem
that
needs to
be
repaired before you can
continue driving.
(See
Emergency
Towing on page 238
.)
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Table of Contents
This indicator should come on when
the ignition switch is
ON (II), and go
out after the engine starts.
If
it
comes on brightly when the engine
is running, it indicates that the
charging system has stopped
charging the battery.
Immediately turn off
all
electrical
accessories: radio, heater, A/C,
cruise control, etc.
Try
not to use
other electrically-operated controls
such as
the
power windows. Keep
the engine running and take extra
care not to stall
it.
Starting the
engine
will
discharge the battery
rapidly.
Charging
System Indicator
By
eliminating as much of the
electrical load as possible, you can
drive several miles (kilometers)
before
the
battery is too discharged
to keep the engine running. Drive to
a service station or garage where
you can get technical assistance.
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
227
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Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
This indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch
ON (II).
If
it comes on at any
other time, it indicates one of the
engine's emissions control systems
may have a problem. Even though
you may feel
no
difference
in
your
car's performance, it can reduce
your fuel economy and cause your
car to put out excessive emissions.
Continued operation may cause
serious damage.
228
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
If
you have recently refueled your
car, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or
missing fuel
fill
cap. Check the cap
and tighten it until it clicks at least
three times. Replace the fuel
fill
cap
if
it is missing. Tightening the cap
will not make the indicator turn off
immediately; it takes three driving
trips.
If
the indicator remains on past three
driving trips, or the fuel cap was not
loose or missing, have the car
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible. Drive moderately until the
dealer has inspected the problem.
Avoid full-throttle acceleration and
driving at high speed.
You should also have the dealer
inspect your car
if
this indicator
comes on repeatedly, even though it
may turn off as you continue driving.
NOTICE
If
you keep driving with the
malfunction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your car's emissions controls
and engine. Those repairs may not be
covered by your car's warranties.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The
Brake System Indicator light
comes on when you turn the ignition
ON (II).
If
the parking brake is not
set, it goes off after you start the
engine.
If
the
parking brake is set, it
goes off when you fully release the
parking brake with the engine
running.
If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with
the
car's
brake system. In most cases, the
problem is a low fluid level in
the
brake fluid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it feels
normal.
If
it does, check the brake
fluid level the next time you stop at a
service station (see page
170
) .
If
the
fluid level is
low,
take the car to your
dealer and have the brake system
inspected for leaks or worn brake
pads.
However,
if
the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. Because
of
the
brake system's dual-circuit design, a
problem
in
one part of
the
system
will
still give you braking at two
wheels.
You
will
feel the brake pedal
go down much farther before the car
begins to slow down, and you
will
have to press
harder
on the pedal.
The
distance needed to stop
will
be
much longer.
Brake System Indicator
Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because
of
the
longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the car.
You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible.
If
you must drive the car a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
229
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Table of Contents
Closing
the
Convertible
Top
If
the
electric motor will not close
the
convertible top, do
the
following.
1.
Check
the
fuse for
the
convertible
top motor (see page
231
) . If
the
fuse is blown, replace it with one
of
the
same
or
lower rating.
2.
Try
closing
the
convertible top.
If
the
new fuse blows immediately
or
the
convertible top still does not
operate, you can close
the
convertible top manually.
230 Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
3.
Locate
the
electrical connector for
the
convertible top motor.
It
is
under
the
lower
corner
of
the
dashboard on
the
passenger's side.
Disconnect
the
connector by
pushing
the
tab and pulling
the
connector down.
4.
Holding each corner of
the
convertible top, raise
the
top and
push it forward as far as it will go.
5.
Follow steps 5
through
7 of
the
closing procedure on page
75
.
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Table of Contents
All
the electrical circuits
in
your car
have fuses to protect them from a
short circuit or overload.
These
fuses are located in three fuse boxes.
The
interior fuse box is underneath
the dashboard on the driver's side.
Fuses
There
are two under-hood fuse
boxes
in
the engine compartment.
The
main fuse box is located on the
passenger's side near the battery. To
open it, push the two tabs as shown.
CONTINUED
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
231
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Table of Contents
Fuses
The
auxiliary fuse box is located on
the driver's side near the brake fluid
reservoir. To open it, push the tab on
each side and remove the
lid.
232
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
Checking
and
Replacing
Fuses
If
something electrical
in
your car
stops working, the first thing you
should check for is a blown fuse.
Determine from the chart on pages
234
and
235
, or the diagram on the
fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses
control that component. Check those
fuses first, but check
all
the fuses
before deciding that a blown fuse is
not the cause. Replace any blown
fuses and check
the
component's
operation.
1.
Turn
the ignition switch to LOCK
(0). Make sure the headlights and
all
other accessories are
off.
2.
Remove the cover from the fuse
box.
3.
Check each of the large fuses
in
the under-hood fuse box by
looking through the top at the wire
inside. Removing these fuses
requires a Phillips-head screw-
driver.
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Table of Contents
4.
Check the smaller fuses by pulling
out
the
fuse with
the
fuse puller
provided in
the
interior fuse box.
5.
Look for a burned wire inside the
fuse.
If
it is burned, replace it with
one of
the
spare fuses of the same
rating or lower.
If
you cannot drive the vehicle
without fixing the problem, and you
do
not have a spare fuse, take a fuse
of the same rating or a lower rating
from one of
the
other circuits. Make
sure you can do without that circuit
temporarily (such as the accessory
power socket
or
radio).
Fuses
If
you replace the blown fuse with a
spare fuse that
has
a lower rating, it
might blow out again. This does not
indicate anything wrong. Replace the
fuse with one of the correct rating as
soon as you can.
NOTICE
Replacing a
fuse
with one that has a
higher rating greatly increases the
chances
of
damaging the electrical
system.
If
you do not have a replace-
ment
fuse
with the proper rating
for
the
circuit, install one with a lower rating.
6.
If
the replacement fuse of the
same rating blows in a short time,
there is probably a serious
electrical problem in your car.
Leave
the
blown fuse in that
circuit and have your car checked
by a qualified mechanic.
CONTINUED
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
233
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Fuses
INTERIOR
FUSE
BOX
No:
Amps.
Circuits Protected
No.
Amps. Circuits Protected
1 7.5A Windshield Wiper, 14
lOA
Daytime Running Lights*
Auto
Stop Signal
15
lOA
Keyless Entry
2
15A
Washer
Motor
16
7.5A Back-up
3
-
Not used
17
7.5A Interior Light
4
-
Not used
18
lOA
Small Lights
5
lOA
Accessory Socket
19
15A
Radio
6
20A
Windshield Wiper
20
7.5A
Starter Signal
7 7.5A
Tum
Light
21
7.5A
Heater Control,
8
15A
ACG
Cooling
Fan Relay
9
7.5A
Instrument Light, Back·up
22
7.5A Power Mirrors
Lights
23
20A
Right Power Window
10
15A
Ignition Coil
24
20A
Left Power Window
11
7.5A
Engine Start
25
-
Not used
12
15A
Fuel Pump,
SRS
26
-
Not used
13
lOA
SRS
27
-
Not used
* : Canadian Model
234 Taking Care
of
the Unexpected
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Table of Contents
UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOXES
(MAIN FUSE
BOX)
(AUXILIARY FUSE BOX)
No.
1
-~~
2
---------
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
i
12
13
No.
1
2
~-
3
4
5
Amps.
Circuits Protected
Lighting 1 Relay
·-
-··--
-·-
Lighting 2 Relay
~-
r--c-~---
-
Horn Relay
40A
Power Window Motor
20A
Right Roof Motor
~
Not used
30A
!
BackUpACC
20A
Left Roof Motor
40A
'
Heater Motor
20A
Condenser Fan
~
Not used
~
Condenser Fan Reday
~
Cooling Fan Relay
Amps.
Circuits Protected
-
Not used
-
··--·-··-·
Not used
______
,.
________
~---
~
Not used
---··
70A
EPS
___________
,
__
60A
Air Pump
Fuses
'
No.
Amps.
Circuits Protected
14
Magnetic Clutch Relay
r--~~
·-
- ··-----------------
.......
-·---
15
20A
Right Headlight
'1:6-·-·
--
15A
ACGS
17
lOA
Hazard Warning Lights
18
20A
Cooling Fan
--
19
~
Not used
··-
20
lOA
Stop
21
20A
Left Headlight
22
20A
ABS
F/S
23
30A
ABS Motor
24
lOOA
Battery
25
40A
IGl
Main
--------
Taking Care
of
the Unexpected 235
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Table of Contents
If
Your
Car
Gets
Stuck
If
your car
gets
stuck in sand, mud,
or
snow, call a towing service to pull
it out (see page
238).
236
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
For
very short distances, such as
freeing
the
car, you can use
the
detachable towing hook that mounts
on
the
anchors in
the
front and
rear
bumpers.
To
use
the
towing hook:
1.
Remove
the
cover from
the
bumper.
2.
Remove
the
towing hook, hook
extension and wheel wrench from
the
tool box.
3.
Using
the
wheel wrench, fasten
the
extension into
the
bolt hole in
the
anchor.
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Table of Contents
4.
Screw the towing hook into the
extension and tighten it securely
by hand.
If
Your
Car
Gets
Stuck
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
237
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Table of Contents
Emergency
Towing
If
your car needs to be towed, call a
professional towing service or,
if
you
belong to one, an organization that
provides roadside assistance. Never
tow your car behind another vehicle
with just a rope or chain.
It
is very
dangerous.
There
are
three
popular types of
professional towing equipment.
238
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
Flat-bed
Equipment
-
The
operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck.
This
is
the
only
way
your
S2000
should
be
transported.
When you contact the towing agency,
inform
them
that
you have an S2000
and
that
a flat-bed is required.
Wheel
Lift
Equipment
-
The
tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (front or rear) and lift
them
off the ground.
The
other two
tires remain on the ground. Because
the
S2000 sits so
low,
the body could
come
in
contact with
the
ground and
be damaged.
This
method
of
towing
is
unacceptable.
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Sling-type
Equipment
-
The
tow
truck uses metal cables with hooks
on the ends.
These
hooks go around
parts of the frame or suspension and
the cables lift that end of the car off
the
ground. Your car's suspension
and body can
be
seriously damaged.
This
method
of
towing is
unacceptable.
Emergency
Towing
Taking
Care
of
the
Unexpected
239
Main Menu
Table of Contents
240
Main Menu
The
diagrams
in
this section give
you the dimensions and capacities
of
your Honda, and
the
locations of the
identification numbers.
The
expla-
nations of several electronic and
mechanical systems on your Honda
are for the more technically-oriented
owner.
Identification Numbers .................
242
Specifications .................................
244
DOT Tire Quality Grading
(U.S.
Vehicles) .......................
246
Treadwear ..................................
246
Traction .......................................
246
Temperature ..............................
247
Technical Information
Oxygenated Fuels ..........................
248
Driving
in
Foreign Countries .......
249
Emissions Controls ........................
250
The
Clean Air Act.. ....................
250
Crankcase Emissions Control
System .....................................
250
Evaporative Emissions Control
System .....................................
250
Exhaust Emissions Controls
....
251
PGM-FI System .....................
251
Ignition Timing Control
System .................................
251
Secondary Air Injection
System .................................
251
Three
Way Catalytic
Converter.. ..........................
251
Replacement Parts .....................
251
Three
Way Catalytic Converter
...
252
Technical
Information
241
Main Menu
Identification Numbers
Your car has several identifying
numbers located
in
various places.
The
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN)
is the 17-digit number your
Honda dealer uses to register your
car for warranty purposes. It is also
necessary for licensing and insuring
your car.
The
easiest place to find
the
VIN is on a plate fastened to the
top of the dashboard. You can see it
by looking through the windshield
on the driver's side.
It
is also on the
Certification label attached to the
driver's doorjamb, and is stamped on
the engine compartment bulkhead.
The
VIN is also provided in bar code
on the Certification label.
242
Technical
Information
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The
Engine Number is stamped
on
the left front corner
of
the engine
block.
The
Transmission Number is on a
label underneath the transmission.
Identification Numbers
Technical
Information
243
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Specifications
Dimensions
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track Front
Rear
Engine
Type
Bore x Stroke
Displacement
Compression
ratio
Spark plugs
244
Technical Information
162.0in(4,115mm)
68.9 in (1,750
mm)
50.6 in (1,285
mm)
94.5 in (2,400
mm)
57.9 in (1,470
mm)
59.4 in (1,510
mm)
See the certification label attached
to
the
driver's
door"amb.
Water
cooled 4-stroke DOHC
VTEC 4-cylinder l=)asoline
engine
3.43 x
3.31
in (87.0 x 84.0
mm)
121.8 cu-in (1,997
cm
3
)
11.0 : 1
See spark plug maintenance
section page
174.
c
apac1t1es
Fuel tank
13.2
US aal (50
ll,
11.0
Imp
qal)
Engine coolant
Change*'
1.72 US aal (6.51\, 1.43
Imp
qal)
Total
2.01
US
l=)al
(7.61\, 1.67
Imp
gal)
Engine oil
Change*'
Including filter
5.1
US
qt
(4.81\, 4.2
Imp
qt)
Without
filter 4.8
USgt
(4.51\, 4.0
Imp
qt)
Total
5.9 US
qt
(5.61\, 4.9
Imp
qt)
Manual
Chanl=)e
1.6
US_g_t
(1.51\, 1.31mp qt)
transmission
Total
1.7
US
qt
(1.61\, 1.41mp qt)
fluid
Differential
Chan_g_e
0.78 US
qt
(0.741\, 0.65
Imp
qt)
oil Total
0.81
US
qt
(0.77
ll,
0.68
Imp
at)
Windshield U.S. Cars 2.7 US
qt
(2.61\, 2.3 ImP at)
washer
Canadian Cars
4.4 US
qt
(4.21\, 3.7
Imp
qt)
reservoir
* 1 : Including the coolant in the reserve tank and
that
remaining
in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity:
0.16 US gal (0.61\, 0.131mp gal)
*
2:
Excluding
the
oil remaining in the engine.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Specifications
Lights Battery
Headlights
Hi~h
12
v
-
55W
Capacity
12
V - 36 AH/5 H R
Daytime
runnin~
li~hts
12
v
-
55W(H1)
Front
turn
signal lights
12
v
-
21
w Fuses
Rear
turn
si~nalli~hts
12
v
-
21
w Under-hood See page 235
or
the fuse
box
Stop/Taillights
12
v
-
21
W/5 W cover.
Side
marker
lights
Front
12
v
-
5W
Interior
See page 234
or
the
fuse label
Rear
12
v
-
5W
attached
to
the inside
of
the fuse
Back-up lights
12
v
-
21
w
box
door
under
the
dashboard.
License plate
li~hts
12
v
-
5W
Interior
light
12 v
-
5W
AI' 1gnment
Trunk
light
12
v
-
5W
Toe Front
0.00 in (0.0
mm)
Rear
in
0.24 in (6.0
mm)
Air conditioning
Camber Front
-0°30'
Refrigerant
type
HFC-134a (R-134a)
Rear
-F30'
Charge
quantity
19.4-21.2
oz
(550-600
~)
Caster Front
60
Lubricant type
SP-10
Tires
Size
Front 205/55R16 89W
Rear 225/50R16 92W
Spare Tire
T125/70D16 96M
Pressure Front
32 psi
(220
kPa
, 2.2 kgf/cm
2
)
Rear
32
psi (220
kPa
, 2.2 kgf/cm
2
)
Spare Tire
60 psi (420
kPa
, 4.2
k~f/cm
2
)
Technical Information 245
Main Menu
Table of Contents
DOT
Tire
Quality
Grading
(U.S. Vehicles)
The
tires on your vehicle meet
all
U.S.
Federal Safety Requirements.
All
tires are also graded for
treadwear, traction, and temperature
performance according to
Department of Transportation
(DOT) standards.
The
following
explains these gradings.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between the tread shoulder and the
maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear
200
TractionAA
Temperature A
246
Technical
Information
Treadwear
The
treadwear grade
is
a compara-
tive rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government
test course. For example, a tire
graded
150
would wear one and one
half (1-1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded
100.
The
relative performance of
tires depends upon
the
actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm
due to variations
in
driving habits,
service practices, and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The
traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are
AA,
A,
B,
and
C.
Those
grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on
specified government
test
surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Warning:
The
traction grade
assigned to this tire
is
based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Temperature
The
temperature grades are A (the
highest),
B,
and
C,
representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure.
The
grade C corresponds to a level
of
performance which
all
passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No.
109.
Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by
law.
DOT
Tire
Quality
Grading
(U.S.
Vehicles)
Warning:
The
temperature grade for
this tire is established for a tire that
is
properly inflated and not over-
loaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-
tion, or excessive loading either
separately or
in
combination, can
cause heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
Technical
Information
247
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Oxygenated
Fuels
Some conventional gasolines are
being blended with alcohol
or
an
ether compound. These gasolines
are collectively referred to as
oxygenated fuels.
To
meet clean air
standards, some areas of the United
States and
Canada use oxygenated
fuels to help reduce emissions.
If
you use an oxygenated fuel, be
sure it is unleaded and meets the
minimum octane rating requirement.
Before using an oxygenated fuel, try
to confirm the fuel's contents. Some
states/provinces require this
information to be posted on the
pump.
248 Technical Information
The
following are the
U.S.
EPA and
Canadian
CGSB
approved
percentages of oxygenates:
EfHANOL (ethyl
or
grain alcohol)
You may use gasoline containing up
to
10
percent ethanol by volume.
Gasoline containing ethanol may be
marketed under
the
name "Gasohol."
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl
Ether)
You may use gasoline containing up
to
15
percent MTBE by volume.
MEfHANOL (methyl or wood
alcohol)
You
may use gasoline containing up
to 5 percent methanol by volume as
long as it also contains cosolvents
and corrosion inhibitors to protect
the fuel system. Gasoline containing
more than 5 percent methanol by
volume may cause starting
and/
or
performance problems.
It
may also
damage metal, rubber and plastic
parts of your fuel system.
If
you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms, try another
service station or switch to another
brand
of
gasoline.
Fuel system damage
or
performance
problems resulting from
the
use of
an oxygenated fuel containing more
than the percentages of oxygenates
given above are not covered under
warranty.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
If
you are planning to take your
Honda outside the
U.S.
or Canada,
contact the tourist bureaus in the
areas you
will
be traveling in to find
out about the availability of unleaded
gasoline with the proper octane
rating.
If
unleaded gasoline is not available,
be aware
that
using leaded gasoline
in
your Honda will affect perfor-
mance and fuel mileage, and damage
its emissions controls.
It
will no
longer comply with
U.S.
and
Canadian emissions regulations, and
will
be illegal to operate in North
America.
To
bring your car back into
compliance will require
the
replace-
ment of several components, such as
the oxygen sensors and the three
way catalytic converter.
These
re-
placements are not covered under
warranty.
Driving
in
Foreign
Countries
Technical
Information
249
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Emissions Controls
The
burning of gasoline
in
your car's
engine produces several byproducts.
Some
of
these are carbon monoxide
(CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and
hydrocarbons (HC). Gasoline
evaporating from the tank also
produces hydrocarbons. Controlling
the production of
NOx,
CO,
and
HC
is important to the environment.
Under certain conditions of sunlight
and climate,
NOx and
HC
react to
form photochemical
"smog." Carbon
monoxide does not contribute to
smog creation, but it
is
a poisonous
gas.
250 Technical
Information
The
Clean
Air
Act
The
United States Clean Air Act*
sets standards for automobile
emissions.
It
also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to
owners how their emissions controls
work and what to
do
to maintain
them. This section summarizes how
the emissions controls work.
Scheduled maintenance is on page
148.
* In Canada, Honda vehicles comply
with the
Canadian Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards
(CMVSS)
for
Emissions valid at the time they are
manufactured.
Crankcase
Emissions
Control
System
Your car has a Positive Crankcase
Ventilation System. This keeps
gasses that build up in
the
engine's
crankcase from going into the
atmosphere.
The
Positive Crankcase
Ventilation valve routes
them
from
the crankcase back to the intake
manifold.
They
are then drawn into
the engine and burned.
Evaporative
Emissions
Control
System
As gasoline evaporates
in
the fuel
tank, an evaporative emissions
control canister filled with charcoal
adsorbs the vapor.
It
is stored
in
this
canister while the engine is
off.
After
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine
and burned during driving.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Exhaust
Emissions
Controls
The
exhaust emissions controls
include four systems:
PGM-FI,
Ignition Timing Control, Secondary
Air Injection System and
Three
Way
Catalytic Converter.
These
four
systems work together to control the
engine's combustion and minimize
the amount of
HC,
CO,
and NOx that
comes out the tailpipe.
The
exhaust
emissions control systems are
separate from the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.
PGM-FI
System
The
PGM-FI System uses sequential
multiport fuel injection.
It
has three subsystems: Air Intake,
Engine
Control, and Fuel Control.
The
Engine Control Module (ECM)
uses various sensors to determine
how much air is going into the
engine.
It
then controls how much
fuel to inject under all operating
conditions.
Ignition
Timing
Control
System
This system constantly adjusts the
ignition timing, reducing the amount
of
HC,
CO
and NOx produced.
Secondazy
Air
Injection
System
During engine warm-up, air is
pumped into the exhaust to reduce
emissions when
the
engine is cold.
Three
Way
Catalytic Converter
The
three way catalytic converter is
in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts
HC,
CO,
and NOx in the engine's exhaust
to carbon dioxide
(COz),
dinitrogen
(Nz),
and water vapor.
Emissions Controls
Replacement
Parts
The
emissions control systems are
designed and certified to work
to-
gether
in
reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the
Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions
remain
low,
you should use only new
Genuine Honda replacement parts or
their equivalent for repairs. Using
lower quality parts may increase the
emissions from your car.
The
emissions control systems are
covered by warranties separate from
the rest of your car. Read your
warranty manual for more informa-
tion.
Technical
Information
251
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Three
Way
Catalytic
Converter
The
three way catalytic converter
contains precious metals
that
serve
as catalysts, promoting chemical
reactions to convert the exhaust
gasses without affecting the metals.
The
catalytic converter is referred to
as a three-way catalyst, since it acts
on
HC,
CO,
and NOx. A replacement
unit must be an original Honda part
or its equivalent.
The
three way catalytic converter
must operate at a high temperature
for the chemical reactions to take
place.
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.
252 Technical Information
A defective three way catalytic
converter contributes to air pollution,
and can impair your engine's per-
formance. Follow these guidelines to
protect your car's
three
way catalytic
converter.
• Always use unleaded gasoline.
Even a small amount of leaded
gasoline can contaminate the
catalyst metals, making the three
way catalytic converter ineffective.
• Keep the engine tuned-up.
• Have your car diagnosed and
repaired
if
it is misfiring, back-
firing, stalling, or otherwise not
running properly.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Warranty
and
Customer Relations
Customer Relations
Information ................................. 254
U.S.
Zone Office Map ....................
255
Canada Zone Office Map .............. 256
Warranty Coverages ..................... 257
Reporting Safety Defects
(U.S.
Vehicles) ........................... 258
Authorized Manuals ...................... 259
Warranty
and
Customer
Relations
253
Main Menu
Customer Relations Information
Honda dealership personnel are
trained professionals.
They
should
be able to answer
all
your questions.
If
you encounter a problem
that
your
dealership does not solve to your
satisfaction, please discuss it with
the dealership's management.
The
Service Manager or General
Manager can help. Almost
all
problems are solved in this way.
254
Warranty
and
Customer
Relations
If
you are dissatisfied with the
decision made by the dealership's
management, contact your Honda
Customer Relations Zone Office.
Refer to the
U.S.
and Canadian Zone
Office
maps on the following pages.
When you call or write, please give
us this information:
• Vehicle Identification Number
(see page 242)
• Name and address of the dealer
who services your car
• Date of purchase
• Mileage on your car
• Your name, address, and tele-
phone number
• A detailed description
of
the
problem
• N arne of the dealer who sold the
car to you
Main Menu
Table of Contents
ZONE
15
ZONE2
The addresses and telephone
numbers
are subject to change. If you
cannot
reach
your
Zone office, ask
your
Honda dealer
for
the
current
information.
1
Western Zone
P.O.
Box 2260
700
Van Ness Avenue
Torrance,
California
90509-2260
(310) 781-4565
2
Northwestern
Zone
P.O.
Box 20186
12439 N
.E.
Airport
Way
Portland, Oregon 97230
I 503 I 256-0943
(also includes Alaska
and
Hawaii)
3
South Central Zone
4529
Royal Lane
Irving, Texas 75063
(972) 929-5481
4
Central Zone
101
South
Stanfield Road
Troy, Ohio 45373
(937)
332-6250
5
Northeastern Zone
P.O.
Box 337
Eastgate
Industrial Park
115 Gaither Drive
Moorestown,
New
Jersey 08057
(609)
235-5533
Includes: NYC
Metro
area and
Fairfield County,
CT
area
U.S.
Zone
Office
Map
6
Mid-Atlantic
Zone
902
Wind
River Ln., Suite 200
Gaithersburg,
Maryland
20878
(301
I 990-2020
7
Southeastern Zone
1500
Morrison
Parkway
Alpharetta,
Georgia 30004
(770)
442-2045
8
North
Central Zone
601
Campus Drive, Suite A-9
Arlington
Heights, Illinois 60004
(847) 870-5600
9
New
England Zone
555
Old
County
Road
Windsor
Locks, Connecticut 06096
(860) 623-3310
See
Zone 5 for:
NYC
Metro
area and
Fairfield County, CT area
1
0
West Central Zone
1600 South
Abilene
Street,
SuiteD
Aurora, Colorado 80012
(303)
696-3935
15
Puerto Rico and U.S. V.I.
Bella International
P.O.
Box 190816
San Juan,
PR
00919-0816
(787) 250-4318
Warranty and Customer Relations
255
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Canada Zone Office Map
256
Warranty
and
Customer
Relations
COSTOMER RELATIONS
RELATIONS
AVEC LA CLIENTELE
Honda Canada Inc.
715
Milner
Avenue
Toronto, ON
M1B2K8
Tel: 1-888-9-HONDA-9
Fax: Toll-free 1-877-939-0909
Toronto
(416) 287-4776
Main Menu
Table of Contents
U.S.
Owners
Your new Honda is covered by these
warranties:
New
Car
Limited
Warranty - covers
your new vehicle, except for the
battery, emissions control systems
and accessories, against defects
in
materials and workmanship.
Emissions
Control
Systems
Defects
Warranty
and
Emissions
Performance
Warranty-
these two
warranties cover your car's emis-
sions control systems. Time, mileage,
and coverage are conditional.
Please
read the warranty manual for exact
information.
Original
Equipment
Battery
Limited
Warranty - this warranty gives up
to
100
percent credit toward a
replacement battery.
Seat
Belt
Limited
Warranty - a seat
belt that fails to function properly is
covered for the useful life of
the
vehicle.
Rust
Perforation
Limited
Warranty
-
all
exterior body panels are
covered for rust-through from the
inside for the specified time period
with no mileage limit.
Accessory
Limited
Warranty-
Genuine Honda Accessories are
covered under this warranty. Time
and mileage limits depend on
the
type of accessory and other factors.
Please read your warranty manual
for details.
Replacement
Parts
Limited
Warranty - covers
all
Genuine
Honda replacement parts against
defects in materials and workman-
ship.
Warranty
Coverages
Replacement
Battery
Limited
Warranty-
provides prorated
coverage for a replacement battery
purchased from a Honda dealer.
Replacement
Muffler
Lifetime
Limited
Warranty - provides
coverage for as long as the pur-
chaser of the muffler owns the car.
Restrictions and exclusions apply to
all
these warranties. Please read the
2000
Honda Warranty Information
booklet that came with your car for
precise information on warranty
coverages. Your Honda's original
tires are covered by their
manufacturer. Tire warranty infor-
mation is
in
a separate booklet.
Canadian
Owners
Please refer to the
2000
Warranty
Manual that came with your car.
Warranty
and
Customer
Relations
25 7
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Reporting
Safety Defects
(U.S.
Vehicles)
If
you believe that your vehicle
has
a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform
the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition
to notifying American Honda Motor
Co., Inc.
258
Warranty
and
Customer
Relations
If
NHTSA receives similar com-
plaints, it may open an investigation,
and
if
it finds
that
a safety defect
exists in a group of vehicles, it may
order a recall and remedy campaign.
However,
NHTSA cannot become
involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
To
contact NHTSA, you may either
call
the
Auto Safety Hotline toll-free
at
1-800-424-9393
(or 366-0123 in
Washington D.C. area)
or
write to:
NHTSA,
U.S.
Department of
Transportation, Washington,
D.C.
20590. You can also obtain
other information about motor
vehicle safety from
the
Hotline.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Purchasing
Factory
Authorized
Manuals
(U.S. only)
The
following publications covering the operation and
servicing of your car can be obtained from Helm
Incorporated, either by filling out the attached form or,
for credit card holders, calling the toll-free phone number
on the form. For manuals prior to the year shown below,
contact Helm Incorporated,
P.O. Box 07280, Detroit,
Michigan
48207, or calll-800-782-4356.
~-
~-·
--·--·--
~---
Publication
From
Description
Price
Form
Number
Each*
-~---~-~
61S2AOO
2000 Honda S2000
$62.00
Service
Manual
61S2AOOEL
2000 Honda S2000 $42.00
Electrical
Troubleshooting
Manual
61S2A30 2000 Honda S2000 $40.00
Body
Repair
Manual
31S2A600 2000 Honda S2000
$32.00
Owner's
Manual
HON-R
Order
Form
for
Previous Years-
FREE
Indicate
Year and
Model
Desired
'
Prices are
subject
to
change
without
notice and
without
incurring
_
_<J_I:>_Ii_gation.
I
Authorized Manuals
Valid only for sales within
the
US. Canadian owners should
contact
their authorized Honda dealer.
ORDER
TOLL
FREE: 1-800-782-4356
(NOTE: For
Credit
Card
Holder
Orders
Only)
Monday-Friday
8:00A.M.
~
6:00P.M.
EST
MINIMUM
CREDIT CARD PURCHASE $10.00
OR
By
completing
this
form
you
can
order
the
materials
desired. You can
pay
by
check
or
money
order,
or
charge
to
your
credit
card.
Mail
to
Helm Incorporated at
the
address
shown
on
the
back
of
the
order
form.
• Prices are subject
to
change
without
notice and
without
incurring
obligation.
Orders are mailed
within
10
days. Please
allow
adequate
time
for
delivery.
Price Total
Qty
Each~
Price
TOTAL MATERIAL
Mich. Purchases
Add
6% Sales Tax
HANDUNG CHARGE $6.00
GRAND TOTAL
259
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Authorized
Manuals
NOTE: Dealers and Companies please
provide
dealer
or
company
name,
and
also
the
name
of
the person
to
whose
attention the
shipment
should
be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please
write
to the address
shown
below
for
a
quotation.
Customer Name
Attention
Street Address
---
No
P.O.
Box
Number
Apartment
Number
City
State
&
Zip
Code
Daytime Telephone
Number
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tELm
P.O. BOX 07280·DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207·1-800-782-4356
260
Service
Manual:
This manual covers maintenance and recommended
procedures for repair to engine and chassis components.
It
is written for the Journeyman mechanic, but is simple
enough for most mechanically-inclined owners to under-
stand.
Electrical
Troubleshooting
Manual:
This
manual complements the Service Manual by
providing in-depth troubleshooting information for each
electrical circuit
in
your car.
Body
Repair
Manual:
This
manual describes the procedures involved in the
replacement of damaged body parts.
Main Menu
Table of Contents
A
Accessories
Installation .................................. 122
Accessory
Power Socket ................
81
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
Position) ........................................
61
Adding
Brake
Fluid ................................. 170
Clutch Fluid ................................
171
Engine Coolant.. ......................... 161
Engine
Oil ................................... 157
Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 168
Windshield
Washer
Fluid ......... 167
Additional Information About
Your
Seat
Belts ........................
33
Lap/Shoulder
Belt.. .....................
33
Seat Belt Maintenance ................ 34
Seat Belt System Components
...
33
Additional Information About
Your SRS ...................................
37
Additional Safety Precautions .... 38
How
the
Automatic Seat Belt
Tensioners
Work
.....................
37
How Your Airbags
Work
............
35
How
the
SRS Indicator
Works
........................................ 37
SRS Components ......................... 35
Additives, Engine Oil... .................. 158
Adjustments
Mirrors ..........................................
79
Seats ..............................................
68
Airbag (SRS) ...................................... 9
Air Cleaner Element.. ....................
l72
Air Conditioning ............................... 86
Maintenance ............................... 182
Usage ............................................. 86
Air Outlets (Vents) .......................... 88
Air Pressure,
Tires
........................ 185
Alarm, Anti-theft.. .......................... 113
Alcohol in Gasoline ........................ 248
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning ........
206-
Antifreeze ....................................... 161
Anti-lock
Brakes
(ABS)
Indicator Light ..................... 45, 138
Operation .................................... 136
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock
..
60
Anti-theft System ........................... 113
Appearance Care ...........................
203
Audio Panel. ......................................
82
Audio System ................................... 94
Index
Automatic Car
Washes
................. 204
Automatic Speed Control.. ..............
55
IB
Back-up Lamp Replacement.. ....... 198
Battery
Charging System
Indicator.. .......................... 44, 227
Jump
Starting ............................. 220
Maintenance ............................... 177
Specifications ............................. 245
Before Driving ............................... 115
Belts, Seat ........................................... 8
Beverage Holder ..............................
81
Body Repair .................................... 210
Brakes
............................................. 136
Anti-lock System (ABS) ............ 137
Break-in, New Linings .............. 116
Fluid ............................................
170
Light, Burned-out ...................... 198
Parking .......................................... 80
System Indicator ..........................
44
Wear
Indicators, Disc ............... 136
CONTINUED
Main Menu
Index
Brakes,ABS Certification Label ......................... 242
Vinyl ............................................
207
Operation
....................................
137
Chains .............................................
191
Windows ..................................... 208
System
Indicator ..................
44,
139 Change
Oil
Climate Control System ..................
86
Braking System .............................. 136
Howto
.........................................
159
Clutch Fluid ....................................
171
Break-in, New Car ......................... 116 When to ....................................... 146
CO
in the Exhaust ......................... 250
Brightness Control, Instruments
...
52
Changing a Flat
Tire
.....................
213
Cold Weather, Starting in .............
132
Brights, Headlights .........................
51
Changing Engine Coolant.. ...........
163
Compact Spare
Tire
.......................
212
Bulb Replacement... .......................
192
Charging System Indicator
....
44,
227
Controls, Instruments and ..............
41
Back-up Lights ........................... 198 Check Engine Light ................
45,
228
Covertible Top .................................
71
Brake Lights ............................... 198
Checking
Closing
the
Convertible Top ...... 7 4
Headlights ..................................
195
Battery Condition ......................
177
Convertible Top Cover. ...............
76
License Plate Lights .................. 200 Brake Fluid ................................. 170 Maintenance .................................
77
Parking Lights ...........................
196
Clutch Fluid ................................
171
Opening
the
Covertible Top .......
71
Side Marker Lights ................... 198
Drive Belt.. ..................................
184
Coolant
Specifications .............................
245
Engine Coolant.. ......................... 120 Adding .........................................
161
Turn
Signal Lights ..................... 196 Engine Oil.. .................................
119
Checking .....................................
120
Bulbs, Halogen ...............................
194
Fuses ...........................................
232
Proper Solution ..........................
161
Manual Transmission Fluid .....
168
Temperature Gauge ....................
47
c
Checklist, Before Driving .............
115
Corrosion Protection .....................
208
Cleaner, Air ....................................
172
Crankcase Emission Control
Cables, Jump Starting With ..........
220
Cleaning ..........................................
203
System ......................................... 250
Capacities Chart. ............................ 244
Aluminum Wheels .....................
206 Cruise Control Operation ...............
55
Carbon Monoxide Hazard ..............
39
Exterior ....................................... 204
Customer Relations
Cargo, Carrying .............................
124
Interior ........................................
207
Information ................................. 254
CAUTION, Explanation of ...............
ii
Leather ........................................
207
CD
Changer. ...................................
107
Seat Belts ....................................
207
II
Main Menu
Index
D
In Bad Weather. .........................
140
Malfunction Indicator
In Foreign Countries .................
249
Lamp .................................
45,
228
DANGER, Explanation of.. ...............
ii
Oil
Pressure Indicator .........
44,
226
Dashboard ........................................
42
E
Oil,
What
Kind to Use ...............
157
Daytime Running Lights .................
52
Overheating ................................
223
Dead Battery,
What
to Do ............ 220 Economy, Fuel ...............................
121
Specifications ............................. 244
Defects, Reporting
Safety ............. 258 Emergencies on the Road .............
211
Engine Cover, Opening
the
.......... 118
Defrosting
the
Windows .................
91
Battery, Jump Starting .............. 220
Ethanol in Gasoline ....................... 248
Dimensions ..................................... 244
Changing a Flat Tire .................
213
Evaporative Emission Controls
....
250
Dimming
the
Headlights ................
51
Charging System Indicator ......
227
Exhaust Fumes ................................
39
Dipstick Checking
the
Fuses ...................
232
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Engine Oil.. ................................. 119 Closing
the
Convertible Top
....
230
Belts by .........................................
17
Directional Signals ...........................
53
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ...... 226
Exterior, Cleaning
the
................... 204
Disabled, Towing Your Car
If
......
238 Malfunction Indicator Lamp
....
228
Disc Brake
Wear
Indicators .........
136
Overheated Engine ...................
223
F
Disposal of Used Oil.. ....................
160
Emergency Brake ............................
80
Do Not Tow a Trailer ....................
141
Emergency Flashers .......................
79
Fabric, Cleaning .............................
207
Doors
Emission Controls .........................
250
Fan, Interior ......................................
86
Locking and Unlocking ...............
62
Engine Features, Comfort and
Monitor Light.. .............................
45
Check Engine Light ............
45,
228
Convenience .................................
85
Power Door Locks .......................
62
Compartment, Checking Filling the Fuel
Tank
.....................
117
DOT
Tire
Quality Grading ........... 246
in
the
.......................................
118
Downshifting, 6-speed Manual Coolant ........................................
120
Transmission ..............................
134
Coolant Temperature Gauge
.....
4 7
Driving ............................................
129
Drive Belt. ...................................
184
Economy .....................................
121
CONTINUED
Ill
Main Menu
Index
Filters
Oil
................................................
159
Flashers, Hazard Warning ..............
79
Flat Tire, Changing a ....................
213
Fluids
Brake ...........................................
170
Clutch
..........................................
171
Manual Transmission ...............
168
Windshield Washer ...................
167
FM
Stereo Radio Reception ......... 100
Foreign Countries, Driving in ......
249
Four-way Flashers ...........................
79
Front End, Towing by Emergency
W reeker ......................................
238
Fuel .................................................. 116
Fill Door and
Cap .......................
117
Gauge ............................................
48
Octane Requirement.. ............... 116
Oxygenated ................................ 248
Reserve Indicator .........................
46
Tank, Filling
the
.........................
117
Fuel Mileage, Improving ...............
121
Fuel Station Procedures ...............
117
Fuses, Checking the ......................
232
IV
G
Gasohol ...........................................
248
Gasoline .......................................... 116
Fuel Reserve Indicator. ...............
46
Gauge ............................................
48
Octane Requirement .................
116
Oxygenated Fuels ...................... 248
Tank, Filling the .........................
117
Gauges ..............................................
47
Engine Coolant Temperature
....
47
Fuel ................................................
48
Gearshift Lever Positions
6-speed Manual
Transmission ..........................
133
Glass Cleaning ...............................
208
IH
Halogen Headlight Bulbs ..............
194
Hazard Warning Flashers ...............
79
Headlights
Daytime Running Lights .............
52
High Beam Indicator ...................
46
High Beams, Turning on ............
51
Low Beams, Turning on .............
51
Reminder
Tone
............................
51
Replacing Halogen Bulbs .........
195
Turning on ....................................
51
Heating and Cooling System ..........
86
High Altitude, Starting at.. ............
132
High-Low Beam Switch ..................
51
High Speed, Shifting at .................
134
Hood Latch .....................................
17
4
Hood, Opening
the
........................
118
Hot Coolant, Warning about ........
161
Hydraulic Clutch ............................
171
Hydroplaning ..................................
141
I
Identification Number,
Vehicle ........................................
242
If
Your Car
has
to be Towed ........ 238
Ignition
Keys ...............................................
58
Switch ............................................
60
Timing Control System .............
251
Indicator Lights, Instrument
Panel ..............................................
43
Inflation, Proper
Tire
....................
185
Inside Mirror ....................................
79
Main Menu
Index
Inspection, Tire ..............................
187
Indicator ........................................
43
Meters, Gauges ................................ 4 7
Instrument
Panel .............................
42
Parking ........................................
198
Methanol in Gasoline ....................
248
Instrument Panel Brightness .........
52
Turn
Signal.. ............................... 196 Mirrors, Adjusting ...........................
79
Interior Cleaning ............................
207
Loading Cargo ................................
124
Interior Lights ..................................
83
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) .......
60
N
Introduction ......................................... i Locks
Anti-theft Steering
Column ........
60
New Vehicle Break-in ................... 116
J
Fuel Fill Door .............................
117
Normal Shift Speeds ......................
134
Power Door ..................................
62
NOTICE, Explanation of ...................
ii
Jacking
Up
the Car ........................ 213
Trunk
............................................
66
Numbers, Identification ................
242
Jack, Tire ........................................ 213
Low
Coolant Level.. ....................... 120
Jump Starting .................................
220
Lower Gear, Downshifting to a
....
134
0
Low Fuel Indicator ..........................
46
IK
Low
Oil
Pressure Indicator
....
44,
226 Octane Requirement, Gasoline
....
116
Lubricant Specifications
Chart
....
244
Odometer ..........................................
48
Keys ...................................................
58
Luggage .......................................... 124
Odometer, Trip ................................
48
Oil
L
IM
Change, How to .........................
159
Change, When to ....................... 146
Label,
Certification ........................ 242
Maintenance ...................................
143
Checking Engine .......................
119
Lane Change, Signaling ..................
53
Owner Maintenance Checks
....
155
Pressure Indicator ...............
44,
226
Lap/Shoulder Belts .........................
33
Record .........................................
153
Selecting Proper Viscosity
Leaking of Exhaust into
Car ..........
39
Schedule .....................................
146
Chart .......................................
157
Leather, Cleaning ..........................
207
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
..
45,
228
ON (Ignition Key Position) ............
61
Lights
Manual Transmission ....................
133
Bulb Replacement .....................
194
Manual Transmission Fluid ......... 168 CONTINUED
v
Main Menu
Index
Opening
the
Hood .........................
118
Protecting Small Children ..........
26
Replacing Seat Belts After a
Opening the
Trunk
..........................
66
Crash ............................................. 34
Operation in Foreign Countries
...
249
R
Restraint, Child ................................
19
Outside Mirrors ...............................
79
Rotation, Tire .................................
188
Overheating, Engine .....................
223
Radiator Overheating ....................
223
Oxygenated Fuels .......................... 248 Radio Sound System ........................
94
s
Rear End Towing ...........................
238
p
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement
...
198
Safety Belts ......................................... 8
Rear
View Mirror .............................
79
Safety Defects, Reporting ............. 258
Paint Touch-up ............................... 206
Reclining
the
Seat-backs .................
68
Safety Labels, Location of ..............
40
Panel Brightness Control ...............
52
Recommended Shift Speeds ........
134
Safety Messages ................................
ii
Parking Brake ..................................
80
Recovery Vehicle, Emergency Seat Belt, Additional Information
..
33
Parking Lights ..................................
51
Towing ........................................
238
Lap/Shoulder Belt .......................
33
PGM-FI System ..............................
251
Reminder Lights ..............................
43
Seat Belt Maintenance ................ 34
Polishing and Waxing ...................
205 Remote Transmitter ........................
63
Seat Belt System Components
...
33
Power Replacement Information Seat Belts ............................................ 8
Door Locks ...................................
62
Air Cleaner .................................
172
Cleaning ...................................... 207
Engine, Specifications ............... 244
Engine Coolant.. .........................
163
Maintenance .................................
34
Mirrors ..........................................
79
Engine
Oil
and Filter .................
159
Reminder Light and Beeper .......
44
Windows .......................................
69
Fuses ...........................................
232
System Components ....................
33
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts ..........
17
Light Bulbs .................................
194
Use During Pregnancy ................
17
Protecting Adults .............................
12
Schedule ..................................... 146 Seats, Adjusting
the
.........................
68
Additional Safety Precautions
....
18
Spark Plugs .................................
17
4
Serial Number ................................
242
Advice for Pregnant Women ......
17
Tires ............................................
189
Service Intervals ............................ 146
Protecting Children .........................
19
Wiper Blades ..............................
180
Service Manual .............................. 259
Protecting Larger Children ........
29
Service Station Procedures ..........
117
VI
Main Menu
Shifting
The
6-speed Manual
Transmission ..........................
133
Side Marker Lights, Bulb
Replacement in .......................... 198
Signaling
Turns
................................
53
6-speed Manual Transmission
Checking Fluid Level ................
168
Shifting
the
................................. 134
Snow Tires ......................................
191
Solvent-type Cleaners .................... 204
Sound System ...................................
94
Spare Tire
Inflating .......................................
212
Specifications .............................
245
Spark Plugs, Replacing .................
17
4
Specifications Charts ..................... 244
Speed Control... ................................
55
Speedometer .................................... 4 7
SRS,
Additional Information ...........
35
Additional Safety Precautions
....
38
How
the
Automatic Seat Belt
Tensioners
Work
.....................
37
How
the
SRS Indicator
Works ........................................
37
How Your Air bags
Work
............
35
SRS
Components .........................
35
SRS
Service ...................................
38
SRS
Indicator Light ...................
37,
45
START (Ignition Key Position)
.....
61
Starting
the
Engine ........................
131
In Cold
Weather
at High
Altitude ...................................
132
With a Dead Battery .................
220
Steam Coming from Engine .........
223
Steering Wheel
Anti-theft Column Lock ..............
60
Stereo Sound System ......................
94
Storing Your Car ............................
202
Stuck Car ........................................ 236
Supplemental Restraint
System
Servicing
.......................................
38
SRS
Indicator ..........................
37,
45
Tensioners, Seat Belts ................
37
T
Tachometer ...................................... 4 7
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in ....... 198
Taking Care of
the
Unexpected
..
211
Technical Descriptions
Emission Control
Systems ........ 250
Index
Three
Way Catalytic
Converter ................................
252
Temperature Gauge ........................ 4 7
Tensioners,
Seat Belts ....................
37
Three
Way Catalytic Converter
...
251
Tire Chains .....................................
191
Tire, How to Change a Flat ..........
213
Tires ................................................
185
Air Pressure ...............................
185
Balancing ....................................
188
Checking
Wear
..........................
188
Compact Spare Tire ..................
212
DOT Tire Quality Grading ....... 246
Inflation .......................................
185
Inspection ...................................
187
Replacing ....................................
189
Rotating .......................................
188
Snow ............................................
191
Specifications ............................. 245
Technical Information ..............
241
Tools,
Tire
Changing ....................
213
CONTINUED
VII
Main Menu
Index
Towing Used
Oil,
How to Dispose of ........ 160 Wheels ............................................ 190
A Trailer, Do Not.. .....................
141
Alignment and Balance ............. 188
Emergency Wrecker ................. 238
v
Cleaning Aluminum Alloys ....... 206
Trailer, Do Not Tow a ...................
141
Wrench .......................................
213
Transmission Vehicle Dimensions ....................... 244 Windows
Checking Fluid Level, 6-speed
Vehicle Identification Number .....
242
Cleaning ...................................... 208
Manual Transmission ...........
168
Vehicle Storage ..............................
202
Operating
the
Power ...................
69
Fluid Selection ............................
168
Ventilation .........................................
88
Windshield
Identification Number.. .............
242
VIN ..................................................
242
Cleaning ...................................... 208
Shifting
the
6-speed Manual Vinyl Cleaning ................................ 207 Defroster ......................................
91
Transmission ..........................
133
Viscosity, Oil... ................................
158
Wipers, Windshield
Treadwear ...................................... 246
Trip Meter ........................................
48
lw
Changing Blades ........................ 180
Operation ......................................
53
Trunk
.................................................
66
Worn Tires .....................................
187
Opening
the
..................................
66
Warning Beepers Wrecker, Emergency Towing ...... 238
Open Monitor Light ....................
45
Headlights on ...............................
51
Turn
Signals .....................................
53
Key in Ignition ..............................
61
Seat Belts ......................................
44
u
WARNING, Explanation of ..............
ii
Warning Labels, Location of ..........
40
Underside, Cleaning ......................
208
Warranty Coverages .....................
257
Unexpected, Taking Care Washer, Windshield
of the ...........................................
211
Checking
the
Fluid Level .........
167
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
.....
276 Operation ......................................
54
Unleaded Gasoline ......................... 116 Washing ....... : ..................................
204
Upholstery Cleaning ...................... 207 Waxing and Polishing ...................
205
VIII
Main Menu
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Main Menu
Service Information Summary
Gasoline:
Premium unleaded gasoline,
pump
octane
number
of
91
or
higher.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
13.2 US gal
(50~,
11.0
Imp
gal)
Recommended Engine Oil:
API
Service
SJ
"Energy
Conserving"
oil, SAE 1 OW-30
viscosity (see page 154
).
Oil change capacity (including
filter):
5.1
US
qt
(4.8
fJ
, 4.2
Imp
qt)
6-speed
Manual
Transmission
Fluid:
Honda Manual Transmission
Fluid preferred,
or
an API service
SG,
SH
or
SJ, SAE 1 OW-30
or
10W-40
motor
oil as a
temporary
replacement (see page 163
).
Capacity:
1.6 US
qt
(1.5 Q, 1.3
Imp
qt)
Brake
Fluid:
Genuine Honda DOT 3 Brake Fluid
preferred,
or
a DOT 3
or
DOT 4
brake
fluid
as
a
temporary
replacement (see page 165
).
Tire Pressure (measured cold):
Front:
32 psi (220
kPa
, 2.2 kgf/cm
2
)
Rear:
32 psi (220
kPa
, 2.2 kgf/cm
2
)
Spare Tire Pressure:
Front:
60 psi (420
kPa
, 4.2 kgf/cm
2
)
Main Menu
