Honda 1996 Civic Del Sol, Owner'S Manual

Page 1: ...to load luggage and other cargo Driving 99 The proper way to start the engine shift the transmission and park plus towing a trailer Maintenance 115 The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer Appearance Care 167 Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs Taking Care of the Unexpected 173 This secti...

Page 2: ...an refer to it at any time Several warranties protect your new Honda Read the warranty booklet thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities Maintaining your vehicle according to the schedules given in this manual helps to keep your driving trouble free while it preserves your investment When your vehicle needs maintenance keep in mind that your Honda...

Page 3: ...important symbol Your Honda or other property can be damaged if you don t follow instruc tions The purpose of these messages is to help prevent damage to your vehicle other property or the environment NOTICE Main Menu You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms including on the vehicle preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words or such as Important Sa...

Page 4: ...10 Important Facts About Airbags 11 How the Driver s Airbag Works 12 How the Passenger s Airbag Works 13 How the SRS Indicator Light Works 14 System Service 14 System Service Precautions 15 Additional Safety Information 16 Seat back Position 16 Door Locks 16 Storing Cargo Safely 17 Driving with Pets 17 Child Safety 18 Where Should Children Sit 18 Important Safety Reminders 19 General Guidelines fo...

Page 5: ...occupant safety For example reclining the seat back can decrease the effec tiveness of your seat belt Head restraints can help protect your neck and head especially during rear end impacts Door locks help keep your doors from being accidentally opened during a crash To get the maximum protection from your occupant protection system check the following before you drive away Everyone in the car is w...

Page 6: ... children Children must be properly restrained in child safety seats see page 18 A pregnant woman needs to wear a seat belt to protect herself and her unborn child see page 9 Two people should never use the same seat belt If they do they could be very seriously injured in a crash Do not place the shoulder portion of a lap shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back This could increase the cha...

Page 7: ...your chest and across your hips Each lap shoulder belt has 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 lap shoulder belt retractor in the passenger seating position has an additional locking mechanis...

Page 8: ... allowing you to maintain full control of the vehicle Make sure the seat back is upright see page 16 The passenger should move the seat as far back as possible 1 Pull the latch plate across your body and insert it into the buckle Tug on the belt to make sure the latch is securely locked CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Not wearing seat belts properly increases the chance of serious injury or ...

Page 9: ...rce of a crash 4 Pull up on the shoulder part of the belt to remove any slack Make sure the belt goes over your collarbone and across your chest To unlatch the seat belt push the red PRESS button on the buckle Guide the belt across your body to the door pillar After you exit the vehicle make sure the seat belt is out of the way and will not get closed in the door Driver and Passenger Safety Main M...

Page 10: ...to drive and how you should position a lap shoulder seat belt Seat Belt Maintenance For safety you should check the condition of your seat belts regularly Pull out each belt fully and look for frays cuts burns and wear Check that the latches work smoothly and the lap shoulder belts retract easily Any belt not in good condition or not working properly should be replaced If a seat belt is worn durin...

Page 11: ...p power in case your car s electrical system is disconnected in a crash What Happens In a Crash If you ever have a severe frontal collision the sensors will detect rapid deceleration and signal the control unit to instantly inflate the airbags During a crash your seat belts will help to restrain your lower body and torso The airbags will provide a cushion to absorb crash energy and help keep the h...

Page 12: ...y once They cannot protect you during any additional impacts that can occur during a crash sequence Injuries including fatal injuries can occur in a severe collision even if seat belts are worn properly and the airbags inflate No safety system can provide complete protection in a severe crash Just from viewing the vehicle damage after a crash it is very difficult to accurately determine if the air...

Page 13: ...asions or other injuries To reduce the possibility of injury you should always sit back as far from the steering wheel as is practical while still maintaining full vehicle control After the bag completely inflates it immediately starts deflating so it won t interfere with your visibility ability to steer or ability to operate other controls The total time for inflation and deflation takes a fracti...

Page 14: ...ously hurt a passenger who is not in the proper position and wearing the seat belt properly The passenger should move the seat as far back as practical and sit well back in the seat We strongly recommend that you do not put an infant seat in the passenger s seat If the airbag inflates it can hit the infant seat with great force The infant seat can be dislodged or struck with enough force to cause ...

Page 15: ...s the airbag may not work when needed in an accident Take the car to your dealer promptly for diagnosis and service System Service Your supplemental restraint system is virtually maintenance free There are no parts you can safely service You must have the system serviced by an authorized Honda dealer If your airbags ever inflate the airbags and control unit must be replaced Do not try to remove or...

Page 16: ...ur car that you have a supplemental restraint system Failure to follow the procedures and precautions in the official Honda service manual could result in personal injury or damage to the system Scrapping an entire car that has uninflated airbags can be dangerous Get assistance from a Honda dealer if your car must be scrapped If you sell your car please be sure to tell the new owner that the car h...

Page 17: ...ion from the seat belts If you recline a seat back you reduce the protective capability of your seat belt The farther a seat back is reclined the greater the risk that you will slide under the belt in a severe crash and be very seriously injured For information on how to adjust the seat back see page 50 Door Locks It is not safe to leave your car doors unlocked A passenger especially a child could...

Page 18: ... ability to drive the car In a crash or sudden stop loose pets or cages can be thrown around inside the car and hurt you It is also for their safety that pets should be properly restrained in your car The recommended way to restrain a medium sized or larger dog is with a special traveling harness This harness can be secured to the seat with a seat belt Travel harnesses are available at pet stores ...

Page 19: ...p shoulder belt be sure to follow the instructions on page 22 The vehicle seat should be moved as far back as possible If the passenger s bag inflates it could seriously hurt a toddler who is not in the proper position or properly restrained We also recommend that a child who has outgrown a toddler seat be protected by properly wearing the lap shoulder belt see page 7 You should move the seat as f...

Page 20: ...approved child seat The seat must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 FMVSS 213 or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Look for the manufac turer s statement of compliance on the box and seat Use a seat of the right size Make sure the seat fits your child Check the seat manufacturer s instructions and labels for height and weight limits Secure the child seat to the car All approved ...

Page 21: ...rive with an infant Restraining a Child Who Weighs Between 9 and 18 kg 20 and 40 Ibs Toddler seats are designed for children who weigh between 9 and 18 kg 20 and 40 Ibs We recommend that you secure your child s toddler seat in the passenger s seat with the car s lap shoulder belt Make sure the toddler seat is held securely by the locking mechanism of the lap shoulder belt see page 22 Move the pass...

Page 22: ... your child and check its fit The shoulder belt should fit over the collarbone and across the chest The lap belt should sit low on your child s hips not across the stomach If the shoulder belt crosses the neck you should use a booster seat Several styles of booster seats are available We recommend a design that allows the child to use the car s lap shoulder belt Whichever style you select follow t...

Page 23: ... pull the shoulder portion of the belt out of the retractor until it stops 4 Allow the belt to slowly feed back into the retractor You should hear a clicking noise that indicates the locking mechanism has engaged 5 After the belt has retracted fully pull up on the shoulder portion to remove any slack 6 Push and pull on the child seat to verify that it is held firmly in place If not unlatch the sea...

Page 24: ...lat tipped screw driver or fingernail file 3 Install the tether hardware that came with the child seat Tighten to 22 N m 2 2 kgf m 16lbf ft Make sure to route the tether through the space between the head restraint and seat If you are not sure how to install the bracket have it installed by your Honda dealer If you need an anchor plate and mounting hardware you can obtain them by writing to Americ...

Page 25: ...bottom of the bolt The supplied anchor plate is designed only for mounting a child restraint Do not use it for any other purpose Storing a Child Seat When you are not using a child restraint either remove it or make sure it is properly secured so it cannot be thrown around the car during a crash Driver and Passenger Safety TOOTHED WASHER Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 26: ... are going to be drinking make plans to ride with a friend who will not be drinking What if you find that you ve been drinking and cannot get a ride from a friend Find alternative transpor tation Call a taxi Take a bus Many communities have transportation services devoted to shuttling people who have been drinking If you have no choice but to drive stop drinking and give yourself lots of time to s...

Page 27: ...gh to move the car out of the garage With the trunk lid open air flow can pull exhaust gas into your car 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 follows 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 S...

Page 28: ... of potential hazards that could cause serious injury Read these labels carefully and don t remove them If a label comes off or becomes hard to read contact your Honda dealer for a replacement Driver and Passenger Safety RADIATOR CAP BATTERY Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 29: ...d Wipers 40 Windshield Washers 40 Hazard Warning 41 Rear Window Defogger 41 Steering Wheel Adjustment 42 Steering Wheel Controls 43 Cruise Control 43 Keys and Locks 45 Keys 45 Ignition Switch 46 Door Locks 47 Power Door Locks 48 Trunk 48 Rear Locking Compartment 50 Seat Adjustments 50 Power Windows 51 Removable Roof Panel 53 Removing and Storing 54 Installing 55 Protecting Against Leaks 57 Roof Ho...

Page 30: ... DIGITAL CLOCK P 62 DOOR LOCK SWITCH P 48 MIRROR CONTROLS P 60 HEATING COOLING CONTROLS P 68 AUDIO SYSTEM P 76 HOOD RELEASE HANDLE P 93 TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE P 49 FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE P 92 POWER WINDOW SWITCHES P 51 Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 31: ... develops a prob lem Have the dealer check your car for burned out bulbs or other problems Differences in the indicators for Canadian models are noted in the text Instruments and Controls ROOF AND TRUNK MONITOR PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM INDICATOR HIGH BEAM INDICATOR SEAT BELT REMINDER LIGHT CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR LOW OIL PRES...

Page 32: ...ed For complete information see page 187 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 186 Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator This light has two functions 1 It lights as a reminder that you have set the parking brake Driving with the parking brake set can damage the brakes and tires...

Page 33: ...cator Roof Unlatched Indicator This indicator lights when you turn the ignition ON II if the roof panel is not fastened securely Check both release levers to make sure they are locked See page 57 Trunk Open Indicator This indicator lights when you turn the ignition ON II if the trunk is not closed completely See page 48 Rear Window Indicator This indicator lights with the ignition ON II when the r...

Page 34: ...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 162 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 High Beam Indicator Th...

Page 35: ...dle in the red zone Odometer The odometer shows the total dis tance your car has been driven It measures miles in U S models and kilometers in Canadian models It is illegal under federal law in the U S and provincial regulations in Canada to disconnect reset or alter the odometer with the intent to change the number of miles or kilometers indicated Trip Meter This meter shows the number of miles U...

Page 36: ...nition back ON II Temperature Gauge This shows the temperature of the engine s coolant During normal operation the pointer should rise from the bottom white mark to about the middle of the gauge In severe driving conditions such as very hot weather or a long period of uphill driving the pointer may rise to the upper white mark If it reaches the red H Hot mark pull safely to the side of the road Tu...

Page 37: ...e right edge of the dash above the instrument panel On the U S Si and VTEC models There is cruise control switch on the left edge The instrument panel brightness control is on the instrument panel between the tachometer and the clock The lever on the underside of the steering column allows you to tilt the steering wheel Instruments and Controls CRUISE CONTROL REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER HAZARD WARNING LI...

Page 38: ...l lever until you hear a click then let go The blue high beam indicator will light see page 34 To flash the high beams pull back and hold the turn signal lever Release the lever and the high beams will go off The high beams will stay on for as long as you hold the lever no matter what position the headlight switch is in Daytime Running Lights Canadian Models With the headlight switch off the high ...

Page 39: ...gnal 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 To signal a lane change push lightly on the turn signal lever in the proper direction and hold it The lever will return to the center position as soon as you release it Instruments and Controls IN...

Page 40: ...continu ously To operate the wipers in mist mode push the control lever down 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 On Canadian models The wipers run at low speed while you re pulling the lever then comple...

Page 41: ...gger will clear fog frost and thin ice from the window Push the defogger button to turn it on and off The light in the button lights to show the defogger is on If you do not turn it off the defogger will shut itself off after about 25 minutes It also shuts off when you turn off the ignition You have to turn it on again when you restart the car Make sure the rear window is clear and you have good v...

Page 42: ...ng wheel up or down to the desired position Position the wheel so you can see all the instrument panel gauges and warning lights Push the lever up to lock the steering wheel in that position 4 Make sure you have securely locked the steering wheel in place by trying to move it up and down Instruments and Controls Adjusting the steering wheel position while driving may cause you to lose control of t...

Page 43: ... those conditions The cruise control as it operates mores the accelerator pedal You can damage your car s accelerator mechanism by resting your foot under the pedal and blocking the movement Using the Cruise Control 1 Push in the Cruise Control Master Switch The indicator in the switch will light 2 Accelerate to the desired cruising speed above 25 mph 40 km h CONTINUED Instruments and Controls Imp...

Page 44: ...decrease the set cruising speed in either of two ways Press and hold the SET decel button The car will decelerate Release the button when you reach the desired speed 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 decel button The car will then maintain the desired speed Even wit...

Page 45: ...o above 25 mph 40 km h and press the RESUME accel button until the CRUISE CONTROL light comes on The car will accelerate to the same cruising speed as before If you cancel cruise control by pressing the SET and RESUME buttons at the same time the previously set cruising speed is erased To use the cruise control accelerate to the desired cruising speed and press the SET decel button Pressing the Cr...

Page 46: ...mn It has four positions LOCK 0 ACCES SORY I ON II and START III LOCK 0 You can insert or remove the key only in this position When you turn the key from LOCK to ACCESSORY you may have to turn the steering wheel to release the anti theft lock To switch from ACCESSORY to LOCK you must push the key in slightly as you turn it If your car has an automatic trans mission it must also be in Park The anti...

Page 47: ... go of the key You will hear a reminder beeper if you open the driver s door with the key in the LOCK or ACCESSORY position Remove the key to turn it off Door Locks Each door has a lock tab next to the inside door handle Push the tab in to lock the door and pull it out to unlock 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 do...

Page 48: ...iver s door from the outside with the key Only the driver s door unlocks when you use the key or lock tab To unlock the passenger s door use the master door lock switch or pull out the lock tab on the passenger s door Trunk Open the trunk by putting the master key in the lock and turning it clockwise Keep the trunk closed at all times while driving to avoid damaging the trunk and getting exhaust g...

Page 49: ...g and weight limit information You can also open the trunk by pulling the trunk release handle to the left of the driver s seat To protect items in the trunk when you need to give the key to someone else lock the trunk release handle with the master key and give the other person the valet key Instruments and Controls MASTER KEY TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE ROOF HOLDER Keys and Locks Main Menu Table of Con...

Page 50: ...u 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 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 sea...

Page 51: ... it To open the passenger s window or rear window from the master control panel push down on the appropriate switch and hold it down until the window reaches the desired position To close the window push up on the window switch Release the switch when the window gets to the position you want CONTINUED Instruments and Controls Reclining the seat back can decrease the protection you get from your se...

Page 52: ...iver s window To raise the window you must push the window switch up and hold it until the window reaches the desired position The MAIN switch controls power to the passenger s and rear windows With this switch off the passenger s and rear windows cannot be raised or lowered The MAIN switch does not affect the driver s window Keep the MAIN switch off when you have children in the car so they do no...

Page 53: ...before you remove it so dirt and water do not fall in the interior and trunk Make sure any items you store in the trunk will not tumble around and damage the roof panel One person should be able to remove and install the roof panel Although the panel is not very heavy you may find it awkward to handle because of its size If so get someone to assist you so you do not damage the panel Instruments an...

Page 54: ...e Unlock the roof locks by pivoting them forward LOCK TAB RELEASE LEVER 4 Release each side of the roof by pushing the lock tab sideways and pulling down the release lever Carefully lift the roof straight up with the front facing forward Always store the removed roof in the holder Never set the roof down where it could get damaged Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 55: ... back of the car Installing 1 Open both windows or doors 2 Turn off the engine and set the parking brake 3 Open the trunk 4 Release the roof from the holder by pushing the tabs and pivoting the lock levers forward Instruments and Controls TAB LOCK LEVER CONTINUED Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 56: ...the car Make sure all four corners are sitting flush with the car body Move the roof from side to side to position the seals 7 Check the fit of the seals at the back of the roof If the end of either roof seal is sitting on top of the body seal reposition the body seal Instruments and Controls Pull this edge out so it fits flush Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 57: ... tab clicks forward Pull on the levers to make sure they are locked Protecting Against Leaks Do not push or pull on the door glass or side window when you are opening or closing the door Do not lean or sit on an open door CONTINUED Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 58: ...not bounce around and damage the roof while driving A high pressure water stream can distort the roof seals and cause them to leak Do not spray a high pressure stream from a hose directly at the roof seals Avoid automatic car washes that use only high pressure spray for cleaning Instruments and Controls High Pressure Water BRUSHLESS CAR WASH Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 59: ...lder push down on it until it locks Make sure it is locked so it will not rattle or damage the trunk lid Roof Unlatched Indicator This indicator lights when you turn the ignition ON II if the roof panel is not fastened securely Check both release levers to make sure they are locked Instruments and Controls ROOF UNLATCHED INDICATOR Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 60: ...and VTEC models Adjust the outside mirrors with the adjustment switch on the driver s door 1 Turn the ignition switch ON II 2 Move the selector switch to L driver s side or R passenger s side 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 ...

Page 61: ... go out when the parking brake is fully released see page 32 If you try to drive the car without releasing the parking brake the ABS cannot work properly Driving the car with the parking brake applied can damage the rear brakes and axles Glove Box Open the glove box by pushing the knob Close it with a firm push CONTINUED Instruments and Controls GLOVE BOX PARKING BRAKE LEVER NOTICE Main Menu Table...

Page 62: ... time to the nearest hour If the displayed time is before the half hour pressing the R button sets the clock back to the previous hour If the displayed time is after the half hour pressing the R button sets the clock forward to the beginning of the next hour For example 1 06 would RESET to 1 00 1 52 would RESET to 2 00 Instruments and Controls An open glove box can cause serious injury to your pas...

Page 63: ...partment Pull the beverage holder out while pushing the locking tab Use the beverage holder only when the car is parked If you place cups in the holder while driving the liquid may spill when you go over bumps or around corners 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...

Page 64: ... lid The ignition switch must be in ACCES SORY I or ON II for the cigarette lighter to work To heat up the lighter push it in It will pop out when it is ready for use Do not hold the lighter in while it is heating up you could cause it to overheat Ashtray Open the ashtray by lifting the lid up To remove it for emptying open the lid then pull it straight out of the holder To reinstall the ashtray p...

Page 65: ...her things that can burn in the ashtray Interior Light The interior light has a three position switch In the OFF 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 Instruments and Controls NOTICE DOOR ACTIVATED ON OFF Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 66: ... the operating instructions that came with it Some models have an anti theft audio system that requires a code number to enable it Heating and Cooling 68 What Each Control Does 68 How to Use the System 70 To Turn Everything Off 75 Audio System 76 Operating the Radio 76 Adjusting the Sound 78 Radio Frequencies 79 Radio Reception 79 Operating the Cassette Player 81 Caring for the Cassette Player 83 ...

Page 67: ...d which increases air flow Temperature Control Lever Sliding this lever to the right increases the temperature of the air flow Air Conditioning A C Button Optional This button turns the air condi tioning ON and OFF The indicator in the button lights when the A C is on Recirculation Button This button controls the source of the air going into the system When the indicator in this button is lit air ...

Page 68: ...he dashboard Air flow is divided between the vents in the dashboard and the floor vents Air flows from the floor vents Air flow is divided between the floor vents and the defroster vents at the base of the windshield Air flows from the defroster vents at the base of the windshield Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 69: ...imately 45 clockwise 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 ai...

Page 70: ...ating 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 near the rear window 1 Slide the temperature control lever all the way to the left Make sure the A C is off 2 Select and Fresh Air mode 3 Set the fan to the desir...

Page 71: ...rol lever is all the way to the left 3 Set the fan to maximum speed 4 Open the windows partially Select and Recirculation mode 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 36 when driving in stop and go...

Page 72: ...r conditioning 3 Select and Fresh Air mode 4 Adjust the temperature control lever 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 To Defog and Defrost To remove fog from the inside of the windows 1 Switch the fan on 2 Turn on the air conditioning optional 3 Select Fresh Air mode and 4 A...

Page 73: ...he 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 Comfort and Convenience Features MODE BUTTONS RECIRCULATION BUTTON FAN CONTROL DIAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL LEVER AIR CONDITIONING BUTTON Main Menu Table of Conten...

Page 74: ...ster vents For safety make sure you have a clear view through all the windows before driving away To Turn Everything Off To shut off the system temporarily turn off the fan and slide the temperature control lever all the way to the left You should shut the system com pletely off only for the first few minutes of driving in cold weather until the engine coolant warms up enough to operate the heater...

Page 75: ... button On the FM band ST will be displayed if the station is broad casting in stereo Stereo reproduction on AM is not available You can use any of three methods to find radio stations on the selected band TUNE SEEK or the Preset buttons TUNE Use the TUNE SEEK bar to tune the radio to a desired frequency Press the right side to tune to a higher frequency or the left side to tune to a lower frequen...

Page 76: ...ress the button and hold it until you hear a beep 4 Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a total of six stations on AM and twelve on FM 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 or is disconnected Comfort and Convenience Features OIM VOL KNOB AM BUTTON STEREO INDICATOR TUNE SE...

Page 77: ...adjust the tone to your liking Push on the controls to get them to pop out Adjust the Bass by turning the outer ring Adjust the Treble by turning the knob Push the controls back in when you are finished so you cannot change the settings by accidentally bumping them You can use the Balance control knob to turn off the illumination of the audio system Push the Balance Fader controls so they pop out ...

Page 78: ...any 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...

Page 79: ...is is a main cause of poor radio reception in city driving 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 probl...

Page 80: ... indicator will light to show you which side of the cassette is playing The indicates the side you inserted facing upward is now playing If you want to play the other side press the PROG button If the tape was recorded with Dolby B noise reduction turn it on by pressing the button CONTINUED Comfort and Convenience Features EJECT BUTTON REW BUTTON CASSETTE SLOT PLAY BUTTON FF BUTTON TAPE DIRECTION ...

Page 81: ... forward or rewind it automatically stops that function reverses direction and begins to play TMS The Tape Music Search Function allows you to find the beginning of a song or passage To activate TMS press the TMS button The light in the button will remain on as a reminder that it is activated Then press FF or REW to move the tape forward or backward When the system reaches the beginning of the nex...

Page 82: ... insert it If the tape is loose tighten it by turning a hub with a pencil or your finger If the label is peeling off remove it from the cassette or it could cause the cassette to jam in the player Never try to insert a warped or damaged cassette in the player The player automatically ejects cassettes that do not play properly If it ejects a cassette before it begins to play it is probably defectiv...

Page 83: ...yer available that is operated by the radio controls To operate this unit use the instructions except for those relating to multiple discs in this section Using the instructions that came with the changer load the desired CDs in the magazine and load the magazine in the changer To operate the CD changer the ignition must be in ACCESSORY I or ON II and the audio system must be on If you are listeni...

Page 84: ... SEEK bar the system will move to the beginning of a track Press the side to move to the beginning of the next track and the side to move to the beginning of the current track If you press and hold the TUNE SEEK bar the system will continue to move across tracks Release the bar when you think it has reached the desired place on the disc To take the system out of CD mode press the AM or FM button o...

Page 85: ...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 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 sid...

Page 86: ... you see an error indication in the display while in CD mode find the cause in the chart to the right If you cannot clear the error indication take the car to your Honda dealer Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 87: ...er 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 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...

Page 88: ...es This section will help you If you plan to add any accesso ries to your car please read the information in this section first Break in Period 90 Gasoline 90 Oxygenated Fuels 90 Driving in Foreign Countries 91 Service Station Procedures 92 Filling the Fuel Tank 92 Opening the Hood 93 Fuel Economy 96 Vehicle Condition 96 Driving Habits 96 Accessories 97 Loading Cargo 98 Before Driving Main Menu ...

Page 89: ...hat can lead to mechanical damage We recommend gasolines containing detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and engine deposits Using gasoline containing lead will damage your car s emission controls This contributes to air pollution and can void certain parts of your warranty VTEC model Use a premium unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number of 91 or higher If you are unable to find p...

Page 90: ...rating 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 Driving in Foreign Countries If you are planning to take your Honda outside the U S or Canada contact the tourist bureaus in the areas ...

Page 91: ...nk after the fuel pump 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 more than twice 6 Push the fuel fill door until it latches Before Driving Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel Stop the engine and k...

Page 92: ...lightly 2 Standing in front of the car put your fingers under the front edge of the hood to the left of center Slide your hand to the right until you feel the hood latch handle Push this handle to the right until it releases the hood Lift the hood 3 Pull the support rod out of its clip and insert the end into the hole on the driver s side of the hood CONTINUED Before Driving SUPPORT ROD LATCH Main...

Page 93: ...r the hood to about a foot above the fender then let it drop Oil Check Check the engine oil level every time you fill the car with fuel Wait at least two minutes after turning the engine off before you check the oil 1 Remove the dipstick orange handle 2 Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or paper towel Before Driving DIPSTICK Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 94: ...see Adding Oil on page 126 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 131 for information on adding the proper coolant Refer to Periodic Checks on page 124 for information on checking other items in your Honda Before Driving MAX MIN RESERVE TANK Main Menu Tab...

Page 95: ...tion 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 necessar...

Page 96: ...ility Your car has several computer controlled systems including the SRS system the engine s fuel injection and the Anti lock brake system Strong electronic inter ference can affect their operation Electronic communications equip ment such as cellular telephones and two way radios are regulated by the FCC DOC in Canada and should not interfere with your car s systems Improper installation or using...

Page 97: ...al weight of cargo you can load in or on the car With two occupants a driver and a passenger the maximum recommended weight for cargo is 45 kg 100 Ibs Where you store this cargo and how well you secure it are just as important as how much it weighs Make sure you load cargo so it will not shift while driving When storing items in the trunk place them as far forward as possible Never place items on ...

Page 98: ...ng to Drive 100 Starting the Engine 101 Starting in Cold Weather at High Altitude 101 5 speed Manual Transmission 102 Recommended Shift Points 103 Maximum Speeds 103 Automatic Transmission 104 Shift Lever Positions 104 Maximum Speeds 107 Shift Lock Release 108 The Braking System 109 Brake Wear Indicators 109 Brake System Design 110 Anti lock Brakes 110 Driving in Bad Weather 112 Towing a Trailer 1...

Page 99: ...rrying with you inside are stored properly or fastened down securely 5 Check the adjustment of the seat see page 50 6 Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors see page 60 7 Check the adjustment of the steering wheel see page 42 8 Make sure the doors are securely closed and locked 9 Fasten your seat belt Check that your passenger has fastened his seat belt see page 7 10 Turn the ignit...

Page 100: ...he way down and hold it there while starting in order to clear flooding As before keep the ignition key in the START III position for no more than 15 seconds Return to step 5 if the engine does not start If it starts lift your foot off the accelerator pedal so the engine does not race Starting in Cold Weather at High Altitude Above 2 400 meters 8 000 feet An engine is harder to start in cold weath...

Page 101: ...moving Depress the clutch pedal and pause for a few seconds before putting it in reverse or shift into one of the forward gears for a moment This stops the gears so they won t grind You can get extra braking from the engine when slowing down 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 Befor...

Page 102: ...ift points are recommended S Si Maximum Speeds The speeds in this table are the maximums for the given gears If you exceed these speeds the engine speed will enter into the tachometer s red zone If this occurs you may feel the engine cut in and out This is caused by a limiter in the engine s computer controls The engine will run normally when you reduce the RPM below the red zone S CONTINUED VTEC ...

Page 103: ...smission has four forward speeds It has a lock up torque converter for better fuel economy You may feel what seems like another shift when the converter locks Shift Lever Positions This display is on the instrument panel It shows you the position of the shift lever Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 104: ...ake pedal and keep your foot off the accelerator pedal Park P This position mechani cally locks the transmission Use Park whenever you are turning off or starting the engine To shift out of Park you must press on the brake pedal and have your foot off the accelerator pedal Press the release button on the side of the shift lever to move it CONTINUED Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 105: ...on automatically selects a suitable gear for your speed and acceleration Drive D3 This position is similar to D4 except only the first three gears are selected Use D3 to provide engine braking when going down a steep hill D3 can also keep the transmission from cycling between third and fourth gears in stop and go driving For faster acceleration when in D3 or D4 you can get the transmission to auto...

Page 106: ...ransmission much like a manual transmission without a clutch pedal Maximum Speeds The speeds in this table are the maximums for the given position If you exceed these speeds the engine speed will enter into the tachometer s red zone If this occurs you will feel the engine cut in and out This is caused by a limiter in the engine s computer controls The engine will run normally when you reduce the R...

Page 107: ...TON SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT 3 Insert the key in the Shift Lock Release slot next to the shift lever 4 Push down on the key while you press the release button and move the shift lever out of Park to Neutral 5 Remove the key from the Shift Lock Release slot Depress the brake pedal and restart the engine If you need to use the Shift Lock Release it could mean your car is developing a problem Have the...

Page 108: ... 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 The front disc brakes on all cars have audible brake...

Page 109: ...t from the accelerator pedal Pull to the side of the road as soon as it is safe Because of the longer stopping distance needed brake system failure is very hazardous It is best to have your car towed but if you must drive the car in this condition be extremely cautious Have your car repaired as soon as possible Anti lock Brakes The VTEC model has an Anti lock Brake System ABS as standard equipment...

Page 110: ...BS working The ABS is self checking If anything goes wrong the ABS indicator on the instrument panel comes on see page 34 This means the Anti lock function of the braking system has shut down The brakes still work like a conventional system providing normal stopping ability You should have the dealer inspect your car as soon as possible A car with ABS may require a longer distance to stop on loose...

Page 111: ...arely 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 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 nee...

Page 112: ... 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 roa...

Page 113: ...Towing a Trailer Your car is not designed to tow a trailer Attempting to do so can void your warranties Driving Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 114: ...luid Locations 125 Engine Oil 126 Checking Engine Oil 126 Adding Oil 126 Recommended Oil 127 Synthetic Oil 128 Additives 128 Oil and Filter Changes 128 Cooling System 131 Checking the Engine Coolant Level 131 Adding Engine Coolant 131 Replacing Engine Coolant 133 Windshield Washers 136 Transmission Fluid 137 Automatic Transmission 137 5 speed Manual Transmission 138 Brake and Clutch Fluid 139 Brak...

Page 115: ...ecautions are given in the next page 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 Maintenance 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 r...

Page 116: ...xhaust 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 nonflammable solvent not gasoline to clean parts Keep cigarettes sparks and flames...

Page 117: ...s on the engine brakes and many other parts of your car The load limit is shown on the label in the glove box Operate your car on reasonable roads within the legal speed limit Drive your car regularly over a distance of several kilometers miles Always use unleaded gasoline with the proper octane rating see page 90 Which Schedule to Follow Service your car according to the time and mileage periods ...

Page 118: ...and fluids whenever you have maintenance clone These are manufactured to the same high quality standards as the original components so you can be confident of their perfomance and durability U S Cars Maintenance replacement or repair of emission control devices and systems may be done by any automotive repair establishment or individual using parts that are certified to EPA standards According to ...

Page 119: ...xt page do not apply For Canadian Owners This Maintenance Schedule outlines the minimum required maintenance that you should perform to ensure the trouble free operation of your vehicle Due to regional and climatic differences some additional servicing may be required Please consult your warranty handbook for a more detailed description Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 120: ...g less than 16 km 10 miles per trip Driving in extremely hot over 90 F 32 C conditions Extensive idling or long periods of stop and go driving Driving with a car top carrier or driving in mountainous conditions Driving on muddy dusty or de iced roads NOTE If you only OCCASIONALLY drive under a severe condition you should follow the Normal Conditions Maintenance Schedule on the previous page Mainte...

Page 121: ...Required Maintenance Record Maintenance Have your servicing dealer record all Required Maintenance below Keep receipts for all work done on your car Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 122: ...Non Scheduled Maintenance Record Record additional maintenance for severe driving conditions or non scheduled maintenance on this page see page 121 Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 123: ...k the reservoir each time you stop for fuel See page 136 Automatic transmission Check the fluid level monthly See page 137 Brakes clutch and power steering Check the fluid level monthly See pages 139 and 140 Tires Check the tire pressure monthly Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects See page 153 Battery Check its condition and the terminals for corrosion monthly See page 146 Air condition...

Page 124: ...TIC TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK Yellow loop COOLANT RESERVOIR BRAKE FLUID Gray cap CLUTCH FLUID 5 M T only Gray cap ENGINE OIL FILL CAP POWER STEERING FLUID Red cap WASHER FLUID Blue cap ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK Orange loop Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 125: ... UPPER MARK LOWER MARK 3 Pull it out again and look at the oil level at the end of the dipstick If it is between the upper and lower marks the level is correct Add oil if the level is at or below the lower mark Adding Oil ENGINE OIL FILL CAP To add oil unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap on top of the valve cover Pour in the oil and replace the engine oil fill cap Tighten it securely Wait a...

Page 126: ...ormulated to help your engine use less fuel The API Service label also tells you the service classification of the oil Always use an oil that says API Service SH This service rating may also include other designations such as CD These additional classifica tions are not a problem as long as the label also carries the SH classifi cation An oil that is only classified SF is not recommended API SERVI...

Page 127: ...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 Oil and Filter Changes Always change the oil and filter according to the time and distance recommendations in the mainte nance schedule The oil and ...

Page 128: ...move the oil drain bolt from the bottom of the engine Drain the oil into an appropriate container 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 OIL FILTER Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 129: ...o 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 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 If you change your own oil please dispose of the used oil properly Put i...

Page 130: ...lant The cooling system contains many aluminum compo nents that can corrode if an improper antifreeze is used Some antifreeze even though labeled as safe for aluminum parts may not provide adequate protection Adding Engine Coolant If the reserve tank is completely empty you should also check the coolant level in the radiator 1 Make sure the engine and radiator are cool CONTINUED Maintenance RESERV...

Page 131: ... 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 car s cooling system They may not be compatible with the coolant or engine compo nents Maintenance RA...

Page 132: ...ss to the underside of the car Unless you have the tools and knowledge you should have this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic 1 Slide the heater temperature control lever to maximum heat Open the hood Make sure the engine and radiator are cool to the touch 2 Remove the radiator cap DRAIN PLUG 3 Loosen the drain plug on the bottom of the radiator The coolant will come out through the hole in t...

Page 133: ...y non hardening sealant to the drain bolt threads and reinstall the bolt in the engine block Tighten it securely 8 Mix the recommended antifreeze with an equal amount of purified or distilled water in a clean container The cooling system capacity is With manual transmission S Si 3 1 0 82 US gal 0 68 Imp gal VTEC 4 5 1 19 US gal 0 99 Imp gal With automatic transmission S 3 0 0 79 US gal 0 66 Imp ga...

Page 134: ...ne Check the level in the radiator add coolant if needed Install the radiator cap tighten it fully 12 Fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark Install the reserve tank cap Maintenance FILLER NECK Fill up to here RESERVE TANK 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 radia...

Page 135: ...evel by removing the cap and looking inside Fill the reservoir with a good quality windshield washer fluid This increases the cleaning capability and prevents freezing in cold weather Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar water solution in the wind shield washer reservoir Antifreeze can damage your car s paint while a vinegar water solution can damage the windshield washer pump Use only commer...

Page 136: ...k and check the fluid level It should be between the upper and lower marks 5 If the level is below the lower mark add fluid into the filler hole to bring it to the upper mark Use Honda Premium Formula Auto matic Transmission Fluid or an equivalent DEXRON II Auto matic Transmission Fluid ATF only 6 Insert the dipstick all the way back into the transmission securely as shown in the illustration The ...

Page 137: ... to run out of the hole Reinstall the filler bolt and tighten it securely If Honda MTF is not available you may use an API service SG or SH ratecl motor oil with a viscosity of SAE 10W 30 or 10W 40 temporarily Motor oil can cause increased trans mission wear and higher shifting effort so you should have the trans mission drained and refilled with Honda MTF as soon as possible The transmission shou...

Page 138: ...ichever comes first Brake System The fluid should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir If the level is at or below the MIN mark it is an indication that your brake system needs attention Have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads If you add brake fluid to bring it up to the MAX mark use Genuine Honda Brake Fluid or an equivalent from a sealed container th...

Page 139: ...inspect the system as soon as possible If you add brake fluid to bring it up to the MAX mark use the same DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid from a sealed container specified for the brake system Clutch System MAX MIN 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 DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid specified for the...

Page 140: ...wer steering fluid to the UPPER LEVEL UPPER LEVEL LOWER LEVEL Using automatic transmission fluid or another brand of power steering fluid will damage the system Use only GENUINE HONDA Power Steering Fluid V A low power steering fluid level can indicate a leak in the system Check the fluid level frequently and have the system inspected as soon as possible Turing the steering wheel to full left or r...

Page 141: ...senger s side of the engine compartment To replace it 1 Loosen the four bolts and remove the air cleaner housing cover 2 Remove the old air cleaner element Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing with a damp rag AIR CLEANER ELEMENT 3 Place the new air cleaner element in the air cleaner housing 4 Reinstall the air cleaner housing cover tighten the four bolts Maintenance BOLTS Main Menu Table of...

Page 142: ... clips and remove the air cleaner housing cover AIR CLEANER ELEMENT 2 Remove the old air cleaner element Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing with a damp rag 3 Place the new air cleaner element in the air cleaner housing 4 Reinstall the air cleaner housing cover snap the four clips back into place Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 143: ...ger life They only need to be replaced every 6 years or 96 000 km 60 000 miles whichever comes first Replacement SPARK PLUG CAP 1 VTEC only Remove the four nuts then remove the plug wire cover 2 Clean up any dirt and oil around the spark plug caps 3 Remove the spark plug cap by pulling it straight out 4 Remove the spark plug with a 16 mm 5 8 inch spark plug socket Maintenance Main Menu Table of Co...

Page 144: ...acts the cylinder head Tightening torque 18 N m 1 8kgf m 13 lbf ft Tighten the spark plugs carefully A spark plug that is too loose can overheat and damage the engine Overtightening can cause damage to the threads in the cylinder head 7 Install the spark plug cap 8 Repeat this procedure for the other three spark plugs VTEC Reinstall the plug wire cover and tighten the four nuts CONTINUED Maintenan...

Page 145: ...n on the terminals Maintenance The battery contains sulfuric acid electrolyte which is highly corrosive and poisonous Getting electrolyte in your eyes or on your skin can cause serious burns Wear protective clothing and eye protection when working near the battery Specifications S Si NGK Nippondenso ZFR5F 11 KJ16CR L11 Spark Plug Gap 1 1 mm 0 04 in ０３ ０７ １０ １６ １１ ０９ ３１Ｓ５Ａ９３０ ００ Main Menu Table of ...

Page 146: ...ician immediately TEST INDICATOR WINDOW Check the battery condition by looking at the test indicator window on the battery Blue Good condition Red Add distilled water White Charging necessary 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 wit...

Page 147: ...tery 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 88 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 Maintenance NOTICE...

Page 148: ...rd Replace the blades if you find these signs or they leave streaks and unwiped areas when used WIPER ARMS To replace 1 Raise the wiper arm off the windshield LOCK TAB 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 CONTINUED Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 149: ...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 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 BLADE BLADE REINFORCEMENT Main Menu Tab...

Page 150: ...pressure spray or soft bristle brush to clean them 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 syst...

Page 151: ... body seals wherever they contact the roof panel or each other 2 Place the roof panel upside down on a blanket or carpet 3 Turn the release levers to the lock position so the lock pins extend Maintenance 4 Coat the four lock pins with Honda silicone grease Remove any excess 5 Clean the front and rear edges of the roof panel 6 Reinstall the roof panel Grease all four pins Clean front and rear edges...

Page 152: ...0 37 in S Si 7 5 9 5 mm 0 30 0 37 in If you see signs of wear or looseness have your dealer adjust or replace the belts Tires 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 wha...

Page 153: ... 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 6 km 1 mile If you check the pressure when the tires are hot the car has been driven several miles you will see readings 30 to 40 kPa 0 3 to 0 4 kg cm2 4 to 6 psi higher than the cold reading This is normal Do no...

Page 154: ...ld 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 tread Excessive tread wear Your car s tires have wear indicators molded into the tread When the tread wears down to that point you will see a 12 7 mm 1 2 inch wide band running across the tread T...

Page 155: ...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 Only on cars equipped with aluminum wheels Improper wheel weights can damage your car s aluminum wheels Use only genuine Honda wheel weights for balancing Tire Rotation To help increase tire lif...

Page 156: ...andling 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 CONTINUED Maintenance Installing improper tires on your car can affect handling and stability This can ca...

Page 157: ...e available at your Honda dealer Wheels and Tires Wheel S 13x5J Si VTEC 14x5 1 2 JJ Tire S P175 70R1382S Si P185 60R1482H VTEC P195 60R1485V See Tire Information on page 201 for additional information about tire and wheel size designations See page 202 for information about DOT Tire Quality Grading Winter Driving Tires that are marked M S or All Season on the sidewall have an all weather tread des...

Page 158: ...ired by local laws Make sure the chains are the correct size for your tires Install them only on the front tires If metal chains are used they must be SAE class S Cable type traction devices can also be used When installing chains follow the manufacturer s instructions and mount them as tightly as you can Drive slowly with chains installed If you hear the chains contacting the body or chassis stop...

Page 159: ...pe of replacement bulb is needed Replacing a Headlight Bulb Your car has halogen headlight bulbs one on each side When replacing a bulb handle it by its steel base and protect the glass from contact with your skin or hard objects If you touch the glass clean it with denatured alcohol and a clean cloth Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot when lit Oil perspiration or a scratch on the glass can caus...

Page 160: ... bulb 5 Insert the new bulb into the hole making sure the tabs are in their slots Pivot the hold down wire back in place and clip the end into the slot 6 Push the rubber weather seal over the bulb 7 Push the electrical connector onto the tabs of the new bulb Make sure it locks in place Turn on the headlights to test the new bulb 8 Passenger s side Reinstall the air intake tube Driver s side Reinst...

Page 161: ...unter clockwise 5 Install the new bulb in the socket Turn it clockwise to lock it in place 6 Insert the socket back into the lens Turn it clockwise to lock it in place 7 Turn on the parking lights to make sure the new bulb works 8 To reinstall the light assembly in the fender line up the guide on the assembly with the metal tab next to the headlight and line up the fingers on the light assembly wi...

Page 162: ...ker Remove the socket for that bulb by turning it counter clockwise 4 To remove the tail stoplight bulb back up light bulb or the turn signal bulb push it in slightly and turn it counterclockwise To remove the side marker bulb pull it straight out of the socket 5 Install the new bulb in the socket Insert the socket back in the taillight assembly and turn it clock wise to lock it in place 6 Test th...

Page 163: ... bulb straight out of the socket 5 Install the new bulb Test it to make sure it works 6 Reinstall the light assembly on the bracket Install the mounting screws and tighten them securely Replacing Interior and Trunk Light Bulbs INTERIOR LIGHT 1 Remove the lens by carefully prying on the edge of the lens in the middle with a fingernail file or a small flat tip screwdriver Do not pry on the edge of t...

Page 164: ...TRUNK LIGHT 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 Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 165: ...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 Apply a silicone spray lubricant to all door and trunk seals Also apply wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door and trunk seals Cover the car with a breathable car cover one made from a porous material such as cotton Nonporous material...

Page 166: ...arance the paint bright work wheels and interior Also included are several things you can do to help prevent corrosion Exterior Care 168 Washing 168 Waxing 169 Aluminum Wheels 169 Paint Touch up 169 Interior Care 170 Carpeting 170 Fabric 170 Vinyl 170 Seat Belts 170 Windows 171 Air Fresheners 171 Corrosion Protection 171 Body Repairs 172 Appearance Care Main Menu ...

Page 167: ...quid or a product made especially for car washing Wash the car using the water and detergent solution and a soft bristle brush sponge or soft cloth Start at the 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...

Page 168: ...takes off the wax Remember to re wax those areas even if the rest of the car does not need waxing Aluminum Wheels Only on cars equipped with aluminum wheels Clean your Honda 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 ch...

Page 169: ...n 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 ...

Page 170: ... 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 collect...

Page 171: ...irs 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 sheetmetal 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 When ...

Page 172: ... 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 174 Changing a Flat Tire 175 If Your Engine Won t Start 181 Nothing Happens 181 The Starter Operates Normally 182 Jump Starting 182 If Your Engine Overheats 184 Low Oil Pressure 186 Charging System Indication 187 Malfunction Indicator Lamp 188 Fuses 189 Checking and Repl...

Page 173: ...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 car 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 ...

Page 174: ...ghts and turn the ignition to LOCK 0 ROOF HOLDER 2 Put the transmission in Park automatic or Reverse manual Set the parking brake Have your passenger get out of the vehicle 3 Open the trunk and lift up the roof holder Raise the trunk floor by lifting up on the back edge CONTINUED Taking Care of the Unexpected The car can easily roll off the jack seriously injuring anyone underneath Follow the dire...

Page 175: ...ng bolt and take the spare tire out of its well JACK 6 Turn the jack s end bracket counterclockwise to loosen it then remove the jack 7 Loosen the four wheel nuts 1 2 turn with the wheel wrench Taking Care of the Unexpected TOOL KIT JACK SPARE TIRE Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 176: ...ontacts the jacking point Make sure the jacking point tab is resting in the jack notch EXTENSION WHEEL WRENCH 9 Use the extension and wheel wrench as shown to raise the car until the flat tire is off the ground 10 Remove the wheel nuts and flat tire Temporarily place the flat tire on the ground with the outside surface of the wheel facing up You could scratch the wheel if you put it face down CONT...

Page 177: ...ore mounting the spare tire wipe any dirt off the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with a cloth 12 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 Taking Care of the Unexpected WHEEL NUTS WHEEL COVER BRAKE HUB Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 178: ...me crisscross pattern Have the wheel nut torque checked at the nearest automotive service facility Tighten the wheel nuts to 108 N m 11 kgf m 80 Ibf ft 15 On the Si and VTEC models Remove the center cap before storing the flat tire in the trunk well CONTINUED Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 179: ...o its hole 19 Store the jack in its holder with the end bracket facing to the rear Turn the jack s end bracket to lock it in place Replace the cover Store the tool kit 20 Store the wheel cover or center cap in the trunk Make sure it does not get scratched or damaged 21 Replace the trunk floor 22 Lower the roof holder then close the trunk lid Taking Care of the Unexpected WING BOLT SPACER CONE Main...

Page 180: ... starter will not operate With an automatic transmission it must be in Park or Neutral 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 182 Turn the ignition switch to START III If the headlights do not dim check the condition of the fuses If the fuses are OK ...

Page 181: ...gh this seems like a simple procedure there are several precautions you should take Follow the directions closely You cannot start a Honda with an automatic transmission by pushing or pulling it To jump start your car 1 Open the hood and check the physical condition of the battery see page 146 In very cold weather check the condition of the electrolyte If it seems slushy or like ice do not try jum...

Page 182: ...le to any other part of the engine 5 If the booster battery is in another car have an assistant start that car and run it at a fast idle BOOSTER BATTERY 6 Start your car If the starter motor still operates slowly check the juniper cable connections to make sure they have good metal to metal contact 7 Once your car is running discon nect the negative cable from your car then from the booster batter...

Page 183: ...ly pull to the side of the road Put the transmission in neutral or park 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 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 ...

Page 184: ... 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 10 Start the engine and set the temperature control lever 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 cooli...

Page 185: ...mediately Turn off the engine as soon as you can safely get the car slopped 1 Safely pull off the road and shut off the engine 2 Let the car sit for a minute Open the hood and check the oil level see page 126 Although oil level and oil pressure are not directly connected an engine that is veiy low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other driving maneuvers 3 If necessary add oil to bring...

Page 186: ... heater A C rear defogger 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 By eliminating as much of the electrical load as possible you can drive several miles before the battery is too discharged to keep the engine running Drive to a s...

Page 187: ... and cause your car to put out excessive emissions Continued operation may cause serious engine damage If this indicator light comes on have your car checked by the dealer as soon as possible Drive moderately until the dealer has inspected the problem Avoid full throttle accelera tion and driving at high speed If you keep driving with the malfunc tion indicator lamp on you can damage your car s em...

Page 188: ...interior fuse box is underneath the dashboard on the driver s side Remove the fuse box lid by swinging the lid down and pulling it straight out of its hinges The under hood fuse box is located in the engine compartment next to the battery To open it push the tab as shown CONTINUED Taking Care of the Unexpected INTERIOR UNDER HOOD TAB Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 189: ... lid which fuse or fuses control that component Check those fuses first but check all the fuses before deciding that is not the cause Replace any blown fuses 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 BLOWN 3 Check each of the large fuses in the under hood fuse box by looki...

Page 190: ...garette lighter or radio 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 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 rati...

Page 191: ...Fuses INTERIOR FUSE BOX On Canadian cars Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 192: ...Fuses UNDER HOOD FUSE BOX Taking Care of the Unexpected ABS FUSE BOX Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 193: ...ension and body can be seriously damaged if this method of towing is attempted If your Honda cannot be transported by flat bed it should be towed with the front wheels off the ground If due to damage your car must be towed with the front wheels on the ground do the following 5 speed Manual Transmission Release the parking brake Shift the transmission to Neutral Automatic Transmission Release the p...

Page 194: ...Tire Information 201 Tire Size Designation 201 Wheel Size Designation 201 Tire Speed Ratings 201 Tire Pressure Adjustment For High Speed Driving 202 DOT Tire Quality Grading 202 Treadwear 203 Traction 203 Temperature 203 Emission Controls 204 The Clean Air Act 204 Crankcase Emission Control System 204 Evaporative Emission Control System 204 Exhaust Emission Controls 205 PGM FI System 205 Ignition ...

Page 195: ...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 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER CERTIFICATI...

Page 196: ...tion Numbers The Engine Number is stamped into the engine block The Transmission Number is on a label on top of the transmission TRANSMISSION NUMBER ENGINE NUMBER Technical Information Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 197: ...ding the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine Reserve tank capacity 0 4 0 11 US gal 0 09 Imp gal 2 S 3 Si 4 VTEC 5 Excluding the oil remaining in the engine Technical Information page 146 Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 198: ...Specifications 1 S 2 Si 3 VTEC 4 U S S Si without ABS Canada Si 5 VTEC U S Si with ABS Technical Information VTEC page 192 page 193 Main Menu Table of Contents ...

Page 199: ...ing up it energizes the appropriate solenoid in the modulator solenoid unit There are three solenoids one for each front wheel and one for the rear wheels The energized solenoid reduces hydraulic pressure to one side of a modulator valve This in turn reduces hydraulic pressure in the brake line going to the affected wheel When that wheel speeds up because of the reduced braking effort the control ...

Page 200: ...rical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry H Speed Rating Symbol See the speed rating chart in this section for additional information Wheel Size Designation Wheels are also marked with important information that you need if you ever have to replace one The following explains what the letters and numbers in the wheel size designation mean Example wheel size designation 14 x 5 1...

Page 201: ...ve heat can build up and cause sudden tire failure Be sure to readjust the pressure for normal driving speeds You should wait until the tires are cold before adjusting the tire pressure see page 154 DOT Tire Quality Grading U S Cars The tires on your car meet all U S Federal Safety Requirements All tires are also graded for treadwear traction and temperature perform ance according to Department of...

Page 202: ... this tire is based on brak ing straight ahead traction tests and does not include cornering turning traction 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 ...

Page 203: ...tion summarizes how the emission controls work Scheduled maintenance is on page 120 In Canada Honda vehicles comply with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards CMVSS for Emissions valid at the time they are manufactured Crankcase Emission 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...

Page 204: ...erating conditions Ignition Timing Control System This system constantly adjusts the ignition timing reducing the amount of HC CO and NOx produced Three Way Catalytic Converter The three way catalytic converter is in the exhaust system Through chemical reactions it converts HC CO and NOx in the engine s exhaust to carbon dioxide CO2 dinitrogen N2 and water vapor Replacement Parts The emission cont...

Page 205: ...ustible materials that come near it Park your car away from high grass dry leaves or other flammables Si VTEC THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER 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...

Page 206: ... Relations Warranty Coverages 208 Customer Relations Information 209 U S Zone Office Map 210 Canada Zone Office Map 211 Reporting Safety Defects U S Cars 212 Authorized Manuals 213 Warranty and Customer Relations Main Menu ...

Page 207: ...h 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 Replacement Battery Limited Warranty provides prorate...

Page 208: ...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 196 Name and address of the dealer who services your car Date of purchase Mileage on your car Your name address...

Page 209: ...t 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 Washingto...

Page 210: ...54 High Speed Driving 202 Normal Driving 154 Alcohol and Drugs 25 Alcohol in Gasoline 90 Aluminum Wheels Cleaning 169 Antifreeze 131 Anti lock Brakes ABS Description 200 Indicator Light 34 111 Operation 110 Anti theft Steering Column Lock 46 Appearance Care 167 Ashtray 64 Audio System 76 Automatic Speed Control 43 Automatic Transmission 104 Capacity Fluid 198 Checking Fluid Level 137 Shifting 105 ...

Page 211: ...f ii CD Changer 84 Certification Label 196 Chains 159 Change Oil How to 128 When to 120 Changing a Flat Tire 175 Changing Engine Coolant 133 Charging System Indicator 32 187 Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid 137 Battery Condition 146 Brake Fluid 139 Clutch Fluid 140 Drive Belts 153 Engine Coolant 131 Engine Oil 126 Fuses 190 Manual Transmission Fluid 138 Power Steering Fluid 141 Checklist Befo...

Page 212: ...l 130 Doors Locking and Unlocking 47 DOT Tire Quality Grading 202 Downshifting 5 speed Manual Transmission 102 Drive Belts 153 Driving 99 Economy 96 In Bad Weather 112 In Foreign Countries 91 Economy Fuel 96 Emergencies on the Road 173 Battery Jump Starting 182 Changing a Flat Tire 175 Charging System Indicator 187 Checking the Fuses 190 Low Oil Pressure Indicator 186 Malfunction Indicator Lamp 18...

Page 213: ...e Indicator 33 Tank Filling the 92 Fuses Checking the 190 Gas Mileage Improving 96 Gasohol 91 Gasoline 90 Fuel Reserve Indicator 33 Gauge 36 Octane Requirement 90 Tank Filling the 92 Gas Station Procedures 92 Gauges Engine Coolant Temperature 36 Fuel 36 Gearshift Lever Positions Automatic Transmission 104 5 speed Manual Transmission 102 Glass Cleaning 171 Glove Box 61 Halogen Headlight Bulbs 160 H...

Page 214: ...der Belts 6 Leaking of Exhaust into Car 26 Lighter Cigarette 64 Lights Bulb Replacement 160 Indicator 31 Parking 38 Turn Signal 39 Loading Cargo 98 LOCK Ignition Key Position 46 Locks Anti theft Steering Column 46 Fuel Fill Door 92 Power Door 48 Rear Locking Compartment 50 Trunk 48 Low Coolant Level 131 Low Fuel Indicator 33 Lower Gear Downshifting to a 102 Low Oil Pressure Indicator 32 186 Lubric...

Page 215: ... System 205 Polishing and Waxing 169 Power Door Locks 48 Mirrors 60 Steering 141 Windows 51 Pregnancy Using Seat Belts 9 Proper Seat Belt Usage 7 Radiator Overheating 184 Radio Cassette Sound System 76 Rear End Towing 194 Rear Lights Bulb Replacement 163 Rear Locking Compartment 50 Rear View Mirror 60 Rear Window Defogger 41 Reclining the Seat Backs 50 Recommended Shift Speeds 103 Reminder Lights ...

Page 216: ... Indicator 104 Shift Lock Release 108 Side Marker Lights Bulb Replacement in 162 Signaling Turns 39 Snow Tires 159 Solvent type Cleaners 168 Sound System 76 Spare Tire Inflating 174 Specifications 199 Spark Plugs Replacing 144 Specifications Charts 198 Speed Control 43 Speedometer 35 SRS Indicator 14 33 START Ignition Key Position 47 Starting the Engine 101 In Cold Weather at High Altitude 101 Wit...

Page 217: ...eat Belts 9 Towing A Trailer 114 Emergency Wrecker 194 Transmission Checking Fluid Level Automatic 137 Checking Fluid Level Manual 138 Fluid Selection 137 Identification Number 196 Shifting the Automatic 104 Shifting the Manual 102 Treadwear 155 Trip Meter 35 Trunk Opening the 48 Open Monitor 33 Turn Signals 39 Underside Cleaning 171 Unexpected Taking Care of the 173 Uniform Tire Quality Grading 2...

Page 218: ...hing 169 Wheels Adjusting the Steering 42 Alignment and Balance 156 Compact Spare 174 Wrench 176 Windows Cleaning 171 Operating the Power 51 Rear Defogger 41 Windshield Cleaning 40 Defroster 73 Wipers Windshield Changing Blades 149 Operation 40 Worn Tires 155 Wrecker Emergency Towing 194 U S and Canada only Main Menu ...

Page 219: ...commended Engine Oil APISH grade Energy Conserving II oil SAE 5W 30 viscosity Tire Pressure measured cold S Front Rear 220 kPa 2 2 kgf cm 2 32 psi Si VTEC Front Rear 200 kPa 2 0 kgf cm 2 29 psi Spare Tire Pressure 415 kPa 4 15 kgf cm 2 60 psi Automatic Transmission Fluid Honda Premium Formula Auto matic Transmission Fluid or an equivalent DEXRON II type Auto matic Transmission Fluid ATF Main Menu ...