S2000 2001 Online Reference Owner's Manual
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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 Control s................................................................................................................ .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 you r vehicle to the dealer.
Appearance Car e............................................................................................................................. .203
Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpecte d......................................................................................................213
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, an d how to handle them.
Technical Informatio n.....................................................................................................................243
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................257
A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manu als (U.S. only)......................................................................................................263
How to order manuals and other technical literature.
Index...................................................................................................................................................... I
Service Information Summary
A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.
Owner's Identification Form
Owner's Identification This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of the car, and should remain with the car when it is sold. The information and specifications included in this publication were in affect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and with out incurring any obligation whatsoever. OWNER ADDRESS STREET CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE / POSTAL CODE V. I. N. DELIVERY DATE (Date sold to original retail purchaser) DEALER NAME DEALER NO. ADDRESS STREET CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/ POSTAL CODE OWNER'S SIGNATURE DEALER'S SIGNATURE
Introduction Congratulations on your selection of the 2001 Honda S2000. We are certain you wil l be pleased wit h 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 drivin g 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 warrant y booklet thoroughl y so you understand the coverages and are aware of your right s and responsibilities . Maintainin g your car according to the schedules given in this manual helps to keep your drivin g 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 servicin g 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. Californi a Proposition 65 Warning WARNING : This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of Californi a to cause cancer and birt h defects or other reproductiv e harm . As you read this manual, you will find informatio n that is preceded by symbol. This informatio n is intended to help you avoid damage to your S2000, other property, or the environment. a NOTICE
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 informe d decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other informatio n on labels and in this manual. This informatio n alerts you to potential hazards that could hur t you or others. Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintainin g your car. You must use your own good judgement. You will find this importan t safety informatio n in a variety of forms, including : Safety Labels — on the car. Safety Messages — preceded by a safety alert symbol an d one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean: 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 Importan t Safety Reminders or Importan t Safety Precautions. Safety Section — such as Drive r and Passenger Safety. Instruction s — how to use this car correctl y and safely. Thi s entire book is fille d with importan t safety informatio n — please read it carefully.
Your Car at a Glance HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNA L SWITC H (P.51) WINDSHIELD WIPE R CONTROL S (P.53) HEATING AN D AI R CONDITIONIN G (P.86) AUDIO SYSTE M (P.94) HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P.118) DOOR LOCK SWITCH (P.62) POWER WINDO W SWITCHES (P.70) MIRROR CONTROLS (P.80) ROOF SWITC H (P.73) HAZARD WARNIN G SWITC H (P.80)
Your Car at a Glance REMOTE AUDI O CONTROL S (P.113) INSTRUMEN T PANEL BRIGHTNES S (P.52) ENGINE START BUTTO N (P.131) HEADLIGHTS/TUR N SIGNAL S (P.51) HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P.118) CRUISE CONTRO L MASTE R SWITC H (P. 55) HORN WINDSHIELD WIPERS / WASHERS (P.53)
4
Driver and Passenger Safety Thi s section gives you importan t informatio n 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 childre n 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......... 1 1 Protecting Adults............................. 12
Important Safety Precautions You'll find many safety recommendations throughou t this section, and throughou t this manual. The recommendations on this page are the ones we consider to be the most important . Always Wea r Your Seat Bel t A seat belt is your best protectio n in all types of collisions. Airbags supplement seat belts, but airbags are designed to inflate only in a moderate to severe fronta l collision. So even though your car is equipped wit h airbags, make sure you and your passenger always wear your seat belts, and wear them properly. (See page 15). Your Car is No t Recommende d for Chil d 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 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 instruction s and safety warnings in this manual. (See pages 26 and 29.) Be Aware o f Airbag Hazard s 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 follo w all instruction s and warnings in this manual. (See page 7). Don' t Drin k and Driv e Alcoho l and drivin g don't mix. Even one drin k can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse wit h every additional drink. So don't drink and drive, and don't let your friends drink and drive, either. Control You r Speed Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the highe r 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 You r Car in Safe Conditio n Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremel y hazardous. To reduce the possibilit y of such problems, check your tire pressures and conditio n frequently , and perfor m all regularl y scheduled maintenance. (See page 146.) Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y
Your Car's Safety Features (1) Safet y Cage (2) Crush Zones (3) Seat s & Seat-Back s (4) Hea d Restraint s (5) Collapsibl e Steerin g Colum n (6) Sea t Belts (7) Sea t Belt Tensioner s (8) Airbag s (9) Door Locks Your car is equipped with many features that work together to protect you and your passenger durin g a crash. Some safety features do not require any action on your part. These include a strong steel framewor k that forms a safety cage around the passenger compartment; fron t 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 tighte n 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 ful l advantage of these safety features unless you remain sittin g in a proper position and always wear your seat belts properly. In fact, some safety feature s can contribut e to injuries if they are not used properly . Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y
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. Your seat belt system also 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. In addition, most states and all Canadian provinces require you to wear seat belts. 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 airbag can only be helpful in a moderate to severe frontal collision.) Help keep you from being throw n 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 inflatin g airbag, 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. Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y 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.
Your Car's Safety Features Airbag s You r car has a Supplemental Restrain t System (SRS) wit h fronta l airbags to help protec t the drive r and a passenger. Thi s system also includes an indicato r light on the instrumen t panel to alert you to a possible proble m wit h the system . Th e most importan t thing s you need to know about your airbags are: Airbags do not replace seat belts. Th e seat belts are the occupants ' primar y protectio n in all types of collisions . Airbag s supplement seat belts by providin g extra protectio n for occupants' heads and chests. Airbags offer no protection in side impacts, rear impacts, rollovers, or minor collisions. Airbag s are designe d to deplo y only durin g a moderat e to sever e fronta l collision . Airbags can pose serious hazards. To do thei r job, airbags must inflat e wit h tremendou s force and speed. So while airbags save lives, they can cause serious injurie s to adults and large r childre n who are not wearin g seat belts, are not wearin g them properly , are sittin g too close to the airbag , or are not sittin g in a proper position . Infant s and small childre n are at an even greater ris k of injur y or death . What you should do: Always wear your seat belt properly , and sit uprigh t and as far back as possible fro m the steerin g wheel or dashboard. Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y SRS
Your Car's Safety Features Seats & Seat-Back s Your car's seats are designed to keep you in a comfortable, uprigh t position so you can take full advantage of the protectio n 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, sittin g too close to the steering wheel or dashboard increases the risk of you or your passenger being injure d by strikin g the inside of the car, or by an inflatin g 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. What you should do: Move the seats as far back as possible, and keep adjustable seat-backs in an uprigh t positio n whenever the car is moving. Head Restraint s Head restraint s can help protect you fro m whiplash and other injuries. Door Locks Keeping your doors locked reduces the chance of being throw n out of the car durin g a crash. It also helps prevent occupants from accidentally opening a door and fallin g out, and outsiders from unexpectedly opening your doors. Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y
Your Car's Safety Features Pre-Driv e Safety Checklis t To make sure you and your passenger get the maximu m protectio n fro m your car's safety features, check the followin g 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 ridin g in a forward- facing child seat is properly restrained (see page 26 ). Occupants are sittin g upright and as far back as possible from the steering wheel and dashboard (see page 12 ). Seat-backs are uprigh t (see page 13). Both doors are closed and locked (see page 12 ). Al l cargo is properl y stored or secured (see page 124). The rest of this section gives more detailed informatio n 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 airbags deploy. Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y
Protecting Adults Introductio n The followin g pages provid e instruction s on how to properl y protect adult occupants. These instruction s also apply to a child whom you have decided is large enough and mature enough to ride as a passenger. (See page 29 for importan t additiona l guideline s on how to properl y protec t large r children. )
Protecting Adults 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. Most shorter drivers can get far enough away from the steering wheel and still reach the pedals. However, if you are concerned about sittin g 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 fort h to make sure the seat is locked in position. See page 69 for how to adjust the seats. 3.Adjust th e Seat-Backs Adjust the driver's seat-back to a comfortable, uprigh t position, leaving ample space between your chest and the airbag cover in the center of the steering wheel. I f you sit too close to the steering wheel, you could be injured if the airbag inflates. 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 Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y Sitting too close to an airbag can result in serious injury or death if the airbags inflate. Always sit as far back from the airbags as possible.
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 farthe r a seat-back is reclined, the greater the risk of injury. See page 69 fo r how to adjust seat- backs. Drive r 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.
Protecting Adults 4.Faste n 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 fro m the shoulder part, then check that the belt rests across the center of your chest and over your shoulder. Thi s spreads the forces of a crash over the strongest bones in your upper body. 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 Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y Improperly positioning the seat belts can cause serious injury or death in a crash. Make sure all seat belts are properly positioned before driving.
Protecting Adults If a seat belt does not seem to wor k as it should , it may not protec t the occupant in a crash. No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt. Anyon e using a seat belt that is not workin g properl y can be seriousl y injure d or killed . Have your Honda dealer check the belt as soon as possible. See page 33 for additiona l informatio n about your seat belt system and how to take care of your belts. 5.Maintai n a Prope r Sittin g Positio n Afte r occupants have adjusted thei r seats and put on seat belts, it is very importan t tha t they continu e to sit upright , wel l back in thei r seats, wit h thei r feet on the floor , unti l the car is parke d and the engine is off. Sittin g improperl y can increase the chance of injur y durin g a crash. For example, if an occupant slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward , leans forwar d or sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the chance of injur y durin g a crash is greatl y increased. In addition , an occupant who is out of positio n can be seriously or fatall y injure d by strikin g interio r parts of the car, or by being struc k by an inflatin g airbag. Remember, to get the best protectio n fro m your car's airbag s and other safety features , you must sit properl y and wear your seat belt properly . Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y Sittin g improperl y or out of positio n can result in seriou s injury or death in a crash . Alway s sit upright , well back in the seat , with your feet on the floor.
Protecting Adults Advice for Pregnan t Wome n Because protectin g 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 portio n of the belt as low as possible across your hips. Pregnant women should also sit upright and as far back as possible fro m 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 inflatin g airbag. Each time you have a check-up, ask your doctor if it's okay for you to drive. Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y
Protecting Adults Additiona l Safet y Precaution s Two people should never use the same seat belt. I f they do, they could be very seriousl y injure d in a crash . Do not put any accessories on seat belts. Device s intende d to improv e occupant comfor t or repositio n the shoulde r part of a seat belt can severel y compromis e the protectiv e capabilit y of the seat belt and increase the chance of serious injur y in a crash . Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and an airbag. Carryin g har d or sharp objects on your lap, or drivin g wit h a pipe or othe r sharp objec t in you r mouth , can resul t in injurie s if your airbags inflate . Keep your hands and arms away from the airbag covers. I f you r hands or arms are close to the airba g covers in the cente r of the steerin g whee l and on top of the dashboard , the y could be injure d if the airbag s inflate . Do not attach or place objects on the airbag covers. Any objec t attache d to or placed on the covers marke d "SRS AIRBAG, " in th e cente r of the steerin g whee l and on top of the dashboard , coul d interfer e wit h the prope r operatio n of the airbags . Or , if the airbag s inflate , the object s coul d be propelle d inside the car and hur t someone . Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y
Protecting Children Childre n 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. All Childre n Must Be Restraine d 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.) Drive r and Passenger Safet y Children who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be seriousl y 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 Your Car is Not Recommende d for Chil d Passengers We strongl y 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 airbag which poses serious risks to children — particularly infants and small children . The Passenger's Airbag Poses Serious Risks to Childre n Airbags have been designed to help protect adults in a moderate to severe fronta l 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 airbag inflates, it can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kil l or very seriously injure an infant. Small Children Placing a forward-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 throw n forwar d durin g a collision, an inflatin g airbag can strike the chil d wit h enough force to kil l or very seriously injure a small child. If a small child must ride in this car, follow the instruction s on page 26 . 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 importan t guidelines on how to decide whethe r a child is large enough and mature enough to ride as a passenger, and how to properl y protect the child . Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y
Protecting Children U.S. Models To remin d you of the passenger's airbag hazards, your car has warnin g labels on the dashboard and on the driver' s and passenger's visors. Please read and follow the instruction s on these labels. Canadian Models To remin d you of the airbag hazards, your car has warning labels on the driver's and passenger's visors. Please read and follow the instruction s on these labels. Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y CAUTION TO AVOI D SERIOU S INJURY : FOR MAXIMU M SAFET Y PROTECTIO N I N ALL TYPES OF CRASHES , YOU MUS T ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SAFET Y BELT . DO NOT INSTAL L REARWARD-FACIN G CHILD SEAT S IN ANY FRONT PASSENGE R SEA T POSITION . DO NOT SIT OR LEAN UNNECESSARIL Y CLOSE TO THE AIR BAG . DO NO T PLAC E AN Y OBJECT S OVE R TH E AIR BA G OR BETWEE N TH E AIR BA G AND YOURSELF . SEE TH E OWNER' S MANUA L FOR FURTHE R INFORMATIO N AN D EXPLANATIONS . PRECAUTIONS : POUR EVITE R DE S BLESSURE S GRAVES : POUR PROFITE R D'UN E PROTECTIOO N MAXIMAL E LOR S D'UN E COLLISIO N BOUCLE Z TOUJOUR S VOTR E C EINTUR E D E SECURITE . NINSTALLE Z JAMAI S U N SIEG E POU R ENFANTS FAISAN T FAC E A L'ARRIER E SU R LE SIEG E D U PASSAGE R AVANT . NE VOU S APPUYE Z PA S E T NE VOU S ASSOYE Z PAS PRE S DU COUSSI N GONFLABLE . NE DEPOSE Z AUCU N OBJE T SUR L E COUSSI N GONFLABL E OU ENTR E L E COUSSI N GONFLABL E E T VOUS . LISEZ L E GUID E UTILISATEU R POU R D E PLUS AMPLE S RENSEIGNEMENTS .
Protecting Children Additiona l Safety Precautio n Do not leave a child alone in your car. Leaving a child withou t 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 fro m heatstroke . A child left alone wit h the key in the ignitio n can accidentally set the car in motion , possibly injurin g themselves or others. Lock both doors and the trunk when your car is not in use. Children who play in cars can accidentally get trapped inside the trunk . Teach your childre n not to play in or around cars. Know how to operate the emergency trun k opener (US models only) and decide if your childre n should be shown how to use this feature (see page 67 ). Keep car keys and remote transmitters out of the reach of children. Even very young children learn how to unlock vehicle doors, tur n on the ignition , and open the trunk , which can lead to accidental injury or death. Genera l Guideline s for Using Chil d 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 cany 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 followin g pages give general guidelines for selecting and installin g a child seat. See page 26 for additional information . Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y
Protecting Children Selecting a Child Seat To provid e prope r protection , a chil d seat shoul d mee t thre e requirements : 1.The child seat should meet safety standards. Th e chil d seat shoul d mee t Federa l Moto r Vehicl e Safet y Standar d 213 (FMVS S 213) or Canadia n Moto r Vehicl e Safet y Standar d 213 (CMVS S 213). Loo k fo r the manufacturer' s statemen t of complianc e on the box and seat. 2. The child seat should be of the proper type and size to fit the child. Small Children: A chil d who can sit up withou t suppor t shoul d be restraine d in a forward-facin g chil d seat. See page 26 for additiona l informatio n on protectin g smal l children . 3. The child seat should fit the passenger's seat. Due to variation s in the desig n of chil d seats, vehicl e seats, and seat belts , al l chil d seats wil l not fi t all seatin g position s in all cars. However , Hond a is confiden t tha t one or mor e chil d seat model s can fi t and be properl y installe d in all recommende d seatin g position s in you r car . Befor e purchasin g a chil d seat, we recommen d tha t parent s tes t the chil d seat to mak e sur e it fit s properl y in the passenger' s seat. If a previousl y purchase d chil d seat does not fit , yo u wil l need to buy a differen t one tha t wil l fit . CONTINUED Drive r and Passenge r Safet y
Protecting Children Placing a Child Seat Thi s page briefl y summarizes Honda's recommendations on where to place a child seat in your car. 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-facin g child seat wit h the seat belt, (see page 27 ). This car is not equipped wit h a tether attachment point. Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y Airbags Pose Serious Risks to Childre n The passenger's airbag inflates with enough force to kil l or seriously injure an infant in a rear-facing child seat. A small child in a forward-facin g child seat is also at risk. If the vehicle seat is too far forward , or the child's head is throw n forwar d during a collision, an inflatin g airbag can kil l or seriously injure the child . If a small child must ride in this car, follo w the instruction s provided in this section.
Protecting Children Installing a Child Seat Afte r selecting a proper child seat, there are three main steps in installin g the seat:
Protecting Children Protecting Small Childre n 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 forwar d during a collision, or the child is unrestrained or improperly restrained, an inflatin g airbag can kill or seriously injure the child. For these reasons, we recommend that you do not carry a small child as a passenger. 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, uprigh t 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 limi t for the seat. Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y 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.
Protecting Children Child Seat Installation The passenger's seat belt has a lockin g mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat. The followin g pages provide instruction s and tips on how to secure a forward-facin g child seat wit h this type of seat belt.
Protecting Children 5. Afte r confirmin g 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. 6. Push and pull the child seat forwar d and from side to side to verif y that it is secure enough to stay uprigh t durin g normal drivin g maneuvers. If the child seat is not secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to retract fully , then repeat these steps. To deactivate the lockin g 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 wearin g a seat belt in a crash, you could be throw n forwar d into the dashboard and crush the child. If you are wearin g a seat belt, the child can be torn fro m 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 wil l 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 chil d and cause very serious injuries. Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y
Protecting Children Protectin g Large r Childre n The passenger's airba g poses serious risks to children , includin g those who have outgrow n chil d seats. If the vehicle seat is too far forward , or the child' s head is throw n forwar d durin g a collision , or the child is unrestraine d or out of position , an inflatin g airbag can kil l or seriously injure the child . For these reasons, we recommen d that you do not carry a chil d passenger. Wit h this in mind , followin g are some guideline s to help you decide when a given chil d may ride in your car. The Child Should Wear a Seat Belt Whe n a child reaches the recommende d weigh t or heigh t limi t for a forward-facin g child seat, the chil d should wear a lap/shoulde r belt. If a chil d is too shor t for the shoulde r part of the belt to properl y fit , we recommen d that the chil d use a booster seat unti l the chil d is tall enough to use the seat belt withou t a booster. The followin g pages give instruction s on how to check proper seat belt fit , what kin d of booster seat to use if one is needed, and importan t precaution s for a chil d who must ride in this car. Checking Seat Belt Fit To determin e if a lap/shoulde r belt properl y fits a child , have the chil d put on the seat belt. Follo w the instruction s on page 15. The n check how the belt fits . If the shoulde r part of the belt rests over the child' s collarbon e and against the center of the chest, as shown, the chil d is large enough to wear the seat belt. Drive r and Passenger Safety Allowin g a larger child to sit improperl y in the front seat can result in injur y or death if the airbags inflate . If a large r child must sit in front, mak e sure the child move s the seat as far back as possibl e and wear s the seat belt properly . CONTINUED
Protecting Children However , if the bel t touche s or crosse s the child' s neck , the chil d needs to use a booste r seat. Do not let a child wear a seat belt across the neck. Thi s coul d resul t in seriou s nec k injurie s durin g a crash . Do not let a child put the shoulder part of a seat belt behind the back or under the arm. Thi s coul d cause ver y seriou s injurie s durin g a crash . It also increase s th e chanc e tha t th e chil d wil l slid e unde r the bel t in a cras h and be injured . Do not put any accessories on a seat belt. Device s intende d to improv e occupan t comfor t or repositio n th e shoulde r par t of a seat belt , severel y compromis e th e protectiv e capabilit y of the seat bel t an d increas e th e chanc e of seriou s injur y in a crash . Two children should never use the same seat belt. I f the y do, the y coul d be ver y seriousl y injure d in a crash . Using a Booster Seat If a chil d needs a booste r seat, we recommen d choosin g a styl e tha t allows th e chil d to use th e lap / shoulde r bel t directly , withou t a shield , as shown . Whicheve r styl e yo u select , follo w the booste r sea t maker' s instructions . Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y
Protecting Children A chil d ma y continu e usin g a booste r seat unti l the top s of the ears are even wit h th e to p of the seat-back . A chil d o f thi s heigh t shoul d b e tal l enough to use th e lap/shoulde r bel t withou t a booster . When Can a Larger Child Ride in this Car Childre n var y widely . An d whil e age may be one indicato r of whe n a chil d can safel y rid e in thi s car, ther e are othe r importan t factor s yo u shoul d consider . Physical Size Physically , a chil d mus t be larg e enoug h fo r th e lap/shoulde r bel t to properl y fit ove r the hips , chest , an d shoulde r (see pages 15 and 29 ). If the sea t bel t does no t fi t properly , the chil d shoul d use a booste r seat. Maturity To safel y rid e in thi s car, a chil d must be able t o follo w the rules , includin g sittin g properl y an d wearin g th e sea t bel t properl y throughou t a ride . CONTINUED Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y
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 instruction s 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. Supervise the child. Even a mature child sometimes needs to be reminde d to fasten the seat belt or sit properly. Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts 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 light on the instrumen t panel to remind you and your passenger to fasten your belts. If the driver' s seat belt is not fastened before the ignitio n is turned ON (II) , the light will come on and a beeper wil l also sound. The beeper will stop after a few seconds, but the ligh t will stay on unti l the driver' s seat belt is fastened. Lap/Shoulde r Bel t 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. Afte r exitin g 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 lockin g retractor . In normal driving , the retracto r lets you move freely in your seat while it keeps some tension on the belt. Durin g a collision or sudden stop, the retracto r automatically locks the belt to help restrain your body. The passenger's seat belt has an additional lockin g mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat. (See page 27 for instructions on how to secure a forward-facin g child seat wit h this type of belt.) If the shoulder part of the belt is pulled all the way out, the lockin g mechanism will activate. The belt wil l retract , but it will not allow the passenger to move freely . CONTINUED Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts To deactivate the lockin g 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/shoulde r belt properly. Seat Belt Maintenanc e 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/shoulde r belts retrac t easily. Any belt not in good condition or not workin g properly wil l 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 durin g normal use. Please see your Honda Warranty Information booklet for details. 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 durin g 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 informatio n on how to clean your seat belts, see page 208 . Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y 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.
Additional Information About Your SRS SRS Component s Your Supplemental Restrain t System (SRS) includes: Two fron t airbags. The driver' s airbag is stored in the center of the steerin g wheel; the fron t passenger's airbag is stored in the dashboard. Both are marked "SRS AIRBAG. " Automati c seat belt tensioner s that tighte n the fron t seat belts durin g a moderate to severe fronta l collision . Sensors that can detect a moderate to severe fronta l collision . A sophisticate d electroni c system that continuall y monitor s informatio n about the sensors, the contro l unit , and the airbag activators when the ignitio n is ON (II). An indicato r ligh t on the instrumen t panel that alerts you to a possible proble m with the system (see page 37 ). Emergenc y backup power in case your car's electrica l system is disconnected in a crash. How You r Airbag s Wor k If you ever have a moderat e to severe fronta l collision , the sensors wil l detect rapi d deceleratio n and signa l the contro l unit to instantl y inflat e the airbags and activate the automati c seat belt tensioners . CONTINUED Drive r and Passenge r Safet y
Additional Information About Your SRS Durin g 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 airbag 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 airbag 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 airbag would be minimal. Afte r inflating , the airbags immediately deflate, so they won't interfere wit h the driver' s visibility , or the ability to steer or operate other controls. The total time for inflatio n and deflation is approximately one-tenth of a second, so fast that most occupants are not aware that the airbags deployed unti l they see them lying in their laps. Afte r a crash, you may see what looks like smoke. This is actually powder from the airbag's surface. Althoug h the powder is not harmful , people with respirator y 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 informatio n on how your airbags work, see the booklet title d SRS: What You Need to Know About Airbags that came wit h your owner's manual. Canadian Owners For additional informatio n on how your airbags work, ask your dealer for a copy of the booklet titled SRS: What You Need to Know About Airbags. Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y
Additional Information About Your SRS How the Automati c Seat Bel t Tensioner s Wor k Your Honda has automati c seat bel t tensioner s lo r added protectio n durin g a moderat e to severe fronta l collision . If you r airbags inflate , th e lensioner s immediatel y tighte n th e fron t seat belts to help hold th e occupants in place. Th e belts wil l remai n tigh t unti l you unbuckl e the m in the norma l way. How th e SRS Indicato r Ligh t Work s The purpose of the SRS ligh t is to alert you to a potentia l proble m wit h you r Supplementa l Restrain t System . When you tur n the ignitio n ON (II) , this indicato r wil l ligh t briefl y the n go out. Thi s tells you that th e system is workin g properly . If the ligh t comes on at any othe r time , or does not come on at all , you should have the system checke d by your dealer . Fo r example : If the SRS indicato r light does not come on afte r you tur n the ignitio n ON (II) . If the ligh t stay s on afte r the engine starts . If the ligh t conie s on or flashe s on and off whil e you drive . If you see any of these indications , you r airbag s and seat belt tensioner s may not deplo y when you need them . See you r Acur a dealer as soon as possible. Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y SRS Ignorin g the SRS indicato r light can resul t in seriou s injury or deat h if the airbag s do not inflat e when needed . Hav e your vehicl e checke d by a deale r as soo n as possibl e if the SR S light alert s you to a potentia l problem .
Additional Information About Your SRS SRS Service Your Supplemental Restraint System is virtuall y maintenance-free, and there are no parts you can safely service. However, you must have your car serviced if: Your airbags ever inflate. Th e 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 migh t not inflate when you need them. Additiona l Safet y Precaution s Do not attempt to deactivate your airbags. Together, airbags and seat belts provide the best protection in a moderate to severe fronta l collision. Do not tamper with SRS components o r wirin g for any reason. Tamperin g could cause the airbags to deploy, possibly causing very serious injury . See page 123 fo r furthe r informatio n and precautions relatin g to your SRS. Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y
Carbon Monoxide Hazard You r car's exhaus t contain s carbo n monoxid e gas. You should have no proble m wit h carbo n monoxid e enterin g the car in norma l drivin g if you maintai n you r car properly . Have the exhaus t syste m inspecte d for leak s whenever : The car is raised for an oil change. You notic e a change in the sound of the exhaust . The car was in an acciden t that may have damaged the underside . Hig h levels of carbo n monoxid e can collec t rapidl y in enclose d areas, such as a garage . Do not run the engin e wit h the garage door closed . Even wit h the door open, ru n the engin e only long enoug h to move the car out of the garage . Wit h the trun k lid open, air flo w can pull exhaus t gas int o you r vehicle' s interio r and create a hazardous condition . If you mus t driv e wit h the trun k lid open, open all the window s and set the heatin g and coolin g system as shown below. If you mus t sit in you r parke d car, even in an unconfine d area, wit h the engine running , adjust the heatin g and coolin g system as follows :
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. SUN VISO R Drive r and Passenger Safety DASHBOARD U.S. models only U.S. models Canadian models SEAT BELT TENSIONER BATTERY SRSRADIATOR
Instruments and Controls This section gives informatio n about the controls and displays that contribute to the daily operation of your Honda. Al l the essential controls are withi n easy reach. Control Locations............................ 42 Indicator Lights................................ 43 Gauges.............................................. 4 7 Speedometer................................ 4 7 Select Button................................ 47 Tachometer.................................. 47 Temperatur e Gauge.................... 47 Fuel Gauge................................... 48 Odometer...................................... 48 Tri p Meter.................................... 48 Maintenance Required Indicator.................................... 49 Controls Near the Steering Wheel....................................... 50 Headlights.................................... 51 Daytime Running Lights............. 52 Instrumen t Panel Brightness..... 52 Tur n Signals................................ 53 Windshiel d Wipers..................... 53 Windshiel d Washers.................. 54 Steering Wheel Controls ................ 55 Cruise Control.............................. 55 Keys and Locks................................ 58 Keys...............................................58 Immobilize r System..................... 59 Ignitio n Switch............................. 60 Power Door Locks....................... 62 Remote Transmitter.................... 63 Trunk............................................ 66 Emergency Trun k Opener......... 67 Console Compartments.............. 68 Seat Adjustments............................. 69 Power Windows............................... 70 Convertible Top............................... 72 Lowerin g the Convertible Top... 72 Raising the Convertible Top ...... 75 Convertible Top Cover................ 77 Maintenance................................. 78 Hazard Warning............................... 80 Mirrors.............................................. 80 Adjustin g the Power Mirrors.... . 80 Parking Brake.................................. 81 Beverage Holder.............................. 82 Accessory Power Socket................ 82 Audio Panel....................................... 82 Interio r Lights.................................. 83 Instrument s an d Control s
Control Locations Instrument s and Control s HEADLIGHT/TUR N SIGNAL SWITC H (P.51) WINDSHIEL D WIPE R CONTROL S (P.53) HOO D RELEASE HANDLE (P.118) HEATING AN D AI R CONDITIONIN G (P.86) DOOR LOCK SWITC H (P.62) POWER WINDO W SWITCHE S (P.70) MIRROR CONTROL S (P.80) ROOF SWITC H (P.73) HAZARD WARNIN G SWITC H (P.80) AUDIO SYSTE M (P.94)
Indicator Lights CRUIS E CONTRO L INDICATO R (P.46) MAINTENANC E REQUIRE D INDICATO R (P.49) TUR N SIGNA L AN D HAZAR D WARNIN G INDICATOR S (P.46) ANTI-LOC K BRAKE SYSTE M (ABS ) INDICATOR * (P.45) PARKING BRAKE AN D BRAKE SYSTE M INDICATOR * (P.44) CHARGIN G SYSTE M INDICATO R (P.44) ELECTRIC POWER STEERIN G INDICATO R (P.45) HIGH BEA M INDICATO R (P.46) LOW FUEL INDICATO R (P.46) SEAT BELT REMINDE R LIGH T (P. 44) SUPPLEMENTA L RESTRAIN T SYSTE M INDICATO R (P.45) DOOR-OPE N INDICATO R (P. 45) TRUNK-OPE N INDICATO R (P. 45) IMMOBILIZE R SYSTE M INDICATO R (P. 46) MALFUNCTIO N INDICATO R LAM P (P. 230) LOW OIL PRESSUR E INDICATO R (P. 44) Instrument s and Control s
Indicator Lights The instrumen t panel has many indicator s to give you importan t informatio n about your car. Seat Bel t Reminde r Ligh t This indicato r flashes for several seconds when you turn the ignitio n ON (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 ligh t stays on unti l you do. Both the light and the beeper stay off if you fasten your seat belt before turnin g on the ignition . Low Oi l Pressur e Indicator The engine can be severely damaged if this ligh t flashes or stays on when the engine is running . For complete information , see page 228 . Charging System Indicato r If this ligh t comes on when the engine is running , the battery is not being charged. For complete information , see page 229 . U.S. Parkin g Brak e an d Brak e System Indicato r This ligh t has two functions:
Indicator Lights Supplementa l Restrain t System Indicato r This indicator lights when you tur n the ignitio n switc h ON (II) . If it comes on at any other time, it indicates a problem in the supplemental restraint system. For complete information , see page 37. Anti-loc k Brak e System (ABS ) Indicato r 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. Wit h the ligh t on, your car stil l has normal brakin g ability but no anti-lock. Malfunctio n Indicato r Lamp See page 230. Trunk-ope n Indicato r This light comes on if the trun k lid is not closed tightly . Door-open Indicato r Thi s ligh t comes on if either door is not closed tightly . Electric Powe r Steerin g (EPS) Indicato r This ligh t normally comes on when you turn the ignitio n ON (II ) and goes off after the engine starts. If it comes on at any other time, there is a problem in the Electri c Power Steering system. If this happens, stop the car in a safe place and turn off the engine. Reset the system by restartin g 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. Wit h the light on, the EPS is turne d off, makin g the car harder to steer. Instrument s an d Control s SRS ABS U.S. Canada EPS
Indicator Lights Tur n Signal and Hazar d Warnin g Indicator s The lef t or righ t tur n signa l ligh t blink s when you signal a lane change or turn . If the ligh t does not blin k or blink s rapidly , it usually means one of the tur n signal bulbs is burned out (see page 192 ). Replace the bulb as soon as possible, since other driver s cannot see that you are signalling . When you tur n on the Hazard Warnin g switch , bot h tur n signal light s blink . Al l tur n signals on the outside of the car should flash . Hig h Bea m Indicato r Thi s ligh t comes on wit h the hig h beam headlights . See page 51 for informatio n on the headligh t controls . "Daytim e Runnin g Lights " Indicato r Canadian models only Thi s indicato r light s when you tur n the ignitio n switc h to ON (II ) wit h the headligh t switc h off and the parkin g brake set. It shoul d go off if you tur n on the headlight s or release the parkin g brake . If it comes on at any other time , it means there is a proble m wit h the DRL . Ther e may also be a proble m wit h the hig h beam headlights . Immobilize r Syste m Indicato r Thi s indicato r comes on for a few seconds when you tur n the ignitio n switc h ON (II) . It wil l then go off if you have inserte d a properly-code d ignitio n key. If it is not a properly- coded key, the indicato r wil l blin k and the engine wil l not start (see page 59 ). Thi s indicato r also blink s several times when you tur n the ignitio n switc h fro m ON (II ) to ACCESSORY (I) o r LOC K (0) . Cruis e Contro l Indicato r Thi s light s when you set the cruise control . See page 55 fo r informatio n on operatin g the cruise control . Low Fue l Indicato r Thi s ligh t comes on as a reminde r that you must refue l soon. Instrument s an d Control s DRL CRUISE CONTROL
Gauges TEMPERATUR E GAUG E SPEEDOMETE R Liqui d crysta l is used in the meter panel. You may feel the indicator s appear slowly in the low temperature . Speedomete r Thi s shows your speed in miles per hour (mph ) o r kilometer s per hour (km/h) . SELECT BUTTO N Select Butto n The Select butto n switche s the speedometer readin g between mile s per hou r and kilomete r per hour. I t also changes the odomete r and tri p meters to read in miles or kilometer s correspondingly . To change the readings , push the Select butto n and hold it unti l you hear a beep. Tachomete r The tachomete r shows the engine speed in revolution s per minut e (rpm) . To protec t the engine fro m damage, never drive wit h the tachomete r readin g in the red zone. Temperatur e Gaug e Thi s shows the temperatur e of the engine's coolant. Durin g norma l operation , the readin g should be in the middl e of the gauge. In severe drivin g conditions , such as very hot weather or a long perio d of uphil l driving , the readin g may reach near the red mark . I f it reaches the red mark , pul l safely to the side of the road. Tur n to page 225 fo r instruction s and precaution s on checkin g the engine's coolin g system. Instrument s an d Control s TACHOMETE R
Gauges TRIP METER FUEL GAUGE TRIP BUTTO N ODOMETER SELECT BUTTO N Fuel Gauge This shows how much fuel you have. It is most accurate when the car is on level ground . It may show slightl y more or less than the actual amount when you are drivin g on curvy or hilly roads. 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 provincia l regulations to disconnect, reset, or alter the odometer with the intent to change the number of miles or kilometer s indicated. Tri p Mete r Thi s meter shows the number of miles or kilometer s driven since you last reset it. There are two tri p meters, Tri p A and Tri p B. Switch between Trip A and Tri p B by pressing the TRIP button repeatedly. Each tri p meter works independently, so you can keep track of two differen t distances. To reset a trip meter, display it and then press and hold the TRIP butto n until you hear a beep and the number resets to 0.0. Instrument s an d Control s
Gauges Maintenanc e Require d Indicato r This indicato r reminds you that it is time to take your car in for scheduled maintenance. Refer to the Maintenance Schedules for Norma l and Severe Drivin g 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 stays on. Your dealer wil l reset the indicato r when they perfor m the scheduled maintenance. If someone else performs the maintenance, reset the indicator yourself . To reset the maintenance require d indicator, tur n the ignitio n switch to the LOCK position, then press and hold the tri p meter reset butto n while you tur n the ignitio n switch ON. Continue holdin g the button unti l the indicato r resets (th e indicator ligh t goes out). Instrument s and Control s MAINTENANC E REQUIRE D INDICATO R
Controls Near the Steering Wheel The two levers on the steerin g colum n contai n control s for drivin g feature s you use most often . Th e lef t lever control s the tur n signals , headlights , and hig h beams. The righ t leve r control s th e windshiel d washer s and wipers . The engine star t butto n and the remote audio control s are unde r the left air vent. The instrumen t panel brightnes s contro l is in the lowe r lef t corne r of the speedometer . The cruis e contro l maste r switc h is to the left of the steerin g column . Instrument s and Control s HEADLIGHTS/TUR N SIGNAL S (P.51) INSTRUMEN T PANE L BRIGHTNES S (P.52) REMOT E AUDI O CONTROL S (P.113) ENGIN E START BUTTO N (P.131) HOOD RELEASE HANDL E (P.118) HORN CRUIS E CONTRO L MASTE R SWITC H (P.55) WINDSHIEL D WIPERS/WASHER S (P.53)
Controls Near the Steering Wheel Headlight s The rotatin g switc h on the lef t lever control s the lights . Turnin g this switc h to the positio n turn s on the parkin g lights , taillights , instrumen t pane l lights , side-marke r lights , and rear license plate lights . Turnin g the switc h to th e positio n turn s on the headlights . If you leave the light s on wit h the ignitio n switc h in ACCESSORY (I ) or LOC K (0) , you wil l hear a reminde r tone whe n you open the driver' s door . To chang e fro m low beams to hig h beams, push the tur n signal lever forwar d unti l you hear a click . Th e blue hig h beam indicato r wil l ligh t (see page 46 ). To retur n to low beams, pul l the tur n signal lever back. To flas h the hig h beams, pul l the tur n signa l lever back lightly , the n release it. The hig h beams wil l come on and go off. Th e hig h beams wil l stay on for as long as you hold the lever back, no matte r what positio n the headligh t switc h is in. Instrument s an d Control s
Controls Near the Steering Wheel Daytim e Runnin g Light s Canadian models only Wit h the headligh t switc h off , th e hig h beam headlight s come on wit h reduce d brightnes s whe n you tur n the ignitio n switc h to ON (II ) an d release the parkin g brake . The y remai n on unti l you tur n the ignitio n off, even if you set the parkin g brake . The headlight s rever t to norma l operatio n when you tur n the m on wit h the switch . Instrumen t Pane l Brightnes s Th e button s in the lowe r left corne r of the instrumen t panel adjus t the brightnes s of the displa y in five steps. Push the + o r — butto n five time s to see the ful l range . The displa y dims whe n the parkin g light s or headlight s are turne d on. Adjus t the brightnes s to the desire d level wit h the headligh t switc h off , and also wit h the headligh t switc h on. Bot h setting s wil l remai n at those levels unti l you change them . Wit h the headligh t switc h on, you can switc h the display to ful l daytim e brightnes s by pushin g and holdin g the + button . Push the — butto n to retur n the displa y to the origina l brightness . Instrument s and Control s BUTTO N BUTTO N
Controls Near the Steering Wheel Tur n Signals Signal a tur n or lane change wit h this lever. Push down on the lever to signal a left turn , and up to signal a righ t turn . If you push it up or down all the way, the tur n signal continues to blin k even when you release the lever. It shuts off automaticall y as you complete the turn . To signal a lane change, push lightl y on the tur n signal lever in the proper directio n and hold it. The lever wil l retur n to the center positio n as soon as you release it. Windshiel d Wiper s Thi s lever control s the windshiel d wipers and washers. It has five positions ; MIST : mist OFF: off INT : intermitten t LO: low speed HI : high speed To select a position , push the lever up or down. Instrument s and Control s CONTINUED TUR N SIGNA L LEVER
Controls Near the Steering Wheel In intermittent , the wipers operate every few seconds. In low speed and hig h speed, the wipers run continu- ously. To operate the wipers in mist mode, push the contro l lever up fro m the OFF position. The wipers run at high speed unti l you release the lever. Thi s gives you a quick way to clear the windshield . Windshiel d Washer s To clean the windshield , pull back on the wiper contro l lever. The washers spray until you release the lever. The wipers run at low speed while you're pullin g the lever, then complete one more sweep of the windshiel d after you release it. Instrument s an d Control s
Steering Wheel Controls 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 ful l control of the car under those conditions. The cruise control, as it operates, moves the accelerator pedal. You can damage you r vehicle's accelerator mechanism b y resting you r foot under the pedal and blocking the movement. Using the Cruise Control
Steering Wheel Controls RESUME/acce l SET/dece l 3. Press and release the SET/dece l button on the steering wheel. The CRUISE CONTRO L light on the instrumen t panel comes on to show the system is now activated. The cruise contro l 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 cruise control . To resume the set speed, press the RESUME/acce l button . The CRUISE CONTRO L ligh t on the instrumen t 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 cruisin g speed and press the SET/dece l 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/dece l button . The car will decelerate. Release the button when you reach the desired speed. To slow down in very small amounts, tap the SET/dece l 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 lightl y wit h your foot. The CRUISE CONTRO L light on the instrumen t panel will go out. When the car slows to the desired speed, press the SET/dece l button . The car will then maintain the desired speed. Instrument s an d Control s
Steering Wheel Controls Even wit h the cruise contro l turned on, you can still use the accelerator pedal to speed up for passing. Afte r completing the pass, take your foot off the accelerator pedal. The car will retur n to the set cruisin g 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 contro l in any of these ways: Tap the brake or clutch pedal. Press the SET/dece l and RE- SUME/acce l buttons at the same time. Press the Cruise Contro l Master Switch. When you tap the brake or clutch pedal, or press the SET and RE- SUME buttons at the same time, the CRUISE CONTRO L light on the instrumen t 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 retur n to that speed, accelerate to above 25 mph (40 km/h) , then press the RESUME/acce l button. The CRUISE CONTRO L light comes on, and the car wil l accelerate to the same cruising speed as before. Pressing the Cruise Contro l Master Switch turns the system completely off and erases the previous cruisin g speed fro m memory. To use the system again, refer to Using the Cruise Control. Instrument s and Control s
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: Ignitio n Doors Trun k Lower console compartment The valet key works only in the ignitio n and the door locks. You can keep the trun k and the lower console compartment locked when you leave your car and the valet key at a parkin g facility . You should have received a key number plate with your keys. You wil l 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 Immobilize r System. They will not work to start the engine if the circuits are damaged. Protect the keys fro m 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 wit h two remote transmitters ; see page 63 for an explanation of the operation. Instrument s an d Control s KEY NUMBE R PLATE MASTE R KEY (BLACK) VALE T KEY (GREY)
Keys and Locks Immobilize r Syste m The Immobilize r System protect s your car fro m theft . A properly- coded master or valet key must be used in the ignitio n switc h fo r the engine to start . I f an improperly - coded key (or other device) i s used, the engine's fue l system is disabled. When you tur n the ignitio n switc h to ON (II) , the Immobilize r System indicator should come on for a few seconds, then go out. If the indicato r starts to blink , it means the system does not recognize the codin g of the key. Tur n the ignitio n switc h to LOCK (0) , remove the key, reinser t it, and tur n the switc h to ON (II ) again. The system may not recognize your key's codin g if anothe r immobilize r key or other metal object is near the ignitio n switc h when you inser t the key. To make sure the system recognizes the key code: Do not keep othe r immobilize r keys on the same key ring . Use a plastic or leather key fob, not metal. Keep other keys away fro m your vehicle's key and the ignitio n switc h while tryin g to star t the engine. If the system repeatedl y does not recognize the codin g of your key, contact your Honda dealer. Thi s indicato r wil l also blin k several times when you tur n the ignitio n switc h fro m ON (II ) t o ACCESSORY (I) o r LOC K (0) . Do not attemp t to alte r this syste m or add other devices to it. Electrica l problem s could resul t that may make your car undriveable . If you have lost your key and you cannot star t the engine , contact your Honda dealer. CONTINUED Instrument s an d Control s
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 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. Ignitio n Switch The ignitio n switch is on the right side of the steering column. It has three positions: LOCK (0) ACCESSORY (I) ON (II) LOCK (0 ) - Yo u can insert or remove the key only in this position. To switch fro m 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 difficul t to tur n the key from LOCK to ACCESSORY. Firml y turn the steering wheel to the left or to the right as you turn the key. Instrument s an d Control s Removing the key from the ignition switch while driving locks the steering . This can cause you to lose control. Remov e the key from the ignition switch only when parked.
Keys and Locks ACCESSOR Y (I ) - I n this position, you can operate the audio system and the accessory power socket. ON (II ) — Thi s 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 tur n the ignitio n switch fro m 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 wil l not start if the Immobilizer Syste m does not recognize the key's coding (see page 59 ) . You will hear a reminder beeper if you leave the key in the ignitio n switc h in the LOC K (0) or ACCESSORY (I) position and open the driver' s door. Remove the key to tur n off the beeper. Instrument s an d Control s
Keys and Locks Power Doo r Lock s 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. Pullin g 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. To lock the passenger's door when gettin g out of the car, push the lock tab in and close the door. To lock the driver's door, remove the key fro m the ignitio n 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. Usin g the key in the passenger's door only locks and unlocks that door. To unlock only the driver' s door fro m the outside, insert the key in the driver' s door lock, tur n the key and release it. If you turn the key and hold it, both doors will unlock. Instrument s an d Control s LOCK TAB
Keys and Locks Remote Transmitte r You can lock and unlock your car wit h the remote transmitter . When you push the LOCK button, both doors lock. The side marker lights and taillight s flash once. When you push the UNLOC K button once, only the driver's door unlocks. The parkin g lights and taillight s flash twice. The passenger's door unlocks when you push the button a second time. The interio r ligh t (i f the interio r ligh t switch is in the center position) wil l come on when you press the UNLOC K button. If you do not open either door, the ligh t will go out in about 30 seconds and the doors will automatically relock. If you relock the doors with the remote transmitte r before 30 seconds have elapsed, the light will go off immediately. You cannot lock or unlock the doors wit h the remote transmitte r if either door is not full y closed or the key is in the ignitio n switch. To open the trunk , push and hold the TRUN K RELEASE butto n fo r approximately one second. Horn Operation The horn wil l sound if you push the LOC K button a second time withi n five seconds of lockin g the doors. CONTINUED Instrument s an d Control s UNLOC K BUTTO N LOCK BUTTO N TRUN K RELEASE BUTTO N PANIC BUTTO N LED
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 butto n for about one second. To cancel Panic mode before 30 seconds, press any button on the remote transmitter . You can also turn the ignitio n switch to ON (II) . Replacing the Battery When the remote transmitter' s batter y begins to get weak, it may take several pushes on the butto n to lock or unlock the doors, and the LED will get dim. Replace the batter y as soon as possible. Batter y type: CR2025 To replace the battery, remove the round cover on the back of the trans- mitte r by turnin g it counterclockwis e wit h a coin. Instrument s an d Control s Ope n Close
Keys and Locks Remove the old battery and note the polarity. Make sure the polarity of the new battery is the same ( + sid e facing up), then insert it in the transmitter. Align the mar k on the cover with the mar k on the transmitter, then set the cover in place and tur n it clockwise. Transmitter Care Avoid severe shock to the trans- mitter , such as dropping or throwin g it. Also, protect it fro m extreme hot or cold temperatures. Clean the transmitte r case with a soft cloth . Do not use strong cleaners or solvents that could harm the case. Immersin g the transmitte r in any liquid will harm the trans- mitte r and cause it to not functio n properly. If you lose a transmitter , you will need to have the replacement programme d to your vehicle's system by your Honda dealer. Any other transmitter s you have will also need to be reprogrammed . 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 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. Instrument s an d Control s BATTERY ROUND COVER
Keys and Locks Trun k TRUNK RELEASE BUTTO N You can open the trun k in three ways: Press the trun k release butto n in the lower console compartment. Use the master key to open the trun k lock. The valet key does not work in this lock. Press and hold the trun k release button on the remote transmitte r for approximately one second (see page 63 ) . MASTER KEY To close the trunk , press down on the trun k lid. To protect items in the trun k when you need to give the key to someone else, lock the lower console compartment wit h the master key and give the other person the valet key. See page 124 for cargo loading and weigh t limit information . Keep the trun k lid closed at all times while drivin g to avoid damaging the lid, and to prevent exhaust gas from gettin g into the interior . See Carbo n Monoxid e Hazar d on page 39 . Instrument s and Controls Push
Keys and Locks Emergency Trun k Opene r (U.S . models only) As a safety feature, your car has a release lever on the trun k latch so the trun k can be opened fro m the inside. To open the trunk , push the release lever to the left. Parents should decide if thei r childre n should be shown how to use this feature. For more informatio n about child safety, see page 22 . Instrument s an d Control s
Keys and Locks Consol e Compartment s The area between the seats has two compartments . Open the lowe r compartmen t by squeezin g the handle . Close it wit h a fir m push. You can loc k or unloc k the lowe r compartmen t wit h th e maste r key . The leve r to open the uppe r compartmen t is insid e th e lowe r compartment . Push up the lever and lif t the lid . To close, lowe r the lid and push it dow n unti l it latches . Instrument s an d Control s MASTE R KEY
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 forwar d 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. Tr y 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 seat-back latch in the new position. Instrument s an d Control s
Power Windows Your car's windows are electrically- powered. Tur n the ignitio n switch to ON (II ) t o raise or lower either window. DRIVER'S WINDO W SWITC H 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 pullin g back on the switch and holdin g it. The driver' s armrest has a master power window contro l panel. To open the passenger's window, push down on the switch and hold it down unti l the window reaches the desired position. To close the window, pull back on the window switch. Release the switc h when the window gets to the position you want. Instrument s and Controls PASSENGER'S WINDO W SWITC H MAIN SWITCH
Power Windows The master contro l panel also con- tains these extr a features : AUT O — To open the driver' s windo w fully , push the windo w switc h firml y down and release it. The windo w automaticall y goes al l the way down . To stop the windo w fro m goin g all the way down , pul l back on the windo w switc h briefly . To open the driver' s windo w only partially , push the windo w switc h clown lightl y and hol d it. The windo w wil l stop as soon as you release the switch . Th e AUT O functio n onl y work s to lowe r the driver' s window . To raise the window , you mus t pul l back on the windo w switc h and hol d it unti l the windo w reaches the desire d position . Th e MAI N switc h control s powe r to the passenger's window . Wit h this switc h off, the passenger's windo w cannot be raised or lowered . The MAI N switc h does not affec t the driver' s window . Kee p the MAI N switc h off when you have a chil d in the car so the chil d does not get injure d by operatin g the windo w unintentionally . Instrument s an d Control s 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.
Convertible Top 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 fro m thef t of your valuables. 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. Lowerin g the Convertibl e Top Park your car in the shade whenever possible. Extended exposure to sunligh t can cause the convertible top to deteriorate.
Convertible Top LOCKING LEVE R LATCH 4. Push the top forwar d while you release the latches fro m the windshield header by pushing the lockin g levers forward . 5. Wit h the latches released, pull back on the lockin g levers and push them up unti l they latch. 6. Pull back and hold the ROOF switch. CONTINUED Instrument s an d Control s LOCKING LEVER ROOF SWITC H
Convertible Top The window s wil l lowe r and the roo f wil l fol d back. Release the ROO F switc h whe n the roo f is retracte d completel y int o th e rea r shelf . Do not sit on the folded convertible top, or put heavy items o n top o f it. Instrument s an d Control s NOTICE 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.
Convertible Top Raisin g the Convertibl e Top
Convertible Top WINDSHIELD HEADER The convertible top will raise. Release the ROOF switch when the top reaches the windshield header. TAB LATCH 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. Do not put heavy items on the dosed convertible top. Yon can damage the material and the mechanism. Instrument s and Controls NOTICE 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.LOCKING LEVER
Convertible Top Convertibl e Top Cover Use the convertible top cover when the top is folded to help prevent foreig n objects, dirt , etc., from gettin g into the material and mechanism.
Convertible Top 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. Maintenanc e Dust is the main cause of creaks or other sounds coming fro m 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 fro m the top or rear window. Every three to six months, depending on how often the top is folded, rub a thin fil m of Shin-Etsu Silicone grease (available fro m your Honda dealer, P/ N 08798-9013) ont o the seals wherever they touch the convertible top or each other. Instrument s an d Control s
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. Do not lean or sit on an open door. The convertibl e top seals are designed to promote the flow of water off the roof. Spraying high pressure water directl y on the seals can distort them, causing a leak. Use only a low pressure water stream when using a hose, and avoid car washes. Instrument s an d Control s
Hazard Warning, Mirrors Hazar d Warnin g Push the red button next to the roof switch to turn on the hazard warnin g lights (four-way flashers). Thi s causes all four outside turn signals and both indicators in the instrumen t panel to flash. Use the hazard warnin g lights if you need to park in a dangerous area near heavy traffic , or if your vehicle is disabled. Mirror s Keep the inside and outside mirror s clean and adjusted for best visibility . Be sure to adjust the mirror s before you start driving . The inside mirro r has day and nigh t positions. The night position reduces glare fro m headlights behind you. Flip the tab on the bottom edge of the mirro r to select the day or night position. Adjustin g the Power Mirror s Adjust the outside mirror s wit h th e adjustment switch on the driver' s door armrest :
Mirrors, Parking Brake 3. Push the appropriate edge of the adjustment switch to move the mirro r right, left, up, or clown. 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 mirro r out of position by accidentally bumping the switch . Parkin g Brak e To apply the parkin g brake, pull the lever up fully. To release it, pull up slightly , push the button , and lower the lever. The parkin g brake light on the instrumen t panel should go out when the parkin g brake is fully released (see page 44 ). If you try to drive the vehicle withou t releasing the parkin g brake, the ABS indicator may come on, and the ABS may not work properly. Driving the car with the parking brake applied can damage the rear brakes and axles. Instrument s an d Control s NOTICE
Beverage Holder, Accessory Power Socket, Audio Panel Beverage Holde r 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 . Accessory Power Socket To use the accessory power socket, pull out on the cover. The ignitio n 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 wil l not power an automotive type cigarette lighte r element. Audio Pane l To open the audio panel, push on the top center and let the panel swing down. To close, pivot the panel up and push on it unti l it latches. Refer to page 94 fo r operation of the audio system. Instrument s an d Control s
Interior Lights The interio r ligh t has a three - positio n switch . In the OF F position , the ligh t does not come on. In the center position , the interio r ligh t comes on when you open eithe r door. In the ON position , the interio r ligh t stays on continuously . In addition , whe n the thre e positio n switc h is in the cente r positio n wit h both doors closed, the two bulbs in the interio r ligh t can be turne d on separately by the pushbutto n switches next to them . Push the switc h to tur n the ligh t on or off. If the three-positio n switc h is in the center position , the interio r ligh t wil l come on when you remov e the key fro m the ignitio n switch . Instrument s an d Control s
84
Comfort and Convenience Features The heating and air conditionin g systems in your Honda provide a comfortable drivin g environmen t in all weather conditions. The standard audio system has many features. This section de- scribes those features and how to use them. (I f you selected an optional audio system, refer to the operating instruction s that came wit h it.) Heating and Cooling........................ 86 What Each Control Does............ 86 How to Use the System............... 88 To Turn Everythin g Off ............. 93 Audio System AM/FM/C D Audio System....... 94 Operating the Radio.................... 95 Adjustin g the Sound.................... 99 Digita l Clock...............................100 Audio System Lighting............ . 102 Radio Frequencies..................... 102 Radio Reception......................... 103 Operating the CD Player.......... 105 Operating the CD Changer...... 108 Protecting Compact Discs........ 109 CD Player Error Indications..... 111 CD Changer Erro r Indications.............................. 112 Remote Audio Controls ............ 113 Thef t Protection........................ 114 Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
Heating and Cooling Proper use of the Heatin g and Cooling system can make the interio r dry and comfortable , and keep the windows clear for best visibility . Wha t Eac h Contro l Does Fan Contro l Leve r Pushin g this lever up and down increases and decreases the fan speed. The indicator s next to the lever show you the speed selected. Temperatur e Contro l Dia l Turnin g this dial clockwis e increases the temperatur e of the air flow . Air Conditioning (A/C) Button Thi s butto n turn s the air condi- tionin g ON and OFF . The indicato r in the butto n light s when the A/ C is on. Recirculatio n Butto n Thi s butto n control s the source of the air going into the system . Whe n the indicato r in this butto n is lit, air fro m the car's interio r is sent throug h the system again (Recircula - tion mode) . Whe n the indicato r is off, air is brough t in fro m outside the car (Fresh Ai r mode) . Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s RECIRCULATIO N BUTTO N AIR CONDITIONIN G SWITC H FAN CONTRO L LEVER MOD E CONTRO L DIAL TEMPERATUR E CONTRO L DIAL
Heating and Cooling Mode Contro l Dial Use the MOD E contro l dial to select the vents the air flows from . Air flows from the vents on both sides of the instrumen t panel, and fro m the dashboard vent in fron t of the passenger. Air flow is divided between the vents in the dashboard and the floor vents. Air flows fro m the center vents in the dashboard above the audio system, the vents on both sides of the instrumen t panel and from the floor vents. Select this position when you drive wit h the convertible top folded. Air flows fro m the floo r vents and the vents on both sides of the instrumen t 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 instrumen t panel. Air flows fro m the defroste r vents at the base of the windshiel d and the vents on both sides of the instrumen t panel. When you select th e system automatically switches to Fresh Air mode and turns on the A/C . Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
Heating and Cooling Ven t Controls You can adjust the directio n of the air coming from the vents on both sides of the instrumen t 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 , tur n the dial under each vent left and right . SIDE VENT You can shut off the air flow fro m each vent by turnin g the dial all the way toward the mar k unti l it clicks. How to Use the System Thi s section covers how to set up the system controls for ventilation , heating, cooling, dehumidifying , and defrosting . The engine must be runnin g for the heater and air conditionin g 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 coining from the system. The air conditionin g does not rely on engine temperature . Comfor t and Convenienc e Feature s CENTER VEN T
Heating and Cooling It is best to leave the syste m in Fres h Ai r mode unde r almost all conditions . Keepin g the syste m in Recirculatio n mode, particularl y wit h the A/ C off , can cause the window s to fog up. Switch to Recirculatio n mode whe n you are drivin g throug h smok y or dusty conditions , the n switc h back to Fres h Ai r mode when the conditio n clears. The outsid e air intake s fo r the heatin g and coolin g system are at the base of the windshield . Keep these clear of leaves and othe r debris . Ventilation Th e flow-throug h ventilatio n system draws in outsid e air, circulate s it throug h the interior , the n exhaust s it throug h vents behin d the seat-backs.
Heating and Cooling To Cool with A/C
Heating and Cooling To Heat To war m th e interior :
Heating and Cooling To remove exterio r fros t or ice fro m the windshiel d and side windows after the vehicle has been sittin g out in cold weather:
Heating and Cooling These setting s direc t all the air flow to the defroste r vents at the base of the windshiel d and the side window defroste r vents. The air flow wil l get warme r and clear the window s faster as the engine warms up. You can close the side vents wit h the dial beside each vent. Thi s wil l send more war m air to the windshiel d defroste r vents. For safety, make sure you have a clear view throug h all the windows before drivin g away. To Tur n Everythin g Of f To shu t off the system temporarily , tur n off the fan (no light s illuminated) . You shoul d shut the system completel y off only for the firs t few minutes of drivin g in cold weather , unti l the engine coolant warms up enough to operate the heater. Keep the fan on at all other times so stale air does not buil d up in the interior . Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
Audio System AM/FM/C D Audi o System Your Honda's audio system provide s clear receptio n o n botl i AM and F M bands, while the preset button s allow you to easily select your favorit e stations. The anti-thef t featur e wil l disable the system if it is disconnected fro m the vehicle's battery . To get th e syste m workin g again, you must enter a code number (see page 114 ). Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
Audio System Operatin g the Radi o The ignitio n switc h must be in ACCESSORY (I ) o r ON (II ) t o operate the audio system. Tur n the system on by pushin g the PWR / VOL knob. Adjus t the volume by turnin g the same knob . The band and frequenc y that the radio was last tuned to is displayed. To change bands, press the AM/F M button . On the FM band, ST will be displayed if the statio n is broadcast- ing in stereo. Stereo reproductio n on AM is not available. You can use any of four methods to fin d radio stations on the selected band: TUNE , SEEK, SCAN or the Preset buttons . TUN E — Use the TUN E bar to tune the radio to a desired frequency . Press the sid e of the bar to tune to a highe r frequency , and the side to tune to a lower frequency . Th e frequenc y number s wil l start to change rapidly . Release the bar when the display reaches the desired frequency . To change the frequenc y in smal l increments , press and release the TUN E bar quickly . SEE K — Th e SEE K functio n searches the band for a station wit h a stron g signal. To activate it, press the SEEK bar on eithe r the o r side, then release it. Dependin g on whic h side you press, the system scans upwar d or down- ward fro m the curren t frequency . I t stops when it finds a station wit h a stron g signal. CONTINUED Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
Audio System SCAN — The SCAN functio n samples all the stations with stron g 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 fo r approximately five seconds. If you do nothing, the system will then scan for the next stron g station and play that for five seconds. When it plays a station that you want to continue listenin g to, press the SCAN butto n again. Preset — You can store the frequencies of your favorit e radio stations in the six preset buttons . Each button will store one frequency on the AM band, and two frequencies on the FM band. Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s PWR/VO L KNO B SCA N INDICATO R TUN E BAR PRESET BUTTON S SCA N BUTTO N STEREO INDICATO R SEEK BARAM/F M BUTTO N
Audio System To store a frequency :
Audio System AUT O SELEC T — If you are travelin g far from home and can no longer receive the stations you preset, you can use the Auto Select feature to fin d 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, lookin g for stations wit h stron g signals. It stores the frequencies of six AM station s 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 fin d six stron g 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. TUN E BA R AUTO SELEC T INDICATO R SCA N BUTTO N 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 functio n to find the desired frequencies, then store them in the selected preset buttons as described previously. Auto Select does not erase the frequencies that you preset pre- viously. When you retur n home, tur n off Auto Select by pressing the A. SEL button . The preset buttons will then select the frequencies you originall y set. Comfor t and Convenienc e Feature s A. SE L BUTTO N SEEK BAR
Audio System Adjustin g the Sound Balance/Fade r — These two controls adjust the strengt h 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/FADE R contro l knob to get it to pop out. Pull it out slightl y 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. Wit h only two speakers, set the fader control to the maximum front setting . To adjust the balance, push on the TREBLE/BALANC E contro l knob to get it to pop out. Pull it out slightl y 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 settin g by accidentally bumping it. Treble/Bas s — Use these controls to adjust the tone to your liking . To adjust the Treble level, push on the TREBLE/BALANC E contro l knob to get it to pop out. Withou t pulling it out farther , tur n the knob to adjust the treble level. Push the knob back in when you are clone so you cannot change the setting by accidentally bumping it. To adjust the Bass level, push on the BASS/FADE R contro l knob to get it to pop out. Withou t pullin g it out farther , tur n 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. Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s BASS/FADE R CONTRO L TREBLE/BALANC E CONTRO L
Audio System Digita l Clock The display of your audio system usually shows the time when the ignitio n switch is in ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) . It shows operation mode of radio, CD player, or optional CD changer when you operate them, and goes back to the time display after five seconds. The display also goes hack to the time display two seconds after you turn the volume knob to adjust the volume. If an erro r occurs while operatin g the CD player or optional CD changer, the display will show the error code and wil l not switch to the time display unti l the error is corrected (see pages 111 and 112 ). TIME DISPLA Y Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
Audio System To set the time , press the CLOC K (AM/FM ) butto n fo r mor e tha n tw o seconds unti l you hear a beep. The time display wil l begin blinking . To set the hour , press and hol d the H (Preset 4) butto n unti l the hou r advances to the desire d time . To set the minutes , press and hol d the M (Prese t 5) butto n unti l the numbers advance to the desire d time . When you are finished , press the CLOC K butto n again . Th e tim e display wil l stop blinkin g and the time is now set. CLOCK BUTTO N M BUTTO N Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s H BUTTO N
Audio System Audi o Syste m Lightin g The audio syste m illuminate s whe n the parkin g light s are on, even if the radio is turne d off . Radi o Frequencie s You r Honda' s radi o can receive the complet e AM and F M bands . Thos e bands cover these frequen - cies: AM band : 530 to 1,710 kilohert z FM band : 87.7 to 107.9 megahert z Radio station s on the AM band are assigned frequencie s at least ten kilohert z apart (530, 540, 550). Stations on the FM band are assigned frequencie s at least 0.2 megahert z apart (87.9, 88.1, 88.3). Stations mus t use these exact frequencies . I t is fairl y commo n fo r stations to round-of f th e frequenc y in thei r advertising , so you r radio coul d display a frequenc y of 100.9 even thoug h th e announce r may identif y the station as "F M 101." Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
Audio System Radi o Receptio n How well your Honda's radio receives stations is dependent on many factors, such as the distance fro m the station' s transmitter , nearby large objects, and atmos- pheric conditions . A radio station' s signal gets weake r as you get farthe r away fro m its transmitter . If you are listenin g to an AM station , you wil l notice the sound volume becomin g weaker, and the station driftin g in and out. If you are listenin g to an FM station , you wil l see the stereo indicato r flickerin g off and on as the signal weakens. Eventually , the stereo indicato r wil l go off and the sound wil l fade completel y as you get out of range of the station's signal. Drivin g very near the transmitte r of a station that is broadcastin g on a frequenc y close to the frequenc y of the station you are listenin g to can also affec t your radio's reception . You may temporaril y hear bot h stations, or hear only the station you are close to. Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
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 fro m 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 . 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. Electrica l interferenc e from passing vehicles and stationary sources can cause temporary reception problems . 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. Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
Audio System Operatin g the CD Playe r You operate the CD player wit h the same control s used for the radio. Wit h the ignitio n switc h in ACCESSORY (I) o r ON (II) , inser t the disc into the CD slot. Push the disc in halfway, the driv e wil l pull it in the rest of the way and begin to play. The numbe r of the trac k that is playin g is shown in the display. You can also play 3-inch (8-cm) discs withou t using an adapter ring . In all cases, play only standard round discs. Odd-shaped CDs may jam in the drive or cause other problems . Do not play discs wit h disc accessories such as protectiv e seals or rubbers . Usin g them may also cause the audio system to malfunction . Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s CONTINUED AM/F M BUTTO N CD SLO T TUN E BAR EJECT BUTTO N PWR/VO L KNOB CD BUTTO N RPT BUTTO N A.SEL/RD M BUTTO N SEEK/SKI P BAR
Audio System Whe n the syste m reaches the end of the disc, it wil l retur n to the begin- ning and play tha t disc again . You can switc h to the radi o whil e a CD is playin g by pressin g the AM / FM button . Press the C D butto n to retur n to playin g the CD . The CD wil l begi n playin g wher e it lef t off . If you tur n the syste m off whil e a CD is playing , eithe r wit h th e PWR/VO L knob o r by turnin g off the ignition , the disc wil l stay in the drive . Whe n you tur n the system back on, the CD wil l begi n playin g wher e i t lef t off . Press the eject butto n to remov e the disc fro m the drive . If you eject the disc , bu t do not remove it fro m the slot , the syste m wil l automaticall y reloa d the disc after 15 seconds and put the CD player in pause mode . To begi n playin g the disc, press the CD button . You can use the TUN E and SEEK / SKIP bars whil e a disc is playin g to select passages and change tracks . To move rapidl y withi n a track , press and hol d the TUN E bar. Press the side to move forward . You wil l see CUE in the display . Press the side to move backward . You wil l see REW displayed . Release the bar when the syste m reache s the poin t you want . Each tim e you press and release the side of the SEEK/SKI P bar, the syste m skips forwar d to the beginnin g of the nex t track . Press the sid e to ski p backwar d to th e beginnin g of the curren t track . Pres s it again to ski p to the beginnin g of the previou s track . Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
Audio System REPEA T — 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 tur n it off. RANDO M PLA Y — 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/RD M button . You will see RDM in the display. The system will then select and play tracks randomly. This continues unti l you deactivate Random Play by pressing A. SEL/RD M again. If the system is in Repeat mode, you must tur n it off by pressing the RPT button before selecting Random Play. Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
Audio System Operatin g the CD Change r (Optional ) A Compact Disc change r is available for your vehicle. It holds up to six discs, providin g several hours of continuous entertainment . You operate thi s CD change r wit h the same control s used for the in-dash CD player. Load the desired CDs in the magazine and load the magazine in the changer accordin g to the instruction s that came wit h the unit . Play only standard roun d discs. Odd- shaped CDs may jam in the drive or cause othe r problems . Do not play discs wit h disc accessories such as protectiv e seals or rubbers . Usin g them may also cause the audio system to malfunction . To select the CD changer , press the CD button . The disc and trac k number s wil l be displayed . To select a differen t disc, press the appropriat e preset butto n (1 — 6). If you select an empty slot in the magazine, the changer will , after findin g that slot empty , tr y to load the CD in the next slot. Thi s continue s unti l it find s a CD to load and play. If you load a CD in the in-dash player whil e the changer is playin g a CD, the system wil l stop the changer and begin playin g the in-dash CD. To select the changer again, press the CD button . Play will begin where it left off. Use the CD butto n to switc h between the player and the changer . If you eject the in-dash CD whil e it is playing , the system wil l automaticall y switch to the CD change r and begin play wher e it left off . If there are no CDs in the changer , the display wil l flash . You wil l have to select anothe r mode (A M or FM ) wit h the button . When you switc h back to CD mode , the system selects the same unit (in - dash or changer) tha t was playin g when you switche d out of CD mode . To use the SKIP, REPEAT , and RANDO M functions , refe r to the in - dash player operatin g instructions . Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
Audio System Protectin g Compac t Disc s Handle a CD by its edges: never touch eithe r surface . Contaminatio n fro m fingerprints , liquids , felt-ti p pens, and labels can cause the CD to not play properly , or possibly jam in the drive . Whe n a CD is not bein g played, stor e it in it s case to protec t it fro m dust and othe r contamination . To preven t warpage, keep CDs out of direc t sunligh t and extrem e heat. To clean a disc, use a clean soft cloth . Wip e acros s the disc fro m th e cente r to the outsid e edge. Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s CONTINUE D
Audio System A new CD may be roug h on the inner and outer edges. The small plastic pieces causing this roughness can flake off and fall on the re- cordin g surface of the disc, causing skipping or other problems. Remove these pieces by rubbin g the inner and outer edges wit h the side of a pencil or pen. Never tr y to insert foreig n objects in the CD player or the magazine. Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
Audio System CD Playe r Erro r Indication s If you see an erro r indicatio n in the display whil e operatin g the CD player , fin d the cause in the char t to the right . I f you canno t clear the erro r indication , take the vehicl e to you r Hond a dealer . Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
Audio System CD Change r Erro r Indication s If you see an erro r indicatio n in the display whil e operatin g the CD changer, fin d the cause in the char t to the right . If you canno t clear the erro r indication , take the vehicl e to your Hond a dealer . Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
Audio System Remot e Audi o Control s Four control s for the audio system are on the left side of the dashboard by the instrumen t panel. These let you contro l basic function s withou t distractin g your attentio n fro m driving . Use the VOLUM E lever to adjust the volume . Push the lever up to increase the volume and down to decrease it. Hol d the lever unti l the volume reaches the desired level, then release it. If you want to mute the sound temporarily , push the MUT E button . The indicato r in the butto n wil l ligh t to indicate the mute functio n is on. Press the butto n again to cancel MUTE . The AUDI O CONTRO L butto n changes the mode. Pressing the button repeatedly selects AM , FM1 , FM2, or CD (i f a CD is loaded) two . The CHANNE L butto n has two functions , dependin g on whethe r you are listenin g to the radio, or playing a CD. If you are listenin g to the radio , use the CHANNE L butto n to change stations. Each time you press this button , the system advances to the next preset station on the band you are listenin g to. You wil l see the number of the selected Preset butto n in the audio system display. If you are playin g a CD, the system skips to the beginnin g of the next trac k each time you push the CHANNE L button . These control s wor k only wit h the factory-installe d audio system. They wil l not functio n if you instal l any other system. Comfor t and Convenienc e Feature s AUDI O CONTRO L BUTTO N CHANNE L BUTTO N MUT E BUTTO N VOLUM E LEVER
Audio System Thef t Protectio n You r car's audio syste m wil l disable itsel f if it is disconnecte d fro m electrica l power for any reason . To make it wor k again , the user mus t enter a specifi c five-digi t code in the Preset buttons . Because ther e are hundred s of numbe r combination s possible fro m five digits , makin g the system wor k withou t knowin g the exact code is nearly impossible . You shoul d have receive d a card that lists your audio system' s code numbe r and seria l number . It is best to store this card in a safe place at home . In addition , you shoul d writ e the audio system' s seria l numbe r in this Owner' s Manual . If you shoul d happen to lose the card , you must obtai n the code numbe r fro m you r Honda dealer. To do this , you wil l need the system' s seria l number . If you r car's batter y i s disconnecte d or goes dead, or the radio fuse is removed , the audio syste m wil l disable itself . If thi s happens, you wil l see "Code " in the frequenc y display the next tim e you tur n on the system . Use the Preset button s to enter the five-digi t code. If it is entere d correctly , the radi o wil l star t playing . If you make a mistak e enterin g the code, do not star t over or try to correc t your mistake . Complet e the five-digi t sequence, the n ente r the correc t code. You have ten trie s to enter the correc t code. If you are unsuccessfu l in ten attempts , you must the n leave the syste m on fo r one hou r befor e tryin g again. You wil l have to stor e you r favorit e station s in the Preset button s afte r the syste m begins working . You r origina l setting s were lost whe n power was disconnected . Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
Before Driving Before you begin drivin g 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 informatio n in this section wil l help you. If you plan to add any accessories to your vehicle, please read the informatio n in this section first . Break-in Period.............................. 116 Gasoline.......................................... 116 Service Station Procedures .......... 117 Fillin g the Fuel Tank................. 117 Opening the Hood..................... 118 Oil Check................................ 119 Engine Coolant Check.......... 120 Fuel Economy................................ 121 Car Condition............................. 121 Drivin g Habits............................ 121 Accessories and Modifications... . 122 Accessories................................. 122 Modifications............................. 123 Additiona l Safety Precaution.... 123 Carryin g Cargo.............................. 124 General Precautions...................... 127 Befor e Drivin g
Break-in Period, Gasoline Break-i n Perio d Help assure your car's futur e reliabilit y and performanc e by paying extra attentio n to how you drive durin g the firs t 600 miles (1,000 km) . Durin g this period: Avoi d full-throttl e starts and rapid acceleration. Do not exceed 5,500 rpm for the firs t 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation. Avoi d hard braking . New brakes need to be broken-i n by moderate use for the firs t 200 miles (300 km). Do not change the oil unti l the recommende d time or mileage interva l shown in the maintenanc e schedule. You should follo w these same re- commendation s wit h an overhaule d or exchange d engine, or when the brakes are relined . Gasolin e You r Honda is designe d to operate on premiu m unleaded gasoline wit h a pump octane numbe r of 91 or higher . If you are unable to fin d premiu m unleaded gasoline, you may substi- tute an unleaded regula r gasoline. Th e engine wil l compensat e for the lowe r octane, but you may notice a sligh t decrease in power as a result . We recommen d gasolines containin g detergen t additive s that help prevent fue l system and engine deposits. Using gasoline containin g lead wil l damage your car's emissions controls . Thi s contribute s to air pollution . In Canada, some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing additive called MMT . If you use such gasolines, your emissio n contro l system performanc e may deteriorat e and the Malfunctio n Indicato r Lamp on your instrumen t panel may tur n on. If this happens, contact you r authorize d Honda dealer for service . Befor e Drivin g
Service Station Procedures Fillin g the Fue l Tan k
Service Station Procedures 4. Stop fillin g 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 temperatur e changes. 5. Screw the fuel fil l cap back on, tighten it unti l it clicks several times. If you do not properl y tighten the cap, the Malfunctio n Indicator Lamp may come on (see page 230 ). 6. Push the fuel fil l door closed until it latches. Openin g the Hood
Service Station Procedures 3. Pul l the suppor t ro d out of its cli p and inser t the end int o the hole on the fron t of the hoo d aroun d th e center . To close the hood , lif t it u p slightl y to remov e the suppor t ro d fro m the hole . Pu t the suppor t ro d bac k into its holdin g clip . Lowe r the hoo d to abou t a foo t (30 cm) abov e the fender , the n le t it drop . Afte r closin g the hood , mak e sur e it is securel y latched . Oil Check Chec k the engin e oi l leve l ever y tim e you fil l the car wit h fuel . Wai t a few minute s afte r turnin g th e engin e of f befor e yo u chec k the oil .
Service Station Procedures 3. Inser t it all the way back in its tube. UPPER MARK 4. Remove the dipstic k again and check the level. It should be between the upper and lower marks. If it is near or below the lowe r mark , see Adding Oil on page 157. Engine Coolant Check Look at the coolant level in the radiato r reserve tank . Mak e sure it is between the MA X and MI N lines . I f it is below the MI N line, see Addin g Engin e Coolant on page 161 for informatio n on addin g the proper coolant. Refer to Owne r Maintenanc e Check s on page 155 for informatio n on checkin g other items in your Honda. Before Drivin g LOWER MARK
Fuel Economy Th e conditio n of your car and you r drivin g habits are the two most importan t thing s tha t affect th e fue l mileag e you get. Car Conditio n Alway s maintai n your car accordin g to the maintenanc e schedule . Thi s wil l keep it in top operatin g condition . An importan t par t of that mainte - nance is the Owne r Maintenanc e Check s (see page 155 ). For example , an underinflate d tire causes more "rollin g resistance, " whic h uses fuel . It also wears out faster , so chec k the tire pressur e at least monthly . In winter , the build-u p of snow on you r car's undersid e adds weigh t and rollin g resistance . Frequen t cleanin g helps your fue l mileage and reduce s the chance of corrosion . Drivin g Habit s You can improv e fue l economy by drivin g moderately . Rapid acceler- ation , abrupt cornering , and har d brakin g use more fuel . Alway s drive in the highes t gear tha t allows the engine to run and acceler- ate smoothly . Dependin g on traffi c conditions , try to maintai n a constant speed. Ever y time you slow down and speed up, your car uses extr a fuel . Use the cruise control , when appropriate , to increase fue l economy . A cold engine uses more fue l than a war m engine . It is not necessary to "warm-up " a cold engine by lettin g it idle for a long time . You can driv e away in about a minute , no matte r how cold it is outside . Th e engine wil l warm up faster , and you get bette r fue l economy . To cut dow n on the numbe r of "col d starts, " tr y to combin e severa l shor t trip s into one. The air conditionin g puts an extr a load on the engine whic h makes it use mor e fuel . Tur n off the A/ C to cut down on air conditionin g use. Use th e flow-throug h ventilatio n when the outsid e air temperatur e is moderate . Befor e Drivin g
Accessories and Modifications Modifyin g 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. Althoug h aftermarke t 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. ) When properly installed, cellular phones, alarms, two-way radios, and low-powered audio systems should not interfer e 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 interfer e with the operation of your car, or even cause the airbags to deploy. Before installin g 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 235). Have the installer contact your Honda dealer for assistance before installing any electronic accessory. If possible, have your dealer inspect the final installation. Befor e Drivin g Improper accessories or modification s 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.
Accessories and Modifications Modification s Do no t remov e any origina l equipmen t o r modif y you r car in any way tha t woul d alte r its desig n or operation . Thi s coul d make you r car unsafe and illega l to drive . For example , do not make any modification s tha t woul d chang e th e ride heigh t of your car, o r instal l wheels and tire s wit h a differen t overal l diameter . Such modification s can adversel y affect handling , and interfer e wit h the operatio n of the car's anti-loc k brake s and othe r systems . In addition , any modification s tha t decrease groun d clearance increase the chanc e of undercarriag e part s strikin g a curb , speed bump , or othe r raised object , whic h coul d cause your airbag s to deploy . Do no t modif y you r steerin g whee l or any othe r par t of you r Supplementa l Restrain t System . Modification s coul d mak e the system ineffective . Additiona l Safet y Precautio n Do not attac h or place objects on the airbag covers . An y object attache d to or placed on the covers marke d "SRS AIRBAG, " in the cente r of the steerin g whee l and on top of the dashboard , coul d interfer e wit h the prope r operatio n of the airbags . Or , if the airbag s inflate , th e object s could be propelle d insid e the car and hur t someone . Befor e Drivin g
Carrying Cargo UPPER AN D LOWE R CONSOL E COMPARTMENT S TRUN K You r car has severa l convenien t storage areas so you can stow cargo safely. The upper and lowe r console compartment s are designe d for small , lightweigh t items . Th e trun k is intende d fo r larger , heavie r items . However , carryin g too muc h cargo , or improperl y storin g it, can affec t you r car's handling , stabilit y and operatio n and make it unsafe. Befor e carryin g any type of cargo, be sure to read the followin g pages. Befor e Drivin g
Carrying Cargo Load Limi t The maximu m load fo r your car is 400 1bs (185kg) . Thi s figur e include s the tota l weigh t of all occupants, cargo, and accessories. To figur e out how much carg o you can cany : Ad d up the weigh t of all occupants . Subtrac t the tota l fro m 400 1b (185 kg). The fina l numbe r is the tota l weigh t of cargo you can carry . Carryin g Item s i n th e Passenge r Compartmen t Store or secure all item s tha t coul d be throw n aroun d and hur t someone durin g a crash. Be sure item s placed on the floo r behin d th e fron t seats cannot rol l under the seats and interfer e wit h the driver' s abilit y to operat e the pedals, or wit h the prope r operatio n of the seats. Befor e Drivin g Overloadin g or imprope r loadin g can affec t handlin g an d stabilit y and caus e a cras h in whic h you can be hurt or killed . Follo w all load limit s and othe r loadin g guideline s in this manual .
Carrying Cargo Carryin g Cargo in the Trun k Distribut e cargo evenly on the floo r of the trunk , placin g the heaviest item s on the botto m and as far forwar d as possible. Befor e Drivin g
General Precautions 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 rutte d 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 fron t and rear bumpers. Low curbs that do not affect the average car may be hig h enough to hit the bumper on your Honda. The fron t or rear bumper may scrape when tryin g to drive onto an incline, such as a steep driveway or traile r ramps. Because of the low-profile tires fitte d to your car, the alloy wheels are closer to the ground. Drivin g over a pothole or road debris at too high a speed can seriously damage a wheel. Slow down under these conditions. Before Drivin g
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Driving This section gives you tips on starting the engine under various conditions, and how to operate the manual transmission. I t also includes important informatio n o n parkin g your car, and the brakin g system. 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 Limite r ............... 134 Reverse Lockout........................ 134 Parking............................................ 135 The Brakin g System...................... 136 Brake Wear Indicators.............. 136 Brake System Design................ 137 Anti-loc k Brakes........................ 137 Importan t Safety Reminders.......................... 138 ABS Indicator......................... 139 Drivin g in Bad Weather................ 140 Towin g a Trailer............................ 141 Drivin g
Preparing to Drive You should do the followin g checks and adjustments every day before you drive your car.
Starting the Engine
Starting the Engine Starting in Cold Weathe r at High Altitud e (Above 8,00 0 feet / 2,40 0 meters ) An engine is harder to start in cold weather. The thinne r air found at high altitude above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) adds to the problem. Use the followin g procedure:
6-speed Manual Transmission The manual transmission is synchro- nized in all forward gears for smooth operation. It has a lockout so you cannot shift directly from Fift h to Reverse instead of sixth (see page 134). When shiftin g 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. Come to a full stop before you shift into Reverse. You can damage the transmission by tryin g to shift into Reverse with the car moving. Push down the clutch pedal, and pause for a few seconds before shiftin g 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 shiftin g to a lower gear. This extra braking can help you maintain a safe speed and prevent your brakes fro m 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. Drivin g 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 .
6-speed Manual Transmission Recommende d Shif t Point s 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 followin g shift points are recommended: Engine Speed Limite r If you exceed the maximu m 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 ou t Thi s is caused by a limite r in the engine's computer controls. The engine wil l run normally when you reduce the RPM below the red zone. Before downshifting , make sure the engine wil l not go into the tachometer's red zone. Reverse Lockou t The 6-speed manual transmission has a lockout so you cannot accidentally shif t fro m Fift h to Reverse instead of Sixth. Wit h the clutch pedal depressed, move the shif t lever to the Reverse side of the Neutra l gate. Then push the shif t lever down and shif t to Reverse. Drivin g
Parking Always use the parkin g brake when you park your car. The indicato r on the instrumen t panel shows that the parkin g brake is not full y released; it does not indicate that the parkin g brake is firml y set. Mak e sure the parkin g brake is set firml y or your car may rol l if it is parked on an incline . If the car is facin g uphill , tur n the fron t wheels away fro m the curb and put the transmissio n in firs t gear. If the car is facin g downhill , tur n the fron t wheels towar d the curb and put the transmissio n in reverse gear. Mak e sure the parkin g brake is full y released before drivin g away. Drivin g wit h the parkin g brake partiall y set can overhea t or damage the rear brakes . Parkin g Tips Make sure the convertibl e top and the windows are closed. Tur n of f the lights . Place any packages, valuables, etc., in the trun k or take the m wit h you. Lock the doors wit h the key or the remote transmitter . Never park over dr y leaves, tal l grass, o r othe r flammabl e materials. Th e thre e way catalytic converter gets very hot, and could cause these material s to catch on fire . Drivin g
The Braking System Your Honda is equipped wit h disc brakes at all four wheels. A power assist helps reduce the effor t 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 light s on all the time, confusing drivers behind you. 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 downshiftin g to a lower gear and takin g your foot off the accelerator pedal. Check your brakes after drivin g throug h deep water. Apply the brakes moderatel y to see if they feel normal. If not, apply them gently and frequentl y until they do. Since a longer distance is needed to stop wit h wet brakes, be extra cautious and alert in your driving . Brake Wea r Indicator s 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. " Drivin g
The Braking System Brak e System Design The hydrauli c system that operates the brakes has two separate circuits . Each circui t works diagonally across the car (th e left-fron t brake is connected wit h the right-rea r brake, etc.). If one circui t should develop a problem, you will still have brakin g at two wheels. Anti-loc k Brake s Your car has an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) as standard equipment. ABS helps to prevent the wheels fro m locking up and skiddin g during hard braking , allowing you to retain steering control. When the fron t tires skid, you lose steering control ; the car continues straight ahead even thoug h you turn the steering wheel. The ABS helps to prevent lock-up and helps you retain steering contro l by pumping the brakes rapidly; much faster than a person can do it. CONTINUED Drivin g Front
The Braking System Yo u shoul d never pum p th e brak e pedal , thi s defeats the purpose of the ABS. Le t the ABS wor k for you by always keepin g firm , steady pressure on the brake pedal as you steer away fro m the hazard. Thi s is sometimes referre d to as "stomp and steer." You wil l feel a pulsation in the brake pedal when the ABS activates, and you may hear some noise. Thi s is normal , it is the ABS rapidly pumpin g the brakes . Activatio n varies wit h the amount of tractio n your tires have. On dr y pavement, you wil l need to press on the brake pedal very hard befor e you activate the ABS. However , you may feel the ABS activate immediatel y if you are tryin g to stop on snow or ice. Important Safety Reminders AB S does not reduc e the tim e or distanc e it takes to stop the car, it only helps wit h steerin g contro l durin g braking . You should always maintai n a safe followin g distance fro m othe r vehicles. ABS wil l not preven t a ski d tha t result s fro m changin g directio n abruptly , such as tryin g to take a corner too fast or makin g a sudden lane change. Always drive at a safe, pruden t speed for the road and weather conditions . AB S cannot preven t a loss of stability . Alway s steer moderatel y when you are brakin g hard. Severe or sharp steerin g wheel movemen t can stil l cause your car to veer into oncomin g traffi c or off the road . A car wit h ABS may requir e a longer distance to stop on loose or uneven surfaces, such as gravel or snow, than a car withou t anti-lock. Slow down and allow a greater distance between cars under those conditions . Drivin g
The Braking System Drivin g ABS Indicator The ABS is self-checking. If anything goes wrong, the ABS indicator on the instrumen t panel comes on (see page 45). This means the anti-lock functio n of the brakin g system has shut down. The brakes stil l work like a conventional system without anti- lock, providin g normal stopping ability. You should have the dealer inspect your car as soon as possible. ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTE M INDICATOR*
Driving in Bad Weather Rain, fog, and snow conditions require a differen t drivin g technique because of reduced tractio n and visibility . Keep your car well- maintained and exercise greater caution when you need to drive in bad weather. The cruise contro l should not be used in these conditions. Drivin g 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. Abrup t steering wheel movements or sudden, hard appli- cation of the brakes can cause loss of contro l in wet weather. Be extra cautious for the firs t few miles (kilometers) o f drivin g while you adjust to the change in drivin g conditions. This is especially true in snow. A person can forget some snow-driving techniques durin g the summer months. Practice is needed to relearn those skills. Exercise extra caution when drivin g in rain after a long dry spell. Afte r months of dry weather, the firs t rains brin g oil to the surface of the roadway, makin g it slippery. Visibilit y — Being able to see clearly in all directions and being visible to other drivers are importan t in all weather conditions. This is more difficul t in bad weather. To be seen more clearly during daylight hours, tur n on your headlights. Inspect your windshield wipers and washers frequently . Keep the wind- shield washer reservoir ful l of the proper fluid . Have the windshiel d wiper blades replaced if they start to streak the windshiel d or leave parts unwiped. Use the defrosters and air conditionin g to keep the windows fro m foggin g up on the inside (see page 91). Drivin g
Driving in Bad Weather, Towing a Trailer 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. 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
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Maintenance This section explains why it is importan t to keep your car well maintained and to follow basic maintenance safety precautions. This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normal drivin g and severe drivin g 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- for m more complex maintenance tasks on your Honda, you may want to purchase the Service Manual. See page 263 for informatio n 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 Addin g Engine Coolant............. 161 Replacing Engine Coolant........ 163 Windshiel d Washers..................... 167 6-speed Manual Transmission Fluid............................................ 168 Differentia l Fluid........................... 169 Brake and Clutch Fluid................. 170 Brake Fluid.................................170 Brake System............................. 170 Clutch System............................ 171 Air Cleaner Element...................... 172 Hood Latch..................................... 174 Spark Plugs..................................... 174 Replacement............................... 174 Specifications............................. 176 Battery............................................ 177 Wiper Blades.................................. 180 Air Conditionin g System............... 182 Air Conditionin g Filter.................. 183 Drive Belt........................................ 184 Tires................................................ 185 Inflation.......................................185 Inspection................................... 187 Maintenance............................... 188 Tir e Rotation.............................. 188 Tir e Wear.................................... 188 Replacing Tires and Wheels .... 189 Wheels and Tires....................... 190 Winte r Driving........................... 190 Snow Tires.............................. 191 Tir e Chains............................. 191 Lights.............................................. 192 Replacing Bulbs......................... 194 Storing Your Car............................ 202 Maintenanc e
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. 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 performin g maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task. Maintenanc e 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. 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.
Maintenance Safety Importan t Safety Precaution s Before you begin any maintenance, make sure your car is parked on level ground and that the parkin g brake is set. Also, be sure the engine is off. This wil l help to eliminate several potential hazards: Carbon monoxide poisoning fro m engine exhaust. Be sure there is adequate ventilatio n whenever you operate the engine. Burns fro m hot parts . Le t the engine and exhaust system cool before touchin g any parts. Injury fro m moving parts. D o not run the engine unless in- structe d to do so. Read the instruction s before you begin, and make sure you have the tools and skills required . To reduce the possibilit y of fire or explosion, be careful when workin g around gasoline or batteries. Use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not gasoline, to clean parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away fro m the batter y and all fuel-related parts. You should wear eye protectio n and protective clothin g when workin g near the batter y or when using compressed air. Maintenanc e
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. 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 limi t is shown on the label on the driver's doorjamb. Operate your car on reasonable roads withi n 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). Whic h Schedule to Follow: Service your car according to the time and mileage periods on one of the Maintenance Schedules on the followin g pages. Select the schedule for "Severe Conditions " if most of your drivin g is done under one or more of the conditions listed on that page. Otherwise , follo w the schedule for "Norma l Conditions. " Maintenanc e
Maintenance Schedule Your authorized Honda dealer knows your car best and can provide competent, efficien t service. However, service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in effect. Maintenance may be done by any qualified service facilit y 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 fil l out the Maintenance Record. Check your warrant y booklet fo r 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 origina l components, so you can be confident of their performance and durability . U.S. Cars: Maintenance , replacemen t or repair of emissions contro l devices and systems may be done by any automotive repai r establishment or individua l using parts that are "certified " to EP A standards. Accordin g to state and federal regulations , failure to perfor m maintenance on the items marked with # wil l not void your emissions warranties . However, Honda recommends that all maintenance services be performe d at the recommended time or mileage period to ensure long-term reliability . Maintenanc e
U.S. Owner s Follow the Norma l Condition s Maintenanc e Schedule if the severe drivin g condition s specified in the Severe Condition s Maintenanc e Schedule do not apply. NOTE : If you only OCCASIONALLY drive unde r a "severe " condition , you should follo w the Norma l Condition s Maintenanc e Schedule. Canadia n Owner s Follo w the Maintenanc e Schedule for Severe Conditions .
emission s warranty , last column , page 147 . Maintenanc e
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in A, B, C, D as required for each distance/time interval. U.S. Owner s — Refe r to pag e 148 to determin e whic h schedul e to use . Canadia n owners : Follo w th e schedul e fo r Sever e Conditions . Note: Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop. Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy. Maintenanc e
column, page 147.
U.S. Owner s Follow the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule if you drive your vehicle MAINLY under one or more of the followin g conditions: Drivin g less than 5 miles (8 km) per tri p or, in freezin g temperatures, drivin g less than 10 miles (16 km) per trip . Drivin g in extremel y hot [over 90°F (32° Q] conditions . Extensive idlin g or long periods of stop-and-go driving . Drivin g in mountainous conditions. Drivin g on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads. Canadian Owner s Follow the Maintenanc e Schedule for Severe Conditions . #: See informatio n on maintenanc e and emission s warranty , last column , page 147 . *1 : Refer to page 183 for replacement information under special driving conditions. Maintenanc e
Servic e at the indicate d distanc e or time , whicheve r come s first . D o th e item sinA, B , C , D , E , F as require d fo r eac h distance/time . U.S. Owner s — Refe r to pag e 150 to determin e whic h schedul e to use . Canadia n Owner s — Us e th e Maintenanc e Schedul e fo r Sever e Conditions . CONTINUED Maintenanc e * 1 : See Air Conditioning Filter on page 183 for replacement information under special driving conditions .
Note: Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop. Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
1 : See Air Conditioning Filter on page 183 for replacement informatio n unde r specia l drivin g conditions .
last column , pag e 147 . NOTE: Check engin e oil an d coolan t at each fue l stop . Check an d adjus t valv e clearance , col d engine , onl y if noisy . Maintenanc e
Required Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules) CONTINUED Maintenanc e You o r the servicin g deale r can recor d al l complete d maintenanc e here , whethe r you follo w the schedul e fo r norma l condition s (page 148) or severe condition s (page 150). Keep the receipt s for all wor k don e on you r vehicle .
Required Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules) Maintenanc e
Owner Maintenance Checks You should check the followin g items at the specified intervals. If you are unsure of how to perfor m any check, tur n to the page given. Engine oil level — Check every time you fil l the fuel tank. See page 119. Engine coolant level — Check the radiator reserve tank every time you fil l the fuel tank. See page 120. Windshiel d washer fluid — Check the level in the reservoir monthly. If weather conditions cause you to use the washers frequently , check the reservoir each time you stop for fuel. See page 167. Brakes and clutch — Check the flui d level monthly. See page 170. Tires — Chec k the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects. See page 185. Lights — Check the operation of the headlights, parkin g lights, taillights, high-moun t brake light , turn signals, brake lights, and license plate light s monthly. See page 192. Maintenanc e
Fluid Locations Maintenanc e WASHER FLUID (Blue cap) ENGINE OIL FILL CAP CLUTCH FLUID (Gray cap) BRAKE FLUID (Gray cap) COOLAN T RESERVOIR ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
Engine Oil Addin g Oi l To add oil , unscrew and remove the engine oil fil l cap on top of the left valve cover. Pour in the oil , and replace the engine oil fil l cap. Tighte n it securely. Wai t a few minutes and rechec k the oil level. Do not fil l above the upper mark ; you could damage the engine. Recommende d Oi l Oil is major contributo r to your engine's performanc e and longevity . Always use a premium-grad e detergen t oi l displayin g the AP I Certificatio n Seal. Thi s seal indicates the oil is energy conserving , and that it meets the America n Petroleu m Institute' s latest requirements . I t is highl y recommende d tha t you use Honda Moto r Oi l in your vehicle for as long as you own it. Mak e sure the API Certificatio n Seal says "For Gasoline Engines. " API CERTIFICATIO N SEAL CONTINUED Maintenanc e
Engine Oil The numbers on the container's label tell you the oil's viscosity or weight. Select the oi l for your car according to this chart. Ambien t Temperatur e An oil with a viscosity of 10W-30 is preferre d for optimum fuel economy and year-round protection in your Honda. You may use a 5W-40 oil if the temperature in your area goes below 0°F( - 20° C). Synthetic Oi l You may use a synthetic motor oil if it meets the same requirement s 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 filte r change intervals given in the maintenance schedule. Additives Your Honda does not need any oil additives. Purchasing additives for the engine or transmission wil l not increase your car's performance or longevity. It only increases the cost of operatin g your car. Maintenanc e
Engine Oil Changin g the Oil and Filte r Alway s change the oil and filte r accordin g to the time and distance (miles/kilometers ) recommenda - tions in the maintenance schedule. The oil and filte r collect contami - nants that can damage your engine if they are not remove d regularly . Changin g the oil and filte r require s special tools and access fro m underneat h the car. The car should be raised on a service station-type hydrauli c lif t for this service . Unless you have the knowledg e and proper equipment , you should have this maintenanc e done by a skille d mechanic.
Engine Oil 5. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt. Tighte n 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 , 4.2 Imp qt) 7. Replace the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The oil pressure indicator light should go out withi n five seconds. If it does not, tur n 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. Tur n off the engine, let it sit for several minutes, then check the oil level. If necessary, add oil to brin g the level to the upper mark on the dipstick. 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. Maintenanc e NOTICE
Cooling System Addin g Engin e Coolan t MAX MIN If the coolan t leve l in the reserv e tan k is at or below the MI N line , add coolan t to brin g it up to the MA X line . Inspec t the coolin g system for leaks. Thi s coolant shoul d always be a mixtur e of 50 percen t antifreez e and 50 percen t water . Never add straigh t antifreez e or plain water . Alway s use Hond a All Season Antifreeze/Coolan t Type 2. Thi s coolant is pre-mixe d wit h 50 percen t antifreez e and 50 percent water . It does not requir e any additiona l mixing . If it is not available , you may use anothe r major-bran d non-silicat e coolant as a temporar y replacement . Mak e sure it is a high-qualit y coolant recommende d fo r aluminu m engines . However , continue d use of any non- Honda coolant can resul t in corrosion , causin g the coolin g system to malfunctio n or fail . Have the coolin g system flushe d and refille d wit h Hond a antifreeze / coolant as soon as possible. If the reserv e tan k is completel y empty , you shoul d also chec k the coolant leve l in the radiator .
Cooling System RADIATO R CAP 2. Tur n the radiato r cap counter - clockwise , withou t pressin g down on it, unti l it stops. Thi s relieves any pressur e remainin g in the coolin g system. 3. Remove the radiato r cap by pushin g down and turnin g counterclockwise . RESERV E TANK 4. The coolant level should be up to the base of the fille r neck. Ad d coolant if it is low . 5. Put the radiato r cap back on. Tighte n it fully . 6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank . Fil l it to halfwa y betwee n the MA X and MI N marks . Put the cap back on the reserve tank. Do not add any rus t inhibitor s or othe r additive s to you r vehicle' s coolin g system . The y may not be compatibl e wit h the coolan t or engine components . Maintenanc e
Cooling System Replacin g Engin e Coolan t The coolin g system should be completely draine d and refille d wit h new coolant accordin g to the tim e and distance recommendation s in the maintenance schedule . Onl y use Honda All season Antifreeze / Coolant Type 2. Drainin g the coolant require s access to the undersid e of the vehicle . Unless you have the tools and knowledge , you shoul d have this maintenance done by a skille d mechanic.
Cooling System 5. Remove th e reserve tan k fro m its holder by pullin g i t straigh t up . Drain the coolant , the n pu t th e tank back i n it s holder . 6. Whe n the coolant stops draining , tighte n the drai n plug at the botto m of the radiator . Appl y non-hardenin g sealant to the drain bolt threads , put a new washe r on the drain bolt, and reinstal l the bolt in the engine block . Tighte n it securely . Tightenin g torque : 61 lbf .ft(8 3 N .m , 8.5 kgf .m) 7. Loose n the bleede r bolt on top of the engine , and remov e the bleede r cap near the engin e oi l fil l cap. Maintenanc e RESERVE TAN K CAP BLEEDER BOL T HOLDER RESERVE TAN K
Cooling System 8. Pour Honda All Season Antifreeze/Coolan t Typ e 2 into the radiato r up to the base of the fille r neck. Thi s coolan t is a mixtur e of 50 percent antifreez e and 50 percen t water. Pre-mixin g is not required . The coolin g system capacit y is: 1.72 U S ga l (6.5 , 1.43 Im p gal ) 9. Tighte n the bleede r bolt and reinstal l the bleede r cap whe n coolan t comes out in a steady strea m wit h no bubbles . 10. Start the engin e and let it run fo r about 30 seconds. The n tur n off the engine. 11. Pour coolan t into the radiato r up to the base of the fille r neck . 12. Fill th e reserve tan k to th e MA X mark . Instal l the reserve tan k cap. 13. Instal l the radiato r cap, and tighte n it to the firs t stop . 14. Start the engin e and let it ru n unti l the radiato r fan comes on two times . The n stop the engine . CONTINUED Maintenanc e BLEEDER CAP Fill up to her e FILLER NECK RESERVE TAN K
Cooling System 15. Remove the radiato r cap. 16. Pour coolant int o the radiato r up to the base of the fille r neck and into the reserve tank up to the MA X mark . 17. Start the engine and hold it at 1,500 rp m unti l the radiato r fan comes on. Tur n off the engine . Check the coolan t level in the radiato r and add coolant if needed. 18. Instal l the radiato r cap, and tighte n it fully . 19. If necessary, fil l the reserve tan k to the MA X mark . Instal l the reserve tank cap. Maintenanc e
Windshield Washers RESERVOIR CAP Check the level in the windshiel d washer reservoi r at least monthl y durin g norma l usage. In bad weather , whe n you use the washers often , check the level every time you stop for fuel . Th e windshiel d washer reservoi r is located in the rear of the engin e compartmen t on the passenger's side. Chec k the reservoir' s flui d leve l by removin g the cap and lookin g at the leve l gauge attache d to the cap. Fil l the reservoi r wit h a good-qualit y windshiel d washe r fluid . Thi s increases the cleanin g capabilit y and prevent s freezin g in cold weather . Whe n you refil l the reservoir , clean the edges of the windshiel d wipe r blades wit h windshiel d washe r flui d on a clean cloth . Thi s wil l help to conditio n the blade edges. 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. Maintenanc e NOTICE
6-speed Manual Transmission Fluid FILLER BOLT CORRECT LEVEL Check the flui d leve l wit h the transmissio n at norma l operatin g temperatur e and the car sittin g on level ground . Remove the transmissio n fille r bol t and carefull y feel inside the bol t hole wit h you r finger . Th e flui d level should be up to the edge of the bol t hole . If it is not, add Hond a Manua l Transmis - sion Flui d (MTF ) unti l it start s to run out of the hole . Reinstal l the fille r bol t and tighte n it securely . If Honda MT F is not available , you may use an API service SG, SH or SJ grade moto r oil wit h a viscosit y of SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 as a temporar y replacement . An SG grade is preferred , but an SH or SJ grade may be used if SG is not available. However , moto r oil does not contai n the prope r additive s and continue d use can cause stiffe r shifting . Replace as soon as it is convenient . Th e transmissio n shoul d be draine d and refille d wit h new flui d accordin g to the time and distanc e recommen - dations in the maintenanc e schedule . Maintenanc e
Differential Fluid Check the flui d leve l wit h the differentia l at norma l operatin g temperatur e and the vehicl e sittin g on level ground . Remove the differentia l flui d fille r bol l and washe r and carefull y feel insid e the bolt hole wit h you r finger . Th e flui d level shoul d be up to the edge of the bolt hole . If it is not , slowl y add flui d unti l it start s to ru n out of the hole . Use a SAE 90 viscosity hypoid gear oil, AP I service classified GL5 or GL6 only , in the differential . Put a new washer on the fille r bolt , then reinstal l the fille r bolt . Tighte n it securely . Tightenin g torque : 33 lbf .ft (45N .m , 4.6 kgf .m) The differentia l shoul d be draine d and refille d wit h new flui d accordin g to the tim e and distance recommendation s i n th e maintenance schedule . Maintenanc e FILLER BOL T CORRECT LEVEL
Brake and Clutch Fluid Check the flui d level in the reser- voirs monthly . There are two reser- voirs. They are: Brake flui d reservoi r Clutch flui d reservoir The brake flui d should be replaced according to the time recommenda- tion in the maintenance schedule. Brak e Flui d Always use Honda Heavy Duty Brake Flui d DO T 3. If it is not available, you should use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid, fro m a sealed container, as a temporary replacement. However, the use of any non-Honda brake flui d can cause corrosion and decrease the life of the system. Have the brake system flushed and refille d with Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible. Brake flui d marked DOT 5 is not compatible wit h your car's brakin g system and can cause extensive damage. Brak e System The flui d level should be between the MI N and MA X marks on the side of the reservoir. If the level is at or below the MI N mark , your brake system needs attention. Have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads. Maintenanc e MAX MI N
Clutc h Syste m The flui d should be between the MI N and MA X marks on the side of the reservoir . If it is not, add brake flui d to brin g it up to that level. Use the same flui d specifie d for the brake system . Low flui d level can indicat e a leak in the clutc h system. Have this system inspected as soon as possible. Clutch Fluid Maintenanc e MA X MI N
Air Cleaner Element The air cleaner element should be replaced according to the time and distance recommendations in the maintenance schedule. Follow the replacement procedur e for removal and reinstallation . Replacement To replace it:
Air Cleaner Element Maintenanc e 5. Attac h the new air cleaner element to the duct. Instal l 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.
Hood Latch, Spark Plugs Hoo d Latc h Clean the hood latch assembly wit h a mild cleaner, the n lubricat e it wit h a multipurpos e grease. Lubricat e all the movin g parts, includin g the pivot . Follow the time and distance recommendation s in the Maintenanc e Schedule. If you are not sure how to clean and grease the latch , contact your Honda dealer. Spar k Plug s The spark plugs in your car are a special platinum-tippe d design fo r longer life . The y only need to be replaced every 7 years or 105,000 miles (168,000 km) , whicheve r comes first . Replacement
Spark Plugs 3. Remove the bolt holdin g the ignitio n coil and pul l the ignitio n coil straigh t up slightly . Disconnec t the ignitio n coi l connecto r by pushin g the tab and pullin g the connecto r back. Pull the ignitio n coil all the way up. 4. Remove the spark plug wit h a five-eighth s inch (16 mm) spar k plug socket. 5. Put the new spark plug into the socket ; the n screw it into the hole . Scre w it in by hand so you do not crossthrea d it . 6. Torqu e the spark plug . (I f you do not have a torqu e wrench , tighte n the spar k plu g two-third s of a tur n after it contact s th e cylinde r head.) Tightenin g torque : 18 lbf.ft (25 N.m, 2.5 kgf.m) CONTINUED Maintenanc e
Spark Plugs Tighten the spark plugs carefully. A spark plug that is too loose can overheat and damage the engine. Overtighlening can cause damage to the threads in the cylinder head. 7. Instal l the ignitio n coil. Reinstal l the bolt. 8. Repeat this procedur e for the other three spark plugs. 9. Reinstal l the cover on the cylinde r bank. Reinstal l the fou r hexagon socket head cap bolts. Specifications : NGK: DENSO : PFR7G-11S PK22PR-L11S Spark Plug Gap: 0.043 in (1. 1 m m Maintenanc e NOTICE
Battery Chec k the conditio n of your car's batter y monthly . You shoul d chec k the colo r of the test indicato r window , and for corrosio n on the terminals . Chec k the batter y conditio n by lookin g at the test indicato r windo w on the battery . Th e labe l on the batter y explain s the test indicator' s colors . Check the batter y terminal s fo r corrosio n (a whit e or yellowis h powder) . To remove it, cover the terminal s wit h a solutio n of bakin g soda and water . It wil l bubble up and tur n brown . Whe n this stops, wash it off wit h plai n water . Dr y off the batter y wit h a clot h or paper towel . Coat the terminal s wit h grease to help preven t futur e corrosion . WARNING : Batter y posts, terminal s and relate d accessories contai n lead and lead compounds . Was h hand s afte r handling . CONTINUED Maintenanc e TEST INDICATO R WINDO W
Battery If the terminal s are severel y cor- roded , clean the m wit h bakin g soda and water. The n use a wrenc h to loosen and remov e the cables fro m the terminals . Alway s disconnec t the negative (—) cabl e firs t and recon - nect it last. Clea n the batter y termi - nals wit h a termina l cleanin g tool or wire brush . Reconnect an d tighte n the cables, the n coat th e terminal s wit h grease. If you need to connect th e batter y to a charger , disconnec t bot h cables to preven t damage to the car's electrica l system. Maintenanc e The batter y give s off explosiv e hydroge n ga s durin g norma l operation . A spar k or flam e ca n caus e th e batter y to explod e with enoug h forc e to kill or seriousl y hurt you . Wear protectiv e clothin g an d a face shield , or have a skille d mechani c do the batter y maintenance .
Battery If you r car's batter y i s disconnecte d or goes dead, the audio syste m wil l disable itself . Th e nex t tim e you tur n on the radio you wil l see "Code " in the frequenc y display. Use the Preset button s to ente r the five-digi t code (see page 114). Charging the batter y with the cables connected can seriously damage your car's electronic controls. Detach the battery cables before connecting the battery to a charger. Maintenanc e NOTICE
Wiper Blades Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months. Look for signs of crackin g in the rubber , or areas that are gettin g hard. Replace the blades if you find these signs, or they leave streaks and unwiped areas when used. To replace the blade:
Wiper Blades 3. Remove the blade fro m its holder by grasping the tabbed end of the blade. Pull firml y until the tabs come out of the holder. BLADE REINFORCEMEN T 4. Examine the new wiper blades. If they have no plastic or metal rein- forcemen t along the back edge, remove the metal reinforcemen t strips fro m 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 unti l 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 . Maintenanc e
Air Conditioning System You r car's air conditionin g is a sealed system . Any major maintenance , such as recharging , should be done by a qualifie d mechanic . You can do a couple of thing s to make sure the air conditionin g work s efficiently . Periodicall y check the engine' s radiato r and air conditionin g condenser for leaves, insects , and dirt stuc k to the fron t surface . Thes e bloc k the air flow and reduc e coolin g efficiency . Use a ligh t spray fro m a hose or a soft brus h to remov e them . The condenser and radiator fins bend easily. Only use a low-pressure spray or soft-bristle brush to clean them. Run the air conditionin g at least once a week durin g the cold weathe r months . Run it for at least ten minute s while you are drivin g at a steady speed wit h the engine at norma l operatin g temperature . Thi s circulate s the lubricatin g oil con- tained in th e refrigerant . If the air conditionin g does not get a s cold as before , have your dealer check the system . Recharge the system wit h Refrigeran t HFC-134a (R-134a). (See Specification s on page 247.) Whenever you have the air conditioning system serviced, make sure the service facility uses a ref rigerant recycling system. This system captures the ref rigerant for reuse. Releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere can damage the environment. Maintenanc e NOTICE AIR CONDITIONIN G CONDENSE R NOTICE
Air Conditioning Filter Th e air conditionin g filte r remove s pollen and dust fro m outsid e air the heatin g and coolin g system bring s into the interior . It shoul d be replace d accordin g to the lim e and distance recommendation s in the maintenanc e schedule . Thi s filte r shoul d be replace d ever y 30,000 miles (48,000 km) unde r norma l conditions . It shoul d be replace d every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) i f you driv e primaril y in urba n areas tha t have hig h concentration s of soot in the air fro m industr y and diesel-powere d vehicles . Replace it more ofte n if air flo w fro m the climat e contro l syste m becomes less than usual. Have the air conditionin g filte r replace d by you r Hond a dealer . Replacement The ai r conditionin g filte r is locate d in the engin e compartmen t on the passenger's side near the base of the windshield .
Drive Belt You should check the conditio n of the drive belt every 2 years. Examine the edges of belt for cracks or fraying . Auto-tensione r AUTO - TENSIONE R POINTER An auto-tensione r adjusts the tensio n of the driv e belt . The pointe r on the auto-tensione r should be between the two lines of the indicator . If the pointe r is not between the lines, contact your Honda dealer. Maintenanc e INDICATO R
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 followin g pages give more detailed informatio n 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. Inflatio n Keeping the tires properly inflated provides the best combination of handling, tread life and ridin g comfort. Underinflate d 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 Maintenanc e Using tires that are excessivel y 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 Use a gauge to measure the air pressure at least once a month . Even tires that are in good conditio n may lose one to two psi (10 to 20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm 2) pe r month . Remembe r to chec k the spare tir e at the same tim e you check all the other tires . Check the pressur e in the tire s when they are cold . Thi s means the car has been parke d fo r at least thre e hours . If you have to drive the car befor e checkin g the tir e pressure , the tire s can stil l be considere d "cold " if you driv e less than 1 mile (1.6 km) . If you chec k the pressur e whe n the tire s are hot (th e car has been drive n several miles) , you wil l see reading s 4 to 6 psi (30 to 40 kPa, 0.3 to 0.4 kgf/cm 2) highe r tha n the cold reading . Thi s is normal . Do not let air out to matc h the specifie d col d pressure . The tire wil l be underinflated . You shoul d get you r own tir e pressur e gauge and use it wheneve r you chec k you r tir e pressures . Thi s wil l make it easier for you to tel l if a pressur e loss is due to a tire proble m and not due to a variatio n betwee n gauges. Recommended Tire Pressures for Normal Driving Th e followin g char t shows the recommende d col d tir e pressure s fo r most norma l drivin g condition s and speeds. Tir e pressure s for hig h speed drivin g are the same as for norma l driving . Th e compac t spare tir e pressur e is: 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm2) Thes e pressure s are also given on the tir e informatio n label on the driver' s doorjamb . Maintenanc e
Tires Tubeles s tire s have some abilit y to self-seal if they are punctured . However , because leakage is ofte n very slow, you shoul d look closely for puncture s if a tir e start s losin g pressure. Inspectio n Ever y tim e you check inflation , you should also examin e the tire s for damage, foreig n objects, and wear. You shoul d look for : Bumps or bulges in the trea d or side of the tire . Replace the tir e if you fin d eithe r of these conditions . Cuts, splits , or crack s in the side of the tire . Replace the tir e if you can see fabri c or cord . Excessive trea d wear. INDICATO R LOCATIO N MARK S You r car's tire s have wear indicator s molde d into the tread . Whe n the trea d wears dow n to that point , you wil l see a 1/2 inc h (12.7 mm) wid e band runnin g across the tread . Thi s shows ther e is less tha n 1/1 6 inc h (1.6 mm) o f trea d lef t on the tire . A tir e tha t is thi s wor n gives ver y littl e tractio n on wet roads. You shoul d replace the tir e if you can see the trea d wear indicato r in thre e o r mor e places aroun d the tire . Maintenanc e TREA D WEA R INDICATOR S
Tires Maintenanc e In additio n to prope r inflation , correc t whee l alignmen t helps to decrease tir e wear. If you fin d a tir e is wor n unevenly , have your dealer check the whee l alignment . The tire s were properl y balanced by the factory . The y may need to be rebalance d at some tim e befor e the y are wor n out. Have your dealer check the tire s if you fee l a consis- tent vibratio n whil e driving . A tir e shoul d always be rebalance d if it is remove d fro m the whee l for repair . Mak e sure the installe r balances the wheels when you have new tires installed . Thi s increases ridin g comfor t and tir e life . You r car's origina l tire s were dynami c or "spin " balance d at the factory . Fo r best results , have the installe r perfor m a dynami c balance. Improper wheel weights can damage your vehicle's aluminum wheels. Use only genuine Honda wheel weights for balancing. Tir e Rotatio n You shoul d not rotat e you r Honda' s tires . Th e fron t and rear tire s are differen t sizes, so the y cannot be rotate d front-to-rear . Th e original - equipmen t tire s on you r Honda have a unidirectiona l tread pattern , so they cannot be rotate d side-to-side. Tir e Wea r The tire s tha t came on you r car wer e designe d and constructe d to provid e superio r gri p durin g acceleration , braking , and cornering . As a trade- off, the y wil l wear mor e rapidl y tha n tires used on ordinar y passenger cars. Because of the car's weigh t distribution , and the fac t that the y are the drivin g wheels , you may expect the rea r tire s to wear mor e rapidl y tha n the fron t tires . Maintenanc e NOTICE
Tires You shoul d carefull y inspect your car's tires for wear, damage , and prope r inflatio n every 7,500 mile s (12,000km ) (see page 185 ). Replacin g Tire s an d Wheel s Th e tire s tha t came wit h you r car were selected to matc h the perform - ance capabilitie s of the car whil e providin g the best combinatio n of handling , ride comfort , and long life . You shoul d replace the m wit h radia l tire s of the same size, load range , speed rating , and maximu m cold tir e pressur e ratin g (as shown on the tire' s sidewall) . Mixin g radia l and bias-ply tire s on you r car can reduc e its brakin g ability , traction , and steerin g accuracy . It is best to replace all fou r tire s at the same time . If tha t is not possibl e or necessary, then replace the two fron t tire s or the two rear tire s as a pair. Replacin g just one tir e can seriousl y affec t you r car's handling . CONTINUED Maintenanc e Installin g imprope r tires on you r car can affec t handlin g and stability . Thi s can caus e a cras h in whic h you can be seriousl y hurt or killed . Alway s use the size and typ e of tire s recommende d in this owner' s manual .
Tires Th e ABS work s by comparin g the speed of the wheels . Whe n replacin g tires , use the same size originall y supplie d wit h the car. Tir e size and constructio n can affect whee l speed and may cause the syste m to wor k in- consistently . If you ever need to replace a wheel , make sure the wheel' s specification s matc h those of the origina l whee l tha t came on your car. Replacemen t wheel s are available at your Honda dealer. Wheel s and Tire s Wheels : Front : 16x 6 1/2 JJ Rear: 16x 7 1/2 JJ Tires : Front : 205/55 R 16 89 W Rear: 225/50 R 16 92 W See page 248 fo r informatio n about DO T Tir e Qualit y Grading . Winte r Drivin g Tire s tha t are marke d "M + S" on the sidewal l have an all-weathe r tread design. The y should be suitabl e for most winte r drivin g conditions . Tire s wit ou t these marking s are designe d for optimu m tractio n in dr y conditions . The y may not provid e adequate performanc e in winte r driving . For the best performanc e in snowy or icy conditions , you shoul d instal l snow tire s or tire chains . The y may be require d by local laws under certai n conditions . Maintenanc e
Tires 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 al l weather conditions. Keep in mind the tractio n 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 limite d tire clearance, mount only SAE Class "S" cable-type tractio n devices on the rear tires. Use tractio n devices only when require d by drivin g 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 installin g cables, follow the manufacturer's instruction s and mount them as tightl y as you can. Drive slowly with them installed. If you hear them coming in contact wit h 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 begin drivin g on cleared roads. Cables that are the wrong size or improperly installed can damage your car's brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are hitting any part of the car. Maintenanc e NOTICE
Lights Check the operation of your car's exterior lights at least once a month. A burned out bulb can create an unsafe conditio n by reducing your car's visibilit y and the abilit y to signal your intentions to other drivers. SIDE TUR N SIGNA L LIGH T TUR N SIGNA L FRON T PARKIN G AN D SIDE MARKE R LIGH T LOW BEA M HEADLIGH T HIGH BEA M HEADLIGH T Maintenanc e
Lights TUR N SIGNA L LIGH T LICENS E PLATE LIGHT SIDE MARKE R LIGH T BACK-U P LIGHT Check the following : Headlights (low and high beam) Parking lights Taillight s Brake light s Tur n signals Back-up light s Hazard ligh t functio n License plate ligh t Side marke r lights Daytime runnin g lights (Canadian cars) If you fin d any bulbs are burned out, replace them as soon as possible. Refer to the chart on page 247 to determine what type of replacement bulb is needed. Maintenanc e STOP/TAILLIGH T
Lights Replacing a Headligh t Bulb The low beam headlight bulbs are a type of high voltage discharge tube. High voltage can remain in the circuit even wit h the ligh t 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. 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 fro m contact wit h 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 cause the bulb to overheat and shatter. Maintenanc e NOTICE
Lights
Lights Replacing Fron t Tur n Signal and Side Marke r Ligh t Bulbs
Lights Replacin g a Side Tur n Signal Bulb
Lights Replacin g Rear Bulbs
Lights 7. Instal l the new bulb in the socket. 8. Push the socket into the ligh t assembly and tur n it clockwis e unti l it locks . 9. Tes t the light s to make sure the new bulb is working . 10. Instal l the trun k linin g and secure it wit h the fasteners . To reinstal l a fastener , rese t the fastene r by pushin g on the pointe d end unti l it pops back almos t flus h wit h the finger s on the housing . Put the fastene r in the hol e of the trun k linin g and push on the cente r unti l it lock s (th e cente r is flus h wit h the head) . Maintenanc e
Lights Replacing a Rear License Plat e Bulb
Lights Replacing an Interio r Ligh t Bul b
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 filte r (see page 159). Wash and dry the exterio r 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. 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 slightl y (i f the car is being stored indoors). Disconnect the battery . Support the fron t 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 trun k seals. Also, apply a vehicle body wax to the painted surfaces that mate wit h the door and trun k seals. Cover the car with a "breathable " cover, one made fro m a porous materia l such as cotton. Nonporous materials, such as plastic sheeting, trap moisture, whic h can damage the paint. If possible, run the engine for a while periodicall y (preferabl y once a month) . If you store your car for 12 month s or longer, have your Honda dealer perfor m 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. Maintenanc e
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 include d are several things you can do to help prevent corrosion . Exterior Care.................................. 204 Washing...................................... 204 Waxing....................................... 205 Aluminu m Wheels..................... 206 Paint Touch-up........................... 206 Interio r Care................................... 207 Carpeting.................................... 207 Floor Mats.................................. 207 Fabric......................................... 208 Vinyl........................................... 208 Leather....................................... 208 Rear Window............................. 208 Seat Belts................................... 208 Windows..................................... 209 Air Fresheners........................... 209 Corrosion Protection..................... 209 Body Repairs.................................. 211 Appearanc e Car e
Exterior Care Washing Frequent washing helps preserve your car's beauty. Dir t 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 exterio r cool down before you start. Only use the solvents and cleaners recommended in this Owner's Manual. Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage the paint, metal, and plastic on your car. Rinse the car thoroughl y with cool water to remove loose dirt . Fill a bucket with cool water. Mi x 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 convertibl e top or rear window. Use a mild detergent/wate r 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. Lettin g it air-dry will cause dullin g 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 corrosio n to start. Repair them wit h touch-up paint (see page 206). Appearanc e Car e NOTICE
Exterior Care Waxin g Always wash and dr y the whole car before waxin g it. You should wax your car, includin g the meta l trim , whenever water sits on the surface in large patches. It should for m into beads or droplet s afte r waxing . You should use a qualit y liqui d or paste wax. Appl y it accordin g to the instruction s on the container . In general , there are two types of products : Waxes — A wax coats the finis h and protect s it fro m damage by exposure to sunlight , air pollution , etc. You should use a wax on your Honda when it is new. Polishes — Polishes and cleaner / waxes can restor e the shine to paint that has oxidize d and lost some of its shine. The y normall y contain mil d abrasives and solvents that remove the top layer of the finish . You should use a polish on your Honda if the finis h does not have its origina l shine afte r using a wax. Cleaning tar, insects, etc. wit h remover s also takes off the wax. Remember to re-wax those areas, even if the rest of the car does not need waxing . Appearanc e Car e
Exterior Care Aluminu m Wheel s Clean your Acura' s aluminu m alloy wheels as you do the rest of the exterior . Wash them wit h the same solution , and rinse them thoroughly . The wheels have a protectiv e clear- coat that keeps the aluminu m fro m corrodin g and tarnishing . Usin g hars h chemicals , includin g some commercia l wheel cleaners, or stiff brushes can damage this clear-coat. Only use a mil d detergen t and soft brus h or sponge to clean the wheels. Pain t Touch-u p Your dealer has touch-up paint to match your car's color. The color code is printe d on a sticker on the driver' s doorjamb . Take this code to your dealer so you are sure to get the correc t color . Inspect you r car frequentl y for chips or scratches in the paint. Repair the m righ t away to preven t corrosio n of the meta l underneath . Use the touch-up paint only on small chips and scratches. Mor e extensive paint damage should be repaire d by a professional . Appearanc e Care
Interior Care Carpeting Vacuum the carpeting frequentl y 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 instruction s 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. Floor Mat s The Genuine Honda driver' s floor mat that came wit h your car was designed to be hooked over the floor mat anchor. Thi s keeps the floo r mat fro m sliding forwar d and possibly interferin g wit h the pedals. If you remove the floor mat, make sure to re-anchor it when you put it back in your car. If you replace it, use a genuine Honda floor mat that is designed to be used wit h the floor mat anchor in your car. If you use a non-Honda floor mat in the driver's footwell , make sure it fits properly and that it can be used wit h the floor mat anchor. Do not put additional floor mats on top of the anchored mat, otherwise the additional mats may slide forwar d and interfer e wit h the pedals. Appearanc e Car e
Interior Care Fabric Vacuum dir t and dust out of the material frequently . For general cleaning, use a solution of mild soap and lukewar m water, lettin g 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 instruction s that come wit h the cleaner. Viny l Remove dir t 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 difficul t spots. You can also use commercially-available spray or foam-type vinyl cleaners. Leather Vacuum dir t and dust fro m the leather frequently . Pay particular attention to the pleats and seams. Clean the leather with a soft cloth dampened wit h clear water, then buff it with a clean, dr y cloth. If furthe r 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. Rear Windo w 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 wit h 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 mixtur e 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. Appearanc e Car e
Interior Care, Corrosion Protection Window s Clean the windows , inside and out, wit h a commercially-availabl e glass cleaner. You can also use a mixtur e of one part whit e vinegar to ten parts water. Thi s wil l remove the haze that builds up on the inside of the windows . Use a soft clot h or paper towels to clean all glass and clear plastic surfaces. Air Freshener s If you want to use an air freshener / deodorizer in the interio r of your car, it is best to use a solid type. Some liqui d air freshener s contai n chemi - cals that may cause parts of the interio r tri m and fabri c to crac k or discolor. If you use a liqui d air freshener , make sure you fasten it securely so it does not spill as you drive. Corrosio n Protectio n Two factor s normall y contribut e to causing corrosio n in your car:
Corrosion Protection Man y corrosion-preventiv e measures are buil t into your Honda . You can help keep you r car fro m corrodin g by performin g some simpl e periodi c maintenance : Repair chips and scratche s in the paint as soon as you discover them . Inspect and clean out the drai n holes in the botto m of the door s and body. Check the floo r covering s for dampness. Carpetin g and floo r mats may remai n damp for a long time , especiall y in winter . Thi s dampness can eventuall y cause the floo r panels to corrode . Use a high-pressur e spray to clean the undersid e of your car. Thi s is especially importan t in areas tha t use road salt in winter . It is also a good idea in humi d climate s and areas subjec t to salt air. Be carefu l of the ABS whee l sensors and wirin g at each wheel . Have th e corrosion-preventiv e coatings on the undersid e of your car inspecte d and repaire d periodically . Appearanc e Car e
Body Repairs Body repairs can affec t your car's resistanc e to corrosion . If your car needs repairs after a collision , pay close attentio n to the parts used in the repai r and the qualit y of the work . Mak e sure the repai r facilit y uses genuin e Honda replacemen t body parts . Some companies make sheet meta l pieces tha t seem to duplicat e the origina l Honda body parts , bu t are actuall y inferio r in fit , finish , and corrosio n resistance . Once installed , they do not give the same high - qualit y appearance. Whe n reportin g your collisio n to the insuranc e company, tel l the m you want genuin e Hond a parts used in the repair . Althoug h most insurer s recogniz e the qualit y of origina l parts , some may try to specif y that the repair s be done wit h othe r available parts. You shoul d investi - gate thi s befor e any repair s have begun. Tak e you r car to you r authorize d Honda deale r for inspectio n afte r the repair s are completed . You r dealer can mak e sure tha t qualit y material s were used, and that corrosion - preventiv e coating s were applied to all repaire d and replaced parts. Appearanc e Car e
212
Taking Care of the Unexpected This section covers the more- common problems that motorist s experience wit h their vehicles. It gives you informatio n 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 wil l also fin d instruction s on gettin g your car towed. Compact Spare Tire....................... 214 Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 215 If Your Engine Won't Start........... 220 Nothin g Happens or the Starter Moto r Operates Very Slowly......................... 220 The Starte r Operates Normally................................. 221 Jump Starting................................. 222 If Your Engine Overheats............. 225 Low Oil Pressure Indicator......... . 228 Charging System Indicator........... 229 Malfunctio n Indicator Lamp ........ 230 Brake System Indicator................ 232 Closing the Convertible Top........ 233 Fuses............................................... 234 Checking and Replacing........... 235 If Your Car Gets Stuck.................. 239 Emergency Towing....................... 241 Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
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 it back on your car as soon as you can. Check the inflatio n pressure of the compact spare tire every time you check the other tires. It should be inflate d to: 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm 2) 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 drivin g on this tire . Do not mount snow chains on the compact spare. The wheel of the compact spare tire is designed especially to fi t your car. Do not use your spare tire on another vehicle unless it is the same make and model. INDICATO R LOCATIO N MAR K The compact spare tire has a shorte r 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 tir e is not designed to be mounted on a regular wheel, and the compact wheel is not designed for mountin g a regular tire . Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d TREAD WEA R INDICATO R BA R
Changing a Flat Tire If you have a flat tire whil e driving , stop in a safe place to change it. Stoppin g in traffi c or on the shoulde r of a busy road is dangerous . Driv e slowl y along the shoulde r unti l you get to an exi t or an area to stop that is far away fro m the traffi c lanes. Th e compac t spare tir e is smalle r tha n a standar d tire , whic h wil l affect the vehicle' s handling . Driv e cautiousl y when this spare is mounte d on your vehicle . The size differenc e may also cause damage to the rear differential , so do not moun t the compact spare on the rear. I f eithe r rea r tir e goes flat , remove the fron t tire on tha t same side, moun t the compact spare tir e on the front , the n moun t the fron t tire on the rear .
Changing a Flat Tire 4. Remove the three clips holdin g the spare tire cover by pullin g straigh t up on the rings. Remove the spare tire cover. 5. Unscrew the wing bolt and take the spare tire out of the spare tir e shelf. 6. Loosen the five wheel nuts 1/2 turn wit h 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 jackin g point. Tur n the end bracket clockwise until the top of the jack contacts the jacking point. Mak e sure the jackin g point tab is restin g in the jack notch. Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
Changing a Flat Tire 8. Use the extension and wheel wrench as shown to raise the car unti l the flat tire is off the ground . 9. Remove the wheel nuts and flat tire . Temporaril y 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 . BRAKE HUB 10. Before mounting the spare tire , wipe any dir t off the mountin g surface of the wheel and hub wit h a clean cloth. Wipe the hub carefully, it may be hot fro m driving . CONTINUED Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
Changing a Flat Tire 11. Put on the spare tire. Put the wheel nuts back on finger-tight , then tighten them in a crisscross pattern with the wheel wrench unti l the wheel is firml y against the hub. Do not try to tighte n them fully. 12. Lower the car to the groun d 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. Tighte n the wheel nuts to: 80 lbf.ft(10 8 N.m,1 1 kgf.m ) Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
Changing a Flat Tire 14. Remove the tool box fro m the trun k 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 tir e cover. Secure it with the three clips. Push each clip down securely, and pivot the rin g down flat. 17. Put the flat tir e in the trun k well verticall y as shown. Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
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 ENGIN E 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. Nothin g Happens or the Starte r Motor Operate s Very Slowly When you press the ENGIN E START button, you do not hear the normal noise of the engine tryin g to start. You may hear a clickin g sound or series of clicks, or nothing at all. Check these things : Your car has the Immobilize r 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 immobilize r system indicator in the dash panel to blink rapidly. Tur n the ignitio n switch to ON (II) . Tur n on the headlights and check their brightness. I f the headlight s are very dim or don't light at all, the battery is discharged. See Jump Startin g on page 222. Press the ENGIN E START button , then release it. If the headlights do not dim, check the conditio n of the fuses. If the fuses are OK, there is probably somethin g wrong wit h the electrica l circui t for the ignitio n switc h or starter motor. You will need a qualified technician to determine the problem. (See Emergency Towing on page 241.) Takin g Car e of the Unexpecte d
If Your Engine Won't Start 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 termina l connections (see page 177). You can then try jump startin g the car from a booster battery (see page 222). The Starte r Operate s Normall y 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 startin g procedure? Refer to Startin g the Engine on page 131. Do you have fuel? Tur n the ignition switch to ON (II ) fo r a minute and watch the fuel gauge. The low fuel level warning light may not be working , so you were not reminded to fil l the tank. There may be an electrical problem, such as no power to the fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see page 235). If you find nothin g wrong, you will need a qualified technician to find the problem. See Emergency Towing on page 241 . Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
Jump Starting If your car's battery has run down, you may be able to start the engine by using a booster battery. Althoug h this seems like a simple procedure, you should take several precautions. To jump start your car, follow these directions closely:
Jump Starting 3. Connect one jumper cable to the positive ( + ) termina l on your Honda's batteiy . Connec t the other end to the positive ( + ) termina l on the booster battery . 4. Connect the second jumper cable to the negative (—) termina l on the booster battery . Connect the other end to the meta l projectio n near the intak e manifol d as shown in the illustration . Do not connect this jumper cable to any othe r part of the engine . 5. If the booster batter y is in another vehicle , have an assistant start that vehicle and run it at a fast idle. CONTINUED Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
Jump Starting 6. Star t your car. If the starte r moto r stil l operates slowly , chec k the jumpe r cable connection s to make sure they have good metal-to - meta l contact. 7. Once your car is running , discon - nect the negativ e cable fro m you r car, the n fro m the booste r battery . Disconnec t the positiv e cable fro m you r car, the n the booste r battery . Keep the ends of the junipe r cables away fro m each othe r and any meta l on the car unti l all are disconnected . Otherwise , you may cause an electrica l short . Takin g Care of the Unexpecte d BOOSTER BATTER Y
If Your Engine Overheats Th e readin g on your car's temperatur e gauge shoul d stay in the midrang e unde r most conditions . It may go highe r if you are drivin g up a long steep hil l on a very hot day. If it climb s to the red mark , you shoul d determin e the reason. Driving with the temperature gauge reading at the red mark can cause serious damage to your engine. You r car can overhea t for severa l reasons , such as lack of coolant or a mechanica l problem . The only indicatio n may be the temperatur e gauge climbin g to or above the red mark . Or you may see steam or spray comin g fro m unde r the car or engine cover. In eithe r case, you shoul d take immediat e action .
If Your Engine Overheats 6. Look for any obvious coolant leaks, such as a split radiator hose. Everything is stil l extremely hot, so use caution. If you find a leak, it must be repaired before you continue drivin g (see Emergency Towing on page 241). 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 MI N mark, add coolant to halfway between the MI N 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, tur n the radiator cap counterclockwise, withou t 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 unti l it comes off. Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d 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.
If Your Engine Overheats 10. Start the engine and set the temperature contro l dial to maximum. Add coolant to the radiator up to the base of the fille r neck. If you do not have the proper coolant mixtur e available, you can add plain water. Remember to have the cooling system drained and refille d with the proper mixtur e as soon as you can. 11. Put the radiator cap back on tightly . Run the engine and watch the temperatur e gauge. If it goes back to the red mark, the engine needs repair. (See Emergency Towing on page 241.) 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 . Takin g Car e of th e Unexpecte d
Low Oil Pressure Indicator Thi s indicator should ligh t when the ignitio n 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 wit h 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. Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost irnmediately. Turn off the engine as soon as you can safel y get the car slopped.
Charging System Indicator CHARGIN G SYSTE M INDICATO R Thi s indicato r shoul d come on whe n the ignitio n switc h is ON (II) , and go out afte r the engine starts . I f it comes on brightl y when the engine is running , it indicate s that the chargin g system has stopped chargin g the battery . Immediatel y tur n of f al l electrica l accessories: radio , heater , A/C , cruise control , etc. Tr y not to use other electrically-operate d control s such as the power windows . Keep the engine runnin g and take extr a care not to stal l it . Startin g the engine wil l discharg e the batter y rapidly . By eliminatin g as muc h of the electrica l load as possible, you can drive severa l miles (kilometers ) befor e the batter y is too discharge d to keep the engine running . Driv e to a service statio n or garage wher e you can get technica l assistance. Takin g Car e of the Unexpecte d PUSH CANCEL
Malfunction Indicator Lamp MALFUNCTIO N INDICATOR LAMP Thi s indicato r comes on fo r a few seconds whe n you tur n the ignitio n switc h ON (II) . If it comes on at any othe r time , it indicate s one of the engine's emission s contro l system s may have a problem . Even thoug h you may feel no differenc e in your car's performance , it can reduce your fue l econom y and cause you r car to put out excessive emissions . Continue d operatio n may cause serious damage. If you have recentl y refuele d your car, the cause of this indicato r comin g on could be a loose or missin g fuel fil l cap. Chec k the cap and tighte n it unti l it click s severa l times . Replace the fue l fil l cap if it is missing . Tightenin g the cap wil l not make the indicato r tur n off immediately ; it takes thre e drivin g trips . If the indicato r remain s on past thre e drivin g trips , or the fue l cap was not loose or missing , have the car checke d by the dealer as soon as possible . Driv e moderatel y unti l the dealer has inspecte d the problem . Avoi d full-throttl e acceleratio n and drivin g at high speed. You shoul d also have the dealer inspect you r car if thi s indicato r comes on repeatedly , even thoug h it may tur n off as you continu e driving . If you keep driving with the malf unction indicator lamp on, you can damage your car's emissions controls and engine. Those repairs may not be covered b y you r car's warranties. Takin g Care of the Unexpected NOTICE PUSH CANCEL
Malfunction Indicator Lamp Readines s Codes Your car has certai n "readines s codes" tha t are part of the on-boar d diagnostic s fo r the emission s systems. In some states , part of the emissions testin g is to make sure these codes are set. If they are not set, the test cannot be completed . If you r car's batter y has been disconnecte d or gone dead, these codes are erased. It takes several days of drivin g unde r variou s condition s to set the codes again. If possible , d o not take you r car for a state emission s test unti l the readiness codes are set. See State Emission s Testin g on pages 255 and 256. Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
Brake System Indicator The Brake System Indicator normally comes on when you turn the ignitio n switch ON (II) . It is a reminder to check the parkin g brake. It comes on and stays lit if you do not full y release the parkin g brake. 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 flui d reservoir. Press lightl y on the brake pedal to see if it feels normal. If it does, check the brake flui d level the next time you stop at a service station (see page 170). If the flui d 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 wil l still give you brakin g at two wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go clown much farthe r before the car begins to slow clown, and you will have to press harder on the pedal. The distance needed to stop wil l be much longer. Slow down by shiftin g 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. Takin g Car e of the Unexpecte d BRAKE SYSTE M INDICATO R
Closing the Convertible Top If the electri c moto r wil l not close the convertibl e top, do the following .
Fuses Al l the electrica l circuit s in you r car have fuses to protec t the m fro m a short circui t or overload . Thes e fuses are locate d in thre e fuse boxes. The interio r fuse box is underneat h the dashboar d on the driver' s side. Ther e are two under-hoo d fuse boxes in the engine compartment . Th e mai n fuse box is locate d on the passenger' s side near the battery . To open it, push the two tabs as shown . Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
Fuses The auxiliar y fuse box is located on the driver' s side near the brake flui d reservoir . To open it, push the tab on each side and remove the lid . Checkin g and Replacin g Fuses If somethin g electrica l in your car stops working , the firs t thin g you should check for is a blown fuse. Determin e fro m the chart on pages 237 and 238 , or the diagram on the fuse box lid, whic h fuse or fuses contro l that component . Check those fuses first , but check all the fuses before decidin g that a blown fuse is not the cause. Replace any blown fuses and check the component's operation .
Fuses 4. Chec k the smalle r fuses by pullin g out the fuse wit h the fuse pulle r provide d in the interio r fuse box. 5. Loo k for a burne d wir e insid e the fuse. If it is burned , replac e it wit h one of the spare fuses of the same ratin g or lower . If you canno t driv e th e vehicl e withou t fixin g the problem , and you do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse of the same ratin g or a lowe r ratin g fro m one of the othe r circuits . Mak e sure you can do withou t tha t circui t temporaril y (suc h as the accessory power socke t or radio) . If you replace the blow n fuse wit h a spare fuse that has a lowe r rating , it migh t blow out again. Thi s does not indicat e anythin g wrong . Replace the fuse wit h one of the correc t ratin g as soon as you can. Replacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating greatl y 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 replacemen t fuse of the same ratin g blows in a shor t time , ther e is probabl y a seriou s electrica l proble m in you r car. Leave the blow n fuse in tha t circui t and have you r car checke d by a qualifie d mechanic . Takin g Care of the Unexpecte d FUSE PULLER BLOWN NOTICE
Fuses INTERIO R FUSE BOX * : Canadian Model CONTINUED Takin g Car e of th e Unexpecte d
Fuses (AUXILIAR Y FUS E BOX ) Takin g Car e of the Unexpecte d UNDER-HOO D FUS E BOXE S (MAI N FUS E BOX )
If Your Car Gets Stuck If your car gets stuc k in sand, mud , or snow, call a towin g service to pull it out (see page 241 ). For very shor t distances , such as freein g the car, you can use the detachable towin g hoo k tha t mount s on the anchor s in the fron t and rear bumpers . To use the towin g hook :
If Your Car Gets Stuck 4. Scre w th e towin g hoo k int o th e extensio n an d tighte n it securel y by hand . To avoid damage to your car. use the towing hook for straight, flat ground towing only. Do not tow at an angle. The tow hook should not he used to tow t/ie vehicle onto a flat bed. Do not use it as a tie down. Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d NOTICE
Emergency Towing If your car needs to be towed , cal l a professiona l towin g servic e or , if you belon g to one, an organizatio n that provide s roadsid e assistance . Neve r tow you r ca r behin d anothe r vehicl e wit h just a rope or chain . It is ver y dangerous . Ther e are thre e popula r type s of professiona l towin g equipment . Flat-bed Equipment — Th e operato r loads you r vehicl e on the bac k of a truck . Thi s i s th e onl y way you r S200 0 shoul d b e transported . Whe n you contac t th e towin g agency , infor m the m tha t you have an S2000 and that a flat-be d is required . Wheel Lift Equipment — Th e to w truc k uses tw o pivotin g arm s tha t go unde r th e tire s (fron t o r rear ) an d lif t the m of f th e ground . Th e othe r tw o tire s remai n on the ground . Becaus e the S2000 sits so low , th e bod y coul d come in contac t wit h th e groun d and be damaged . Thi s metho d of towin g is unacceptable . Takin g Car e of the Unexpecte d
Emergency Towing Sling-type Equipment — Th e to w truc k uses meta l cables wit h hook s on the ends. Thes e hooks go aroun d parts of the fram e or suspensio n and the cables lif t tha t end of the car off the ground . You r car's suspension and body can be seriousl y damaged. Thi s metho d of towin g is unacceptable . Takin g Car e of th e Unexpecte d
Technical Information The diagrams in this section give you the dimensions and capacities of your Honda, and the locations of the identificatio n numbers. It also includes informatio n you should know about your vehicle's tire s and emissions contro l systems. Identificatio n Numbers................. 244 Specifications................................. 246 DOT Tire Qualit y Gradin g (U.S. Vehicles)....................... 248 Treadwear.................................. 248 Traction....................................... 248 Temperature............................. 249 Technica l Informatio n Oxygenated Fuels.......................... 250 Drivin g in Foreign Countries...... . 251 Emissions Controls........................ 252 The Clean Air Act...................... 252 Crankcase Emissions Contro l System..................................... 252 Evaporative Emissions Contro l System..................................... 252 Exhaust Emissions Controls... . 253 PGM-FI System..................... 253 Ignitio n Timin g Contro l System................................. 253 Secondary Ai r Injectio n System................................. 253 Three Way Catalytic Converter............................ 253 Replacement Parts..................... 253 Three Way Catalytic Converter... 254 State Emission Testing................. 255
Identification Numbers Your car has several identifyin g numbers located in various places. The Vehicle Identificatio n Numbe r (VIN) is the 17-digit number your Honda dealer uses to register your car for warrant y purposes. It is also necessary for licensing and insurin g 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 lookin g throug h the windshiel d on the driver's side. It is also on the Certificatio n 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 Certificatio n label. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATIO N NUMBE R CERTIFICATIO N LABE L Technica l Informatio n
Identification Numbers The Engin e Numbe r is stamped on the lef t fron t corne r of the engin e block . The Transmissio n Numbe r is on a label underneat h the transmission . TRANSMISSIO N NUMBE R ENGIN E NUMBE R Technica l Informatio n
0.16 US ga l (0.6 , 0.13 Im p gal)
Specifications Technica l Informatio n pag e 238 pag e 237
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. Al l tires are also graded for treadwear, traction , and temperature performanc e according to Department of Transportatio n (DOT) standards. The followin g explains these gradings. Unifor m Tir e Qualit y Gradin g Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and the maximu m section width . For example: Treadwea r 20 0 Tractio n AA Temperatur e A DO T Qualit y Grades Al l passenger car tires must confor m to Federal Safety Requirements in additio n to these grades. Treadwea r The treadwear grade is a compara- tive ratin g based on the wear rate of the tir e when tested under controlle d conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one- half (1 1/2) time s 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 significantl y fro m the nor m clue to variations in drivin g habits, service practices and differences in road characteristic s and climate. Tractio n — AA, A, B, C The tractio n grades, fro m highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire' s abilit y to slop on wet pavement as measured under controlle d conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor tractio n performance. Warning : The tractio n grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead brakin g traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering , hydroplaning , or peak tractio n characteristics . Technica l Informatio n
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) Temperatur e — A, B , C The temperature grades are A (th e highest) , B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlle d conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the materia l 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 Moto r Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimu m required by law. 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 buildup and possible tire failure. Technica l Informatio n
Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referre d 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 minimu m octane ratin g requirement . Before using an oxygenated fuel, try to confir m the fuel's contents. Some states/provinces requir e thi s informatio n to be posted on the pump. The followin g are the U.S. EPA and Canadian CGSB approved percentages of oxygenates: ETHANO L (ethy l or grain alcohol) You may use gasoline containing up to 10 percent ethanol by volume. Gasoline containing ethanol may be markete d under the name "Gasohol." MTB E (Methy l Tertiar y Buty l Ether) You may use gasoline containing up to 15 percent MTB E by volume. METHANO L (methy l or wood alcohol) Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel that contains methanol. Methano l can corrode metal parts in the fuel system, and also damage plastic and rubber components. This damage would not be covered by your warranties . If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another service station or switch to another brand of gasoline. Fuel system damage or performance problems resultin g from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more than the percentages of oxygenates given above are not covered under warranty . Technica l Informatio n
Driving in Foreign Countries Technica l Informatio n If you are plannin g to take your Honda outside the U.S. or Canada, contact the touris t bureaus in the areas you wil l be travelin g in to fin d out about the availabilit y of unleaded gasoline wit h the prope r octane rating . If unleade d gasoline is not available , be aware that using leaded gasoline in your Hond a wil l affec t perfor - mance and fuel mileage, and damage its emissions controls . It wil l no longe r compl y wit h U.S. and Canadian emissions regulations , and wil l be illega l to operate in Nort h America . To brin g your car back into complianc e wil l requir e the replace- ment of several components , such as the oxyge n sensors and the thre e way catalyti c converter . These re- placement s are not covere d under warranty .
Emissions Controls Th e burnin g of gasolin e in you r car's engine produce s several byproducts . Some of these are carbo n monoxid e (CO) , oxide s of nitroge n (NOx ) an d hydrocarbon s (HC) . Gasoline evaporatin g fro m the tan k also produce s hydrocarbons . Controllin g the productio n of NOx , CO, and HC is importan t to the environment . Unde r certai n condition s of sunligh t and climate , NO x and HC react to for m photochemica l "smog. " Carbo n monoxid e does not contribut e to smog creation , but it is a poisonous gas. Th e Clea n Ai r Act The Unite d States Clean Ai r Act * sets standard s fo r automobil e emissions. It also require s that automobil e manufacturer s explai n to owners how thei r emission s control s wor k and wha t to do to maintai n them . Thi s sectio n summarize s how the emission s control s work . Scheduled maintenanc e is on page 148.
Emissions Controls Exhaus t Emission s Control s Th e exhaus t emission s control s includ e fou r systems : PGM-FI , Ignitio n Timin g Control , Secondar y Ai r Injectio n Syste m and Thre e Wa y Catalyti c Converter . Thes e fou r system s wor k togethe r to contro l th e engine' s combustio n and minimiz e the amoun t of HC , CO , and NO x tha t comes out th e tailpipe . Th e exhaus t emission s contro l system s are separate fro m th e crankcas e an d evaporativ e emission s contro l systems . PGM-FI System Th e PGM-F I Syste m uses sequentia l multipor t fue l injection . It has thre e subsystems : Ai r Intake , Engin e Control , and Fue l Control . Th e Engin e Contro l Modul e (ECM ) uses variou s sensor s to determin e how muc h ai r is goin g int o th e engine . I t the n control s ho w muc h fue l to injec t unde r al l operating- conditions . Ignition Timing Control System Thi s syste m constantl y adjust s the ignitio n timing , reducin g the amoun t of HC , CO and NO x produced . Secondary Air Injection System Durin g engin e warm-up , air is pumpe d int o th e exhaus t to reduc e emission s whe n the engin e is cold . Three Way Catalytic Converter Th e thre e wa y catalyti c converte r is in th e exhaus t system . Throug h chemica l reactions , it convert s HC , CO , and NO x in the engine' s exhaus t to carbon dioxide (CO 2), dinitrogen (N2), and water vapor. Replacemen t Part s Th e emission s contro l system s are designe d and certifie d to wor k to- gethe r in reducin g emission s to level s tha t compl y wit h the Clea n Ai r Act . To mak e sure the emission s remai n low, you shoul d use only new Genuin e Hond a replacemen t parts or thei r equivalen t fo r repairs . Usin g lowe r qualit y part s may increas e the emission s fro m you r car. Th e emission s contro l system s are covere d by warrantie s separate fro m the res t of you r car. Read you r warrant y manua l fo r mor e informa - tion . Technica l Informatio n
Three Way Catalytic Converter The three way catalytic converter contains precious metals that serve as catalysts, promotin g chemical reactions to convert the exhaust gasses withou t affectin g the metals. The catalytic converter is referre d to as a three-way catalyst, since it acts on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement unit must be an origina l 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 fro m high grass, dry leaves, or other flammables. THREE WA Y CATALYTI C CONVERTE R A defective three way catalytic converter contribute s 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, makin g the three way catalytic converte r ineffective . Keep the engine tuned-up. Have your car diagnosed and repaired if it is misfiring , back- firing , stalling , or otherwise not running properly . Technica l Informatio n
State Emissions Testing Testin g of Readines s Codes If you take your vehicle fo r a state emissions test shortl y afte r the batter y has been disconnecte d or gone dead, it may not complete the test. Thi s is because of certain "readiness codes" that must be set in the on-board diagnostic s for the emissions systems. These codes are erased when the batter y is disconnected , and set again only after several days of drivin g under a variet y of conditions . If the testin g facilit y determine s tha t the readiness codes are not set, you wil l be requeste d to retur n at a later date to complete the test. If you must get the vehicle re-tested withi n the next two or three days, you can conditio n the vehicle fo r re-testin g by doing the following . Make sure the gas tank is nearly, but not completely , ful l (aroun d 3/4). Make sure the vehicle has been parke d wit h the engine off for 8 hours or more . Make sure the ambien t temperatur e is between 20° and 95° F. Withou t touchin g the accelerato r pedal, star t the engine and let it idle for 20 seconds. Keep the vehicle on Neutral . Increase the engine speed to 2,000 rpm and hol d it there unti l the temperatur e gauge rises to at least 1/4 of the scale (approximatel y 3 minutes) . CONTINUED Technica l Informatio n
State Emissions Testing Select a nearby lightl y traveled major highway where you can maintain a speed of 50 to 60 mph for at least 20 minutes. Drive on the highway in 5th. Do not use the cruise control. When traffi c allows, drive for 90 seconds withou t moving the accelerator pedal. (Vehicle speed may vary slightly ; this is okay.) If you cannot do this for a continuous 90 seconds because of traffi c conditions, drive for at least 30 seconds, then repeat it two more times (fo r a total of 90 seconds). Then drive in city/suburba n traffi c for at least 10 minutes. When traffi c conditions allow, let the vehicle coast for several seconds withou t using the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal. If the testin g facilit y determines the readiness codes are still not set, see your Honda dealer. Technica l Informatio n
Warranty and Customer Relations Customer Relations Information................................. 258 U.S. Zone Office Map.................... 259 Canada Zone Office Map.............. 260 Warranty Coverages..................... 261 Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Vehicles)........................... 262 Authorize d Manuals...................... 263 Warrant y an d Custome r Relation s
Customer Relations Information Honda dealership personnel are trained professionals. The y 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. If you are dissatisfie d wit h 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 followin g pages. When you call or write, please give us this information : Vehicle Identificatio n Number (see page 244) Name and address of the dealer who services your car Date of purchase Mileage on your car Your name, address, and tele- phone numbe r A detailed description of the problem Name of the dealer who sold the car to you Warrant y an d Custome r Relation s
U.S. Zone Office Map The addresse s and telephon e number s are subjec t to change . I f you canno t reach you r Zone office , ask you r Hond a deale r for the curren t information . Wester n Zon e P.O. Bo x 2260 700 Van Nes s Avenu e Torrance , Californi a 90501-149 0 (310)781-456 5 Northwester n Zon e P.O. Box 20186 12439 N.E. Airpor t Wa y Portland , Orego n 9723 0 (503) 256-094 3 (also include s Alask a an d Hawaii ) Sout h Centra l Zon e 4529 Roya l Lane Irving , Texa s 75063 (972) 929-548 1 Centra l Zon e 101 Sout h Stanfiel d Road Troy , Ohi o 4537 3 (937) 332-625 0 Northeaster n Zon e 115 Gaithe r Driv e Mt. Laurel , Ne w Jerse y 08054 (856) 235-553 3 Includes : NY C Metr o area an d Fairfiel d County , C T area Mid-Atlanti c Zon e 902 Win d Rive r Ln. , Suit e 200 Gaithersburg , Marylan d 2087 8 (301)990-202 0 Southeaster n Zon e P.O. Bo x 160 6 1500 Morriso n Parkwa y Alpharetta , Georgi a 30009-160 6 (770) 442-204 5 Nort h Centra l Zon e 601 Campu s Drive , Suit e A-9 Arlingto n Heights , Illinoi s 60004 (847) 870-560 0 New Englan d Zon e 555 Old Count y Road Windso r Locks , Connecticu t 0609 6 (860)623-331 0 See Zon e 5 for : NY C Metr o area an d Fairfiel d County , CT area Wes t Centra l Zon e 1600 Sout h Abilen e Street , Suit e D Aurora , Colorad o 8001 2 (303) 696-393 5 Puert o Rico an d U.S. V.I . Bella Internationa l P.O. Box 19081 6 San Juan , PR 00919-081 6 (787) 250-431 8 Warrant y an d Custome r Relation s
Canada Zone Office Map CUSTOME R RELATION S RELATION S AVE C LA CLIENTEL E Honda Canad a Inc . 715 Milne r Avenu e Toronto , O N M1B 2K 8 Tel : 1-888-9-HONDA- 9 Fax: Toll-fre e 1-877-939-090 9 Toront o (416)287-477 6 Warrant y an d Custome r Relation s
Warranty Coverages U.S . Owner s Your new Honda is covered by these warranties : New Car Limited Warranty — covers your new vehicle , except for the battery , emissions contro l systems and accessories, against defects in material s and workmanship . Emissions Control Systems Defects Warranty and Emissions Performance Warranty — these tw o warranties cover your car's emis- sions contro l systems. Time , mileage, and coverage are conditional . Please read the warrant y manual fo r exact information . Original Equipment Battery Limited Warranty — thi s warrant y gives up to 100 percen t credi t towar d a replacemen t battery . Seat Belt Limited Warranty — a seat belt that fails to functio n properl y is covered for the usefu l life of the vehicle. Rust Perforation Limited Warranty — al l exterio r body panels are covered for rust-throug h fro m the inside for the specifie d tim e perio d wit h no mileage limit . Accessory Limited Warranty — Genuine Honda Accessories are covered under this warranty . Tim e and mileage limit s depend on the type of accessory and othe r factors . Please read your warrant y manual for details . Replacement Parts Limited Warranty — covers all genuine Honda replacemen t parts against defects in material s and workman - ship. Replacement Battery Limited Warranty — provides prorate d coverage for a replacemen t batter y purchase d fro m a Honda dealer. Replacement Muffler Lifetime Limited Warranty — provide s coverage for as long as the pur- chaser of the muffle r owns the car. Restrictions and exclusions apply to all these warranties . Please read the 2001 Hond a Warrant y Informatio n booklet that came wit h you r car fo r precise informatio n on warrant y coverages. You r Honda's origina l tires are covered by their manufacturer . Tir e warrant y informatio n is in a separate booklet . Canadia n Owner s Please refe r to the 2001 Warrant y Manua l that came wit h your car. Warrant y an d Custome r Relation s
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 infor m the National Highwa y Traffi c Safety Administratio n (NHTSA ) i n addition to notifyin g American Honda Moto r Co., Inc. If NHTS A receives simila r 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, NHTS A cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or America n Honda Moto r Co., Inc. To contact NHTSA , you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (o r 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 informatio n about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline . Warrant y an d Custome r Relation s
Authorized Manuals Purchasing Factor y Authorize d Manual s (U.S. only ) The followin g publication s coverin g the operatio n and servicin g of your car can be obtained fro m Hel m Incorporated , eithe r by fillin g out the attached for m or, for credit card holders , callin g the toll-fre e phone numbe r on the form . Fo r manuals prio r to the year shown below, contact Helm Incorporated , P.O. Box 07280, Detroit , Michiga n 48207, or call 1-800-782-4356. Valid only for sales within the U.S. Canadian owners should contact their authorized Honda dealer. By completin g thi s for m yo u ca n orde r the material s desired . Yo u ca n pay b y chec k o r mone y order , o r charg e to you r credi t card . Mai l t o Hel m Incorporate d a t th e addres s show n o n th e bac k o f th e orde r form . 61S2A0 1 61S2A01E L 61S2A3 0 31S2A61 0
Authorized Manuals Thes e Publication s canno t be returne d fo r credi t withou t receivin g advanc e authorizatio n withi n 1 4 day s of delivery . O n returns , a restockin g fee ma y be applie d agains t the origina l order . P.O. BOX 07280 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207 1-800-782-4356 Service Manual : This manual covers maintenance and recommended procedures for repair to engine and chassis components. It is writte n for the Journeyman mechanic, but is simple enough for most mechanically-incline d owners to under- stand. Electrica l Troubleshootin g Manual : This manual complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth troubleshootin g informatio n for each electrical circui t in your car. Body Repai r Manual : Thi s manual describes the procedures involved in the replacement of damaged body parts.
Index Accessories Installation.................................. 122 Accessory Power Socket................ 82 ACCESSORY (Ignitio n Key Position)....................................... 61 Additives , Engine Oil..................... 158 Airba g (SRS)...................................... 9 Air Cleaner Element...................... 172 Air Conditioning............................... 86 Maintenance............................... 182 Usage........................................... 86 Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 88 Air Pressure, Tires........................ 185 Alarm , Anti-theft............................ 114 Alcoho l in Gasoline........................ 250 Aluminu m Wheels, Cleaning........ 206 Antifreeze....................................... 161 Anti-loc k Brakes (ABS) Indicator Light.................... 45, 139 Operation.................................... 137 Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock .. 60 Anti-thef t System........................... 114 Appearance Care........................... 203 Audio Panel....................................... 82 Audio System................................... 94 Automatic Car Washes................. 204 Automatic Speed Control................ 55 Back-up Lamp Replacement......... 198 Battery Charging System Indicator........................... 44, 229 Jump Starting............................. 222 Maintenance............................... 177 Specifications............................. 247 Before Driving............................... 115 Belts, Seat......................................... 8 Beverage Holder.............................. 82 Body Repair.................................... 211 Brakes............................................. 136 Anti-loc k System (ABS)............ 137 Break-in, New Linings .............. 116 Bulb Replacement..................... 198 Fluid............................................ 170 Parking.......................................... 81 System Indicator.......................... 44 Wear Indicators, Disc ............... 136 Brakin g System.............................. 136 Break-in, New Car......................... 116 Brightness Control, Instruments.. . 52 Brights , Headlights......................... 51 Bulb Replacement.......................... 194 Back-up Lights........................... 198 Brake Lights............................... 198 Headlights.................................. 194 License Plate Lights.................. 200 Side Marker Lights ................... 196 Specifications............................. 247 Tur n Signal Lights..................... 196 Bulbs, Halogen............................... 194 Capacities Chart............................. 246 Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 39 Cargo, Carrying............................. 124 CAUTION , Explanation of............ ii CD Changer.................................... 108 Certificatio n Label......................... 244 Chains............................................. 191 CONTINUED
Index Changing Oi l How to......................................... 159 When to....................................... 146 Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 215 Changing Engine Coolant............. 163 Charging System Indicator ... 44, 229 Check Engine Eight............... 45, 230 Checklist, Before Driving............. 130 Child Safety.................................... 19 Child Seats........................................ 22 Cleaner, Air.................................... 172 Cleaning.......................................... 203 Aluminu m Wheels..................... 206 Carpeting.................................... 207 Exterior....................................... 20 4 Floor Mats.................................. 207 Interior........................................ 20 7 Leather........................................ 20 8 Seat Belts................................. 208 Vinyl............................................ 208 Windows..................................... 20 9 Clutch Fluid.................................... 171 CO in the Exhaust......................... 252 Cold Weather, Starting in............. 132 Compact Spare Tire....................... 214 Controls, Instrument s and.............. 41 Covertible Top................................. 72 Convertible Top Cover................ 77 Eowering the Convertible Top... 72 Maintenance................................. 78 Raising the Covertible Top......... 75 Coolant Adding......................................... 161 Checking..................................... 120 Proper Solution.......................... 161 Temperature Gauge.................... 47 Corrosion Protection..................... 209 Crankcase Emission Contro l System....................................... 252 Cruise Control Operation............... 55 Customer Relations Information................................. 258 DANGER, Explanatio n of................. i i Dashboard........................................ 42 Daytime Running Eights................ 52 Defects, Reporting Safety............. 262 Defrostin g the Windows................ 9 1 Dimensions..................................... 24 6 Dimming the Headlights ................ 51 Dipstick Engine Oil................................... 119 Directiona l Signals.......................... 53 Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 136 Disposal of Used Oil...................... 160 Do Not Tow aTrailer.................... 141 Doors Eocking and Unlocking............... 62 Monito r Eight............................... 45 Power Door Locks....................... 62 DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 248 Downshifting , 6-speed Manual Transmission.............................. 134 Driving............................................ 12 9 Economy..................................... 121 In Bad Weather.......................... 140 In Foreign Countries................. 251 Economy, Fuel............................... 121 Emergencies on the Road............. 213 Battery, Jump Starting.............. 222 Changing a Flat Tire................. 215 Charging System Indicato r ...... 229 Checking the Fuses................... 235
Index Closing the Convertible Top.... 233 Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 228 Malfunction Indicator Lamp .... 230 Overheated Engine................... 225 Emergency Brake............................ 8 1 Emergency Flashers....................... 80 Emergency Trun k Opener............. 6 7 Emissions Controls........................ 252 Emissions Testing, State .............. 255 Engine Check Engine Light............45, 230 Compartment, Checkin g in the.......................................118 Coolant........................................ 12 0 Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 47 Drive Belt.................................... 184 Malfunctio n Indicato r Lamp................................ 45, 230 Oil Pressure Indicator......... 44, 228 Oil, What Kind to Use............... 157 Overheating................................ 225 Specifications............................. 24 6 Speed Limiter............................. 134 Starting........................................ 131 Engine Cover, Opening the.......... 118 Ethanol in Gasoline ....................... 250 Evaporative Emission Controls.... 252 Exhaust Fumes................................ 39 Expectant Mothers , Use of Seat Belts by......................................... 17 Exterior , Cleaning the................... 204 Fabric, Cleaning............................. 208 Fan, Interior...................................... 8 6 Features, Comfor t and Convenience................................. 8 5 Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 117 Filters Oil................................................159 Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 80 Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 215 Fluids Brake...........................................170 Clutch..........................................171 Manual Transmission............... 168 Windshiel d Washer................... 167 FM Stereo Radio Reception......... 103 Foreign Countries, Drivin g in..... . 251 Four-way Flashers........................... 80 Fuel..................................................116 Fill Door and Cap....................... 117 Gauge............................................ 48 Octane Requirement................. 116 Oxygenated................................ 250 Reserve Indicator......................... 46 Tank, Fillin g the......................... 117 Fuel Mileage, Improving............... 121 Fuel Station Procedures ............... 117 Fuses, Checking the...................... 235 Gasohol........................................... 250 Gasoline.......................................... 116 Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 46 Gauge............................................ 48 Octane Requirement................. 116 Oxygenated Fuels...................... 250 Tank, Fillin g the......................... 117 CONTINUED
Index Gauges.............................................. 47 Engine Coolant Temperature .... 47 Fuel................................................ 48 Speedometer................................ 47 Tachometer.................................. 47 Gearshift Lever Positions 6-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 133 Glass Cleaning............................... 209 Halogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 194 Hazard Warning Flashers............... 80 Headlights Daytime Running Lights............. 52 High Beam Indicator................... 46 Reminder Tone............................ 51 Replacing Halogen Bulbs ......... 194 Turnin g on.................................... 51 Heating and Cooling System.......... 86 High Altitude , Starting at.............. 132 High-Low Beam Switch .................. 51 High Speed, Shifting at................. 134 Hood Latch..................................... 174 Hood, Opening the ........................ 118 Jump Starting................................. 222 Keys................................................... 58 Label, Certification........................ 244 Lane Change, Signaling.................. 53 Lap/Shoulde r Belts......................... 33 Leather, Cleaning.......................... 208 Light s Bulb Replacement..................... 194 Indicator........................................ 43 Tur n Signal................................. 196 Loading Cargo................................ 124 LOCK (Ignitio n Key Position)...... . 60 Locks Anti-thef t Steering Column........ 60 Fuel Fill Door............................. 117 Power Door.................................. 62 Trunk............................................ 66 Low Coolant Level......................... 120 Lower Gear, Downshiftin g to a.... 134 Low Fuel Indicator .......................... 46 Hydraulic Clutch............................ 171 Hydroplaning.................................. 141 Identificatio n Number , Vehicle........................................ 244 Ignition Keys............................................. 58 Switch............................................ 60 Timin g Control System............. 253 Indicator Lights , Instrumen t Panel............................................ 43 Inflation , Proper Tire .................... 185 Inside Mirror.................................... 8 0 Inspection, Tire.............................. 187 Instrument Panel............................. 42 Instrument Panel Brightness......... 52 Interio r Cleaning............................ 207 Interio r Lights.................................. 83 Introduction......................................... i Jacking Up the Car........................ 216 Jack, Tire........................................ 215
Index Low Oil Pressure Indicator... 44, 228 Lubrican t Specifications Chart... . 246 Luggage.......................................... 124 Maintenance................................... 143 Owner Maintenance Checks.... 155 Record......................................... 153 Schedule..................................... 146 Maintenance Required Indicator... 49 Malfunctio n Indicator Lamp. 45, 230 Manual Transmission.................... 133 Manual Transmissio n Fluid ......... 168 Meters , Gauges................................ 47 Methano l in Gasoline.................... 250 Mirrors , Adjusting........................... 80 New Vehicle Break-in ................... 116 Normal Shift Speeds...................... 134 NOTICE , Explanatio n of................... i i Numbers, Identification................ 244 Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 116 Odometer.......................................... 48 Odometer, Trip................................ 48 Oil Change, How to ......................... 159 Change, When to....................... 146 Checking Engine....................... 11 9 Pressure Indicator............... 44, 228 Selecting Prope r Viscosity Chart....................................... 15 8 ON (Ignitio n Key Position)............ 6 1 Opening the Trunk.......................... 6 6 Operation in Foreign Countries... 251 Outside Mirrors............................... 8 0 Overheating, Engine..................... 225 Oxygenated Fuels.......................... 250 Paint Touch-up............................... 206 Panel Brightness Control............... 52 Parking Brake.................................. 81 Parking Lights.................................. 51 PGM-FI System.............................. 253 Polishing and Waxing................... 205 Power Door Locks................................... 62 Engine, Specifications............... 246 Mirrors.......................................... 80 Windows....................................... 7 0 Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 17 Protecting Adults............................. 12 Additiona l Safety Precautions.... 1 8 Advice for Pregnant Women...... 1 7 Protecting Children......................... 19 Protecting Larger Children........ 29 Protecting Small Children.......... 26 Radiator Overheating.................... 225 Radio Sound System........................ 94 Readiness Codes............................ 255 Rear Lights , Bulb Replacement... 198 Rear View Mirror............................. 8 0 Reclining the Seat-backs................. 69 Recommended Shift Speeds ........ 134 CONTINUED
Index Recovery Vehicle, Emergency Towing........................................ 241 Reminder Lights............................. 43 Remote Transmitter........................ 63 Replacement Informatio n Air Cleaner................................. 172 Engine Coolant........................... 163 Engine Oil and Filter................. 159 Fuses........................................... 235 Eight Bulbs................................. 194 Schedule..................................... 146 Spark Plugs................................. 174 Tires............................................ 189 Wiper Blades.............................. 180 Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash.............................................34 Restraint, Child................................ 19 Rotation, Tire................................. 188 Safety Belts....................................... 8 Safety Defects, Reporting............. 262 Safety Labels, Locatio n of.............. 40 Safety Messages................................ ii Seat Belts............................................ 8 Additiona l information................ 33 Advice for pregnant Women...... 17 Cleaning.................................... 208 Lap/Shoulde r Belt....................... 33 Maintenance................................. 34 Reminder Eight and Beeper....... 44 System Components.................... 33 Use Durin g Pregnancy................ 17 Seats, Adjusting the......................... 69 Serial Number................................ 244 Service Intervals............................ 146 Service Manual.............................. 263 Service Station Procedures .......... 117 Shifting The 6-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 133 Side Marke r Eights, Bulb Replacement in.......................... 196 Signaling Turns................................ 53 6-speed Manual Transmission Checking Fluid Level.............. . 168 Shifting the................................. 133 Snow Tires...................................... 191 Solvent-type Cleaners.................... 204 Sound System................................... 94 Spare Tir e Inflating.......................................214 Specifications............................. 24 7 Spark Plugs, Replacing................. 174 Specifications Charts..................... 246 Speed Control.................................. 55 Speedometer.................................... 47 SRS, Additional Information........... 35 Additional Safety Precautions.... 3 8 How the Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners Work..................... 3 7 How the SRS Indicator Works....................................... 37 How Your Airbags Work............ 35 SRS Components......................... 35 SRS Service................................... 38 SRS Indicator Light.................. 37, 45 Starting the Engine........................ 131 In Cold Weather at Hig h Altitude................................... 132 Wit h a Dead Battery ................. 222 State Emissions Testing............... 255 Steam Coming from Engine......... 225 Steering Wheel Anti-thef t Column Lock.............. 60 Stereo Sound System ...................... 94
Index Storing Your Car............................ 202 Stuck Car........................................ 239 Supplemental Restraint System Servicing....................................... 38 SRS Indicator..........................37, 45 Tensioners, Seat Belts................ 37 Tachometer...................................... 47 Taillights , Changing Bulbs in....... 198 Takin g Care of the Unexpected .. 213 Technica l Descriptions DOT Tir e Quality Grading....... 248 Emissions Control Systems...... 250 Oxygenated Fuels...................... 252 Three Way Catalytic Converter................................ 254 Temperatur e Gauge........................ 47 Tensioners, Seat Belts .................... 37 Three Way Catalytic Converter... 254 Tir e Chains..................................... 191 Tire , How to Change a Flat.......... 215 Tires................................................ 185 Air Pressure............................... 185 Balancing.................................... 188 Checking Wear.......................... 187 Compact Spare Tire .................. 214 DO T Tire Quality Grading....... 248 Inflation....................................... 185 Inspection................................... 187 Replacing.................................... 189 Rotating....................................... 188 Snow............................................191 Specifications............................. 247 Tools, Tire Changing.................... 215 Towin g A Trailer , Do Not....................... 141 Emergency Wrecke r ................ 240 Trailer , Do Not Tow a................... 141 Transmission Checking Fluid Level, 6-speed Manual Transmission........... 168 Fluid Selection............................ 168 Identificatio n Number............... 244 Shiftin g the 6-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 133 Treadwear...................................... 248 Tri p Meter........................................ 48 Trunk................................................. 66 Emergency Trunk Opener......... 67 Opening the ................................. 66 Open Monito r Light.................... 45 Tur n Signals..................................... 53 Underside, Cleaning...................... 209 Unexpected, Takin g Care of the........................................... 213 Unifor m Tire Quality Grading.... . 248 Unleaded Gasoline......................... 116 Upholstery Cleaning...................... 207 Used Oil, How to Dispose of........ 160 Vehicle Dimensions....................... 246 Vehicle Identificatio n Number..... 244 Vehicle Storage.............................. 202 Ventilation......................................... 88 VIN..................................................244 Viny l Cleaning................................ 208 Viscosity, Oil................................... 158 CONTINUED
Index WARNING , Explanation of.............. ii Warnin g Labels, Location of.......... 40 Warrant y Coverages..................... 261 Washer, Windshiel d Checking the Fluid Level......... 167 Operation.................................... 54 Washing.......................................... 204 Waxing and Polishing................... 205 Wheels............................................ 189 Alignment and Balance............. 188 Cleaning Aluminum Alloys....... 206 Wrench....................................... 215 Windows Cleaning...................................... 209 Operating the Power................... 70 Windshield Cleaning...................................... 209 Defroster...................................... 9 1 Washers........................................ 54 Wipers, Windshiel d Changing Blades........................ 180 Operation...................................... 53 Worn Tires..................................... 187 Wrecker, Emergency Towing...... 241
Service Informatio n Summary Gasoline: Premiu m unleade d gasoline , pum p octan e numbe r of 91 o r higher . Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 US gal (50 l ,11.0 Im p gal ) Recommende d Engine Oil: API Servic e S J "Energ y Conserving " oil , SA E 10W-3 0 viscosit y (see pag e 158). Oil chang e capacit y (includin g filter) : 5.1 U S qt(4. 8 l ,4.2 Im p qt ) 6-speed Manua l Transmissio n Fluid: Honda Manua l Transmissio n Fluid preferred , o r an AP I servic e SG, SH or SJ, SAE 10W-3 0 or 10W-40 moto r oil as a temporar y replacemen t (see pag e 168). Capacity : 1.6 US qt(1. 5 l ,1. 3 Im p qt ) Brake Fluid: Honda Heav y Dut y Brak e Flui d DOT 3 preferred , or a DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake flui d as a temporar y replacemen t (see pag e 170). 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)
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