2003 Honda Accord Coupe Owners Manual

Cargo Net

Carrying Cargo

OnallEXandEX-V6models The cargo net can be used to help hold down items stored in the trunk. To use the cargo net, hook it to the buttons on the floor and sides of the trunk. You can use the cargo net in several configurations by hooking it to different buttons.

When you are not using the cargo net, store it in the spare tire well.

Before Driving

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Driving

This section gives you tips on starting the engine under various conditions, and how to operate the 5-speed/6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. It also includes important information on parking your car, the braking system, the Traction Control System, and facts you need if you are planning to tow a trailer.

Preparing to Drive Starting the Engine

........................ .......................

. 240
. 241

Starting in Cold Weather

at High Altitude

Automatic Transmission

5-speed Manual Transmission Recommended Shift Points Engine Speed Limiter

6-speed Manual Transmission Recommended Shift Points Engine Speed Limiter Reverse Lockout

. 242
.................... . 243
.... . 244
..... . 244
.............. . 245
.... . 246
..... . 246
.............. . 246
....................... .............. . 248
Shift Lever Position Indicator . 248
. 248
Shift Lever Positions ................ . 251
Engine Speed Limiter .............. .................... Shift Lock Release . 251
. 253
........................................... . 253
.............................. . 254
..................... ............. . 254
. 255
............... ....................... . 255

Brake Wear Indicators Brake System Design Anti-lock Brakes

The Braking System

Parking Tips

Parking

Important Safety

Reminders ABS Indicator

......................... ........................

. 256
. 256

Traction Control System TCS ON/OFF Switch TCS Activation Indicator

Driving in Bad Weather Towing a Trailer

.............. ............... ......... ............... ...........................

. 258
. 259
. 259
. 261
. 263

Driving 239

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10.

Turn the ignition switch ON (II). Check the indicator lights in the instrument panel.

11.

Start the engine (see page

241

).

12.

Check the gauges and indicator lights in the instrument panel (see page

61

).

5.

6.

Check the adjustment of the seat (see page

94

).

Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors (see page

108

).

7.

Check the adjustment of the steering wheel (see page 80

).

8.

Make sure the doors are securely closed and locked.

9.

Fasten your seat belt. Check that your passengers have fastened their seat belts (see page ).

16

Preparing to Drive

You should do the following checks and adjustments every day before you drive your car.

1.

Make sure all windows, mirrors, and outside lights are clean and unobstructed. Remove frost, snow, or ice.

2.

Check that the hood and trunk are fully closed.

3.

4.

Visually check the tires. If a tire looks low, use a gauge to check its pressure.

Check that any items you may be carrying with you inside are stored properly or fastened down securely.

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1.

Apply the parking brake.

2.

3.

In cold weather, turn off all electrical accessories to reduce the drain on the battery.

ManualTransmission: Push the clutch pedal down all the way. START (III) does not function unless the clutch pedal is depressed.

AutomaticTransmission: Make sure the shift lever is in Park. Press on the brake pedal.

4.

5.

Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the START (III) position. If the engine does not start right away, do not hold the key in START (III) for more than 15 seconds at a time. Pause for at least 10 seconds before trying again.

If the engine does not start within 15 seconds, or starts but stalls right away, repeat step 4 with the accelerator pedal pressed half-way down. If the engine starts, release pressure on the accelerator pedal so the engine does not race.

Starting the Engine

6.

If the engine still does not start, press the accelerator pedal all the way down and hold it there while starting in order to clear flooding. As before, keep the ignition key in the START (III) position for no more than 15 seconds. Return to step 5 if the engine does not start. If it starts, lift your foot off the accelerator pedal so the engine does not race.

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Starting the Engine

Starting in Cold Weather at High Altitude (Above 8,000 feet/ 2,400 meters) An engine is harder to start in cold weather. The thinner air found at high altitude above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) adds to the problem. Use the following procedure:

1.

Turn off all electrical accessories to reduce the drain on the battery.

2.

Push the accelerator pedal half- way to the floor and hold it there while starting the engine. Do not hold the ignition key in START (III) for more than 15 seconds. When the engine starts, release the accelerator pedal gradually as the engine speeds up and smooths out.

3.

If the engine fails to start in step 2, push the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold it there while you try to start the engine for no more than 15 seconds. If the engine does not start, return to step 2.

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5-speed Manual Transmission

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.

Come to a full stop before you shift into Reverse. You can damage the transmission by trying to shift into Reverse with the car moving. Push down the clutch pedal, and pause for a few seconds before shifting into Reverse, or shift into one of the forward gears for a moment. This stops the gears so they won’t ‘‘grind.’’

When slowing down, you can get extra braking from the engine by shifting to a lower gear. This extra braking can help you maintain a safe speed and prevent your brakes from overheating while going down a steep hill. Before downshifting, make sure engine speed will not go into the tachometer’s red zone in the lower gear.

Driving

243

Onall4-cylindermodels The manual transmission is syn- chronized in all forward gears for smooth operation. It has a lockout so you cannot shift directly from Fifth to Reverse. When shifting up or down, make sure you push the clutch pedal down all the way, shift to the next gear, and let the pedal up gradually. When you are not shifting, do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal. This can cause your clutch to wear out faster.

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5-speed Manual Transmission

Recommended Shift Points Drive in the highest gear that lets the engine run and accelerate smoothly. This will give you the best fuel economy and effective emis- sions control. The following shift points are recommended:

Shift up

Normal acceleration

1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th

15 mph (25 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h) 40 mph (65 km/h) 50 mph (80 km/h)

Engine Speed Limiter If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you are in, the engine speed will enter into the tachometer’s red zone. If this occurs, you may feel the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter in the engine’s computer controls. The engine will run normally when you reduce the RPM below the red zone.

Before downshifting, make sure the engine will not go into the tachometer’s red zone.

Shift up

Cruise acceleration

1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th

7 mph (11 km/h) 22 mph (35 km/h) 33 mph (53 km/h) 48 mph (77 km/h)

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6-speed Manual Transmission

out faster.

Come to a full stop before you shift into Reverse. You can damage the transmission by trying to shift into Reverse with the car moving. Push down the clutch pedal, and pause for a few seconds before shifting into Reverse, or shift into one of the forward gears for a moment. This stops the gears so they won’t ‘‘grind.’’

When slowing down, you can get extra braking from the engine by shifting to a lower gear. This extra braking can help you maintain a safe speed and prevent your brakes from overheating while going down a steep hill. Before downshifting, make sure engine speed will not go into the tachometer’s red zone in the lower gear.

Rapid slowing or speeding-up can cause loss of control on slippery surfaces. If you crash, you can be injured.

Use extra care when driving on slippery surfaces.

Your car is equipped with an aluminum shift lever. If you leave the car parked outside for a long time on a hot day, be careful before moving the shift lever. Because of the heat, the shift lever may be extremely hot. If the outside temperature is low, the shift lever feels cold.

Driving 245

OnEX-V6model The manual transmission is synchro- nized in all forward gears for smooth operation. It has a lockout so you cannot shift directly from Fifth to Reverse instead of Sixth (see page ). When shifting up or down, 246
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

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6-speed Manual Transmission

Recommended Shift Points Drive in the highest gear that lets the engine run and accelerate smoothly. This will give you the best fuel economy and effective emis- sions control. The following shift points are recommended:

Shift up

Normal acceleration

1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th 5th to 6th

15 mph (24 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h) 40 mph (64 km/h) 47 mph (75 km/h) 52 mph (83 km/h)

Engine Speed Limiter If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you are in, the engine speed will enter into the tachometer’s red zone. If this occurs, you may feel the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter in the engine’s computer controls. The engine will run normally when you reduce the RPM below the red zone.

Before downshifting, make sure the engine will not go into the tachometer’s red zone.

Reverse Lockout The 6-speed manual transmission has an electric lockout so you cannot accidentally shift from Fifth to Reverse instead of Sixth while the car is moving. If you cannot shift to Reverse when the car is stopped:

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6-speed Manual Transmission

2.

If you are still unable to shift to Reverse, apply the parking brake and turn the ignition key to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).

3.

Depress the clutch pedal and shift to Reverse.

4.

With the clutch pedal still de- pressed, start the engine.

If you need to use this procedure to shift to Reverse, your car may be developing a problem. Have the car checked by your Honda dealer.

1.

With the clutch pedal depressed, move the shift lever to the First/ Second gear side of the Neutral gate, then shift to Reverse.

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Automatic Transmission

Your Honda’s transmission has five forward speeds, and is electronically controlled for smoother shifting. It also has a ‘‘lock-up’’ torque converter for better fuel economy. You may feel what seems like another shift when the converter locks.

Shift Lever Position Indicator

This indicator between the tacho- meter and speedometer shows which position the shift lever is in.

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The ‘‘D’’ indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON (II). If it flashes while driving (in any shift position), it indicates a possible problem in the transmission. Avoid rapid acceleration and have the trans- mission checked by an authorized Honda dealer as soon as possible.

The malfunction indicator lamp may come on along with the ‘‘D’’ indicator if there is a problem in the automatic transmission control system.

Shift Lever Positions

SHIFT LEVER

RELEASE BUTTON

The shift lever has seven positions. It must be in Park or Neutral to start the engine. When you are stopped in D, D , 2, 1, N or R, press firmly on the brake pedal, and keep your foot off the accelerator pedal.

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Automatic Transmission

To shift from:

P to R

Do this:

Press the brake pedal and press the release button.

Press the release button.

Move the lever.

R to P N to R D to 2
2 to 1
1 to 2
2 to D D to D D to N D to D N to D R to N

−

This position mechani-

Park (P) cally locks the transmission. Use Park whenever you are turning off or starting the engine. To shift out of Park, you must press on the brake pedal and have your foot off the accelerator pedal. Press the release button on the side of the shift lever to move it.

If you have done all of the above and still cannot move the lever out of Park, see Shift Lock Release on page 251

You must also press the release button to shift into Park. To avoid transmission damage, come to a complete stop before shifting into Park. The shift lever must be in Park before you can remove the key from the ignition switch.

−

To shift to Reverse

Reverse (R) from Park, see the explanation under Park. To shift to Reverse from Neutral, come to a complete stop and then shift. Press the release button before shifting into Reverse from Neutral.

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Automatic Transmission

−

This position is similar

Drive (D ) to D, except only the first three gears are selected instead of all five. Use D when towing a trailer in hilly terrain, or to provide engine braking when going down a steep hill. D can also keep the transmission from cycling between third and fourth gears in stop-and-go driving.

For faster acceleration when in D or D, you can get the transmission to automatically downshift by pushing the accelerator pedal to the floor. The transmission will shift down one, two or three gears, depending on your speed.

−

Use Neutral if you

Neutral (N) need to restart a stalled engine, or if it is necessary to stop briefly with the engine idling. Shift to Park posi- tion if you need to leave the car for any reason. Press on the brake pedal when you are moving the shift lever from Neutral to another gear.

−

Drive (D) Use this position for your normal driving. The transmis- sion automatically selects a suitable gear (1 through 5) for your speed and acceleration. You may notice the transmission shifting up at higher speeds when the engine is cold. This helps the engine warm up faster.

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−

Second (2) To shift to Second, press the release button on the side of the shift lever. This position locks the transmission in second gear. It does not downshift to first gear when you come to a stop. Second gives you more power when climbing, and increased engine braking when going down steep hills. Use second gear when starting out on a slippery surface or in deep snow. It will help reduce wheelspin.

−

First (1) To shift from Second to First, press the release button on the side of the shift lever. With the lever in this position, the transmission locks in First gear. By upshifting and downshifting through 1, 2, D , and D, you can operate this transmission much like a manual transmission without a clutch pedal.

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Engine Speed Limiter If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you are in, the engine speed will enter into the tachometer’s red zone. If this occurs, you may feel the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter in the engine’s computer controls. The engine will run normally when you reduce the RPM below the red zone.

Shift Lock Release This allows you to move the shift lever out of Park if the normal method of pushing on the brake pedal and pressing the release button does not work.

1.

Set the Parking brake.

2.

Remove the key from the ignition switch.

Automatic Transmission

COVER

3.

Put a cloth on the edge of the Shift Lock Release slot cover next to the shift lever. Use a small flat- tipped screwdriver or small metal plate (neither are included in the tool kit) to remove the cover. Carefully pry off the edge of the cover.

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6.

Remove the key from the Shift Lock Release slot, then reinstall the cover. Make sure the notch on the cover is on the left side. Depress the brake pedal and restart the engine.

If you need to use the Shift Lock Release, it means your car is developing a problem. Have the car checked by your Honda dealer.

Automatic Transmission

RELEASE BUTTON

SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT

4.

Insert the key in the Shift Lock Release slot.

5.

Push down on the key while you press the release button on the shift lever and move the shift lever out of Park to Neutral.

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Always use the parking brake when you park your car. The indicator on the instrument panel shows that the parking brake is not fully released; it does not indicate that the parking brake is firmly set. Make sure the parking brake is set firmly or your car may roll if it is parked on an incline.

If your car has an automatic transmission, set the parking brake before you put the transmission in Park. This keeps the car from moving and putting pressure on the parking mechanism in the transmission making it easier to move the shift lever out of Park when you want to drive away.

−

Parking

If the car is facing uphill, turn the front wheels away from the curb. If you have a manual transmission, put it in first gear.

Parking Tips

Make sure the moonroof (if equipped) and the windows are closed.

If the car is facing downhill, turn the front wheels toward the curb. If you have a manual transmission, put it in reverse gear.

Make sure the parking brake is fully released before driving away. Driving with the parking brake partially set can overheat or damage the rear brakes.

Turn off the lights.

Place any packages, valuables, etc., in the trunk or take them with you.

Lock the doors with the key or the remote transmitter.

Oncarswithsecuritysystem Check the indicator on the instrument panel to verify that the security system is set.

Never park over dry leaves, tall grass, or other flammable materials. The three way catalytic converter gets very hot, and could cause these materials to catch on fire.

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The Braking System

Your Honda is equipped with front disc brakes. The brakes on the rear wheels may be disc or drum, depending on the model. A power assist helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The ABS helps you retain steering control when braking very hard.

Put your foot on the brake pedal only when you intend to brake. Resting your foot on the pedal keeps the brakes applied lightly, causing them to build up heat. Heat build-up can reduce how well your brakes work. It also keeps your brake lights on all the time, confusing drivers behind you.

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Driving

Constant application of the brakes when going down a long hill builds up heat and reduces their effective- ness. Use the engine to assist the brakes by downshifting to a lower gear and taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.

Check your brakes after driving through deep water. Apply the brakes moderately to see if they feel normal. If not, apply them gently and frequently until they do. Since a longer distance is needed to stop with wet brakes, be extra cautious and alert in your driving.

Brake Wear Indicators The front and rear disc brakes on all models have audible brake wear indicators. All models except for the 4-cylinder LX have rear disc brakes as standard equipment.

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. The indicators make a very audible ‘‘screeching.’’

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Brake System Design The hydraulic system that operates the brakes has two separate circuits. Each circuit works diagonally across the car (the left-front brake is connected with the right-rear brake, etc.). If one circuit should develop a problem, you will still have braking at two wheels.

Front

Anti-lock Brakes Your car has an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) as standard equipment. ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking up and skidding during hard braking, allowing you to retain steering control.

When the front tires skid, you lose steering control; the car continues straight ahead even though you turn the steering wheel. The ABS helps to prevent lock-up and helps you retain steering control by pumping the brakes rapidly; much faster than a person can do it.

The ABS also balances the front-to rear braking distribution according to car loading.

The Braking System

You should never pump the brake pedal; this defeats the purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS work for you by always keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal as you steer away from the hazard. This is sometimes referred to as ‘‘stompandsteer.’’

You will feel a pulsation in the brake pedal when the ABS activates, and you may hear some noise. This is normal; it is the ABS rapidly pumping the brakes.

Activation varies with the amount of traction your tires have. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very hard before you activate the ABS. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.

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The Braking System

ImportantSafetyReminders ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes to stop the car; only helps with steering control during braking. You should always maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.

it

A vehicle with ABS may require a longer distance to stop on loose or uneven surfaces, such as gravel or snow, than a vehicle without anti- lock. Slow down and allow a greater distance between vehicles under those conditions.

ABSIndicator

ABS INDICATOR

ABS will not prevent a skid that results from changing direction abruptly, such as trying to take a corner too fast or making a sudden lane change. Always drive at a safe, prudent speed for the road and weather conditions.

ABS cannot prevent a loss of stability. Always steer moderately when you are braking hard. Severe or sharp steering wheel movement can still cause your car to veer into oncoming traffic or off the road.

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64

The ABS is self-checking. If anything goes wrong, the ABS indicator on the instrument panel comes on (see page ). This means the anti-lock function of the braking system has shut down. The brakes still work like a conventional system without anti- lock, providing normal stopping ability. You should have the dealer inspect your car as soon as possible.

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If the ABS indicator and the brake system indicator come on together, and the parking brake is fully released, the front-to-rear braking distribution system may also shut down.

383

. If the brakes feel normal,

Test your brakes as instructed on page drive slowly and have your car repaired by your dealer as soon as possible. Avoid sudden hard braking which could cause the rear wheels to lock up and possibly lead to a loss of control.

OnallV6models The TCS indicator will come on along with the ABS indicator.

The Braking System

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Traction Control System

OnallV6models Your Honda is equipped with a Traction Control System (TCS) to assist you in maintaining traction while driving slowly on loose or slippery surfaces.

TCS monitors the speed of all four wheels. When it senses a front wheel losing traction, it applies braking to that wheel. The TCS Activation indicator flashes when this occurs.

TCS ACTIVATION INDICATOR

The TCS indicator (see page comes on and stays on when there is a problem with the TCS. The TCS Activation indicator will also come on.

64

You should still install winter tires on your car during the winter. Make sure to use the same size originally supplied with car. Exercise the same caution in winter driving as you would if your car was not equipped with TCS.

TCS INDICATOR

Driving with the compact spare tire installed (see page activate the TCS. You should turn off the system.

) may

364

Driving with TCS requires no special skills or technique. The TCS does not control your car’s whole braking system and cannot prevent skidding if you enter a corner too fast. It is still your responsibility to drive at reasonable speeds and to leave a sufficient margin of safety.

When starting out or driving on a loose or slippery road surface, you may notice that the car does not respond to the accelerator in the same way it does at other times. This is a sign TCS is activating. You will see the TCS Activation indicator light flash.

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TCS ON/OFF Switch

Deactivate the system by pressing the TCS On/Off switch. The TCS Activation indicator light comes on as a reminder. Pressing the switch again turns the system back on.

The Traction Control System turns on every time you start the engine, even if you turned it off the last time you drove the car.

This switch is under the side vent. It lets you turn the Traction Control System on and off. You cannot turn off the TCS while the TCS Activation light is flashing.

Traction Control System

TCS Activation Indicator The TCS Activation indicator comes on or flashes under the following conditions:

When you turn the ignition switch to ON (II).

When you manually turn off TCS.

It flashes when TCS is regulating wheelspin.

If the system’s diagnostics senses a problem with TCS, the indicator will come on and stay on along with the TCS indicator.

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This indicator will come on along with the ABS indicator if there is a problem in the anti-lock brake system (see 256

ABS Indicator

).

on page

If the TCS indicator comes on along with the Brake System indicator, it indicates a problem in the brake system (see Indicator

Brake System

on page

383

).

Traction Control System

If the TCS indicator comes on while driving, pull to the side of the road when it is safe and turn off the engine. Reset the system by re- starting the engine, and watch the TCS indicator. If the indicator remains on, or comes back on while driving, have the system inspected by your Honda dealer. You can still drive the car without TCS.

The TCS indicator may occasionally come on for one or two seconds and then go out. This is normal.

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−

Always drive

Driving Technique slower than you would in dry weather. It takes your car longer to react, even in conditions that may seem just barely damp. Apply smooth, even pressure to all the controls. Abrupt steering wheel movements or sudden, hard appli- cation of the brakes can cause loss of control in wet weather. Be extra cautious for the first few miles (kilometers) of driving while you adjust to the change in driving conditions. This is especially true in snow. A person can forget some snow-driving techniques during the summer months. Practice is needed to relearn those skills.

Driving in Bad Weather

Exercise extra caution when driving in rain after a long dry spell. After months of dry weather, the first rains bring oil to the surface of the roadway, making it slippery.

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Rain, fog, and snow conditions require a different driving technique because of reduced traction and visibility. Keep your car well- maintained and exercise greater caution when you need to drive in bad weather. The cruise control should not be used in these conditions.

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Driving in Bad Weather

−

Being able to see

Visibility clearly in all directions and being visible to other drivers are important in all weather conditions. This is more difficult in bad weather. To be seen more clearly during daylight hours, turn on your headlights.

Inspect your windshield wipers and washers frequently. Keep the wind- shield washer reservoir full of the proper fluid. Have the windshield wiper blades replaced if they start to streak the windshield or leave parts unwiped. Use the defroster and air conditioning to keep the windows from fogging up on the inside (see pages

and

136

144

127

).

−

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 vehicles. The spray from large vehicles reduces your visibility, and the wind buffeting can cause you to lose control.

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Load Limits

Your Honda has been designed primarily to carry passengers and their cargo. You can use it to tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper equipment, and follow the guidelines in this section.

Towing a Trailer

The total

Total Trailer Weight: weight of the trailer and everything loaded in it must not exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg). Towing a load that is too heavy can seriously affect your car’s handling and performance. It can also damage the engine and drivetrain.

The weight that

Tongue Load: the tongue of a fully-loaded trailer puts on the hitch should be approximately 10 percent of the trailer weight. Too little tongue load can make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway. Too much tongue load reduces front-tire traction and steering control.

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Towing a Trailer

To achieve a proper tongue load, start by loading 60 percent of the load toward the front of the trailer and 40 percent toward the rear, then re-adjust the load as needed.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all cargo, and the tongue load must not exceed:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all cargo, and the tongue load must not exceed:

4-cylindermodels:

(LX)

4,080 lbs (1,850 kg)

(EX, EX with leather interior)

4,125 lbs (1,870 kg)

4-cylindermodels:

(LX)

(EX, EX with leather interior)

2,195 lbs (995 kg) on the front axle 1,960 lbs (890 kg) on the rear axle

2,225 lbs (1,010 kg) on the front axle 1,985 lbs (900 kg) on the rear axle

6-cylindermodels:

4,300 lbs (1,950 kg)

6-cylindermodels:

2,360 lbs (1,070 kg) on the front axle 2,005 lbs (910 kg) on the rear axle

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Driving

Exceeding load limits or improperly loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a crash in which you can be seriously injured or killed.

Check the loading of your vehicle and trailer carefully before starting to drive.

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Checking Loads The best way to confirm that vehicle and trailer weights are within limits is to have them checked at a public scale.

Using a suitable scale or a special tongue load gauge, check the tongue load the first time you set up a towing combination (a fully-loaded car and trailer), then recheck the tongue load whenever the conditions change.

Towing Equipment and Accessories Towing can require a variety of equipment, depending on the size of your trailer, how it will be used, and how much load you are towing.

Discuss your needs with your trailer sales or rental agency, and follow the guidelines in the rest of this section. Also make sure that all equipment is properly installed and that it meets federal, state, province, and local regulations.

Towing a Trailer

Hitches Any hitch used on your car must be properly bolted to the underbody.

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Driving

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Towing a Trailer

Safety Chains Always use safety chains. Make sure they are secured to both the trailer and hitch, and that they cross under the tongue so they can catch the trailer if it becomes unhitched. Leave enough slack to allow the trailer to turn corners easily, but do not let the chains drag on the ground.

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Driving

Trailer Brakes Honda recommends that any trailer having a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more be equipped with its own electric or surge-type brakes.

If you choose electric brakes, be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to tap into your car’s hydraulic system. No matter how successful it may seem, any attempt to attach trailer brakes to your car’s hydraulic system will lower braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.

Seeyourtrailerdealerformore information on installing electric brakes.

Trailer Lights Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, and local regulations. Check with your local recreational vehicle dealer for the requirements in your area, and use only equipment designed for your vehicle.

Since lighting and wiring vary by trailer type and brand, you should have a qualified technician install a suitable connector between the vehicle and the trailer. Improper equipment or installation can cause damage to your vehicle's electrical system and affect your vehicle warranty.

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AdditionalTrailerEquipment Many states and Canadian provinces require special outside mirrors when towing a trailer. Even if they don’t, you should install special mirrors if you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the trailer creates a blind spot.

Ask your trailer sales or rental agency if any other items are recommended or required for your towing situation.

Towing a Trailer

Your car tires and spare are properly inflated (see page ), and the trailer tires and spare are inflated as recommended by the trailer maker.

334

Pre-Tow Checklist When preparing to tow, and before driving away, be sure to check the following:

The car has been properly serviced, and the tires, brakes, suspension, and cooling system are in good operating condition.

All weights and loads are within ). limits (see pages

and

263

264

The hitch, safety chains, and any other attachments are secure.

All items on and in the trailer are properly secured and cannot shift while you drive.

The lights and brakes on your car and the trailer are working properly.

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Towing a Trailer

Driving Safely With a Trailer The added weight, length, and height of a trailer will affect your car’s handling and performance, so driving with a trailer requires some special driving skills and techniques.

For your safety and the safety of others, take time to practice driving maneuvers before heading for the open road, and follow the guidelines discussed below.

TowingSpeedsandGears Drive slower than normal in all driving situations, and obey posted speed limits for cars with trailers. If you have an automatic transmission, use D position when towing a trailer on level roads. D is the proper shift lever position to use when towing a trailer in hilly terrain. (See ‘‘ Driving onHills additional gear information.)

’’ in the next column for

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Driving

If you must stop when facing uphill, use the foot brake or parking brake. Do not try to hold the vehicle in place by pressing on the accelerator, as this can cause the automatic transmission to overheat.

When driving down hills, reduce your speed and shift down to 2nd gear. Do not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and remember it will take longer to slow down and stop when towing a trailer.

MakingTurnsandBraking Make turns more slowly and wider than normal. The trailer tracks a smaller arc than your car, and it can hit or run over something the car misses. Allow more time and distance for braking. Do not brake or turn suddenly as this could cause the trailer to jackknife or turn over.

DrivingonHills When climbing hills, closely watch your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn the air conditioning off, reduce speed and, if necessary, pull to the side of the road to let the engine cool.

If the automatic transmission shifts frequently within 3rd, 4th and 5th gears while going up a hill, shift to D .

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Towing a Trailer

HandlingCrosswindsandBuffeting Crosswinds and air turbulence caused by passing trucks can disrupt your steering and cause trailer swaying. When being passed by a large car, keep a constant speed and steer straight ahead. Do not try to make quick steering or braking corrections.

Parking Follow all normal precautions when parking, including firmly setting the parking brake and putting the transmission in Park (automatic) or in 1st or Reverse (manual). Also, place wheel chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.

BackingUp Always drive slowly and have someone guide you when backing up. Grip the wheel; then turn the wheel to the left to get the trailer to move to the left, and turn the wheel right to move the trailer to the right.

of the steering

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Maintenance

This section explains the importance of keeping your car well maintained and why you should follow basic maintenance safety precautions.

This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normal driving and severe driving conditions, a Maintenance Record, and instruc- tions for simple maintenance tasks you may want to take care of yourself.

If you have the skills and tools to per- form more complex maintenance tasks on your Honda, you may want to purchase the Service Manual. See page for information on how to obtain a copy, or see your Honda dealer.

413

Maintenance Safety

...................... . 272
Important Safety Precautions . 273
................. . 274

Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Schedule (4-cylinder Models)

..................

. 276

...

Required Maintenance Record . 281
Maintenance Schedule (6-cylinder Models)

Adding Oil Recommended Oil Synthetic Oil Additives Changing the Oil and Filter

. 284
Required Maintenance Record . 289
. 291
Owner Maintenance Checks Fluid Locations . 292
. 294
Engine Oil . 294
. 294
. 295
. 296
. 296
. 299
. 299
. 301
. 306
. 307
. 307

.................. ... ....... .............................. ...................................... .................................. .................... .............................. .................................... ..... ............................. ............ ....... .................... ....................... ..........

Adding Engine Coolant Replacing Engine Coolant

Windshield Washers Transmission Fluid

Cooling System

Automatic Transmission 5-speed Manual Transmission 6-speed Manual Transmission

Brake and Clutch Fluid

.........................

. 310

......................... ................ ............................ ........................... ..............................

. 311
. 313
. 313
. 314
. 315

Brake System Clutch System

Power Steering

Air Cleaner Element Hood Latch Spark Plugs

..................... ....................................

. 316
. 318

(4-cylinder Models)

..................

. 318

Spark Plugs

(6-cylinder Models)

Battery Wiper Blades Air Conditioning System Dust and Pollen Filter Drive Belt Timing Belt Tires

.................. ........................................... ................................. .............. .................. ....................................... .................................... ............................................... ...................................... .................................. .............................. ............................. ... ...................... .......................... ............................. ............................ ............................................. ..................... ........................ ...........................

Inflation Inspection Maintenance Tire Rotation Replacing Tires and Wheels Wheels and Tires Winter Driving

Headlight Aiming Replacing Bulbs

Snow Tires Tire Chains

Storing Your Car

Lights

. 321
. 324
. 327
. 329
. 330
. 332
. 332
. 333
. 333
. 335
. 335
. 336
. 336
. 337
. 338
. 338
. 338
. 340
. 342
. 342
. 354

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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 performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task.

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.

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Maintenance

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.

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Maintenance Safety

Important Safety Precautions Before you begin any maintenance, make sure your car is parked on level ground and that the parking brake is set. Also, be sure the engine is off. This will help to eliminate several potential hazards:

Carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust. Be sure there is adequate ventilation whenever you operate the engine.

Burns from hot parts. Let the engine and exhaust system cool before touching any parts.

Injury from moving parts. not run the engine unless in- structed to do so.

Do

Read the instructions before you begin, and make sure you have the tools and skills required.

To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, be careful when working around gasoline or batteries. Use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not gasoline, to clean parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away from the battery and all fuel-related parts.

You should wear eye protection and protective clothing when working near the battery or when using compressed air.

Maintenance

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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.

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Maintenance

The services and time or distance intervals shown in the maintenance schedule assume you will use your car as normal transportation for passengers and their possessions. You should also follow these recommendations:

Avoid exceeding your car’s load limit. This puts excess stress on the engine, brakes, and many other parts of your car. The load limit is shown on the label on the driver’s doorjamb.

Operate your car on reasonable roads within the legal speed limit.

Drive your car regularly over a distance of several miles (kilometers).

Always use unleaded gasoline with the proper octane rating (see page 224

).

Which Schedule to Follow: Service your car according to the time and mileage periods on one of the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages.

−

Follow the

U.S. Owners Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions if you drive your car MAINLY under one or more of the following conditions.

Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or, in freezing temperatures, driving less than 10
miles (16 km) per trip.

Driving in extremely hot [over 90°F (32°C)] conditions.

Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go driving, such as a taxi or a commercial delivery vehicle.

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Trailer towing, driving with a roof rack, or driving in mountainous conditions.

Driving on muddy, dusty, or deiced roads.

NOTE: If you only OCCASIONALLY drive under a ‘‘severe’’ condition, you should follow the Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions.

Canadian Owners Follow the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.

−

Your authorized Honda dealer knows your car best and can provide competent, efficient service. However, service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in effect. Maintenance may be done by any qualified service facility or person who is skilled in this type of automotive service. Keep all the receipts as proof of completion, and have the person who does the work fill out the Maintenance Record. Check your warranty booklet for more information.

We recommend the use of Honda parts and fluids whenever you have maintenance done. These are manufactured to the same high- quality standards as the original components, so you can be confident of their performance and durability.

Maintenance Schedule

U.S. Cars: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of emissions control devices and systems may be done by any automotive repair establishment or individual using parts that are ‘‘certified’’ to EPA standards.

＃

According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on the items marked with will not void your emissions warranties. However, Honda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the recommended time or mileage period to ensure long-term reliability.

Maintenance

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4-cylinder Models

Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first.

−

miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months

10
16

20
32

12

30
48

40
64

24

50
80

60
96

70
112

80
128

90
144

100
160

110
176

120
192

36

48

60

72

Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year

Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)

Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy

Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)

Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years Inspect every 160,000 miles (256,000 km) or 8 years

At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,

then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years

＊

Every 3 years (independent of mileage)

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years Rotate tires every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)

Visually inspect the following items:

Replace engine oil