1991 Honda Accord Wagon Owners Manual

FAN SWITCH

TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL

FUNCTION BUTTONS AND INDICATOR LIGHTS

FRESH AIR BUTTON

AIR CONDITIONER BUTTON

RECIRCULATION BUTTON

Fan Switch Turning the dial clockwise increases the fan speed.

Whenever the fan is switched on, air flows from the dash corner vents regardless of the function button selected.

Function Buttons Push the appropriate button to select air flow from the heater, defroster and dash vents.

There is an indicator light above each function button that comes on when the button is pushed.

Temperature Control Dial Turn the dial clockwise to make air warmer.

Air Conditioner Switch With the fan on, push the A/C button to operate the air conditioner. The indicator light will come on.

Push the button again to turn the air conditioner off.

Fresh Air (

) and Recirculation (

) Buttons

When the outside air will be circulated inside the car.

button is pushed, the indicator light will go on and

When the outside air is shut off and the air inside the car is recirculated.

button is pushed, the indicator light comes on,

If the heater or air conditioner is on and you want to warm up or cool down the interior more quickly, or keep smoke or dust out of the car

without losing the heat or cool function, simply push the button.

NOTE: The windows may become fogged if the system is in the

setting for an extended period of time with the air conditioner

off. As soon as the interior is warm, switch to the

setting.

How to Use the Controls To Ventilate Turn the temperature control dial counterclockwise and push the buttons. Switch the fan on and outside air will flow through the corner and center vents. To change air distribution, switch to the position and outside air will also flow from the heater ducts at the floor level.

and

Heating and Cooling (cont'd)

To Cool with A/C To cool the car down quickly, start the engine, turn the fan to high, push the A/C button and open the windows briefly. Then close the windows, turn the temperature control dial counterclockwise all the way, select button on, so inside air will recirculate to the air conditioner for maximum cooling. When the interior has cooled sufficiently, switch the fan to the desired speed, then change to the setting to direct fresh (outside) air to the air conditioner.

the position and push the

When using the air conditioner in heavy traffic, or while driving up long hills, watch the coolant temperature gauge: if the needle moves near the "H" end of the scale, turn the air conditioner off by pushing the A/C button; leave it off until the needle goes back into the middle of the scale.

To Heat Switch the fan on. Turn the temperature control dial clockwise, select the position, and warmed air will begin flowing from the floor outlet.

A small amount of warmed air will also flow from the windshield defroster vent.

To warm up the interior quickly, push in the inside air will be recirculated to the heater.

If the windows begin to fog while heating in the to

to allow outside air to enter.

button so the

setting, switch

Heating and Cooling (cont'd)

To Dehumidify with A/C Because an air conditioner dehumidifies as it works, you can use it in cool or cold weather to help defog the windows. Just switch the fan on, push the A/C button on, select the desired function and adjust the temperature control dial to a comfortable setting.

NOTE: This setting is desirable for most operating conditions in ambient temperatures above approximately 32°F (0°C).

To Defrost To defrost or defog the windshield and door windows, turn the temperature control dial clockwise, select function and switch the fan on.

If there is actual frost on the windows, first select the

position.

If the windows are fogged, select the then flow from the windshield and side defroster vents.

setting. Warmed air will

For extra door window defrosting or defogging, select either the setting, and

function, switch to the

or

turn the fan on.

Air will flow to the side door windows from the vents at each end of the dash when the vertical fins of the dash corner vents are pointed toward the windows, and the horizontal fins are moved upward.

SIDE WINDOW DEFROSTER

VERTICAL FIN ADJUSTMENT CONTROL

DASH CORNER VENT

After the windows are defrosted, you may wish to retain the

or mode for more comfort. Turning the temperature control dial counterclockwise will reduce the temperature of the air exiting the dash corner vents without appreciably affecting the heat to your leg and foot area. Continue to adjust the temperature and fan speed to find the most comfortable setting.

To Turn Everything OFF Turn the temperature control dial counterclockwise all the way, turn

the fan switch off and push the

button on.

NOTE: This setting should be used only for the first few minutes of driving in cold weather to prevent cold air from blowing into the cabin. Under normal operating conditions, the fan should always be kept ON to prevent the accumulation of stale air in the system.

Sunroof (Except US: LX)

The sunroof can be operated with the ignition switch in the I I position. To open or close the sunroof, push and hold the switch. Release the switch when the sunroof reaches the desired position. Do not hold the switch on after the sunroof has fully opened or closed, or you may damage the sunroof motor.

POP-UP WIND DEFLECTOR

Close

Open

Do not allow any part of your body to extend through the sunroof while the vehicle is in motion. In the event of a collision or sudden application of the brakes, severe personal injury could result. To avoid the possibility of injury while closing the sunroof, never allow any part of your body to extend through the opening.

CAUTION: Operating the sunroof in severe cold or when it is covered with snow or ice may cause damage to the sunroof.

Sunshade As well as the sunroof, there is a sliding sunshade which you can adjust to let in light with the roof closed, or to block out light entirely. The sunshade automatically opens as you open the sunroof.

SUNSHADE

If the Sunroof Won't Close The sunroof can be closed manually, if the control switch will not close it. 1. Remove the round plug near the

rear center of the headliner.

2. Insert the sunroof wrench (from

the tool kit) into the socket. the wrench until

3. Turn

the the closed

sunroof seats position.

in

Remove plug.

SOCKET

4. Replace the plug.

Maintenance Periodically pour a little water down the drain holes to make sure they are not plugged. If they are free, water should drop on the ground behind each front wheel.

DRAIN HOLE

CAUTION: Do not put weight on the sunroof or force it open or closed, you may damage the mechanism.

Stereo Sound System

(US: LX)

BASS CONTROL

TREBLE CONTROL

(US: EX) (Canada: EX-R)

BASS CONTROL

TREBLE CONTROL

ON/OFF Switch

Turn the switch clockwise on the LX model or push the button on the EX or EX-R models to switch the unit on. The radio antenna will rise automatically when the unit is turned on. Switch the unit off to retract the antenna. The antenna also retracts automatically if the ignition switch is turned off.

Volume Control

On the LX model, turn the ON/OFF switch clockwise to increase volume and counterclockwise to decrease volume.

On the EX or EX-R model, push the switch up to increase volume and down to decrease volume.

Balance Control

Balances sound between left and right speakers.

NOTE: When the headlights are on, the radio panel illumination is on, even if the radio is turned off. The panel lighting can be turned off by first pushing the Balance Control button to its out position and then pulling it out slightly further.

Fader Control

Balances sound between front and rear speakers.

Radio Operation (US: LX)

FREQUENCY DISPLAY

(US: EX) (Canada: EX-R)

FREQUENCY DISPLAY

AM FM Band Selector

Push to select AM or FM band. The corresponding band indicator will light.

Manual Tuning

Push the

button to tune to a lower frequency station.

Push the

button to tune to a higher frequency station.

NOTE: If you hold either button, the frequency will count up or down rapidly.

Seek Tuning

Each time you push this button up or down, the tuner will automatically seek the next higher or lower frequency station.

Stereo Sound System (cont'd)

Preset Station

1. Make sure the Band Selector is on the band you want. . . AM or FM. Then, find the station you want by Manual Tuning or Seek Tuning.

2. Press and hold one of the Preset Buttons. 3.

In a few seconds, a beep will sound and the light in the button will come on. The station is now preset in the memory. You may preset 1 AM and 1 FM station per button (total, 6 of each on the LX model and 8 of each on the EX or EX-R model).

4. You can tune to a preset station by pushing its corresponding

preset button.

NOTE: On the EX or EX-R model, the Auto Select Button must be off before the Preset Station Selection can be used.

Auto Select Button (EX or EX-R only)

If you are visiting a new broadcast area, you can quickly enter into memory the stronger stations in that area by simply pushing the Auto Select Button. The radio will then scan one band at a time, AM or FM, and temporarily memorize up to eight stations in the band selected. With the Auto Select Button on, the stations in memory can then be tuned to by pushing the preset buttons. If the band is changed and Auto Select on, the Auto Select feature will cancel.

Manually-preset stations remain memorized for use when you return to your normal broadcast area, but are only selectable with the Auto Select Button off.

Stereo Indicator

This lights up when an FM stereo broadcast is being received. It will flash when the signal strength diminishes. If it flashes, good stereo reception cannot be expected. Stereo reception is available only for FM stereo broadcasts, not for AM stereo broadcasts.

Tape Operation

(US: LX)

(US: EX) (Canada: EX-R)

Tape Direction Indicator

With the cassette inserted "A" side up, the indicator displayed when the "A" side is playing; the indicator displayed when the "B" side is playing.

will be will be

Program Selector (PROG)

Push to change the direction of tape play.

Auto Reverse Feature: The tape direction automatically reverses when the end of the tape is reached in play or FF mode and plays the other side.

Fast Forward/Rewind (FF/REW)

Note which Tape Direction Indicator is displayed, then push the appropriate button to rapidly wind the tape in the same direction of the tape in "PLAY" mode (FF) or opposite direction (REW).

Play (PLAY)

Push the PLAY button (indicator on) to resume tape play and stop rewind or fast forward operation.

Stereo Sound System (cont'd)

Repeat Button (REPEAT)

Push the REPEAT button (indicator on) to return to the beginning of a song or section of programming and repeat its play. Push the button again (indicator off) to cancel the repeat function and resume normal play.

DOLBY® Noise Reduction (

Push when playing tapes recorded in Dolby NR (the Dolby NR Indicator will light). Push again when playing tapes not recorded in Dolby. Use of the wrong setting will affect the high frequency response.

NOTE:

The Dolby NR circuit will not operate during radio reception. Dolby noise reduction system is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. "Dolby" and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

Skip Button

The circuit senses silent passages between songs or programs on a tape. Push upward to automatically advance to the beginning of the next song, or downward to return to the beginning of the song just played.

NOTE: Tapes that contain short silent passages between songs, a high level of noise between songs, or silent passages within a song may not be suitable for this function.

Metal Indicator (METAL)

Most metal or CrO2 cassettes are coded with slots on their back edge. If such a cassette is inserted, the player will detect the slots and automatically switch to the proper equalization for full enjoyment of metal/CrO2 tapes. The indicator light will go on when coded cassettes are played.

Eject (EJECT)

Push this button to stop and eject the tape. Ignition Key-OFF Eject: The cassette being played will automatically eject when the ignition or the unit is turned off. NOTE: When one side of the tape ends, "Auto-Reverse" will automatically begin playing the other side, therefore, you must push the eject button to stop or remove the tape.

CLEAN Indicator Light

After 50 hours of cassette tape play, the light conies on as a reminder to clean the tape heads. If the light comes on and the tape heads were not cleaned at the recommended 30 hours of usage (see maintenance section below), they should be cleaned immediately. To reset, push and hold the indicator with a pointed instrument such as a ball-point pen until the light goes off (about 3 seconds).

Defective Tape Eject The tape player includes a protection mechanism to automatically eject defective tapes (warped housing, loose label, faulty tape movement) immediately upon insertion. If a tape malfunctions while in play, the tape direction will change back and forth and then eject the cassette. Tapes ejected before play should be considered faulty and discarded; tapes ejected during play may only be unevenly wound and could be reusable if fully rewound, manually, outside the player.

NOTE: The tape player may repeat the loading and unloading motion several times in an effort to eject a faulty tape. During this process the tape will either eject fully or rise to the loading level and have to be pulled out manually. In either case, discard the tape; reuse may damage the tape player.

Stereo Sound System (cont'd)

Maintenance The head in the cassette tape player can pick up dirt or tape deposits each time a cassette is played. The result is low or "muddy" sound from one or both channels, as if the treble tone control were turned all the way down. To prevent this, you should periodically clean the head with the Honda Tape Cleaning System, which is available from your Honda dealer, or a commercially available cleaning cassette.

As preventive maintenance, clean the head about every 30 hours of use. If you wait until the head becomes very dirty (noticeably poor sound), it may not be possible to remove all deposits with a simple cleaning cassette.

The use of 120 minute tapes is not recommended.

CAUTION: Storing cassettes out of their cases, or touching the magnetic tape with your fingers will increase the amount of dirt that gets to the tape head. Using low-quality "off-brand" tape will increase the amount of tape deposits that get on the head. Both of these practices may eventually lead to damage of the head and playing mechanism.

Gasoline

For proper operation of your car's emission controls, your engine is designed to use unleaded fuel only.

CAUTION: Using leaded or even low-lead gasoline could damage some of your emission controls, and also void their coverage under the emission controls warranty.

Use gasoline from pumps labeled unleaded, with a pump octane number of 86 or higher. Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause persistent, heavy "spark knock" (a metallic rapping noise), which can lead to engine damage if severe.

CAUTION: If you notice steady spark knock while holding a steady speed on a level road, try changing brands of gasoline. If the spark knock persists, consult your Honda dealer. Failure to do so is considered misuse, and misuse is not covered under the New Car Warranty.

Occasionally you may notice light spark knock while accelerating or driving up hills. This is no cause for concern, it simply means your engine is running most economically.

Gasolines Containing Alcohol If you decide to use a gasoline containing alcohol "gasohol", be sure its octane rating is at least as high as that recommended for unleaded gasoline. There are two types of "gasohol": that containing ethanol, and that containing methanol. Do not use gasohol that contains more than 10% ethane]. Do not use gasoline containing methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) that does not also contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol. Never use gasoline containing more than 5% methanol, even if it has cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.

Gasoline (cont'd)

NOTE:

Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems resulting from the use of such fuels is not covered under the new car warranties. Honda cannot endorse the use of fuels containing methanol since evidence of their suitability is as yet incomplete. Before purchasing fuel from an unfamiliar station, try to confirm whether the fuel contains alcohol, of what kind, and how much. If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms after using a gasoline that contains alcohol; or one that you think contains alcohol, switch to an unleaded gasoline as recommended on page 65.

Operation in Foreign Countries In order to comply with U.S. Federal Emissions Regulations, you must use unleaded fuels of the recommended octane rating. These fuels may not be available in other countries. If you intend taking your car outside the U.S. or Canada, write to Honda (stating the year and model of your car) at the address shown for information regarding modifications you may need to have done. U. S. Owners:

Canadian Owners:

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Consumer Affairs 1919 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90501-2746

Honda Canada 715 Milner Avenue Scarborough, Ontario M1B 2K8

Fuel Filler Door and Cap The fuel filler door is opened by pulling up on the lever at the left side of the driver's seat.

The door will lock automatically when closed; push it until it clicks.

Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions. Always stop the engine before refueling and perform this operation in a well-ventilated area. Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks in the area or where gasoline is stored. CAUTION: You may hear a hiss when you open the filler cap. This sound is residual pressure escaping from the fuel tank. Open the cap slowly and remove the cap after the hissing stops. Fuel spray may cause injury. Do not overfill the tank; fill only until the gas pump clicks off automatically and never top off.

The removed filler cap can be placed on the inside of the fuel filler door.

NOTE: The filler cap is a screw-on ratcheting type. When closing, tighten the cap clockwise until ratcheting clicks are heard.

Close

Open

CAUTION: If you replace the cap, use only a genuine Honda replacement part or its equivalent. Failure to use the proper part could cause serious fuel system problems.

Gasoline (cont'd)

How To Improve Your Gas Mileage:

Drive at a smooth, steady pace to avoid unnecessary deceleration and stops — accelerating back to speed uses more fuel. Plan trips to avoid rush hour traffic if possible. Make sure the parking brake is completely released. Consolidate trips whenever possible. Keep vehicle weight to a minimum by removing unnecessary items from the cargo area. Whenever possible, use fresh air from the dash vents to keep cool when driving; open windows, or use of the air conditioning affect fuel economy. Keep the tires adjusted to the recommended pressure.

Front

Rear

Up to 475 Ibs (215.5 kg)

32 psi, 220 kPa

32 psi, 220 kPa

Up to 950 Ibs (430.9 kg)

32 psi, 220 kPa

38 psi, 260 kPa

Condition of Your Car You can only get maximum fuel economy if your car is in top running condition. Have all required maintenance done at the proper intervals. Check tire pressures and tire wear frequently. If tire wear is uneven, have the alignment checked by your Honda dealer. Proper alignment saves gasoline and prolongs tire life.

Ignition Switch

The combined ignition switch/anti-theft lock is located on the right side of the steering column and has four positions:

0 - LOCK position: The key can be removed or inserted in this position. To remove the key, push it in at position I, then turn it to 0
and pull it out. When the key is removed, the steering column will lock.

NOTE: On cars equipped with automatic transmissions, the transmission must be in Park before pushing and turning the key to the 0-LOCK position.

Never turn the ignition switch to the lock position or remove the key while the car is in motion; the steering wheel can lock causing a loss of directional control, and an accident could result.

I - ACCESSORY position: In this position, the accessory circuit is on, but the ignition circuit is off. If the key is difficult to turn from the 0
to the I position, turn the steering wheel slightly to relieve pressure on the lock.

II - ON position: This is the normal running position. Canada Cars: The "Daytime Running Lights" will come on in this position, (see page 40). I II - START position: The starter will engage when the key is turned to this position.

To remind you to remove the ignition key when leaving your car, a beeper will sound if the key is still in the ignition when you open the driver's door. The beeper system is deactivated when you turn the ignition to 0 (Lock) and fully remove the key.

Starting the Engine

Before Starting When starting in cold weather, keep all unnecessary electrical circuits off (lights, defogger, etc.) for the best battery output. Manual Transmission: 1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Push the clutch pedal all the way in (see NOTE below). 3. Shift the transmission to neutral. NOTE: On cars equipped with manual transmissions, the engine will not crank unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. Automatic Transmission: 1. Make sure the shift lever is in Park (P). 2. Apply the parking brake and foot brake. Starting the Engine: During the following starting procedures, do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine won't start, wait 10
seconds before going to the next step. 1. With your foot off the accelerator, start the engine by turning the

2.

3.

key to the I I I position. If the engine won't start within 15 seconds or starts but fails to continue to run, push the accelerator pedal halfway, and hold it there while cranking the engine. If the engine starts, release the accelerator gradually. If it doesn't start within 15 seconds, push the accelerator pedal down to the floor and hold it there while cranking. If the engine starts, release the accelerator gradually. If it doesn't start, repeat step 2.

Cold Weather at High Altitude Starting: 1. When starting in cold weather at high altitude (above 8,000 feet), push the accelerator pedal about halfway and hold it there while cranking the engine. If the engine starts, release the accelerator gradually. If it doesn't start within 15 seconds, push the accelerator pedal down to the floor and hold it there while cranking. If the engine starts, release the accelerator gradually. If it doesn't start, repeat step 1.

2.

NOTE: If the outside temperature is below freezing, or if your car has not been driven for several days, warm up the engine for a few minutes before driving.

Safety Items

Before driving away, check that:

The doors are closed properly. The mirrors are properly adjusted, and the windows clean. The driver and passengers are wearing properly adjusted seat belts. The front seat head restraints are properly adjusted. The warning and indicator lights are operating properly. The brake pedal feels normal. All luggage and cargo is secured. Nothing is interfering with the driver's feet or blocking vision in any direction.

While driving remember to:

Always drive defensively; expect the unexpected. Reduce your speed during night hours and bad weather. Follow at a safe distance; don't tailgate. Get off the highway when you are tired; stop and take a rest.

When stopping for repairs: Park the car well off the road. Turn on the hazard warning flasher. Use warning devices to warn other motorists.

After parking your car:

transmission, or PARK on automatic

Apply the parking brake and shift to first gear if equipped with manual transmission equipped cars. Make sure the sunroof (US: EX, Canada: EX-R), and all windows are closed and all doors are locked. If parked on a hill: — Turn the front wheels away from the curb if facing uphill. — Turn the front wheels toward the curb if facing downhill. Never leave children unattended in a parked car. Take your keys.

Engine Exhaust Gas Warning

A properly maintained car is your best protection against exhaust gas entering the passenger compartment.

The exhaust system should be thoroughly inspected by a competent mechanic whenever:

The car is raised for an oil change. You notice a change in the sound of the exhaust. The exhaust system, or the rear or underside of the car is damaged.

function.

Avoid breathing engine exhaust gases. They contain carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause loss of consciousness and eventual death. If you suspect that exhaust gas is entering the passenger compartment, have the cause determined and corrected as soon as possible. Do not run the engine in confined areas, such as garages, any longer than necessary to move the car in or out. If you must sit in a parked car with the engine running for more than a short time, adjust the heating/ventilation system as follows: — Select the — Set the temperature control dial for best comfort. — Select the — Turn the fan to the highest speed. The tailgate should remain closed when driving. An open tailgate may draw exhaust gases the passenger compartment. If you must drive with the tailgate open, close all windows, open the vents, select the positions in the heating and cooling panel and turn the fan on to the highest speed. If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive with the windows open and the tailgate closed. If you suspect a problem, have your authorized Honda dealer check the exhaust system for the cause of the smell.

position.

and the

into

NOTE: To insure proper operation of the car's ventilation system, keep the front air inlet clear of snow, mud, leaves or other obstructions.

Shifting the 5-Speed

The fully-synchronized manu- al transmission is very easy to shift up or down. When you slow down for traffic, steep hills or corners, shift to a lower gear before the engine starts to labor. When descending steep grades, select a lower gear to help maintain a safe speed and to prevent the brakes from overheating. When shifting, depress the clutch pedal fully, shift gears and then release the clutch gradually. Do not speed-shift; allow time for the gears to synchronize. To prevent grinding the gears when shifting into reverse, hold the clutch pedal depressed briefly before shifting, or shift the lever into one of the forward gears before selecting reverse. A safety lockout prevents accidental shifting straight from 5th to Reverse.

Avoid rapid acceleration or sudden deceleration when either or both driving wheels are on a slippery surface. Decreased traction could cause loss of directional control.

CAUTION:

Do not drive with your foot on the clutch pedal as this will cause premature wear of clutch components. Do not shift into reverse while the car is moving.

Shifting the 5-Speed (cont'd)

Recommended Shift Speeds For best fuel economy, and effective emission control, shift at the speeds shown:

Maximum Allowable Speeds The speeds shown are the maximum at which the car can be driven or downshifted in each gear without over-revving the engine.

Shifting the Automatic

The automatic transmission shift lever has a locking mechanism to prevent accidental shifting into Reverse (R), Park (P), 2nd (2) or 1st (1). Also, an Automatic Shift Lock prevents you from shifting out of Park unless the brake pedal is already depressed and the ignition switch is in the II position.

Push the button on the shift handle to shift into 2nd, 1st, Reverse or Park; depress the brake pedal and then push the button on the shift handle to shift out of Park.

Depress the brake pedal first and push the button, then shift. Push the button, then shift. Shift as desired.

Depress button

If you cannot shift out of Park with the brake pedal depressed and the ignition switch in the II position:

1. Turn the ignition switch off and

2.

remove the key. Insert the key in the Shift Lock Release located to the right of the shift lever.

3. Press and hold the key down, then press the button on the shift handle and move the shift lever to Neutral.

4. Return the key to the ignition switch, depress the brake pedal and restart the engine.

KEY

Insert

SHIFT LOCK RELEASE

NOTE: If you encounter any problem shifting out of Park, have your authorized Honda dealer check the system as soon as possible.

Shifting the Automatic (cont'd)

Operating Tips For smoother operation, apply the brakes when shifting from Neutral or Park into a gear. When parking: bring the car to a stop with the foot-brake, hold the brake on and shift into Park, set the hand-brake and then turn off the engine.

NOTE: Your 4-speed automatic transmission is equipped with a torque converter lock-up clutch. Because of this, you may notice what feels like an extra shift as the clutch engages.

CAUTION:

Shift into P only after the car has come to a complete stop. Shift into or out of R only after the car has come to a complete stop. Do not "rev-up" the engine when the brake is on and the shift lever is in D4, D3, 2, 1 or R. When stopped on a hill, use the brakes, not the accelerator pedal to hold your position. Do not shift from N or P into D4, D3, 2, 1 or R when the engine is above idle speed. Before shifting into gear, make sure your foot is firmly on the brake pedal. Do not rest your hand on the shift lever or push the lock-out button while driving.

Driving Technique

D4-4th Use the D4 range for normal in-town and highway driving. The car •will start off in 1st and shift automatically to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. The further down you push the accelerator, the later the transmission shifts and the faster the car accelerates.

D3-3rd D3 allows the transmission to start off in 1st and shift automatically to 2nd and 3rd. Use D3 when climbing grades to prevent the transmission from "hunting" between 3rd and 4th gear; or when increased engine braking is needed.

NOTE: If rapid acceleration is necessary, depress the accelerator to the floor; the transmission will automatically shift down according to load and engine speed. This applies to both D4 and D3 ranges.

S Mode Pushing the Sports( ) switch while driving in the D4 or D3 range will change the shift points under part-throttle acceleration, allowing the transmission to stay in each lower gear for a longer period before automatically upshifting. With the Sports switch on, the "S" indicator light in the instrument panel will come on. To take the transmission out of the "S" mode, push the Sports switch again. The "S" indicator light will go out.

SPORTS SWITCH

NOTE: Although the "S" indicator light in the instrument panel comes on in any gear range when the Sports switch is pushed, this mode functions only in the D3 and D4 ranges.

Shifting the Automatic (cont'd)

2-2nd Use 2nd gear for increased engine braking when driving downhill, and increased power when driving uphill; also for driving on slippery roads, and freeing the car from mud or sand, where 1st gear could provide too much power and cause skidding or wheelspin.

The maximum recommended speed in 2nd gear is 69 mph (110 km/h).

1-1st This position is to be used when stronger engine braking is needed.

The maximum recommended speed in 1st gear is 31 mph (50 km/h).

R-Reverse CAUTION: Shift into or out of reverse only after the car has come to a complete stop; the transmission may be damaged if you shift while the car is moving.

P-Park CAUTION: Use this position when starting the engine, or when parking. Shift into Park only when the car is COMPLETELY stopped.

N-Neutral Use when starting the engine or during prolonged idling in traffic.

Towing a Trailer

Your car is designed primarily to carry passengers and a normal amount of luggage. Although your car is capable of towing a trailer, there will be an effect on handling, performance, engine and automatic transmission fluid temperatures, braking, general vehicle and tire durability and fuel economy.

The weight of the trailer plus its cargo must not exceed a total of 1,000 Ibs. (450kg). The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) indicated on the Certification label (see page 121). The gross vehicle weight is the total weight of the car, driver, passengers, luggage, hitch and trailer tongue load. The total weight supported by each axle must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The front and rear GAWR's are shown on the Certification label (page 131). The distribution of luggage and passengers in the car, as well as the tongue load and hitch weight should also be considered in terms of the GAWR, which is the maximum amount of weight that should be supported over the front and the rear axles. You should have your car and trailer weighed at a commercial weighing station to check both the GVWR and GAWR's to confirm that the total weight and weight distribution are within safe driving limits. The maximum trailer tongue load must not exceed 100 Ibs. (45
kg). Cargo should be distributed so that the tongue load is approximately 10% of the total weight of the trailer and its cargo. This is done by distributing approximately 60% of cargo weight toward the front of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.

TRAILER WEIGHT

TONGUE LOAD

Maximum: 1,000 Ibs (450 kg)

Maximum: 100 Ibs (45 kg)

Never load the trailer so that the back is heavier than the front. This will seriously affect vehicle handling. Be sure the cargo is secured so that it will not move during driving.

Towing a Trailer (cont'd)

Hitches Use only a hitch recommended by your Honda dealer. The hitch should be bolted securely to the car and installed by a qualified technician. Do not use a hitch designed for temporary installation and never use one that attaches only to the bumper.

Trailer Brakes and Safety Chains Honda recommends that trailers equipped with brakes should conform to any applicable federal and state regulations. When using a trailer equipped with electric brakes, a trailer brake controller that connects to the car's electrical system is recommended. Installing a brake controller that connects to the car's brake hydraulic system could result in brake fluid contamination or leaks. A safety chain must always be used between the car and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the chain so that it does not bind in sharp turns. The chain should cross under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground.

Tires Make sure your car's tires are properly inflated. Adjust tire pressure to the recommended tire pressure indicated on the label attached to the driver's door jamb. The trailer tires should be of the proper size, load rating and inflated to the pressure recommended by the trailer manufacturer.

Trailer Lights Trailer lights must comply with federal, state/provinces and local regulations.

See your local recreational vehicle dealer or rental agency for the correct type of lighting and wiring for your trailer. Check for correct operation of the turn signals and stop lights each time you hitch up.

A trailer lighting connector is provided in the spare tire compartment, in the notched area, left of the spare tire. The wiring color codes are described on the next page.

GREEN/YELLOW (RIGHT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT)

BLACK (GROUND)

GREEN/BLUE (LEFT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT)

BLANK

GREEN/BLACK (BACKUP/LIGHTS)

RED/BLACK (TAILLIGHTS)

BLANK

GREEN/WHITE (BRAKE LIGHTS)

To connect your car's taillights to a trailer, an electrical converter must be installed. Your car has separate bulbs for brake (red) and turn signal lights (amber), while most trailers use the same bulb for brake and turn signal lights. A converter, available at most trailer supply stores, should be installed according to the instructions supplied by the converter manufacturer.

For information regarding trailer hitch and trailer electrical wiring availability, contact your Honda dealer, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (for US cars), or Honda Canada (for Canada cars). See page 66 for American Honda and Honda Canada addresses.

CAUTION: Connections to your car's electrical system should be made by your Honda dealer or a qualified technician. Improper installation may damage your vehicle's electrical system and cause a malfunction of the lights.

Break-in Schedule Do not tow a trailer during the 600 miles (1,000 km) break-in period: see page 2.

Maintenance If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to the additional load. Refer to the maintenance schedule under "Severe Driving Conditions" on page 89 for specific information.

Towing a Trailer (cont'd)

Before Towing With the car and trailer completely loaded and parked on a level surface, confirm that the tongue loading is correct. If the car has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down attitude, check for improper cargo distribution. Check also for excessive cargo weight, worn suspension or other causes and correct the problem before driving. Be sure the cargo is secured so it will not shift while driving. Check that your rearview mirrors conform to any federal, state or local regulations. If not, install rearview mirrors designed for towing.

Before towing a trailer, practice turning, stopping and reversing with a trailer in an area away from traffic until you learn the technique.

Towing Safety

Stopping distance increases when towing a trailer. For each 10
mph (16 km/h) of speed, allow at least two car lengths between you and the vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking which may cause trailer jackknifing and loss of control. Avoid jerky starts and rapid acceleration. If your car has a manual transmission, always start out in first gear and release the clutch at moderate engine rpm. Avoid rapid lane changing and sharp turns. The trailer could hit your car in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn. Remember, the total length of your car plus trailer requires a wider turning circle. Cross winds may adversely affect handling of your car and trailer. Use the rearview mirrors frequently to warn you of approaching large vehicles that may pass you causing your car and trailer to sway. When being passed, firmly grip the steering wheel and be prepared to reduce speed immediately but gradually. Never increase speed. Steer straight ahead. Towing a trailer in bad weather will magnify any difficulty in controlling the car caused by the weather itself. Avoid sudden maneuvers; slow down and use extra caution. Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires considerable distance because of the added weight and length of your trailer.

CAUTION:

Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all car/trailer connections. After driving a short distance, stop and recheck the lights and connections. Reversing is difficult and requires practice. While backing-up, the trailer may pivot off-course. To correct for this, grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to move the trailer to the left; or to the, right to move the trailer to the right. Turn the steering wheel a little at a time, and keep the speed very low. Have someone guide you when backing. To help prevent overheating of the brakes, shift into a lower gear to. make use of engine braking before descending steep or long grades; Do not make sudden downshifts. Pay strict attention to the coolant temperature gauge when going up hills. Because of the added load of the trailer, your car's engine may overheat on hot days. Turning off the air conditioner will reduce the load on the cooling system. On cars equipped with automatic transmission. — Do not hold the car stationary on an incline by using the accelerator pedal; this can cause the. transmission fluid to overheat. Instead, use the hand brake or foot brake.

— When towing a trailer, avoid high transmission fluid temperatures (caused by the transmission frequently shifting between 3rd and 4th gears) by driving in D3.

NOTE: Be sure to check state and local laws concerning maximum speed or other driving restrictions for cars towing trailers. If you are driving across several states, check each state's requirements before leaving home, because restrictions may vary.

Towing a Trailer (cont'd)

Parking with a Trailer Whenever parking your car on an incline with a trailer attached, place and seat chocks at each wheel of the car and trailer. This is in addition to the normal parking preparations of firmly applying the parking brake and placing the transmission in first or reverse (manual transmission) or P (automatic transmission).

CAUTION: Parking on an incline is not recommended and should be done only if it cannot be avoided. Follow all precautions mentioned above and turn the wheels to point towards a curb if facing downhill, away from a curb if facing uphill. When leaving an inclined parking place, move the car slightly to unseat the chocks. Then, while keeping the foot brake firmly applied, have an assistant remove the chocks.

Maintenance Schedule

Your Honda automobile must be properly maintained to ensure that it is in peak operating condition and the emission levels are within the standards set by the Federal Clean Air Act**.

The following instructions and maintenance procedures are based on the assumption that your car will be used exclusively for the purpose for which it was designed: 1. To carry passengers and cargo within the load limits shown on the

label attached to the driver's door jamb.

2. To be driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal limits.

3. To generally be driven daily over a distance of several miles.

4. To use gasoline from pumps labeled unleaded, with a pump octane number of 86 or higher (Canada: minimum 91 research octane). The pump octane number is an average of the Research (R) octane and Motor (M) octane numbers.

NOTE: Failures which occur due to a lack of maintenance will not be covered under warranty.

The Required Maintenance Schedule* specifies all maintenance required to keep your car in peak operating condition. Work should be done by a Honda dealer but may be done by any qualified service facility or individual who is competent in this type of work.

US Cars: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of emission control devices and systems may be done by any automotive repair establishment or individual using parts that are "certified" to EPA standards.

After the maintenance has been done, be sure to have your servicing dealer complete the Maintenance Record on pages 88 - 90. All required maintenance is considered normal owner operating cost and you will be charged for it by your dealer.

*For vehicles sold in California, maintenance operations indicated by *3 on page 87 are recommended by the manufacturer.

Other maintenance operations are required by California regulations and condition the emission warranty.

**In Canada, Schedule E (S1101, S1102, S1103, and S1105) of the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, legislated in 1971 and amended in 1980.

Maintenance Schedule (cont'd)

Check the following items at each fuel stop:

1. Engine oil level. 2. Radiator coolant level.

Check the following items periodically.

1. Brakes: for braking efficiency, brake pedal travel and hydraulic

fluid level.

2. Lights: for operation of headlights, taillights, side marker lights,

stoplights, turn signals and back-up lights.

3. Tires: for correct pressures (including spare); inspect for cuts and uneven or excessive wear. Rotate every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) in the pattern shown on page 115.

4. Steering: for excessive play or vibration while driving. 5. Exhaust system: for leaks or loose mounts. 6. Wipers: for operation of windshield wipers and washer, and

condition of wiper blades.

7. Seat belts: for condition of fabric and buckles, and operation of

restraint mechanism.

8. Battery condition.

The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) must be inspected by an authorized Honda dealer ten years after its date of manufacture. The date of manufacture is printed on the certification label attached to the left rear door jamb. To serve as a reminder, note the date of manufacture and SRS inspection date here.

Manufactured:

SRS Inspection:

(add ten years to date of manufacture )

Check oil and coolant level at each fuel stop. Be sure to complete the Maintenance Record on page 88. All required maintenance is considered normal owner operating cost and you will be charged for it by your dealer. Under severe driving conditions service these items twice as often (see page 87).

Maintenance Schedule (cont'd)

Required Maintenance Record

Have your servicing dealer record all Required Maintenance below. Keep receipts for all work done on your car.

Severe Driving Conditions CAUTION: The following items must be serviced more frequently on cars normally used under severe driving conditions. Refer to the chart below for the appropriate maintenance intervals.

Severe driving conditions include: A: Repeated short distance driving B: Driving in dusty conditions C: Driving in severe cold weather D: Driving in areas using road salt or other corrosive materials E: Driving on rough and/or muddy roads F: Towing a trailer

R — Replace I — Inspect

After inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary.

Non-Scheduled Maintenance Record Record additional maintenance for severe driving conditions or non-scheduled maintenance on this page (see page 85).

Maintenance Schedule (cont'd)

Fluid Locations

BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK

ENGINE OIL FILLER CAP

CLUTCH FLUID RESERVOIR (Manual Trans- mission Only)

RADIATOR RESERVE TANK

RADIATOR CAP

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK

POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR

WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR CAP

Engine Oil and Filter

Checking Check the engine oil a couple of minutes after shutting the engine off, with the car parked on level ground. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way down, then pull it out and read the level. The level should be between the upper and lower marks.

Adding If the level has dropped close to the lower mark, add oil until it is even with the upper mark.

ENGINE OIL FILLER CAP

DIPSTICK

UPPER

LOWER

1. Turn the oil filler cap counterclockwise to remove. Add oil, then

check the level again. Do not overfill.

2. Reinstall the cap and twist clockwise until it stops.

CAUTION:

Be sure the oil filler cap is correctly replaced before starting the engine. Engine oil is a major factor affecting the performance and service life of the engine, you should use only a premium quality SG grade detergent oil labeled "Energy Conserving II".

Look for this label on the oil container.

Ambient Temperature

Use the proper viscosity oil for the climate in which you drive: Some oil labels may also include additional service classifications such as CC or CD. However, these are acceptable only when used together with SG.

NOTE: 5W-30 viscosity oil is recommended for improved fuel economy.

Fuel Efficient Oil For the best fuel economy from your car, it is recommended that you use a fuel efficient "Energy Conserving I I" SG grade oil.

Changing Oil and Filter Engine oil and the filter should be changed together every 6 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km), whichever comes first. The filter is located on the engine block, below the intake manifold. CAUTION: The oil filter cannot easily be removed from above the engine. For this reason, it is recommended that the oil filter change be done by a skilled mechanic.

1. Start the car and run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperatures, then shut it off.

2. Remove the engine oil filler cap and

drain bolt, and drain the oil.

A warmed-up engine and the oil in it are hot; be careful not to burn yourself.

3. Remove the oil filter and let the

4.

remaining oil drain out. Install a new filter according to the instructions on or with the filter.

5. Reinstall the drain bolt with a new washer and tighten it securely. Refill the engine with the recommended oil to the upper mark on the dipstick.

ENGINE OIL DRAIN BOLT

ENGINE OIL CAPACITY: 3.8 filter.)

(3.3 Imp qt, 4.0 US qt including

OIL FILTER

6. Reinstall the filler cap securely. 7. Start the engine and make sure oil is not leaking from the drain

bolt or the filter.

8. Shut off the engine and recheck the oil level.

Engine Oil and Filter (cont'd)

CAUTION: Used motor oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for prolonged periods. Although this is unlikely unless you handle used oil on a daily basis, it is still advisable to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible after handling used oil.

NOTE: Please dispose of used motor oil in a manner that is compatible with the environment. We suggest you take it in a sealed container to your local service station for reclamation. Do not throw it in the trash or pour it on the ground.

Transmission Oil/Fluid Check

Transmission oil/fluid must be checked with the engine off and the car on level ground.

If the engine has been running, some engine components may be hot enough to burn you. Keep hands away from the radiator fan. The fan may start automatically without warning and run for up to 15 minutes, even after the engine is turned off.

CAUTION: If the oil/fluid level is low, check for possible leaks before adding oil. Do not overfill.

Since the transmission and differential are in the same housing, you are actually checking both oil/fluid levels in one procedure. Change transmission oil/fluid according to the Maintenance Schedule on page 87.

5-Speed Remove the oil filler bolt (beside the right axle). After the engine has cooled, feel inside the bolt hole with your finger. If the oil is up to the bottom edge of the hole, the oil level is correct. If it is not, slowly add oil until it runs out of the hole, then reinstall the bolt and tighten it securely with a wrench.

OIL CHECK FILLER BOLT

CORRECT LEVEL

5-SPEED TRANSMISSION OIL CHANGE CAPACITY: 1. 9

(1.7 Imp qt, 2.0 US qt).

Transmission Oil/Fluid Check (cont'd)

Use only SF or SG grade motor oil when adding or changing transmission oil.

Use the proper viscosity oil for the climate in which you drive:

Ambient Temperature

Automatic Check the automatic transmission fluid level (with the engine off and the car on level ground) with the dipstick in the right end of the transmission housing. Remove the dipstick and wipe it off.

DIPSTICK

UPPER

LOWER

Insert the dipstick, remove it again, and read the fluid level. The fluid level should be between the upper and lower marks.

If necessary, add fluid and recheck. Use only Genuine Honda or DEXRON® II Automatic Transmission Fluid (A.T.F.) when adding or changing fluid.

After checking the fluid level, replace the dipstick securely.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE CAPACITY: 2.4 Imp qt, 2.5 US qt).

(2.1

Cooling System

The engine in your Honda contains a number of aluminum parts. Therefore, it requires an antifreeze/coolant specifically formulated to protect the aluminum parts from corrosion. Failure to use a suitable antifreeze/coolant may seriously shorten the life of the engine as the result of rapid corrosion damage. Some antifreeze/coolants, although labeled for use in engines containing aluminum, may not provide adequate protection for your engine.

Therefore, use only a Honda-recommended antifreeze/coolant.

CHECK WITH YOUR AUTHORIZED HONDA DEALER.

For best corrosion protection, the mixture of coolant and water must be maintained year-round at 50/50. Concentrations less than 50% coolant may not provide sufficient protection against corrosion and freezing. Concentrations of greater than 60% coolant will impair cooling efficiency and are not recommended. Low-mineral drinking water or distilled water should be mixed with the antifreeze/coolant. Coolant loss should be replenished by a mixture containing the proper concentration of antifreeze and water.

Do not mix different antifreeze/coolants.

Do not use additional rust inhibitors or anti-rust products, as they may not be compatible with the radiator coolant.

ENGINE DAMAGE CAUSED BY IMPROPER COOLANT USAGE IS NOT COVERED BY THE NEW CAR WARRANTY.

Checking Coolant Check the coolant level in the reserve tank when the engine is at normal operating temperature.

Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot; the coolant is under pressure and could severely scald you. Keep hands away from the radiator fan. The fan may start automatically without warning and run for up to 15 minutes, even after the engine is turned off.

Cooling System (cont'd)

If the level is below the MAX mark, but still visible, add a 50/50 solution of antifreeze and water to bring it up to MAX.

If there is no coolant in the reserve tank, the cooling system should be checked for leaks and repaired if necessary. Coolant must then be added to the radiator. CAUTION: Radiator coolant will damage paint. Quickly rinse any spilled coolant from painted surfaces.

RESERVE TANK

turn

then

is cool,

the engine

Wait until the radiator cap counterclockwise until it stops. DO NOT PRESS DOWN WHILE TURNING THE CAP. After any remaining pressure has been relieved, remove it counterclockwise. Add enough coolant to fill the radiator, and reinstall the cap. Be sure to tighten it securely. Fill the reserve tank up to the MAX mark with the engine cold.

the cap by pressing down and again

turning

Maintenance 1. Check the freeze protection level of the coolant with a hydrometer.

2. Keep the front of the radiator free of dirt and debris.

3. Check hoses and hose clamps regularly. Replacing Coolant Replace coolant at 36 months or 45,000 miles (72,000 km), whichever comes first. Thereafter, replace every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000
km), whichever comes first.

RADIATOR COOLANT REFILL CAPACITY: including reserve tank 0.6 5 speed transmission 3.0 Automatic transmission 3.5

(0.5 Imp qt, 0.6 US qt) (2.6 Imp qt, 3.2 US qt) (3.1 Imp qt, 3.7 US qt)

1. Set the heater temperature control dial to maximum heat. 2. When the radiator is cold to the touch, remove the radiator cap

and loosen the drain plug.

RADIATOR CAP

BLEED BOLT

DRAIN PLUG

DRAIN BOLT

3. Remove the drain bolt from the rear side of the cylinder block, and drain the engine and heater.

4. Apply non-hardening sealant to the drain bolt then reinstall the bolt and tighten it securely.

threads,

5. Tighten the radiator drain plug

securely.

6. Mix the recommended antifreeze with an equal amount of low- mineral or distilled water and fill the reservoir to maximum, as illustrated.

7. Loosen the air bleed bolt in the water outlet, then fill the radiator to the filler neck with the coolant mixture. Tighten the bleed bolt as soon as coolant starts to run out in a steady stream without bubbles.

Fill to here

FILLER NECK

Fill to here.

8. With the radiator cap off, start the engine and let it run until warmed up (fan goes on at least twice). Then, if necessary, add more coolant mix to bring the level back up to the filler neck.

9. Put the radiator cap on tightly, then run the engine again and

check for leaks.

Brakes

Brake System Design The diagonally-separated dual service brake system is designed so half the system will still provide braking action if the other half fails. Stopping the car after losing the brake fluid from half the system will require more pedal pressure and pedal travel than normal. Also, the distance required to stop will be longer using only half the brake system. If the brakes fail suddenly, downshift to a lower gear for increased engine braking, and pull off the road as soon as possible.

It is hazardous to drive your car with a problem in either the brake electrical or hydraulic systems; have your dealer check both systems if you suspect brake trouble. Do not ride the brakes. In other words, don't put your foot on the brake pedal unless you intend to brake. This causes excessive brake wear and can lead to loss of braking effectiveness through overheating. Your brake lights may also confuse drivers behind you. Driving through deep water may affect the brakes. Check their effectiveness by pressing the brake pedal gently. If the car does not slow down at the normal rate, continue gently applying the brakes, while maintaining a safe speed, until they dry out and normal performance returns.

Brake Wear Both front and rear brakes should be inspected for wear at the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedule on page 87. When the brakes require maintenance, use only Genuine Honda replacement parts or their equivalent.

Brake Wear Indicators Your car is equipped with audible brake wear indicators. When the brake pads need to be replaced, the wear indicators will make a high-pitched chirp. NOTE: Due to some driving habits or climates, brakes may "squeal" when you first apply them or have them partially applied; this is normal, and does not indicate excessive wear. The wear indicator makes a "screeching" sound while the brakes are applied.

Brake Fluid Check the fluid level in the brake reservoir periodically; it should be between the MAX and MIN marks on the reservoir. If the level is near the MIN mark, add fluid to raise it to the MAX mark. Do not overfill. Use only brake fluid manufactured to DOT 3 or DOT 4 specifications (see from a sealed reservoir cap) container. Follow the manu- facturer's instructions printed on the can.

MAX

MIN

CAUTION: The arrow on the reservoir cap must be pointing forward after the cap is installed. Make sure the brake warning switch wiring doesn't get caught between the cap and top edge of the reservoir.

NOTE: A low brake fluid level may be an indication of brake wear or of brake fluid leakage. You should have your brakes checked if the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low before refilling it.

Clutch Fluid (Manual Transmission)

Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir periodically; it should be between the MAX and MIN marks on the reservoir.

CLUTCH FLUID RESERVOIR

If the level is near the MIN mark, add fluid to raise it to the MAX mark. Do not overfill. Use brake fluid from a sealed container manufactured to DOT 3 or DOT 4 specifications only. Follow the manufacturer's instruc- tions printed on the can. NOTE: A low clutch fluid level may be an indication of clutch fluid leakage. You should have your clutch checked if the clutch fluid level in the reservoir is low.

Power Steering

The power steering on your car provides easy handling while parking and maneuvering in traffic, without loss of road "feel" at highway speeds. An engine-driven hydraulic pump provides full power assist at low speeds and decreasing assist as the car goes faster.

CAUTION: If the power steering system should fall, or if the engine should stall, the car can still be steered. However, much greater effort will be required, particularly in sharp turns at low speed.

NOTE: You may feel a slight clunk or knock when turning the wheel with the engine off. This is a normal condition due to the design of the system.

Power Steering Fluid Check the power steering fluid level with the engine cold and the car parked on level ground. Make sure the fluid level is between the upper and lower marks on the reservoir. If the level has dropped close to or below the lower mark, check for leaks before adding fluid to the upper mark. Do not overfill.

RESERVOIR CAP

UPPER

LOWER

CAUTION: Use only genuine Honda power steering fluid. The use of other fluids such as A.T.F. or other manufacturer's power steering fluid will damage the system.

Air and Fuel Filters

Air Filter Replace the air filter every 24 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), which- ever comes first (more often in ex- tremely dusty conditions).

BOLTS

Loosen the attaching bolts, then remove the cover.

Remove the air filter and replace it with a new filter. Reinstall the cover and tighten the bolts.

FILTER

Fuel Filter The fuel filter is located in the engine compartment, on the right center of the rear bulkhead. It should be replaced at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months whichever comes first, or any time you suspect contaminated gas may have clogged it. CAUTION: Because the fuel system is under pressure, the filter should be replaced only by a qualified Honda technician.

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs should be replaced every 24 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first.

Recommended spark plugs: Normal driving conditions ZFR5F-11 (NGK), KJ16CR-L11 (ND)

Hot climates, or continuous high speed driving ZFR6F-11 (NGK), KJ20CR-L11 (ND)

Keep hands away from the radiator fan. The fan may start automatically without warning and run for up to 15 minutes, even after the engine is turned off.

Replace plugs one at a time so you don't get the wires mixed up.

1. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base.

2. Disconnect the plug cap, then remove and discard the old plug.

3. Check the gap of the new spark plug before installation. Plug gap

should be 1.1 mm (0.04 in).

4. Thread the new spark plug in by hand to prevent crossthreading.

5. After the plug seats against the cylinder head, tighten 1/2 turn

with a spark plug wrench to compress the washer.

6. Reinstall the spark plug wire.

CAUTION: The spark plugs must be securely tightened, but not overtightened. A plug that's too loose can get very hot and possibly damage the engine; one that's too tight could damage the threads in the cylinder head.

Thread in by hand

PLUG CAP

Wiper Blades

For maximum visibility, replace worn or cracked wiper blades when you notice they do not wipe the windshield cleanly or smoothly.

To Replace Worn-out Blades 1. Detach the blade assembly from the arm by pressing the lock tab in, the blade toward the base of the arm.

then pushing

Push

Press Lock Tab in

2. Firmly grasp the end of the blade rubber and pull until the tabs are free of the metal support.

METAL SUPPORT

Pull out

TABS

RETAINERS

3. Remove the metal retainers from the worn-out blade and put them in a new blade.

4.

Insert the new blade rubber from the opposite side of the blade tabs and position the tabs in the metal support.

5. Reinstall the blade assembly on

the wiper arm.

Battery

The condition of the battery can be determined by checking the test indicator. Service as required according to the label on the battery.

Any corrosion around the positive and negative terminals should be washed off with a solution of baking soda and warm water. Dry the terminals and then coat them with grease.

TERMINAL

TERMINAL

TEST INDICATOR

The battery gives off explosive gases; keep sparks, flames and cigarettes away. Provide adequate ventilation when charging or using the battery in an enclosed space. The battery contains sulfuric acid (electrolyte). Contact with skin or eyes may cause severe burns. Wear protective clothing and a face shield. — If electrolyte gets on your skin, flush with water. — If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush with water for at least 15

minutes and call a physician immediately.

Electrolyte is poisonous. — If swallowed, drink large quantities of water or milk and follow

with milk of magnesia or vegetable oil and call a physician.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Fuse Replacement

Your car has two fuse boxes. One is located under the dashboard on the driver's side, the other is under the hood. The circuits protected by each fuse are listed inside the fuse box cover. To open the fuse box, turn the knob as shown.

BLOWN

FUSE REMOVER

If any of your car's lights, acces- sories, or controls don't work, check their fuses. If a fuse has blown, the wire inside it will be burned through. Checking the Fuses: 1. Turn off the ignition and all other

2.

switches. If you find a blown or possibly faulty fuse, use the fuse remover (stored beside the spare fuse) to pull the blown fuse out of its clips. 3. Check all other fuses as well as

the one you suspect.

4. Push in a new fuse of the same rating, and make sure it fits tightly in the clips. If it fits loosely, have your dealer fix it.

If you don't have a spare, take a fuse of the same rating (or lower) out of a circuit you may not need, like the radio or cigarette lighter. Remember to replace the borrowed fuse and the missing spares.

A blown fuse may be just a symptom of some other problem. If a new fuse blows right away, the cause should be diagnosed and corrected by a qualified Honda technician.

CAUTION: Never replace a fuse with anything but another fuse of the same or lower rating. A higher capacity fuse could cause damage and even start a fire.

The main fuses and some primary fuses are installed in the fuse box on the right front fender in the engine compartment.

If the circuits from the battery are ever overloaded (by a short in the system drawing too much current for example) a main fuse will blow, preventing damage to the entire wiring harness. If the main fuse blows, have a Honda dealer check the system, repair the cause, and replace the fuse.

CAUTION:

The electrical system is protected by fuses that are designed to fail and prevent damage to the wire harness. Always replace blown fuses with the same rating as specified to prevent wiring damage that can result in a possible fire. For proper electrical contact after replacing these fuses, make sure all screws are tight.

Bulb Replacement

See page 131 for bulb specifications.

Front turn signal lights

Front side marker and turn signal lights/position lights

Rear turn signal/brake and taillights/back-up lights

License plate lights

Interior/cargo area light

Sunvisor light

Door courtesy lights

(Front)

(Rear)

High-mount brake light

Tires

The factory-installed tires on your car were selected to match the car's performance capabilities and to provide the best combination of handling, ride comfort and tread wear. We recommend that you get the same size, type and grade of tires when replacement is necessary. If your tires have an "all-season" tread design, the model name will be followed by the marking "M + S" (mud and snow) or "all-season".

If you decide not to get the same brand of tires as those originally installed, you should make sure that the replacements are the radial type, of the same size, load range and speed rating as the original tires. If you have any questions about your car's tires, please contact your Honda dealer.

Inflation Pressures The tire label on the driver's door jamb shows recommended tire pres- sures for carrying loads up to the lim- it shown. These pressures were chosen to provide you with the best combina- tion of tread life, riding comfort and stability under normal driving conditions. Improper inflation can reduce both tire life and load carrying capacity. Check the tire pressures at least once a month, including the spare. Lower pressure than recommended lets the tread and sidewalls flex too much, causing increased tire temperatures, uneven wear, and poor handling. Pressure higher than recommended can make the tire too stiff, increasing the chance of damage from road hazards, and also causing uneven wear.

TIRE LABEL

CAUTION:

Check tire pressure when the tires are cold (after the car has been parked for more than 3 hours or driven less than 1 mile/1.6 km). Tire pressure may increase as much as 41 kPa (6 psi) when the tire is hot, so NEVER ADJUST tire pressure when the tires are hot. Never inflate load range B tires to more than 220 kPa (32 psi) cold. Cars with luggage racks or cartop carriers DO NOT have greater load limits than those on the label.

Winter Driving Tires marked "M+S" or "all season" have an all-weather tread design and should be suitable for most driving conditions. However, snow tires and tire chains may be required under some conditions. If your tires do not have these markings, they may not be suitable for winter driving conditions. We recommend snow tires or tire chains for snow and icy conditions.

Snow Tires If you use snow tires, they should be of the same size, construction and load capacity as the original tires on your car. Snow tires must be in- stalled in sets of four, or they may cause poor handling. Driving with snow tires on dry roads can reduce your car's performance during ac- celeration, turning and stopping. If you need further information on snow tires, please contact your Honda dealer.

Tire Chains Use chains only when you have to. Check with local authorities for re- quirements prior to installing tire chains. Make sure the chains are the right size for your tires. Install them only on the drive wheels of your car, and do so as tightly as possible, following the manufacturer's instructions. If metal chains are used, they must be SAE Class "S." Cable type traction devices can also be used. Drive slowly with chains installed. If you hear the chains contacting your car's body or chassis, stop and tighten them.

CAUTION:

If the contact continues, slow down until it stops or your car can be damaged. Chains that are the wrong size or improperly installed can damage your car's brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. If you need further information on tire chains, please see your Honda dealer.

Remove the chains as soon as the road is clear of ice and snow.

Tires (cont'd)

Tire Replacement Honda recommends that you replace tires in sets of four, or in pairs, front or rear. If you need to replace only one tire, mount the new tire opposite the tire showing the least amount of wear. For instance, if the left front tire shows the least amount of wear, mount the new tire on the front right side.

The original tires on your car have tread wear indicators to indicate when they should be replaced. The indicators appear as bands about 12.7 mm (1/2 in) wide when the tire tread depth is less than 1.6 mm (1/16 in). When indicators appear across two or more grooves in a row, you should replace the tire.

INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS

TREAD WEAR INDICATORS

Driving on worn-out tires is very hazardous, and will

reduce braking effectiveness, steering accuracy and traction.

When replacing tires, use only the recommended tire size. Wheel rim widths and offsets must be those recommended by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Contact the Zone Office nearest you as shown on the inside of the back cover.

Tires and wheels other than those recommended may

be unsafe. Do not mix radial and bias ply tires on the same car.

Spare Tire The spare tire on your car is identical to those already mounted to your car. You can use it as a spare or regular tire. Check the pressure in the spare tire regularly so it will be ready to use when you need it.

Tire Balancing Unbalanced tires may affect handling and tire wear. A tire should always be rebalanced after it has been dismounted from the wheel.

Your original tires were properly balanced before the car left the facto- ry, but may need rebalancing at some time during the life of the tire.

CAUTION: If your car is equipped with aluminum wheels, use only genuine Honda wheel weights. Non-genuine wheel weights may corrode and damage the aluminum wheel.

Tire Rotation Tires may wear unevenly when used for a long time in the same posi- tion on the car. To avoid this, rotate the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000
km). If abnormal or uneven wear develops between rotations, the cause should be found and corrected as soon as possible. The illustra- tion shows how tires can be rotated.

NOTE: Brake pads should be inspected for wear whenever the tires are rotated.

Tire Traction

Worn tires or slippery road surfaces can reduce driving, cornering and braking traction. To reduce the possibility of losing traction, slow down when the road gets slippery, replace tires when wear indicators are visible, and KEEP TIRES PROPERLY INFLATED.

Air Conditioner Care

Condenser and Radiator Check the engine radiator and the air conditioner condenser (in front of the radiator) for accumulated dirt, insects or leaves. Carefully brush or hose them off to assure maximum cooling performance. CAUTION: Radiator and condenser fins are very thin and easily damaged; do not bend them with high water pressure or brush.

Compressor Drive Belt Check the compressor belt tension monthly during periods of high air conditioner usage. If the engine has been running, some engine components may be hot enough to burn you.

When properly tensioned, the belt should have 10 to 12 mm (0.4 to 0.5
in) "play" or deflection when pushed with 98N (10 kg, 22 Ib) of force midway between the alternator pulley and the engine crankshaft pulley. Have the belt adjusted whenever necessary.

ALTERNATOR DRIVE PULLEY

CRANKSHAFT PULLEY

COMPRESSOR DRIVE PULLEY

System Maintenance Run your air conditioner for about ten minutes at least once a week, even during the off season. This lubricates the seals and the inside of the compressor and verifies that the system is functional.

If the air conditioner is not cooling properly, it may indicate an undercharged system. Have your dealer check the system for leaks, then evacuate and charge the system with 900-950 g (32-34 oz) of Refrigerant 12.

CAUTION: Prolonged use of an undercharged system may damage the compressor.

Whenever you have the air conditioning system serviced, make sure the service facility uses a refrigerant recycling system. This system captures the refrigerant for reuse. Releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere can damage the environment.

Appearance Care

Interior Trim Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner. Wipe the vinyl with a clean, damp cloth or sponge. Stains can be removed with a commercially available vinyl cleaner. CAUTION: Do not use thinner, gasoline, kerosene, naphtha or other solvents on the interior. They are toxic, flammable and hazardous and could damage the material you're cleaning.

Windows Use a commercially available glass cleaner to clean windows inside and out. A mixture of 1 part vinegar to 10 parts parts water works best to remove the dust or film sometimes caused by the ingredients used in interior vinyls and plastics. NOTE:

Do not put the vinegar-water solution in the windshield washer reservoir, it will damage the windshield washer pump. Use a commercially available windshield washer fluid in the windshield washer reservoir.

Be careful not to scratch or damage the defogger wires when cleaning the inside of the rear window; wipe the window horizontally along the wires, not up and down. Dry the windows with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Keep all the windows clean for maximum visibility.

Exterior Care Washing

Rinse all loose dirt off the car by spraying it with lukewarm or cold water. Do not use hot water. Wash with water containing a mild detergent, such as a liquid dish-washing detergent, using a soft-bristle brush, sponge or cloth. Remove oil, tar, tree sap, etc., with tar remover or turpentine. Remove road salt, insects, etc., with mild detergent and lukewarm water. Any of these substances may damage the finish if left on painted surfaces. Rinse the car well. Promptly wipe with a chamois or soft towel to prevent water-spotting. Do not let water or soap air-dry on painted surfaces.

During wiping, inspect the surface for stone chips and scratches; paint them with touch-up paint so they won't rust (touch-up paint is available through your Honda dealer). For further instructions on corrosion protection, refer to the Rust Prevention section on page 120.

Waxing Wax the car when water will no longer "bead" on the paint. Always wash and dry the car before you wax it. Use a good quality liquid or paste wax, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Wax all the metal trim to keep its luster. NOTE: Removing oil, tar, etc., with a spot remover will usually strip the wax from the surrounding finish. Be sure to re-wax these areas even if the rest of the car does not yet need waxing.

Aluminum Alloy Wheels (US: EX, Canada: EX-R) Honda aluminum wheels are treated with a protective finish. Wash them with a low-phosphate detergent and sponge. Do not use abrasive cleaners or stiff brushes. CAUTION:

Wash the wheels after driving on snowy or icy roads where salt has been applied. Avoid off-road driving. Brush, rocks, dirt and severe impact may damage the wheels. Install tire chains carefully. Improperly installed chains can cause damage to the wheels. Always install aluminum wheels in sets of four. If mixed with other types, the car's handling may be affected.

Appearance Care (cont'd)

Rust Prevention Rusting is likely to occur in parts of the car where water is trapped or where there is continual dampness.

Water will collect inside doors and body panels if drain holes become clogged. Water which seeps under or soaks floor mats will subject floor sections to prolonged wetness or dampness. Road dirt or sand, which collects and fills recesses on the underside of the car, retains moisture long after the rest of the car has dried. The removal of paint and undercoating by stones, gravel, and minor accidents immediately exposes metal to air and moisture.

Rusting is increased by high humidity and by the presence of corrosive substances in the air or on the roads.

Salt used for road de-icing will coat the bottom of the car and hasten rusting. Localities with high humidity have greater potential for rust problems, especially where salt is also present on the road or in moist sea air. Industrial pollution will accelerate the deterioration of paint finishes and promote rusting.

Preventive Service Check all drain holes in the doors and body panels for clogging and clear if necessary. When washing your car, also clean the underside of the car by using high pressure water; above subframe, inside rear wheel rear suspension,

inside front fender,

housing, and

under rear bumper.

After washing your car or after heavy rain, check for interior leaks. Dry all wet areas. Have leaks repaired as soon as possible.

Body Repair

Replacement of Body and Fender Parts If your vehicle incurs body damage and requires replacement parts, we encourage you to use only Genuine Honda sheet metal body and fender parts. Many insurance companies are specifying imitation sheet metal parts for collision repairs in an effort to reduce claim costs; however, if imitation parts are used:

There is no assurance that imitation parts will equal the fit and finish of Genuine Honda sheet metal parts; and in our experience they often do not. There is no assurance that imitation parts will resist corrosion as well as Genuine Honda sheet metal parts. Imitation sheet metal parts are not covered by the Honda Limited Warranty.

To ensure your continued satisfaction with your Honda vehicle in the event of an accident, contact your insurance adjuster and insist on Genuine Honda parts in the repair of your vehicle.

Changing a Flat Tire

Do not attempt to change a tire unless the car is on

firm, level ground and well out of the flow of traffic.

Park the car on a firm, level surface, apply the parking brake, turn on the hazard warning switch put the transmission in gear (Park for automatic) and turn the ignition off.

SPARE TIRE