04/07/02 15:45:36 31S9A630 0221
Do you have fuel? Check the fuel gauge; the low fuel indicator may not be working.
There may be an electrical problem, such as no power to the fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see page
225
).
If you find nothing wrong, you will need a qualified technician to find the problem. See Towing on page
Emergency
230
If the Engine Won’t Start
The Starter Operates Normally In this case, the starter motor’s speed sounds normal, or even faster than normal, when you turn the ignition switch to START (III), but the engine does not run.
Are you using a properly coded key? An improperly coded key will cause the immobilizer system indicator in the instrument panel to blink rapidly (see page
71
).
Are you using the proper starting
Starting the
procedure? Refer to
Engine
146
on page
216
04/07/02 15:45:46 31S9A630 0222
Although this seems like a simple procedure, you should take several precautions.
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the battery.
You cannot start your vehicle with an automatic transmission by pushing or pulling it.
ToJumpStartYourVehicle: 1.
Open the hood, and check the physical condition of the battery. In very cold weather, check the condition of the electrolyte. If it seems slushy or frozen, do not try jump starting until it thaws.
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the electrolyte inside can f reeze. Attempting to jump start with a f rozen battery can cause it to rupture.
2.
Turn off all the electrical acces- sories: heater, A/C, stereo system, lights, etc. Put the transmission in Neutral or Park, and set the parking brake.
Jump Starting
BOOSTER BATTERY
The numbers in the illustration show you the order to connect the jumper cables.
3.
+
) terminal on your
Connect one jumper cable to the positive ( battery. Connect the other end to the positive ( ) terminal on the + booster battery.
CONTINUED
217
04/07/02 15:45:56 31S9A630 0223
Jump Starting
6.
7.
8.
If the booster battery is in another vehicle, have an assistant start that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.
Start your vehicle. If the starter motor still operates slowly, check that the jumper cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
Once your vehicle is running, disconnect the negative cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery. Disconnect the positive cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery.
9.
Reinstall the power steering reservoir.
Keep the ends of the jumper cables away from each other and any metal on the vehicle until everything is disconnected. Otherwise, you may cause an electrical short.
BRACKET Remove the power steering 4. reservoir from the bracket. Pull it away from the grounding strap.
Make sure the power steering hose is not touching the power steering belt or the pulley.
5.
−
Connect the second jumper cable to the negative ( ) terminal on the booster battery. Connect the other end to the grounding strap as shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to any other part of the engine.
218
04/07/02 15:46:05 31S9A630 0224
The pointer of the vehicle’s temperature gauge should stay in the midrange. If it climbs to the red mark, you should determine the reason (hot day, driving up a steep hill, etc.).
If the vehicle overheats, you should take immediate action. The only indication may be the temperature gauge climbing to or above the red mark. Or you may see steam or spray coming from under the hood.
Driving with the temperature gauge pointer at the red mark can cause serious damage to your engine.
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
1.
2.
Safely pull to the side of the road. Put the transmission in Neutral or Park, and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories, and turn on the hazard warning lights.
If you see steam and/or spray coming from under the hood, turn off the engine. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the hood.
If the Engine Overheats
3.
If you do not see steam or spray, leave the engine running, and watch the temperature gauge. If the high heat is due to overloading, the engine should start to cool down almost immediately. If it does, wait until the temperature gauge comes down to the midpoint, then continue driving.
4.
If the temperature gauge stays at the red mark, turn off the engine.
CONTINUED
219
04/07/02 15:46:14 31S9A630 0225
If the Engine Overheats
5.
6.
7.
Look for any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see
Emergency
).
Towing
230
on page
If you don’t find an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page
134
).
If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may need to add coolant to the radiator. Let the engine cool down until the pointer reaches the middle of the temperature gauge or lower before checking the radiator.
220
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap.
8.
Using gloves or a large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap counterclockwise, without pushing down, to the first stop. After the pressure releases, push down on the cap, and turn it until it comes off.
9.
Start the engine, and set the temperature control dial to maximum heat. Add coolant to the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. If you do not have the proper coolant mixture available, you can add plain water. Remember to have the cooling system drained and refilled with the proper mixture as soon as you can.
10.
Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine, and watch the temperature gauge. If it goes back to the red mark, the engine needs repair (see Towing on page
Emergency
230
).
11.
If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. If it has gone down, add coolant to the MAX mark. Put the cap back on tightly.
04/07/02 15:46:25 31S9A630 0226
Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
This indicator should never come on when the engine is running. If it starts flashing or stays on, the oil pressure has dropped very low or lost pressure. Serious engine damage is possible and you should take immediate action.
Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost immediately. Turn of f the engine as soon as you can saf ely get the vehicle stopped.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Safely pull off the road, and shut off the engine. Turn on the hazard warning lights.
Let the vehicle sit for a minute. Open the hood, and check the oil level (see page ). An engine very low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other driving maneuvers.
133
If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the dipstick (see page
181
).
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn off the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
before you can continue driving
(see
230
Emergency Towing ).
on page
Charging System Indicator
If the charging system indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, the battery is not being charged.
Immediately turn off all electrical accessories. Try not to use other electrically operated controls such as the power windows. Keep the engine running; starting the engine will discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage where you can get technical assistance.
221
04/07/02 15:46:35 31S9A630 0227
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
If the indicator comes on while driving, it means one
of the engine’s emissions control systems may have a problem. Even though you may feel no difference in your vehicle’s performance, it can reduce your fuel economy and cause increased emissions. Continued operation may cause serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the indicator coming on could be due to a loose or missing fuel fill cap. Tighten the cap until it clicks at least three times. Tightening the cap will not turn the indicator off immediately; it takes at least three days of normal driving.
222
If the indicator comes on repeatedly, even though it may turn off as you continue driving, have the vehicle checked by the dealer as soon as possible.
If your vehicle battery has been disconnected or gone dead, these codes are erased. It takes at least three days of driving under various conditions to set the codes again.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to ON (II), without
starting the engine. The Malfunction
Indicator Lamp will come on for 20
seconds. If it then goes off, the
readiness codes are set. If it blinks 5
times, the readiness codes are not
set. If possible, do not take your
vehicle for a state emissions test
until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to State Emissions Testing for
more information (see page
242
).
If you keep driving with the Malf unction Indicator Lamp on, you can damage your vehicle’s emissions controls and the engine. Those repairs may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranties.
This indicator may also come on along with the ‘‘D’’ indicator.
Readiness Codes Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness codes’’ that are part of the on-board diagnostics for the emissions systems. In some states, part of the emissions testing is to make sure these codes are set. If they are not set, the test cannot be completed.
04/07/02 15:46:43 31S9A630 0228
U.S.
Canada
The brake system indicator normally comes on when you turn the ignition switch to ON (II), and as a reminder to check the parking brake. It will stay on if you do not fully release the parking brake.
If the brake system indicator comes on while driving, the brake fluid level is probably low. Press lightly on the brake pedal to see if it feels normal. If it does, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page
189
).
If the fluid level is low, take your vehicle to a dealer, and have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads.
Brake System Indicator
If the ABS indicator and the VSA system indicator come on with the brake system indicator, have your vehicle inspected by your dealer immediately.
However, if the brake pedal does not feel normal, you should take immediate action. A problem in one part of the system’s dual circuit design will still give you braking at two wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the vehicle begins to slow down, and you will have to press harder on the pedal.
Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
Towing
230
Emergency ).
on page
If you must drive the vehicle a short distance in this condition, drive slowly and carefully.
223
04/07/02 15:46:54 31S9A630 0229
Closing the Moonroof
Ifequipped If the electric motor will not close the moonroof, do the following:
1.
2.
Check the fuse for the moonroof motor (see page ). If the fuse is blown, replace it with one of the same or lower rating.
225
Try closing the moonroof. If the new fuse blows immediately or the moonroof motor still does not operate, you can close the moonroof manually.
3.
Get the moonroof wrench out of the tool kit in the cargo area.
224
TAB
NOTCH
SOCKET
ROUND PLUG
MOONROOF WRENCH
4.
To remove the round plug in the center of the headliner, turn the plug by using a screwdriver or coin, then pry it out. Make sure to align the tabs on the round plug to the notches on the ceilling as shown in the illustration.
5.
Insert the moonroof wrench into the socket behind this plug. Turn the wrench until the moonroof is fully closed.
6.
Remove the wrench. Reinstall the round plug.
If you need to close the moonroof manually, it means the moonroof opening/closing function is developing a problem. Have your vehicle checked by your dealer.
04/07/02 15:47:02 31S9A630 0230
INTERIOR
UNDER-HOOD (PRIMARY)
TAB
UNDER-HOOD (SECONDARY)
Fuses
The vehicle’s fuses are contained in three fuse boxes.
The interior fuse box is underneath the steering column. To remove the fuse box lid, pull it toward you and take the lid out of its hinges.
The primary under-hood fuse box is in the engine compartment on the driver’s side. To open it, push the tabs as shown.
The secondary fuse box is next to the primary fuse box.
225
04/07/02 15:47:13 31S9A630 0231
Fuses
228
and
Checking and Replacing Fuses If something electrical in your vehicle stops working, check for a blown fuse first. Determine from the chart on pages , or the diagram on the fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses control that device. Check those fuses first, but check all the fuses before deciding that a blown fuse is the cause. Replace any blown fuses, and check if the device work.
229
FUSE
BLOWN
BLOWN
1.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0). Make sure the headlights and all other accessories are off.
2.
Remove the cover from the fuse box.
3.
Check each of the large fuses in the primary under-hood fuse box by looking through the top at the wire inside. Removing these fuses requires a Phillips-head screwdriver.
4.
Check the smaller fuses in the under-hood fuse boxes and all the fuses in the interior fuse box by pulling out each one with the fuse puller provided in the primary under-hood fuse box.
5.
Look for a burned wire inside the fuse. If it is burned, replace it with one of the spare fuses of the same rating or lower.
226
04/07/02 15:47:20 31S9A630 0232
Fuses
If you cannot drive the vehicle without fixing the problem, and you do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse of the same rating or a lower rating from one of the other circuits. Make sure you can do without that circuit temporarily (such as the accessory power socket or radio).
If you replace the blown fuse with a spare fuse that has a lower rating, it might blow out again. This does not indicate anything wrong. Replace the fuse with one of the correct rating as soon as you can.
Replacing a f use with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances of damaging the electrical system. If you do not have a replacement f use with the proper rating f or the circuit, install one with a lower rating.
6.
If the replacement fuse of the same rating blows in a short time, there is probably a serious electrical problem in your vehicle. Leave the blown fuse in that circuit and have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic.
If the radio fuse is removed, the
audio system will disable itself. The
next time you turn on the radio you
will see ‘‘COdE’’ in the frequency
display. Use the preset buttons to
enter the five-digit code (see page
124
).
If the driver’s power window fuse is removed, the AUTO feature of the driver’s window will be disabled. You should reset the AUTO feature (see page
87
).
227
04/07/02 15:47:28 31S9A630 0233
Fuse Locations
INTERIOR FUSE BOX
No. Amps.
Circuits Protected
15 A 10 A 10 A 10 A −
Ignition Coil Rear Accessory Power Socket Daytime running lights ACG Not Used
*
228
No.
Amps.
Circuits Protected
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
7.5 A 20 A 7.5 A 7.5 A 7.5 A − 7.5 A 10 A 10 A 15 A 20 A 15 A 15 A 7.5 A 20 A − 20 A 20 A 20 A 20 A
*
Power Window Relay Moonroof Accessory, Radio Rear Wiper Meter Not Used Daytime running lights SRS Remote Control Mirrors B FR ACC + Heated Seat Fuel Pump Front Accessory Power Socket Turn Signal Lights Front Wiper Not Used Front Right Power Window Front Left Power Window Rear Left Power Window Rear Right Power Window
*
: Canadian models
04/07/02 15:47:37 31S9A630 0234
UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOXES
PRIMARY
SECONDARY
Circuits Protected
Primary Fuse Box
No.
10
11
12
13
Amps. 20 A 30 A 15 A 20 A 15 A 15 A 15 A 15 A 10 A 30 A 20 A 40 A 40 A
Condenser Fan Engine Interior Light Cooling Fan Hazard Small Light Horn, Stop DBW Back Up ABS Motor Rear Defroster Heater Motor Power Window
Secondary Fuse Box No. Amps. 20 A 7.5 A 15 A 15 A
Circuits Protected
LAF Heater Daytime running lights FI ECU (ECM/PCM) IG Coil
*
*
: On Canadian models
No.
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
−
Amps. 40 A 20 A 20 A 20 A 30 A 100 A 50 A −
21
25 7.5A 30A
Fuse Locations
Circuits Protected
Option
Left Headlight
Door Lock
Right Headlight
ABS F/S
Battery
Ignition 1
Spare Fuses
229
04/07/02 15:47:44 31S9A630 0235
Towing Your Vehicle on page for non-emergency towing
Refer to
Behind a Motorhome
165
information.
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle needs to be towed, call a professional towing service or organization. Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is very dangerous.
The only way you can safely tow your vehicle is with flat-bed equipment. The operator will load your vehicle on the back of a truck. Any other method of towing will damage the drive system. When you contact the towing agency, inform them a flat-bed is required.
On4WDmodels
Towing with only two tires on the ground will damage parts of the 4WD system. It should be transported on a f lat-bed truck or trailer.
230
04/07/02 15:47:48 31S9A630 0236
Technical Information
The diagrams in this section give you the dimensions and capacities of your vehicle, and the locations of the identification numbers. It also includes information you should know about your vehicle’s tires and emissions control systems.
Identification Numbers Specifications DOT Tire Quality Grading
................ ................................
. 232
. 234
(U.S. Vehicles)
......................
. 236
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading Treadwear Traction Temperature
.................................. ................................. ...................................... ............................. .................................
Tire Labeling
. 236
. 236
. 236
. 237
. 238
Emissions Controls ....................... The Clean Air Act ..................... Crankcase Emissions Control .................................... Evaporative Emissions Control ....................................
System
System
Onboard Refueling Vapor
. 239
. 239
. 239
. 239
Recovery
. 239
Exhaust Emissions Controls . 240
. 240
................................ ... ....................
PGM-FI System Ignition Timing Control
System
................................
. 240
Three Way Catalytic
Converter
Replacement Parts
. 240
...........................
....................
. 240
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 241
..............
. 242
State Emissions Testing
231
04/07/02 15:47:53 31S9A630 0237
Identification Numbers
Your vehicle has several identifying numbers located in various places.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the 17-digit number your Honda dealer uses to register your vehicle for warranty purposes. It is also necessary for licensing and insuring your vehicle. The easiest place to find the VIN is on a plate fastened to the top of the dashboard. You can see it by looking through the windshield on the driver’s side. It is also on the Certification label attached to the driver’s doorjamb, and is stamped on the engine compartment bulkhead. The VIN is also provided in bar code on the Certification label.
232
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
CERTIFICATION LABEL
04/07/02 15:47:58 31S9A630 0238
The Engine Number is stamped into the front of the engine block.
The Transmission Number is on a label on top of the transmission.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NUMBER
Identification Numbers
ENGINE NUMBER
MANUAL TRANSMISSION NUMBER
233
04/07/02 15:48:16 31S9A630 0239
Specifications
Dimensions Length
Width Height Wheelbase Track
Front Rear
181.0 in (4,597 mm) 181.8 in (4,617 mm) * 70.2 in (1,782 mm) 66.2 in (1,682 mm) 103.1 in (2,620 mm) 60.4 in (1,533 mm) 60.6 in (1,538 mm)
*
1 : U.S. SE model and Canada EX-L model
Weights Gross vehicle weight rating
Engine Type
Bore x Stroke Displacement Compression ratio Spark plugs
See the certification label attached to the driver’s doorjamb.
Water cooled 4-stroke DOHC
VTEC 4-cylinder gasoline engine 3.43 x 3.90 in (87.0 x 99.0 mm)
144 cu-in (2,354 cm )
9.6 : 1
IZFR6K-11
SKJ20DR-M11
(NGK)
(DENSO)
Capacities Fuel tank
Engine oil
Change *
Approx. 15.3 US gal (58 )
Including filter Without filter
Total
4.4 US qt (4.2 ) 4.2 US qt (4.0 ) 5.6 US qt (5.3 )
234
Capacities Engine coolant
Automatic Transmission
Change * Total
Manual Transmission
Change * Total Change 4WD 2WD
Total
4WD 2WD Change Total
Change Total
U.S. Vehicles Canada Vehicles
Automatic transmission fluid
Manual transmission fluid Rear differential fluid (4WD) Windshield washer reservoir
1.43 US gal (5.4 ) 1.88 US gal (7.1 )
1.45 US gal (5.5 ) 1.90 US gal (7.2 )
3.3 US qt (3.1 ) 3.1 US qt (2.9 )
7.6 US qt (7.2 ) 6.9 US qt (6.5 ) 2.0 US qt (1.9 ) 2.4 US qt (2.3 )
1.1 US qt (1.0 ) 1.3 US qt (1.2 )
2.6 US qt (2.5 ) 4.8 US qt (4.5 )
* *
1 : 2 :
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine. Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine. Reserve tank capacity: 0.16 US gal (0.6 )
04/07/02 15:48:40 31S9A630 0240
Air Conditioning Refrigerant type Charge quantity Lubricant type
High/Low
Lights Headlights Front turn signal Parking lights/side marker lights Rear turn signal lights Stop/Taillights Back-up lights License plate light Ceiling light Spotlights Cargo area Light Rear side marker lights High-mount brake light
Battery Capacity
HFC-134a (R-134a) −
17.0 18.7 oz (480 530 g)
−
SP-10
(H1)
55 W 21 W 3 CP
(Amber)
21 W 21/5 W 21 W 5 W 8 W 4 CP 8 W 3 CP 21 W
12 V 12 V 12 V
12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V
− − −
− − − − − − − − −
12 V 12 V
− −
36 AH/5 HR 45 AH/20 HR
Specifications
See page 228 or the fuse label attached to the inside of the fuse box door under the steering column. See page 229 or the fuse box cover.
Front Rear Front Rear Front
0.0 in (0 mm)
0.08 in (2.0 mm)
0° 1° − 1°45’
Front/Rear Front Rear
215/65R16 98T
29 psi (200 kPa , 2.0 kgf/cm ) 29 psi (200 kPa , 2.0 kgf/cm )
Fuses Interior
Under-hood
Alignment Toe-in
Camber
Caster
Tires Size Pressure
235
04/07/02 15:48:49 31S9A630 0241
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
Treadwear The treadwear grade is a compara- tive rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one- half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual condi- tions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and differences in road characteristics and climate.
The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these gradings.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and the maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.
236
−
AA, A, B, C
Traction The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
04/07/02 15:48:54 31S9A630 0242
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
−
A, B, C
Temperature The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not over- loaded. Excessive speed, underinfla- tion, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
237
04/07/02 15:49:12 31S9A630 0243
Tire Labeling
The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you should be aware of are described below.
TireSize Whenever tires are replaced, they should be replaced with tires of the same size. The following is an example of tire size with an explanation of what each component means.
98
−
Load index (a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry).
−
Speed symbol (an alphabetical code indicating the maximum speed rating).
TireIdentificationNumber Tire Identification Number (TIN) is a group of numbers and letters that look like the following example TIN.
215/65R16 98T
DOT B97R FW6X 2202
MaximumTirePressure Max Press pressure the tire can hold.
The maximum air
−
MaximumTireLoad Max Load tire can carry at maximum air pressure.
−
The maximum load the
215
−
Tire width in millimeters.
DOT
−
65
−
Aspect ratio (the tire’s section height as a percentage of its width).
−
Tire construction code (R indicates radial).
16
−
Rim diameter in inches.
238
This indicates that the tire meets all requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
B97R
−
Manufacturer’s identification mark.
FW6X
−
Tire type code.
2202
−
Date of manufacture.
04/07/02 15:49:22 31S9A630 0244
The burning of gasoline in your vehicle’s engine produces several by- products. Some of these are carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC). Gasoline evaporating from the tank also produces hydrocarbons. Con- trolling the production of NOx, CO, and HC is important to the environ- ment. Under certain conditions of sunlight and climate, NOx and HC react to form photochemical ‘‘smog.’’ Carbon monoxide does not contri- bute to smog creation, but it is a poisonous gas.
*
The Clean Air Act
The United States Clean Air Act
sets standards for automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to
owners how their emissions controls
work and what to do to maintain
them. This section summarizes how
the emissions controls work.
Scheduled maintenance is on page
175
*
In Canada, Honda vehicles comply
with the Canadian emission requirements, as specified in an agreement with Environment Canada, at the time they are manufactured.
Crankcase Emissions Control System Your vehicle has a positive crankcase ventilation system. This keeps gasses that build up in the engine’s crankcase from going into the atmosphere. The positive
Emissions Controls
crankcase ventilation valve routes them from the crankcase back to the intake manifold. They are then drawn into the engine and burned.
Evaporative Emissions Control System As gasoline evaporates in the fuel tank, an evaporative emissions control canister filled with charcoal adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this canister while the engine is off. After the engine is started and warmed up, the vapor is drawn into the engine and burned during driving.
Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery The onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system captures the fuel vapors during refueling. The vapors are adsorbed in a canister filled with activated carbon. While driving, the fuel vapors are drawn into the engine and burned off.
239
04/07/02 15:49:33 31S9A630 0245
Emissions Controls
Exhaust Emissions Controls The exhaust emissions controls include three systems: PGM-FI, ignition timing control, and three way catalytic converter. These three systems work together to control the engine’s combustion and minimize the amount of HC, CO, and NOx that comes out the tailpipe. The exhaust emissions control systems are separate from the crankcase and evaporative emissions control systems.
PGM-FISystem The PGM-FI System uses sequential multiport fuel injection. It has three subsystems: air intake, engine control, and fuel control. The powertrain control module (PCM) in automatic transmission vehicles or the engine control module (ECM) in manual transmission vehicles uses various sensors to determine how much air is going into the engine. It then controls how much fuel to inject under all operating conditions.
IgnitionTimingControlSystem This system constantly adjusts the ignition timing, reducing the amount of HC, CO, and NOx produced.
Replacement Parts The emissions control systems are designed and certified to work to- gether in reducing emissions to levels that comply with the Clean Air Act. To make sure the emissions remain low, you should use only new Honda replacement parts or their equivalent for repairs. Using lower quality parts may increase the emissions from your vehicle.
The emissions control systems are covered by warranties separate from the rest of your vehicle. Read your warranty manual for more informa- tion.
ThreeWayCatalyticConverter The three way catalytic converter is in the exhaust system. Through chemical reactions, it converts HC, CO, and NOx in the engine’s exhaust to carbon dioxide (CO ), nitrogen (N ), and water vapor.
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The three way catalytic converter contains precious metals that serve as catalysts, promoting chemical reactions to convert the exhaust gasses without affecting the metals. The catalytic converter is referred to as a three-way catalyst, since it acts on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement unit must be an original Honda part or its equivalent.
The three way catalytic converter must operate at a high temperature for the chemical reactions to take place. It can set on fire any com- bustible materials that come near it. Park your vehicle away from high grass, dry leaves, or other flamma- bles.
Three Way Catalytic Converter
Keep the engine tuned-up.
Have your vehicle diagnosed and repaired if it is misfiring, back- firing, stalling, or otherwise not running properly.
THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER
A defective three way catalytic converter contributes to air pollution, and can impair your engine’s per- formance. Follow these guidelines to protect your vehicle’s three way catalytic converter.
Always use unleaded gasoline. Even a small amount of leaded gasoline can contaminate the catalyst metals, making the three way catalytic converter ineffective.
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State Emissions Testing
Testing of Readiness Codes If you take your vehicle for a state emissions test shortly after the battery has been disconnected or gone dead, it may not pass the test. This is because of certain ‘‘readiness codes’’ that must be set in the on- board diagnostics for the emissions systems. These codes are erased when the battery is disconnected, and set again only after several days of driving under a variety of conditions.
If the testing facility determines that the readiness codes are not set, you will be requested to return at a later date to complete the test. If you must get the vehicle re-tested within the next two or three days, you can condition the vehicle for retesting by doing the following.
Make sure the gas tank is nearly, but not completely, full (around 3/4).
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Make sure the vehicle has been
parked with the engine off for 8
hours or more.
Make sure the ambient temperature is between 20° and 95°F.
Without touching the accelerator pedal, start the engine, and let it idle for 20 seconds.
Keep the vehicle in Park
(automatic transmission) or
Neutral (manual transmission).
Increase the engine speed to 2,000
rpm, and hold it there until the
temperature gauge rises to at least
1/4 of the scale (about 3 minutes).
Select a nearby lightly traveled
major highway where you can
maintain a speed of 50 to 60 mph
(80 to 97 km/h) for at least 20
minutes. Drive on the highway in
D (A/T) or 5th (M/T). Do not use
the cruise control. When traffic
allows, drive for 90 seconds
without moving the accelerator
pedal. (Vehicle speed may vary
slightly; this is okay.) If you cannot
do this for a continuous 90
seconds because of traffic
conditions, drive for at least 30
seconds, then repeat it two more
times (for a total of 90 seconds).
Then drive in city/suburban traffic for at least 10 minutes. When traffic conditions allow, let the vehicle coast for several seconds without using the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal.
If the testing facility determines the readiness codes are still not set, see your dealer.
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Warranty and Customer Relations
Customer Service
Information
Warranty Coverages Reporting Safety Defects
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(U.S. Vehicles)
Authorized Manuals
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Customer Service Information
Canadian Owners:
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
RELATIONS AVEC LA CLIENTÈLE
Honda Canada Inc.
715 Milner Avenue
Toronto, ON
M1B 2K8
Tel: 1-888-9-HONDA-9
Fax: Toll-free 1-877-939-0909
Toronto (416) 287-4776
In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands:
Bella International
P.O. Box 190816
San Juan, PR 00919-0816
Tel: (787) 250-4327
Honda dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should be able to answer all your questions. If you encounter a problem that your dealership does not solve to your satisfaction, please discuss it with the dealership’s management. The service manager or general manager can help. Almost all problems are solved in this way.
If you are dissatisfied with the decision made by the dealership’s management, contact your Honda Customer Service Office.
U.S. Owners:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Customer Service
Mail Stop 500-2N-7A
1919 Torrance Boulevard
Torrance, California 90501-2746
Tel: (800) 999-1009