Accord Wagon 1995 PDF

1995 Accord Wagon Online Reference Owner's Manual
Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference.
For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com.
Contents
Owner's Identification Form
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety................................................................................................................. ii
Driver and Passenger Safety .............................................................................................................. 3
Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls................................................................................................................. 27
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features .............................................................................................. . 59
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving................................................................................................................................. . . 77
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving .............................................................................................................................................. . 87
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance ..................................................................................................................................... 103
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer.
Appearance Care.............................................................................................................................. 145
Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected ...................................................................................................... 151
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information..................................................................................................................... 171
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada) ................................................................ 181
A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...................................................................................................... 187
How to order manuals and other technical literature.
Index...................................................................................................................................................... I
Gas Station Information
Information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.
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Introduction
Congratulations! Your selection of a 1995 Honda Accord Wagon was a wise investment. It will give you years of
driving pleasure.
To enhance the enjoyment of your new car, take time to study this manual. In it, you will learn about your car's
many conveniences and useful features. Following the service interval and maintenance recommendations will
help keep your driving trouble-free while preserving your investment.
Keep this owner's manual in your car so you can refer to it at any time. Please make sure the manual stays
with the car if you sell it. The next owner will find it just as helpful.
Several other booklets in the glove box explain the warranties that protect your Honda. We suggest you read
them carefully so you understand the coverages and the responsibilities of ownership.
When your car needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda dealer's service staff is specially
trained in the service and maintenance of the many systems unique to your Honda. Your Honda dealer is
dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns.
Preface

Safety Messages
Your safety and the safety of others is very important. We have provided You will also see another
many important safety messages in this manual and on the vehicle. Please important symbol:
read these messages carefully.
A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or NOTICE
others. Each safety message is preceded by a safety alert symbol and one Your Honda or other
of three words, DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION. These mean: property can be damaged if
you don't follow instructions.
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT
The purpose of these
if you don't follow instructions.
messages is to help prevent
damage to your Accord,
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT other property, or the
if you don't follow instructions. environment.
You CAN be HURT if you don't follow

instructions.
Each safety message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and what
you can do to avoid or reduce injury.
Preface

Driver and Passenger Safety
This section gives you important Advice for Pregnant Women 9 Important Safety
information about occupant Seat Belt Maintenance . . . . 10 Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
protection. It shows how to use Supplemental Restraint General Guidelines for
seat belts properly. It explains System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Restraining Children
the Supplemental Restraint SRS Components . . . . . . . . 11 Under 40 Ib (18 kg) . . . . . . 19
System that is standard in Restraining an Infant
What Happens in a Crash . . 1 1
Accords. And it gives useful Who Weighs Less Than
Important Facts About 20 Ib (9 kg) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
information about how to
protect infants and children in Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Restraining a Child Who
your car. How the Driver's Weighs Between 20 and
Airbag Works . . . . . . . . . . . 12 40 Ib (9 and 18 kg) . . . . . . . 20
How the Passenger's Restraining a Child Who
Your Occupant Protection
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Airbag Works . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Weighs Over 40 Ib
How the SRS (18 kg) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The Seat Belt System Using a Seat Belt
Indicator Light Works . . . . 14
and How It Works . . . . . . . . . . . 5
System Service . . . . . . . . . . . 1 5 Locking Clip . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Why Wear Seat Belts . . . . . . . 5
System Service Precautions 15 Using Child Restraints
Important Safety Reminders 5
Additional Safety Information 16 With Tethers . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Seat Belt System
Seat-Back Position . . . . . . . . 16 Storing a Child Seat . . . . . . . 23
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Head Restraint Position . . . 16 Carbon Monoxide Hazard . . . . 24
Lap/Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . 6
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Safety Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Storing Cargo Safely . . . . . . 16
Wearing Seat Belts Properly 7
Wearing a Lap/ Driving With Pets . . . . . . . . . 1 7
Shoulder B e l t . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Child Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7
Wearing the Lap Belt . . . . . . . 9 Where Should Children Sit? 18

Your Occupant Protection System
Your Honda is equipped with supplemental restraint system Infants or small children are
seat belts and other features that (see page 14). properly secured in a child
work together to protect you and safety seat (see page 18).
your passengers during a crash. The seats, head restraints, and All doors and the tailgate are
door locks also play a role in closed and locked (see page 16).
Seat belts are the most occupant safety. For example,
Seat-backs are upright and
important part of your occupant reclining the seat-back can
protection system. When worn decrease the effectiveness of head restraints are properly
properly, seat belts can reduce your seat belt. Head restraints adjusted (see pages 16 and 49).
the chance of serious injury or can help protect your neck and There are no loose items that
death in a crash. head, especially during rear-end could be thrown around and
impacts. Door locks help keep hurt someone during a crash
For added protection during a your doors from being or sudden stop (see page 16).
severe frontal collision, your accidentally opened during
Accord has a Supplemental a crash. By following these guidelines,
Restraint System (SRS) with a you can reduce injuries to
driver's airbag and a front To get the maximum protection yourself and your passengers in
passenger's airbag. from your occupant protection many crash situations.
system, check the following Remember, however, that no
Two indicator lights are also part before you drive away: safety system can prevent all
of your safety system. One injuries or deaths that can occur
Everyone in the car is wearing
reminds you to make sure you in severe crashes.
and your passengers wear your a seat belt properly (see
seat belts. The other alerts you page 7).
to a possible problem with your

The Seat Belt System and How It Works
Why Wear Seat Belts Two people should never use the
Wearing seat belts and wearing same seat belt. If they do, they
them properly is fundamental to could be very seriously injured
your safety and the safety of Not wearing a seat belt in a crash.
your passengers. increases the chance of being
killed or seriously hurt in a Do not place the shoulder
During a crash or emergency crash. portion of a lap/shoulder belt
stop, seat belts can help keep under your arm or behind your
you from being thrown against Be sure you and your back. This could increase the
the inside of the car, against passengers always wear seat chance of serious injuries in a
other occupants, or out of the belts and wear them properly. crash.
car.
Do not put shoulder belt pads or
Of course, seat belts cannot other accessories on seat belts.
completely protect you in every They can reduce the
Important Safety Reminders effectiveness of the belts and
crash. But, in most cases, seat
Seat belts are designed for adults increase the chance of injury.
belts reduce your chance of
serious injury. They can even and larger children. All infants
save your life. That is why many and small children must be
states and all Canadian properly restrained in child Seat Belt System Components
provinces require you to wear safety seats (see page 17).
Your Honda has seat belts in all
seat belts. five seating positions. The front
A pregnant woman needs to
wear a seat belt to protect seats and the outside positions
herself and her unborn child of the rear seat have lap/shoulder
(see page 9).
continued

belts. The center position of the Each lap/shoulder belt has an Lap Belt
rear seat has a lap belt. emergency locking retractor. In The lap belt has one manually
normal driving, the retractor lets adjusted belt that fits across the
Your seat belt system also you move freely in your seat hips. It is similar to safety belts
includes a light on the while it keeps some tension on used in airplanes.
instrument panel to remind you the belt. During a collision or
to fasten your seat belt and to sudden stop, the retractor BUCKLE
make sure your passengers automatically locks the belt to
fasten theirs. This light comes on help restrain your body.
when you turn on the ignition if
you have not fastened your seat UPPER SEAT
BELT ANCHOR
belt. A beeper also sounds for
several seconds (see page 30).
To retractor.
The following pages cover more SHOULDER
about the seat belt components PORTION LAP
PORTION
and how they work.
LATCH
PLATE
LATCH PLATE
Lap/Shoulder Belt
This style of seat belt has a BUCKLE
single belt that goes over your
shoulder, across your chest and
across your hips.

Wearing Seat Belts Properly allowing you to maintain full 2. Check to see that the belt is
You can increase the effective- control of the vehicle. Make sure not twisted.
ness of your seat belts if you take the seat-back is upright (see 3. Position the lap portion of
a little time to read the following page 16). The front seat the belt as low as possible
pages and make sure you know passenger should move the seat across your hips, not across
how to wear seat belts properly. as far back as possible. your stomach. This lets your
1. Pull the latch plate across strong pelvic bones take the
your body, and insert it into force of a crash.
the buckle. Tug on the belt to
make sure the latch is securely
Not wearing a seat belt properly locked.
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash.
Be sure you and your

passengers always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt

Before putting on the seat belt,
move the driver's seat back as
far as is practical while still
continued

4. Pull up on the shoulder part Front seats: Adjust the belt To unlatch the seat belt, push
of the belt to remove any anchor by squeezing the two the red PRESS button on the
slack. Make sure the belt buttons and sliding the buckle. Guide the belt across your
goes over your collarbone anchor downward (it has four body to the door pillar. After you
and across your chest. positions). exit the vehicle, make sure the
seat belt is out of the way and
will not get closed in the door.
5. If the shoulder belt crosses Rear seats: Move toward the

your neck, you need to adjust center of the seat until the
the belt anchor height or belts fits over your
your seating position. collarbone.
Driver and Passenger Safety AOM 16441-16968 (9501)

Wearing the Lap Belt 2. Position the belt so it fits as To unlatch the belt, push the red
1. Pull the latch plate across low as possible across your PRESS button on the buckle.
your hips, and insert it into hips and pelvic bones, not
the buckle marked CENTER. across your stomach. Pull the
loose end of the belt to adjust
for a snug but comfortable fit.
Advice for Pregnant Women

If the belt is too short, hold Protecting the mother is the best
the latch plate at a right way to protect her unborn child.
angle, and pull to extend the Therefore, a pregnant woman
belt. Insert the latch plate should wear a properly
into the buckle. positioned seat belt whenever
she drives or rides in a car.
continued

The Seat Belt System and How It Works, Supplemental Restraint System
If possible, use the lap/shoulder Seat Belt Maintenance Supplemental Restraint System
seat belt, remembering to keep For safety, you should check the Your Accord is equipped with a
the lap portion as low as condition of your seat belts Supplemental Restraint System
possible (see page 7). regularly. (SRS) to help protect the head
and chest of the driver and a
Pull out each belt fully and look front seat passenger during a
for frays, cuts, burns, and wear. severe frontal collision.
Check to see that the latches
work smoothly and the This system does not replace your
lap/shoulder belts retract easily. seat belts. It supplements, or
Any belt not in good condition or adds to, the protection offered
not working properly should be by seat belts and other occupant
replaced. protection features.
If a seat belt is worn during a

crash, have your dealer replace
the belt and check the anchors
for damage. Not wearing a seat belt properly
Each time you have a check-up, increases the chance of serious
ask your doctor if it's okay for For information on how to clean injury or death in a crash.
you to drive and how you should your seat belts, see page 148.
position a lap/shoulder seat belt. Be sure you and your
passengers always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.

Supplemental Restraint System
SRS Components What Happens in a Crash After inflating, the airbags will
Your supplement restraint If you ever have a severe frontal immediately deflate. The entire
system includes: collision, the sensors will detect process, from detection to
rapid deceleration and signal the deflation, takes a fraction of a
One airbag in the steering control unit to instantly inflate second. This process occurs so
wheel for the driver and the airbags. quickly that you may not hear
another in the dashboard for the loud noise created by the
the passenger. During a crash, your seat belts airbag inflators or realize what
Sensors that can detect a will help to restrain your lower has happened.
severe frontal collision. body and torso. The airbags will
provide a cushion to absorb After the crash, you may see
A sophisticated electronic what looks like smoke. This is
system that continually crash energy and help keep the
head and chest of the driver and actually powder from the
monitors the sensors, control airbag's surface. People with
front passenger from striking the
unit, airbag activators, and all interior of the car. respiratory problems may
related wiring when the experience some temporary
ignition is ON (II). discomfort from the chemicals
An indicator light on the used by the airbag's activators.
instrument panel to alert you
to a possible problem with the
system.
Emergency backup power in
case your car's electrical
system is disconnected in a
crash.

Important Facts Airbags inflate and deflate only undercarriage, may not cause
About Airbags once. They cannot protect you extensive body damage but may
during any additional impacts cause the airbags to inflate.
Airbags inflate only when
needed; in a severe frontal that occur during a crash
collision. A severe collision sequence.
would be similar to a crash into a How the Driver's
Injuries, including fatal injuries, Airbag Works
parked car at 25 mph. Airbags
can occur in a severe collision,
will not inflate in a moderate If you ever have a severe frontal
even if seat belts are worn
frontal collision, or during a rear collision, your airbag will
properly and the airbags inflate.
impact, side impact, or rollover - instantly inflate to help protect
No safety system can provide
even if the impact is severe. your head and chest.
complete protection in a severe
crash.
FRONTAL COLLISION RANGE
Just from viewing the vehicle
damage after a crash, it is very
difficult to accurately determine
if the airbags should or should
not have inflated. In some cases
where the airbag did not inflate,
extensive visible damage
indicated that the car absorbed
much of the crash energy, and
the airbags were not needed. In
other cases, a severe jolt, such
as an impact to the

To do its job, the airbag inflates After the bag completely inflates, The total time for inflating and
with considerable force. So, it immediately starts deflating so deflating is a fraction of a
while it can reduce serious it won't interfere with your second. You may not even be
injuries and even save your life, visibility, ability to steer, or aware that the airbag has been
the airbag might cause some ability to operate other controls. fully inflated.
facial abrasions or other injuries.
To reduce the possibility of The airbag is stored in the center
injury, you should always sit as of the steering wheel. For safety,
far from the steering wheel as do not attach any items to the
practical while still maintaining steering wheel. They could
full vehicle control. interfere with the proper
operation of the airbag. Or, if the
airbag inflates, the items could
be propelled inside the car and
hurt someone.

How the Passenger's Front seat passengers should place any objects on top of this
Airbag Works move the seat as far back as lid. If the airbag inflates, those
If you have a severe frontal practical and sit well back in the objects can be propelled inside
collision, the passenger's airbag seat. the car and possibly hurt
will inflate at the same time as someone.
We strongly recommend that you
the driver's airbag.
do not put an infant seat in the
front passenger's seat. If the
airbag inflates, it can hit the S R S How the SRS Indicator
infant with great force. The infant
Light Works
seat can be dislodged or struck The purpose of the SRS light
with enough force to cause on your instrument panel is
serious injury to the infant. to alert you to a potential
problem with your supplemental
If a toddler seat is used in the restraint system.
front passenger's seat, the
vehicle seat should be moved as Have the system checked if:
far back as possible. If the The light does not come on
passenger bag inflates, it could when you turn the ignition
seriously hurt a toddler who is ON (II).
This airbag is quite large and not in the proper position or The light stays on after the
inflates with considerable force. properly restrained. engine starts.
It can seriously hurt a front seat
The passenger's airbag is stored The light comes on or flashes
passenger who is not in the
near the top of the dashboard, while you are driving.
proper position and wearing the
seat belt properly. under a lid marked SRS. Do not

System Service When the car is 10 years old. personal injury or damage to the
Your supplemental restraint Have the dealer inspect the system.
system is virtually maintenance- system. The production date
free. There are no parts you can is on the driver's doorjamb for Scrapping an entire car that has
safely service. your convenience. uninflated airbags can be
dangerous. Get assistance from a
You must have the system Honda dealer if your car must
System Service Precautions be scrapped.
serviced by an authorized Honda
dealer: Do not modify your steering
wheel or any other part of the If you sell your car, please be
If your airbags ever inflate. The supplemental restraint system. sure to tell the new owner that
airbags and control unit must Modifications could make the the car has a supplemental
be replaced. Do not try to system ineffective. restraint system. Alert them to
remove or discard the airbags the information and precautions
Do not tamper with the system's in this part of the Owner's
by yourself. This must be
components or wiring. This Manual.
done by a Honda dealer. could cause the airbags to inflate
If the SRS indicator light alerts inadvertently, possibly injuring
you of a problem. Have the someone very seriously.
supplemental restraint system
checked as soon as possible. Tell anyone who works on your
Otherwise, your airbags might car that you have a supplemental
not inflate when you need restraint system. Failure to
them. follow the procedures and
precautions in the official Honda
service manual could result in

Additional Safety Information
The seat belts and airbags are For information on how to adjust Door Locks
obviously important parts of the seat-back, see page 48. It is not safe to leave your car
your occupant protection doors unlocked. A passenger,
system. especially a child, could open a
Head Restraint Position
In addition, you should know door and accidentally fall out.
Head restraints can help protect
that sitting upright, adjusting the Also, there is a greater chance of
you from whiplash and other
head restraint properly, locking being thrown out of the car
injuries. For the best protection,
the doors, and stowing things during a crash when the doors
adjust the top of the restraint so
properly can also increase your are not locked.
it is even with the tops of your
safety and possibly even save ears, or as high as possible. For
your life. instructions on adjusting the
head restraints, see page 49. Storing Cargo Safely
Before you drive, make sure you
Seat-Back Position first securely store or tie down
The seat-backs should be in an any items that could be thrown
upright position for you and around the car and hurt
your passengers to get the most someone or interfere with your
protection from the seat belts.
ability to operate the controls.
If you recline a seat-back, you
reduce the protective capability Do not put any items on top of
of your seat belt. The farther a the tonneau cover. They can
seat-back is reclined, the greater block your view, and they could
the risk that you will slide under be thrown about the car in a
the belt in a severe crash and be crash.
very seriously injured.

Additional Safety Information, Child Safety
Be sure to keep compartment harness. This harness can be Child Safety

doors closed when the car is secured to the rear seat with a Children depend on adults to
moving. If a front passenger hits seat belt. Travel harnesses are protect them. To help make sure
the door of an open glove box, available at pet stores. we do, every state and Canadian
for example, he could injure his province has laws requiring
knees. A small dog, eat, or other small infants and young children to be
animal will be safest in a pet properly restrained whenever
For information on loading carrier with rigid sides. Choose a they ride in a car.
cargo, see page 84. style that allows you to secure it
to the car's seat by routing a seat
belt through the carrier's handle.
Driving With Pets
Loose pets can be a hazard while For further information, contact An infant or child who is not
you are driving. An unrestrained your veterinarian or local animal properly restrained can be killed
pet can interfere with your protection society. or seriously injured in a crash.
ability to drive the car. In a crash
or sudden stop, loose pets or Be sure any child too small for
cages can be thrown around seat belts is properly secured in
inside the car and hurt you or a child restraint.
your passengers. It is also for
their safety that pets should be
properly restrained in your car.
The recommended way to

restrain a medium-sized or larger
dog is with a special traveling

Child Safety
Where Should Children Sit? We strongly recommend that you Important Safety Reminders
According to accident statistics, do not put an infant seat in the Never hold a baby or child on
children of all sizes and ages are front passenger's seat. If the your lap when riding in a car. If
safer when they are properly airbag inflates, it can hit the you are wearing your seat belt,
restrained in the rear seat rather infant with great force. The the violent forces created during
than the front seat. infant seat can be dislodged or a crash will tear the child from
struck with enough force to your arms. The child could be
cause very serious injury to the seriously hurt or killed.
infant.
If you are holding a child and not
If a toddler seat is used in the wearing a seat belt in a crash,
front passenger's seat, the you could crush the child against
vehicle seat should be moved as the car's interior.
far back as possible. If the
passenger bag inflates, it could Never put your seat belt over
seriously hurt a toddler who is yourself and a child. During a
not in the proper position or crash, the belt could press deep
properly restrained. into the child causing serious
internal injuries.
We also recommend that any
We recommend that, whenever child who is too large to use an Two children should never use
possible, you secure your child's infant or toddler seat ride in one the same seat belt. If they do,
infant or toddler seat in the of the outside positions of the they could be very seriously
center position of the rear seat rear seat. The child should then injured in a crash.
with the lap belt. wear the lap/shoulder belt
properly for protection.

Child Safety
If your are driving with small Check the seat's instructions and Restraining an Infant
children in the car, you should labels for height and weight Who Weighs Less Than
use the childproof door locks to limits. 20 lb (9 kg)
prevent them from opening the
rear doors (see page 46). Secure the child seat to the car. All An infant up to about 20 Ib (9 kg)
approved child seats are must be restrained in an infant
For their safety, do not leave designed to be secured in the car seat or a convertible seat
children alone in your car seat by the lap belt or the lap designed for a baby. Because
without adult supervision. belt portion of a lap/shoulder infants must ride in a reclining
belt. A child whose seat is not position, be sure the infant seat
properly secured to the car can always faces the REAR of the car
General Guidelines for be endangered in a crash. as shown.
Restraining Children Under
To properly route a seat belt
40 Ib (18kg) through a child seat, follow the
Use an approved child seat. The seat-maker's instructions. If you
seat must meet Federal Motor use a lap/shoulder belt, be sure
Vehicle Safety Standard 213 you install a locking clip on the
(FMVSS-213) or Canadian Motor belt (see page 21).
Vehicle Safety Standards. Look
for the manufacturer's statement Secure the child in the child seat.
of compliance on the box and Make sure the infant or child is
seat. firmly secured to the child seat.
Use the straps provided, and
Use a seat of the right size. Make carefully follow the
sure the seat fits your child. manufacturer's instructions.
continued

Child Safety
We recommend that, whenever Restraining a Child Who If you decide to put a toddler
possible, you put the infant seat Weighs Between 20 and seat in any other seating
in the center position of the rear position, you must use a locking
seat and secure it to the car with
40 lb (9 and 18 kg) clip on the car's lap/shoulder
the lap belt. Toddler seats are designed for belt (see page 21).
children who weigh between 20
If you decide to put an infant and 40 Ib (9 and 18kg). If you are using a toddler seat in
seat in any other seating the front passenger's seat, move
position, you must use a locking The preferred place to put a the passenger's seat as far back
clip on the car's lap/shoulder toddler seat is in the center as possible before installing the
belt (see page 21). position of the rear seat. Use the child seat. If the passenger bag
car's lap belt to secure the seat inflates, it could seriously hurt a
We strongly recommend that you to the car. toddler who is not in the proper
do not put an infant seat in the position or properly restrained.
front passenger's seat. If the
airbag inflates, it can hit the
infant with great force. The Restraining a Child Who
infant seat can be dislodged or Weighs Over 40 Ib (18 kg)
struck with enough force to
We recommend that, whenever
cause serious injury to the
possible, a child who has
infant.
outgrown a toddler seat ride in
one of the outside positions of
the rear seat and use a
lap/shoulder belt.

Child Safety
Put the lap/shoulder belt on your neck, you should use a booster To install a locking clip, do the
child and check its fit. The seat. following:
shoulder belt should fit over 1. Place the child restraint in
the collarbone and across the Several styles of booster seats
are available. We recommend a the desired position. Route
chest. The lap belt should sit low the lap/shoulder belt through
on your child's hips, not across design that allows the child to
use the car's lap/shoulder belt. the restraint according to
the stomach. the seat manufacturer's
Whichever style you select, instructions.
follow the booster seat
2. Insert the latch plate into the
manufacturer's instructions.
buckle. Pull on the shoulder
part of the belt to make sure
Using a Seat Belt
there is no slack in the lap
Locking Clip portion.
Always use a seat belt locking
clip when you secure a child seat 3. Tightly grasp the belt near
to your car with a lap/shoulder the latch plate. Pinch both
belt. This helps prevent the seat parts of the belt together so
from shifting position or they won't slip through the
overturning. latch plate. Unbuckle the seat
belt.
If the shoulder belt crosses the A locking clip is usually included
neck, have your child move with the child seat. If you need a
toward the center of the rear clip, contact the seat's
seat until the belt fits properly. If manufacturer or a store that sells
the belt still crosses the child's child restraints.
continued

Child Safety
4. Install the locking clip as Using Child Restraints If you are not sure how to install
shown. Position the clip as With Tethers the bracket, have it installed by
close as possible to the your authorized Honda dealer.
Your Honda has three attach-
latch plate. ment points for tether-style child If you need an anchor plate and
seats. Two are on the floor mounting hardware, you can
behind each rear seat. A third obtain them by writing to:
attachment point is at the head-
liner at the tailgate opening. To American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
access, remove the plug cap. Consumer Affairs
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
5. Insert the latch plate into the

buckle. Push and pull on the
child seat to verify that it is
TETHER
held firmly in place. If it is ATTACHMENT
not, repeat these steps until POINTS
the restraint is secure.

Child Safety
Canadian Cars Storing a Child Seat

The anchor plate and mounting When you are not using an infant
hardware for a top tether are seat or other child restraint,
supplied with the car. When either remove it or make sure it
installing, make sure the toothed is properly secured so it cannot
washer is on the bottom of the be thrown around the car during
bolt. a crash.
TOOTHED
WASHER
The supplied anchor plate is

designed only for mounting a
child restraint. Do not use it for
any other purpose.

Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Your car's exhaust contains drive with the tailgate open,

carbon monoxide gas. You open all the windows and set the
should have no problem with heating and cooling system as
carbon monoxide entering the Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. shown below.
car in normal driving if you Breathing it can cause
maintain your car properly. unconsciousness and can even If you must sit in your parked
Have the exhaust system kill you. car, even in an unconfined area,
inspected for leaks whenever: with the engine running, adjust
Avoid any enclosed areas or the heating and cooling system
The car is raised for an oil activities that expose you to as follows:
change. Carbon monoxide.
You notice a change in the 1. Push the button.
sound of the exhaust.
The car was in an accident High levels of carbon monoxide 2. Select the mode.
that may have damaged the can collect rapidly in enclosed 3. Turn the fan on high speed.
underside. areas, such as a garage. Do not
run the engine with the garage 4. Set the temperature control
door closed. Even with the door to a comfortable setting.
open, run the engine only long
enough to move the car out of
the garage.
With the tailgate open, air flow

can pull exhaust gas into your
car's interior and create a
hazardous condition. If you must

Safety Labels
These labels are in the locations

shown. They warn you of
potential hazards that could
cause serious injury. Read these
labels carefully, and don't
remove them.
If a label comes off or becomes

hard to read, contact your Honda
dealer for a replacement.

Instruments and Controls
This section gives information Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Seat Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . 48

about the controls and displays Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . 37 Front Seat Adjustments . . . 48
that contribute to the daily Rear Window Driver's Seat Power
operation of your Honda. All the Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . 38 Height Adjustment . . . . . . 49
essential controls are within easy Windshield Washers . . . . . . 38 Driver's Lumbar Support .. 49
reach. Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . 49
Rear Window Defogger . . . . 39 Folding Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . 50
Control Locations . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Steering Wheel Adjustment 40 Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . 50
Indicator Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 40 Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Moonroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Ignition Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Trip Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . 45 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Digital C l o c k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . 34 Remote Transmitter . . . . . . 45 Beverage Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Maintenance Required Childproof Door Locks . . . . 46 Console Compartment....... 56
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Coin Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Controls Near the Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Daytime Running Lights . . . 36 Interior Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Instrument Panel Courtesy Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Control Locations
HOOD RELEASE HANDLE HEATING/COOLING

DIGITAL CLOCK CONTROL
HORN AUDIO SYSTEM
DOOR
LOCK
MIRROR
CONTROLS
POWER
WINDOW
SWITCH
FUEL FILL
DOOR
RELEASE

Indicator Lights
The instrument panel has many

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
indicators to give you important
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
SYSTEM INDICATOR information about your car.
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SEAT BELT REMINDER
SYSTEM INDICATOR* LIGHT
Lamp Check
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR CRUISE CONTROL Many of the indicator lights
INDICATOR come on when you turn the
LOW OIL
PRESSURE ignition switch ON (II), allowing
INDICATOR
you to see that they are working.
If an indicator does not light
during this test, it cannot alert
you if that system develops a
problem. Have the dealer check
your car for burned-out bulbs or
other problems.
* The U.S. EX instrument panel

is shown. Differences for the
Canadian model are noted in
DOOR AND BRAKE LOW FUEL the text.
LAMP MONITOR INDICATOR
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP/

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT* ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM INDICATOR*
U.S. EX WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHOWN

Indicator Lights
Seat Belt Reminder Low Oil 2. It can indicate the brake fluid
Light Pressure Indicator level is low if it remains lit
This indicator lights when you The engine can be severely after you release the parking
turn the ignition ON (II). It is a damaged if this light comes on brake or conies on while
reminder to you and your when the engine is running. For driving. This is normally due
passengers to protect yourselves complete information, see page to worn brake pads. Have
by fastening the seat belts. A 162. your dealer check the
beeper also sounds if you have braking system for worn pads
not fastened your seat belt. or fluid leaks.
If you do not fasten your seat U.S. Canada Parking Brake

and Brake Supplemental
belt, the beeper will stop after a BRAKE
few seconds but the light stays System SRS Restraint System
on until you do. Both the light Indicator Light Indicator
and the beeper stay off if you The SRS light normally comes on
fasten your seat belt before This light has two functions: for a few seconds when you turn
turning on the ignition. the ignition ON (II). If it doesn't,
1. It lights as a reminder that or it stays on after the engine
you have set the parking starts, something is wrong with
Charging brake. Driving with the the Supplemental Restraint
parking brake set can System. It may also flash on and
System Indicator damage the brakes and tires, off to indicate a problem.
The battery in not being charged and cause the anti-lock brake
if this light comes on when the system to turn off on cars
engine is running. equipped with ABS.

Indicator Lights
If you see any of these If it does not go off, or comes Door and Brake Lamp
indications, the airbags may not back on again while driving, take Monitor
work when needed in an the car to your dealer to have it
accident. Take the car to your checked. With the light on, your
dealer promptly for diagnosis car still has normal braking
and service. ability but no anti-lock.
U.S.
Anti-Lock Brake U.S.: Malfunction
ABS Indicator Lamp
System (ABS) The appropriate light comes on
Canada Indicator in this display if the tailgate or
Canada: Check any door is not closed tightly. If a
Engine Light brake lamp (except for the
This light comes on for a few high-mount stoplight) does not
On cars equipped with ABS seconds when you turn the work, the BRAKE LAMP
ignition switch ON (II). If it indicator comes on when you
This light normally comes on
comes on at any other time, it push the brake pedal with the
when you turn the ignition
indicates one of the engine's ignition switch ON (II).
ON (II) and goes off after the
emissions control systems may
engine starts. If it comes on at
have a problem. Turn to A burned out brake light is a
any other time, there is a
page 163 for information about hazard when drivers behind you
problem in the ABS. If this
what to do. cannot tell you are braking. Have
happens, stop the car in a safe
place, and turn off the engine. your brake lights repaired right
Reset the system by restarting away.
the engine. Watch the ABS light.
continued

Indicator Lights
All the lights in the monitor When you turn on the Hazard off if you turn on the headlights
display come on for a few Warning switch, both turn signal or release the parking brake. If it
seconds when you turn the lights blink. All turn signals on comes on at any other time, it
ignition switch ON (II). the outside of the car should means there is a problem with
flash. the DRL. There may also be a
problem with the high beam
Turn Signal headlights.
and Hazard High Beam Indicator
Warning
This light comes on with the CRUISE Cruise Control
Indicators CONTROL Indicator
high beam headlights. See page
The left or right turn signal light
36 for information on the This lights when you set the
blinks when you signal a lane
headlight controls. cruise control. See page 40 for
change or turn. If the light does
not blink or blinks rapidly, it information on operating the
Canada cruise control.
usually means one of the turn Daytime Running
signal bulbs is burned out (see DRL Lights (DRL) Indicator
page 138). Replace it as soon as
possible, since other drivers Canadian models only Low Fuel
cannot see that you are This indicator lights when you Indicator
signaling. turn the ignition ON (II) with the This light comes on as a
headlight switch off and the reminder that you must refuel
parking brake set. It should go soon.

Gauges
TEMPERATURE TACHOMETER ODOMETER SPEEDOMETER FUEL GAUGE Odometer

GAUGE The odometer shows the total
distance your car has been
driven. It measures miles in U.S.
models and kilometers in
Canadian models. It is illegal
under federal law (in the U.S.)
and provincial regulations (in
Canada) to disconnect, reset, or
alter the odometer with the
intent to change the number of
miles or kilometers indicated.
MAINTENANCE TRIP TRIP METER
REQUIRED INDICATOR METER RESET BUTTON
Trip Meter
Speedometer inner numbers are the speed in This meter shows the number of
miles per hour. miles (U.S.) or kilometers
U.S. Models
This shows your speed in miles (Canada) driven since you last
per hour. The smaller inner reset it. To reset it, push the trip
Tachometer meter reset button.
numbers are the speed in The tachometer shows the
kilometers per hour. engine speed in revolutions per
minute (rpm). To protect the
Canadian Models
engine from damage, never drive
This shows your speed in
with the tachometer needle in
kilometers per hour. The smaller
the red zone.

Gauges
Fuel Gauge rise to the upper white mark. If it INDICATOR

This shows how much fuel you reaches the red (hot) mark, pull
have. It is most accurate when safely to the side of the road.
the car is on level ground. It may Turn to page 117 for instructions
show slightly more or less than and precautions on checking the
the actual amount when you are engine's cooling system.
driving on curvy or hilly roads.
The gauge stays at the same fuel Maintenance Required
level reading after you turn off Indicator
the ignition. When you add fuel, The indicator reminds you when
the gauge slowly changes to the it is time for scheduled SLOT
new reading after you turn the maintenance. When it nears
ignition back ON (II). 7,500 miles (12,000 km) since the
last maintenance, the indicator
will turn yellow. If you exceed
Temperature Gauge 7,500 miles (12,000 km), the
This shows the temperature of indicator will turn red. Your
the engine's coolant. During dealer will reset the indicator
normal operation, the pointer when he performs the scheduled
should rise from the bottom maintenance. If someone else
white mark to about the middle performs the maintenance, reset
of the gauge. In severe driving the indicator by inserting your
conditions, such as very hot key in the slot next to the
weather or a long period of indicator.
uphill driving, the pointer may

Controls Near the Steering Wheel
REAR WINDOW The two levers on the steering

INSTRUMENT PANEL DEFOGGER WINDSHIELD column contain controls for
BRIGHTNESS WIPERS/WASHERS driving features you use most
often. The left lever controls
HAZARD the turn signals, headlights, and
WARNING
LIGHTS high beams. The right lever
MOONROOF controls the windshield washers
SWITCH and wipers.
The rear window defogger

switch is on the dashboard to
the right of the steering column.
The controls under the left air

vent are for the moonroof, cruise
control, and instrument panel
brightness.
CRUISE
CONTROL The tilt adjustment lever on the
underside of the steering column
allows you to tilt the steering
wheel.
HORN
HEADLIGHTS/ TILT ADJUSTMENT

TURN SIGNALS

Headlights If you leave the lights on with the To flash the high beams, pull
The rotating switch on the left ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I) back and hold the turn signal
lever controls the lights. Turning or LOCK (0), you will hear a lever. Release the lever, and the
this switch to the first position reminder chime when you open high beams will go off.
turns on the parking lights, tail the driver's door.
lights, instrument panel lights, The high beams will stay on for
side-marker lights, and rear To change between low beams as long as you hold the lever, no
license plate lights. Turning the and high beams, pull the turn matter what position the
switch to the second position signal lever toward you until you headlight switch is in.
turns on the headlights. hear a click, and then let go. The
high beam indicator will light
(see page 32). Daytime Running Lights
Canadian models
With the headlight switch off, the
high beam headlights come on
with reduced brightness when
you turn the ignition switch to
ON (II) and release the parking
brake. They remain on until you
turn the ignition off, even if you
set the parking brake.
The headlights revert to normal

operation when you turn them
on with the switch.

Instrument Panel Brightness Turn Signals the proper direction, and hold it;
The knob on the dashboard to Signal a turn or lane change with The lever will return to the
the left of the instrument panel this lever. Push down on the center position as soon as you
controls the brightness of the lever to signal a left turn, and up release it.
instrument panel lights. Push the to signal a right turn. If you push
knob to get it to pop out. Turn it up or down all the way, the
the knob to adjust the turn signal continues to blink Windshield Wipers
brightness. Push the knob back even when you release the lever. The right lever controls the
in to lock your adjustment. It shuts off automatically as you windshield wipers and washers.
complete the turn. The rotary switch at the end of
the lever has three positions:
INT - intermittent
LO - low speed
HI - high speed
To signal a lane change, push

lightly on the turn signal lever in continued

To operate the wipers in mist To activate the rear windshield Windshield Washers
mode, push the control lever wiper, turn the switch "ON." If To clean the front windshield,
down. The wipers run at high you wish to use the wiper and pull back on the wiper control
speed until you release the lever. washer, turn and hold the switch lever. The washers spray until
This gives you a quick way to one position up from "ON." To you release the lever. The wipers
clear the windshield. use the washer only, turn and run at low speed while you're
hold the switch one position pulling the lever, then complete
down from "OFF." one more sweep of the
windshield after you release it.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer

The rear window wiper switch is
located next to the windshield
wiper switch.

Hazard Warning Rear Window Defogger Make sure the rear window is
Push the red button to the left of The rear window defogger will clear and you have good
the clock to turn on the hazard clear fog, frost, and thin ice from visibility before starting to drive.
warning lights (four-way the window. Push the defogger
flashers). This causes all four button to turn it on and off. The The defogger wires on the inside
outside turn signals and both light in the button lights to show of the rear window can be
indicators in the instrument the defogger is on. If you do not accidentally damaged. When
panel to flash. Use the hazard turn it off, the defogger will shut cleaning the glass, always wipe
warning lights if you need to itself off after about 25 minutes. side to side.
park in a dangerous area near It also shuts off when you turn off
heavy traffic or if your car is the ignition. You have to turn it
disabled. on again when you restart the car.

Controls Near the Steering Wheel, Steering Wheel Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment 2. The lever to tilt the steering 4. Make sure you have securely
You can adjust the steering wheel is under the steering locked the steering wheel in
wheel height to suit your column to the left. Push this place by trying to move it up
preference. Do this before you lever all the way down. and down.
begin driving.
Steering Wheel Controls
Cruise Control
Cruise control allows you to
Adjusting the steering wheel maintain a set speed above
position while driving may 25 mph (40 km/h) without
cause you to lose control of the keeping your foot on the
car and be seriously injured in a accelerator pedal. It is for
crash. cruising on straight, open
highways. It is not recommended
Adjust the steering wheel when for conditions such as city
the car is stopped. driving, winding roads, slippery
3. Move the steering wheel up roads, heavy rain, or bad
or down to the desired weather. You should have full
position. Position the wheel control of the car under those
1. Adjust the seat so you are a so you can see all the conditions.
comfortable distance from instrument panel gauges and
the pedals and can operate warning lights. Push the lever
them safely. up to lock the steering wheel
in that position.

Using the Cruise Control 3. Press and hold the SET/decel

1. Push in the Cruise Control button on the steering wheel
Master Switch to the left of until the CRUISE CONTROL
Improper use of the cruise the steering column. The light on the instrument panel
control can lead to a crash. indicator in the switch will comes on. This shows the
light. system is now activated.
Use the cruise control only
when traveling on open
RESUME/
highways in good weather. accel
SET/
decel
NOTICE
The cruise control, as it operates,
moves the accelerator pedal. You
can damage your car's accelerator
mechanism by resting your foot
under the pedal and blocking the
movement.
2. Accelerate to the desired The set speed may vary
cruising speed above 25 mph slightly, particularly on hills.
(40 km/h).

Changing the Set Speed CRUISE CONTROL light on the Press the SET/decel and
You can increase the set cruising instrument panel will go out. RESUME/accel buttons at the
speed in either of two ways: When the car slows to the de- same time.
sired speed, press the SET/ Press the Cruise Control
Press and hold the decel button. The car will then
RESUME/accel button. The car Master Switch.
maintain the desired speed.
will accelerate slowly. When
you reach the desired cruising When you tap the brake or clutch
speed, release the button. Even with the cruise control pedal (manual transmission
turned on, you can still use the cars), or press the SET and
Push on the accelerator pedal.
accelerator pedal to speed up for RESUME buttons at the same
Accelerate to the desired passing. After completing the
cruising speed, and press the time, the CRUISE CONTROL light
pass, take your foot off the on the instrument panel will go
SET/decel button. accelerator pedal. The car will out and the car will begin to slow
return to the set cruising speed. down. You can use the accelerator
You can decrease the set pedal in the normal way.
cruising speed in either of two Resting your foot on the brake or
ways: clutch pedal will cause the cruise If you use the brake or clutch
control to cancel. pedal to cancel cruise control,
Press and hold the SET/decel
button. The car will the system retains the previously
decelerate. Release the button set cruising speed. To return to
Canceling the Cruise Control that speed, accelerate to above
when you reach the desired
You can cancel the cruise control 25 mph (40 km/h), and press the
speed.
in any of these ways: RESUME/accel button until the
Tap the brake or clutch pedal CRUISE CONTROL light comes
lightly with your foot. The Tap the brake or clutch pedal.

Steering Wheel Controls, Keys and Locks
on. The car will accelerate to the Keys The valet key works only in the
same cruising speed as before. Your car comes with two kinds of ignition and the door locks. You
keys: a master key and a valet can keep the glove box locked
If you cancel cruise control by key. The master key fits all locks when you leave your car and
pressing the SET and RESUME on your car: valet key at a parking facility.
BUTTONS at the same time, the
previously set cruising speed is Ignition You should have received a key
erased. To use the cruise control, Doors number plate with your set of
accelerate to the desired Tailgate keys. You will need this number
cruising speed, and press the Glove box if you have to get a lost key
SET/decel button. replaced. Keep the plate stored
in a safe place. When replacing
Pressing the Cruise Control KEY VALET KEY MASTER KEY
keys, use only Honda-approved
Master Switch turns the system NUMBER
PLATE key blanks.
completely off and erases the
previous cruising speed from
memory. To use the system Remote Transmitter
again, refer to Using the Cruise
Control. On U.S. EX model
Your car also comes with a
remote transmitter; see page 45
for operation.

Keys and Locks
Ignition Switch position. When you turn the key ACCESSORY (I) — In this position,
The ignition switch is on the from LOCK to ACCESSORY, you you can operate the audio system
right side of the steering column. may have to turn the steering and cigarette lighter.
It has four positions: wheel to release the anti-theft
lock. To switch from ACCESSORY ON (II) — This is the normal key
LOCK (0) to LOCK, you must push the key position when driving. All
ACCESSORY (I) in slightly as you turn it. If your features and accessories on the
ON (II) car has an automatic car are usable. Several of the
START (III) transmission, it must also be in lights on the instrument panel
Park. The anti-theft lock will lock come on as a test when you turn
the steering column when you the ignition switch from
remove the key. ACCESSORY to ON (see
page 29).
START (III) — Use this position

only to start the engine. The
Removing the key from the switch returns to ON when you
ignition switch while driving let go of the key.
locks the steering. This can
cause you to lose control. You will hear a reminder beeper
if you open either front door
Remove the key from the with the key in the LOCK or
ignition switch only when ACCESSORY position. Remove
LOCK (0) — You can insert or the key to turn it off.
parked.
remove the key only in this

Keys and Locks
Power Door Locks push the lock tab down. Release including the tailgate, and pull
Each door has a lock tab on top the handle; then close the door. up to unlock them.
of the door panel. Push the lock
tab down to lock the door, and The front doors can be locked
pull it up to unlock. Door Locks and unlocked from the outside
with the key.
LOCK TAB
In addition, all doors lock or
MASTER DOOR LOCK SWITCH unlock when you use the key to
lock or unlock any door from the
outside. To unlock all doors from
the driver's door with the key,
turn the key clockwise and hold
it there for several seconds.
To lock any passenger door

without the key, push the lock
tab down and close the door.
To lock the passenger's door The master door lock switch

when getting out of the car, push allows control of all door locks Remote Transmitter
the lock tab down, and close the and the tailgate from the driver's
EX models
door. To lock the driver's door, door. Push the master door lock
switch down to lock all doors You can lock and unlock your car
pull the outside door handle, and using the remote transmitter. If
continued

Keys and Locks
you push "Lock," on the automatically lock. If the key is in rear door has a lock lever near
transmitter, all doors and the the ignition, the remote the edge. With the lever in the
tailgate will lock. transmitter will not work. LOCK position, the rear doors
cannot be opened from the in-
This device complies with Part 15 side regardless of the position of
of the FCC rules. Operation is the lock tab. To open either rear
subject to the following two door, pull the lock tab up and
conditions: (1) This device may use the outside door handle.
not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept
any interference received,
including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not

One push on "Unlock" unlocks expressly approved by the party
the driver's door and turns on responsible for compliance should
the interior light; if you push void the user's authority to
"Unlock" again, all doors and the operate the equipment.
tailgate will unlock.
LEVER
If you use the unlock feature on Childproof Door Locks
the remote transmitter and a The childproof door locks are
door or the tailgate is not designed to prevent children
opened within 20 seconds, all seated in the rear from acciden-
doors and the tailgate will tally opening the rear doors. Each

Keys and Locks
Glove Box To open the tailgate, pull the

Open the glove box by pulling handle, and then lift up the
the bottom of the handle. Close tailgate.
it with a firm push. Lock or An open glove box can cause
unlock the glove box with the serious injury to your passenger
master key. in a crash, even if the
passenger is wearing a seat
belt.
Always keep the glove box

closed while driving.
Tailgate
Use your key to lock and unlock
the tailgate. (For U.S. EX models,
your remote transmitter will also
GLOVE BOX
lock and unlock the tailgate.)
The glove box light comes on
only when the instrument panel
lights are on.

Seat Adjustments
Adjust the seat before you start To change the angle of the seat-
driving. back, pull up on the lever on the
outside of the seat bottom. Move
the seat-back to the desired Reclining the seat-back can
Front Seat Adjustments position, and release the lever. decrease the protection you get
To adjust the seat forward and Let the seat-back latch in the from your seat belt in a crash.
backward, pull up on the lever new position.
under the seat cushion's front You can slide under the seat
edge. Move the seat to the desired belt and be seriously injured.
position, and release the lever.
Try to move the seat to make Adjust the seat-back to an
sure it is locked in position. upright position, and sit well
back in the seat.

Seat Adjustments
Driver's Seat Power Height side of the seat-back. Pivot the restraint is even with the top of
Adjustment lever forward until it stops, then your ears.
On U.S. EX models let it return. Doing this several
times adjusts the lumbar support The front head restraints adjust
The height of your driver's seat
through its full range. for height. You need both hands
is power adjustable. Pull up on
to adjust the restraint. Do not
the switch to raise the seat. Push
it down to lower the seat. attempt to adjust it while driving.
To raise it, pull upward. To lower
the restraint, press the release
button and push the restraint
down.
Head Restraints
The front head restraints help
Driver's Lumbar Support protect you and your passenger
from whiplash and other injuries. RELEASE
On U.S. EX models BUTTON
Vary the lumbar support by They are most effective when
moving the lever on the right you adjust them so the top of the
continued

Seat Adjustments, Power Windows
To remove a head restraint for Pull up the release button at the Pivot it down to use it.
cleaning or repair, pull it up as top of the seat-back, and move
far as it will go. Press the release the seat-back forward.
button and pull the restraint out
of the seat-back.
Driving your car without head

restraints can lead to serious
injury to you and your
passenger in a crash.
Make sure the head restraints Power Windows

are in place and adjusted Your car's windows are
electrically powered. Turn the
properly before driving. ignition switch to ON (II) to raise
Rear Seat Armrest or lower a window.
On U.S. EX models Each door has a switch that
Folding Rear Seat The rear seat armrest is located controls its window. To open the
at the center of the rear seat. window, push the switch down
The backs of the rear seats fold
down to provide more cargo and hold it. Release the switch
space. when you want the window to
stop. Close the window by
pushing the switch up and

Power Windows
holding it. The rear windows The master control panel also The MAIN switch controls power
open only halfway. contains these extra features: to the passengers' windows.
With this switch off, the
The driver's armrest has a AUTO — To open the driver's passengers' windows cannot be
master power window control window fully, push the window raised or lowered. The MAIN
panel. To open the passenger's switch firmly down and release switch does not affect the
window, push down on the it. The window automatically driver's window. Keep the MAIN
appropriate switch, and hold it goes all the way down. To stop switch off when you have
down until the window reaches the window from going all the children in the car so they do not
the desired position. To close the way down, push the window injure themselves by operating
window, push up on the window switch up briefly. the window unintentionally.
switch. Release the switch when
the window gets to the position To open the driver's window
you want. only partially, push the window
switch down lightly and hold it.
DRIVER'S WINDOW SWITCH The window will stop as soon as
you release the switch.
The AUTO function only works

to lower the driver's window. To
raise the window, you must push
the window switch up and hold it
until the window reaches the
desired position. MAIN SWITCH
continued

Power Windows, Moonroof
The power window system has a Moonroof close the moonroof for up to 10
key-off delay function. The On U.S. EX models minutes after you turn off the
windows will still operate for up Use the switches on the dash- ignition. The key-off delay
to 10 minutes after you turn off board under the left vent to cancels as soon as you open
the ignition. Opening either front operate the moonroof. The either front door. You must then
door cancels the delay function. ignition must be ON (II). Push turn the ignition ON (II) for the
You must turn the ignition ON (II) and hold the switch to moonroof to operate.
again before you can raise or open the moonroof. Release the
lower the windows. switch when the moonroof
reaches the desired position. To
close the moonroof, press and Closing the moonroof on
hold the switch. someone's hands or fingers can
Closing a power window on a cause serious injury.
child's hands or fingers can
Make sure passengers are clear
cause serious injury.
of the moonroof before closing
Make sure children are away it.
from the windows before
closing them. NOTICE
If you try to open the moonroof in
MOONROOF
SWITCH
below-freezing temperatures, or
when it is covered with snow or
The moonroof has a key-off ice, you can damage the
delay. You can still open and moonroof panel or motor.

Mirrors, Power Mirrors
Mirrors Adjusting the Power Mirrors 3. Push the appropriate edge of

Keep the inside and outside Adjust the outside mirrors with the adjustment switch to
mirrors clean and adjusted for the adjustment switch on the move the mirror right, left,
best visibility. Be sure to adjust driver's door armrest. up, or down.
the mirrors before you start
driving. SELECTOR
SWITCH
The inside mirror has day and
night positions. The night
position reduces glare from
headlights behind you. Flip the
tab on the bottom edge of the
mirror to select the day or night
position.
ADJUSTMENT SWITCH
1. Turn the ignition switch ON 4. When you finish, move the

selector switch to the center
(II). (OFF) position. This turns off
2. Move the selector switch to the adjustment switch so you
L (driver's side) or can't move a mirror out of
R (passenger's side). position by accidentally
bumping the switch.
TAB

Parking Brake, Digital Clock
Parking Brake NOTICE

To set the clock:
To apply the parking brake, pull 1. Turn the ignition switch
the lever up fully. To release it, Driving the car with the parking ON (II) to display the time.
pull up slightly, push the button, brake applied can damage the
and lower the lever. The parking rear brakes and axles.
RESET
brake light on the instrument
panel should go out when the
parking brake is fully released Digital Clock
(see page 30). If you try to drive The digital clock displays the
the car without releasing the time with the ignition switch
parking brake, the ABS cannot ON (II). To see the time with the
work properly. ignition off, press and hold the
front cover under the clock.
2. Swing down the front cover

of the wide button under the
clock display. You will see H,
M, and RESET buttons.
3. Press and hold the H button
until the hour advances to
PARKING BRAKE LEVER the desired time.

Digital Clock, Beverage Holder
4. Press and hold the M button will pop open. To close it, push it upholstery, carpeting, and
until the minutes advance to down until it latches. electrical components in the
the desired time. interior. If the liquid is very hot,
it can scald you or your
You can use the RESET button to
passengers.
quickly set the time to the
nearest hour If the displayed
time is before the half hour,
pressing RESET sets the clock PUSH
back to the previous hour. If the
displayed time is after the half
hour, pressing RESET sets the
clock forward to the beginning of
the next hour.
For example:
1:06 would RESET backward Use the beverage holder only
to 1:00. when the car is parked. If you
1:52 would RESET forward place cups in the holder while
to 2:00. driving, the liquid may spill when
you go over bumps or around
Beverage Holder corners.
To open the beverage holder, Be careful when you are using
push on the top. The beverage the beverage holder. Spilled
holder lid is spring-loaded and liquids can damage the

Console Compartment, Coin Box, Cigarette Lighter
Console Compartment Coin Box Cigarette Lighter

To open the console To open the coin box, pull the The ignition switch must be in
compartment, pull up the front upper edge. Close it with a firm ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) for the
edge of the lid. push. cigarette lighter to work. To heat
up the lighter, push it in. It will
pop out when it is ready for use.
Do not hold the lighter in while it
is heating up, you could cause it
to overheat.
STRAP COIN BOX
A strap is provided under the

console cover to hold your
garage door opener.
CIGARETTE LIGHTER

Ashtrays, Interior Light
Ashtrays remove the ashtray for emptying, Interior Light

Open the front ashtray by open it, and then lift up and out. The interior light has a three-
swinging the lid down. Push it in position switch. In the OFF
to close it. (forward) position, the light does
not come on. In the center
position, the interior light comes
on when you open either front
door. In the ON (rearward)
position, the interior light stays
on continuously.
ASHTRAY
ASHTRAY
To remove the ashtray for Use the ashtray only for cigarettes,
emptying, open the lid, and then cigars, and other smoking
pull the ashtray straight out. materials. To prevent a possible
fire and damage to your car, don't ON
The rear ashtray is at the rear put paper or other things that can DOOR ACTIVATED
end of the center console. Open burn in the ashtrays.
the ashtray by swinging the
upper edge of the lid down. To

Courtesy Lights
Each front and rear door has a

courtesy light. This light (with
the front interior light switch in
the center position) comes on
when you open either front door.
IGNITION SWITCH LIGHT
DOOR LIGHT
Your car also has a courtesy light

in the ignition switch. This light
comes on when you open the
driver's door. It remains on for
several seconds after the door is
closed.

Comfort and Convenience Features
The heating/air conditioning Heating and Cooling . . . . . . . . . 60 Operating the CD

system in your car provides a What Each Control Does .. 62 Player/Changer . . . . . . . . . 7 2
comfortable driving environment How to Use the System . . . . 62 CD Error Indications . . . . . . 74
in all weather conditions. Controlling Air Anti-Theft Feature . . . . . . . . 75
Flow Direction . . . . . . . . 63
The standard audio system is Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
very versatile. To get the most To Cool With A / C . . . . . . 63
benefit from this system, read its To Heat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
description in this manual. To Heat and Dehumidify
with Air Conditioning .. 64
The anti-theft feature on your To Defog and Defrost . . . 65
radio disables the system. To get To Turn Everything Off . . . . 65
the system working again you Audio System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
must enter a code number as AM/FM/Cassette Stereo
described in this manual.
Audio System . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Operating the Radio . . . . . . 66
Finding the Radio Station .. 67
Presetting Radio Stations . 67
Adjusting the Sound . . . . . . 68
Radio Frequencies . . . . . . . . 69
Operating the
Cassette Player . . . . . . . . . 69
Cassette Search Functions . 70
Caring for the
Cassette Player . . . . . . . . . 71

Heating and Cooling

Heating and Cooling
This system has full heating, Each side vent can be opened
ventilation, and air conditioning and closed with the dials next
capabilities. You can adjust the to them.
system controls to mix these
in various combinations. The SIDE VENT
air flows into the interior at
three possible levels that you
can select.
The direction of air flow from the

vents in the center and each side
of the dashboard is adjustable.
Move the tab in the center of
each vent up and down and
side to side.
CENTER VENT The heating and cooling system
draws air through the exterior
vents at the bottom of the
windshield. Keep these vents
clear of leaves and other debris.

Heating and Cooling
What Each Control Does RECIRCULATION/ AIR CONDITIONING

FRESH AIR BUTTON SWITCH
Fan Control Dial
Turning this dial clockwise
increases the fan speed, which
increases air flow.
Temperature Control Dial

Turning this dial clockwise
increases the temperature of air
flowing from the system.
Mode Buttons
FAN CONTROL TEMPERATURE
These buttons control the DIAL CONTROL DIAL
direction of air flow. The MODE BUTTONS
indicator light shows which
button is controlling air flow.
Recirculation/Fresh Air Button How to Use the System
Air Conditioning (A/C) Switch This button controls the source This section covers the best way
of air going into the system. In to use the system for ventilation,
This switch turns the air
recirculation mode, the interior cooling, dehumidifying,
conditioner ON and OFF. The
air recycles through the system. defrosting and heating. In most
indicator in the switch lights
In fresh air mode, air comes from cases, the mode and air source
when the A/C is ON.
outside the car. selections are only
recommendations. You may
prefer different settings.

Heating and Cooling
Use mode to heat or cool Controlling Air Flow Direction To Cool With A/C
the interior more quickly, or to Air flows into the interior at To operate the air conditioning
keep out smoke and dust. three levels: Toward the floor system, press the air
Leaving the system in through the dash vents conditioning switch. Set the fan
recirculation mode with the air and toward the windshield and to the desired speed. You can
conditioning off can cause the side windows You select also use the mode button
windows to fog up. Switch to the air flow level or combination to direct air out of the dash and
mode as soon as the of levels with the five mode heater vents.
interior reaches a comfortable buttons.
temperature or the outside To cool the interior down rapidly
smoky, dusty condition clears. Ventilation after the car has been sitting in
Your car has a flow-through the sun:
The engine must be running for ventilation system. Air enters the
the heater and air conditioning 1. Start the engine.
car through vents in front of the
system to provide hot and cold windshield. It circulates through 2. Turn on the A/C by pressing
air. The heater uses engine the interior and then exits the switch.
coolant to warm the air. If the through vents near the rear
engine is cold, it will be several 3. Set the fan to maximum
window. This system provides speed.
minutes before you feel warm air fresh air even when the car is
circulating. standing still. To bring in outside 4. Open the windows partially.
air, press the button. Set
Air conditioning does not 5. Select and
the fan at a comfortable speed.
depend on engine temperature. It
can produce cold air almost When the interior reaches a
immediately. comfortable temperature, close
continued

Heating and Cooling
the windows, and set the system

for cooling as described above.
Air conditioning places an extra

load on the engine. Watch the
coolant temperature gauge (see
page 34) when using the A/C in
heavy traffic or driving up long
hills. If it moves near the red
zone, turn off the air
conditioning until the gauge
reads normal.
To Heat To Heat and Dehumidify 3. Select and any desired

To warm the interior, do this: With Air Conditioning mode button.
1. Start the engine. Air conditioning removes 4. Adjust the temperature
moisture from the air as it control dial so the mixture of
2. Select and
operates. When used in heated and cooled air feels
3. Switch the fan to the desired combination with the heater, it comfortable.
speed. makes the interior warm and dry. This setting is suitable for all
4. Adjust the warmth of the air To dehumidify, do this: driving conditions whenever the
with the temperature control outside temperature is above
1. Switch the fan on.
lever. 32° F (0°C).
2. Turn on the air conditioning.

Heating and Cooling
To Defog and Defrost 3. Switch the fan and To Turn Everything Off
To remove fog from the inside of temperature controls to To shut off the system
the windows, do this: maximum. temporarily, turn the fan control
1. Switch the fan on. and temperature control dials all
To rapidly remove exterior frost the way off.
2. Turn on the air conditioning. or ice from the windshield (on
very cold days), first select You should only shut the system
3. Select and Once the windshield is completely off for the first few
4. Adjust the temperature clear, select to avoid minutes of driving in cold
control lever so the airflow fogging the windows. weather, until the engine coolant
from the defroster vents feels warms up enough to operate the
warm. These settings direct all the air heater. Keep the fan on at all
flow to the defroster vents at the other times so stale air does not
5. Turn on the rear window base of the windshield and each
defogger to help clear the build up in the interior.
front door window. The air flow
rear window. will get warmer and clear the
windows faster as the engine
To remove exterior frost or ice warms up. You can close the side
from the windshield and side vents with the dial beside each
windows after the car has been vent. This will send more warm
sitting out in cold weather: air to the windshield defroster
1. Start the engine. vents.
2. Select and For safety, make sure you have a
clear view through all the
windows before driving away.

Audio System
AM/FM/Cassette Stereo U.S.: EX STEREO INDICATOR

ON/OFF/VOL KNOB
Audio System
Your Honda audio system is easy
to use and will give clear AM/FM
reception. The preset buttons
allow you to select six stations
on AM and 12 stations on FM.
The cassette system uses

Dolby B* noise reduction to give
excellent sound reproduction.
The system also senses when a TUNE/SEEK AM/FM PRESET
metal or a chromium dioxide SWITCH BUTTON BUTTONS
(CrO2) tape is being played and
adjusts accordingly. from the car's battery. To get the The radio comes on and displays
system working again, you must the frequency of the station it
*Dolby noise reduction was last tuned to.
manufactured under license from enter a code number. See page 75.
Dolby Laboratories Licensing Adjust the volume by turning the
Corporation. "Dolby" and the ON/OFF/VOL knob.
symbol are trademarks of Dolby Operating the Radio
Laboratories Licensing Corporation. The ignition switch must be in Select the band you want to
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to listen to by pressing the AM or
On U.S. EX model operate the audio system. Turn FM1/FM2 button. You will see the
The anti-theft feature disables the system on by turning the selected band and the frequency
the system if it is disconnected ON/OFF/VOL knob clockwise. in the display.

Audio System
STEREO will be displayed next to the system searches up or down 3. Pick the Preset button you
the frequency if the station is from the current frequency. Push want for that station. Press
broadcasting in FM stereo. The the switch until you hear a beep, the button and hold it until
AM stereo feature is not and then release it. The system you hear a beep. The light in
available. searches until it finds a station the indicator will come on
with a strong signal and then and the station selected will
stops. show in the display.
Finding the Radio Station
You can use any of three 4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to
methods to find radio stations on Presetting Radio Stations store a total of six stations on
the selected band: TUNE, SEEK, The Preset buttons allow you to AM and 12 on FM.
or the Preset buttons. store radio frequencies for later Once a station's frequency is
selection. Each button will store stored, simply press and release
The TUNE function lets you find one frequency on the AM band
a desired frequency. Push the the proper Preset button to tune
and two on the FM band. To to it. If you want to change any
TUNE/SEEK switch up to change store a frequency, do this:
to a higher frequency and down Preset button's selection, store
to change to a lower frequency. 1. Select the desired band, AM another frequency as described.
or FM. FM1 and FM2 allow The frequencies you preset will
To change the frequency up or you to store two frequencies be lost if your car's battery goes
down a single increment, push with each Preset button. dead or is disconnected.
and release the TUNE/SEEK
switch. 2. Use the TUNE or SEEK
function to tune the radio to
The SEEK function searches the a desired station.
band for a station with a strong
signal. Depending on which way
you push the TUNE/SEEK switch,

Audio System
Balance control to turn off the

radio panel illumination even
with the radio on. Push the
control knob so it pops out, and
then pull it out slightly farther.
Check this control if the control
panel lights do not come on with
the instrument panel lights.
Use the Bass and Treble controls

to adjust the tone quality to your
liking. Push on the knob to get
FADER BALANCE BASS TREBLE
CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL the controls to pop out. Adjust
the bass level with the outer ring
and the treble level with the
Adjust the front-to-back sound knob.
Adjusting the Sound
Use the Balance and Fader with the outer ring.
When finished, push the knob
controls to adjust the sound back in to prevent accidentally
"direction." The Balance control Adjust the side-to-side sound
balance with the knob. Push the changing your settings.
moves sound left to right. The
knob back in when you are done.
Fader control moves it front to
back. The illumination for the radio
To use either control, push on controls comes on with the
the knob to get it to pop out. instrument panel lights, even if
the radio is off. You can use the

Audio System
Radio Frequencies U.S.: EX CASSETTE TAPE DIRECTION

SLOT INDICATOR
Your Honda's radio can tune in
all frequencies in both the AM
and FM bands. Those bands
cover these frequencies:
AM band
530 to 1710 kilohertz
FM band
87.7 to 107.9 megahertz
Radio stations on the AM band are

assigned frequencies at least 10 FF/REW/TMS EJECT PROG PLAY DOLBY REPEAT
SWITCH BUTTONS BUTTON BUTTON BUTTON BUTTON
kilohertz apart (530, 540, 550).
Those on the FM band are
assigned frequencies at least 0.2
Operating the Cassette Player playing. The indicates the
megahertz apart (87.9, 88.1, 88.3). side you inserted facing upward
Turn the system ON. Insert the
cassette into the slot with the is now playing. To play the other
Stations must use these exact
tape opening to the right. Push side of the tape, press the PROG
frequencies. It is fairly common
the cassette in most of the way. button.
for stations to round-off the
frequency in their advertising, so The drive pulls it in the rest of
the way and begins to play. The system also has an
your radio will show a frequency auto-reverse feature. It
of 100.9 even though the automatically reverses direction
announcer may call the station The or lights to show you
which side of the cassette is when it reaches the end of the
"FM101." cassette. continued

Audio System
Dolby noise reduction turns on To rewind the tape, push the FF/ turn off REPEAT by pressing the
when you insert a cassette. If the REW/TMS switch down and then button again.
tape was not recorded with release it. You will see REW in
Dolby "B" noise reduction, turn it the display. To fast forward a The TMS function lets you skip
off by pressing the button. tape, push the switch up and then to the beginning of a song or
release it. You will see FF in the other passage. The tape skips
To remove the cassette from the display. To stop rewind or fast forward or backward, depending
drive, press one of the EJECT forward, press the PLAY button. on which direction you push the
buttons (AM/CD or FM1/FM2). If If the system reaches the end of FF/REW/TMS switch.
the AM/CD button is pushed, the the cassette while in fast forward Activate TMS by pushing the
system returns to the function or rewind, it automatically stops FF/REW/TMS switch and holding
last selected with that button. If that function, reverses direction, it until you hear a beep. If you
the FM1/FM2 button is pushed, and begins to play. push the switch down, you will
the system returns to the FM see REW blinking in the display
band last selected. Press the REPEAT button to
replay the current passage. You as the tape rewinds. If you push
A cassette automatically ejects will see RPT in the display. When the switch up, you will see FF
whenever you turn off the the system reaches the end of blinking in the display as the tape
system or the ignition switch. the song or passage that is being fast forwards. When the system
played, it automatically goes to senses a silent period on the tape,
rewind. it goes back to PLAY mode.
Cassette Search Functions
When it senses the beginning of The REPEAT and TMS functions
Once a cassette is playing, you
that passage, it goes back to use silent periods on the tape to
can use the FF, REW, or TMS, or
play. The system will continue find the end of a selection. These
REPEAT function to look for
repeating this passage until you features may not work
desired songs or passages.
satisfactorily on tapes that have

Audio System
almost no gap between songs, a After 30 hours of tape use, you suddenly stop playing, reverse
high noise level between songs, will see CLEAN flashing for 5 directions once or twice and
or silent periods in the middle of seconds in the display when you then eject. This is normally an
songs. insert a tape into the tape slot. If indication the tape is wound
you are already regularly unevenly. It should play normally
cleaning the tape drive at least after being manually rewound.
Caring for the Cassette Player every 30 hours, reset the
The cassette drive picks up dirt indicator by pressing the Preset Use 100-minute or shorter
and oxides whenever you play a 6 button while the system is the cassettes. Cassettes longer than
tape. This builds up over time tape operation mode. Hold the 100 minutes use thinner tape
and causes the sound quality to button until you hear a beep and that may break or jam the drive.
degrade. To prevent this, you the CLEAN indicator goes out.
should clean the cassette drive Look at a cassette before you
after every 30 hours of use. Your If you do not clean the cassette insert it. If the tape is loose,
Honda dealer has a cleaning kit drive regularly, it may eventually tighten it by turning one of the
available for this purpose. become impossible to remove hubs with a pencil or your finger.
CLEAN INDICATOR the deposits with a normal
cleaning kit. If the label is peeling off, do not
put it in the player. It may cause
PRESET 6 The cassette player the cassette to jam in the drive
(Press to automatically ejects cassettes mechanism when you try to
reset eject it.
indicator.) that do not play normally. If it
ejects a cassette before it begins
to play, it is probably defective Damaged cassettes can jam
and should not be inserted inside the drive or cause other
again. You may have a cassette problems. Do not leave cassettes
continued

Audio System
sitting where they are exposed to To operate the CD player or CD own disc selection, push one of
high heat or humidity, such as on changer, the ignition key must be the corresponding Preset buttons.
top of the dashboard or in the in the ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) Your selection will appear in the
player. If a cassette is exposed to position. If you were listening to display and start playing.
extreme heat or cold, let it reach a cassette tape, eject it before
a moderate temperature before listening to a CD. You operate the You can use the TUNE/SEEK
putting it in the player. CD player and changer with the switch while a disc is playing to
same controls used for the radio. select passages and change
tracks. To move rapidly forward
Operating the CD Player or CD Player within a track, push up and hold
Insert the disc in the player. Push the TUNE/SEEK switch. Push
CD Changer (Optional)
the CD button on the player; down and hold the switch to
Your dealer has a Honda in-dash "CD" will show in the display, move rapidly backward within a
Compact Disc player or a and the disc will start to play. track. You will hear a beep a half
trunk-mounted CD changer second after you push the switch
available for your car. CD Changer up or down. Keep pushing the
Push the CD button on the radio; switch until you think the track
The trunk-mounted changer the display will show "CD," and has advanced or returned to the
holds up to six discs, providing the track last listened to will desired position. The disc will
several hours of continuous play. When that disc ends, the start playing when you release
programming. Load the CDs in next disc in the magazine is the switch.
the changer's magazine and load loaded and played.
the magazine into the changer If you push the TUNE/SEEK
according to the instructions After disc 6 has played switch up and release it before
that came with the changer unit. completely, the system will you hear a beep, the system will
return to disc 1. To make your skip forward to the beginning of

Audio System
the next track on the CD. It will player or on each disc in the If you turn off the audio
skip backward to the beginning changer. system while a CD is playing,
of the current track if you push either with the ON/OFF/VOL
the switch down and release it. When A.SELECT is used with the knob or by turning off the
disc changer unit, the system ignition, the system will begin
If you push the REPEAT button plays all the tracks randomly on at the same disc and track
on the U.S. LX or Canada EX that disc; it loads the next disc when you turn it back on.
models, or the A.SELECT/REPEAT and plays randomly again. The If you select an empty slot in
button on the U.S. EX model, the system continues to select and the disc changer's magazine,
system will continuously play play tracks randomly on each of
the system will select and play
the track you are listening to. the six discs until you press the
You will see RPT in the display. the first track of the next disc
A.SELECT/REPEAT button again.
Push the switch again to turn off in the magazine.
the REPEAT mode. To turn on the random play
mode while the system is in the To return to the radio function,
On U.S. EX models REPEAT mode, turn off the press either the AM/CD button
You can get the CD REPEAT mode first by pressing or the FM1/FM2 button. If the
player/changer to randomly the A.SELECT/REPEAT button. AM/CD button is pushed, the
select tracks by pressing the Then, press the button until system will return to the AM
A.SELECT/REPEAT button. You A.SELECT is displayed. band. If the FM1/FM2 button is
will see A.SELECT in the display. pushed, the system will return to
If you change modes to radio the FM band you last listened to.
With this active, the system
or tape while a CD is playing,
selects and plays the tracks
and then change back to CD
randomly, rather than
mode, the same disc and track
sequentially on the disc in the
will play.

Audio System
CD Error Indications
If you see an error indication on
the display, find the cause in the
chart to the right. If you cannot
clear the error indication, take
the car to your Honda dealer.

Audio System
Anti-Theft Feature having your Honda dealer on for one hour before trying
On U.S. EX models contact American Honda. To do again.
Your car's audio system will this, he will need the system's
disable itself if it is disconnected serial number. You will have to store your
from electrical power for any favorite stations in the Preset
reason. To make it work again, If your car's battery is buttons after the system begins
the user must enter a specific disconnected or goes dead, the working. Your original settings
five-digit code in the Preset audio system will disable itself. If were lost when power was
buttons. Because many this happens, you will see "Code" disconnected.
combinations are possible using in the frequency display the next
five digits, making the system time you turn on the system. Use
work without knowing the exact the Preset buttons to enter the
code is nearly impossible. five-digit code. If it is entered
correctly, the radio will start
You should have received two playing.
copies of a card that lists your
audio system's code number and If you make a mistake entering
serial number. It is best to store the code, do not start over or try
one of these cards in a safe place to correct your mistake.
at home and to keep the other in Complete the five-digit sequence,
your wallet or purse. In addition, and then enter the correct code.
you should write the audio You have three tries to enter the
system's serial number in this correct code. If you are
Owner's Manual. If you should unsuccessful in three attempts,
happen to lose both cards, you you must then leave the system
must obtain the code number by

Before Driving
Before you begin driving your Break-in Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 8

Honda, you should know what Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 8
gasoline to use, and how to Oxygenated Fuels . . . . . . . . 7 8
check the levels of important Driving in Foreign
fluids. You also need to know Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 9
how to properly store luggage
Service Station Procedures .. 80
or packages. The information in
this section will help you. Filling the Fuel Tank . . . . . . 80
Opening the Hood . . . . . . . . 81
Oil Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Engine Coolant Check .. 83
Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Vehicle Condition . . . . . . . . . 83
Driving Habits . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Loading Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Cargo A r e a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 5
Storage Compartments . . . . 8 5
Cargo Area
Tonneau Cover . . . . . . . . . . 8 5
Before Driving

Break-in Period, Gasoline
Break-in Period Gasoline Oxygenated Fuels

Help assure your car's future Your Honda is designed to Some conventional gasolines are
reliability and performance by operate most effectively on being blended with alcohol or an
paying extra attention to how unleaded gasoline. Use an ether compound. These
you drive during the first 600 unleaded gasoline with a pump gasolines are collectively
miles (1,000 km). During this octane number of 86 or higher. referred to as oxygenated fuels.
period: Use of a lower octane gasoline To meet clean air standards,
Avoid full-throttle starts and can cause a persistent, heavy some areas of the United States
metallic rapping noise in the and Canada use oxygenated fuels
rapid acceleration.
engine that can lead to to help reduce emissions.
If you need to add oil, use the mechanical damage.
engine oil recommended in If you use an oxygenated fuel, be
this Owner's Manual. We recommend using gasoline sure it is unleaded and meets the
Avoid hard braking. New containing detergent additives minimum octane rating
brakes need to be broken-in that help prevent fuel system requirement.
by moderate use for the first and engine deposits.
200 miles (300 km). Before using an oxygenated fuel,
Using gasoline containing lead try to confirm the fuel's
You should follow these same will damage your car's emission contents. Some states/provinces
recommendations with an controls. This contributes to air require this information to be
overhauled or exchanged engine, pollution and can void certain posted on the pump.
or when the brakes are replaced. parts of your warranty.
Before Driving

Gasoline
The following are the problems. It may also damage the U.S. or Canada, write to
EPA-approved percentages of metal, rubber, and plastic parts Honda at the address shown for
oxygenates: of your fuel system. information about any
modifications your car may
ETHANOL (ethyl or grain If you notice any undesirable need. Be sure to include the year
alcohol)— You may use gasoline operating symptoms, try another and model of your car.
containing up to 10% ethanol by service station or switch to
volume. Gasoline containing another brand of gasoline.
ethanol may be marketed under U.S. Owners:
the name "Gasohol." Fuel system damage or American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
performance problems resulting Consumer Affairs
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl from the use of an oxygenated 1919 Torrance Blvd.
Ether)— You may use gasoline fuel containing more than the Torrance, CA 90501-2746
containing up to 15% MTBE by percentages of oxygenates given
volume. previously are not covered
under warranty. Canadian Owners:
METHANOL (methyl or wood
alcohol)— You may use gasoline Honda Canada Inc.
containing up to 5% methanol by 715 Milner Ave.
Driving in Foreign Countries Scarborough, Ontario M1B 2K8
volume as long as it also Using any type of leaded gasoline
contains cosolvents and in your Honda will affect
corrosion inhibitors to protect performance and damage its
the fuel system. Gasoline emission controls. Unleaded
containing more than 5% gasoline may not be available in
methanol by volume may cause other countries. If you are
starting and/or performance planning to take your car outside
Before Driving

Service Station Procedures
Filling the Fuel Tank 3. Remove the fuel fill cap

slowly. You may hear a
1. Because the fuel fill cap is on
hissing sound as pressure
the driver's side of the car, Gasoline is highly flammable
inside the tank escapes.
park with that side closest to
and explosive. You can be
the service station pumps.
burned or seriously injured
2. Open the fuel fill door by when handling fuel.
pulling on the handle to the
left of the driver's seat. Stop the engine and keep
heat, sparks, and flame away.
Pull. Handle fuel only outdoors.
Wipe up spills immediately.
4. Stop filling the tank after the

FUEL FILL CAP gas pump automatically
clicks off. Do not try to "top
off" the tank; leave some
room for the fuel to expand
with temperature changes.
5. Screw the fuel fill cap back
on; tighten it until it clicks.
Before Driving

6. Push the fuel fill door closed 2. Standing in front of the car, 3. Pull the support rod out of its
until it latches. put your fingers under the clip, and insert the end into
front edge of the hood to the the hole On the driver's side
right of center. Slide your hand of the hood.
Opening the Hood to the left until you feel the
1. Shift to Park or Neutral, and hood latch handle. Push this SUPPORT ROD
set the parking brake. Pull handle to the left until it re-
the hood release handle leases the hood. Lift the hood.
located under the left lower
corner of the dashboard. The LATCH
hood will pop up slightly.
HOOD RELEASE HANDLE
To close the hood, lift it up

slightly to remove the support
rod from the hole. Put the
support rod back into its holding
clip. Lower the hood to about a
foot above the fender, and then
let it drop.
Before Driving

Oil Check 2. Wipe the dipstick with a 4. Remove the dipstick again,
Check the engine oil level every clean cloth or paper towel. and check the level. It should
time you fill the car with fuel. be between the upper and
Wait at least two minutes after lower marks.
turning the engine off before you
check the oil.
1. Remove the dipstick (orange
handle).
UPPER MARK
3. Insert it all the way back in LOWER MARK
its tube.
If it is near or below the

lower mark, see page 114 for
information on the proper oil
and how to add it.
DIPSTICK
Before Driving

Service Station Procedures, Fuel Economy
Engine Coolant Check Fuel Economy and reduces the chance of

Look at the coolant level in the The condition of your car and corrosion.
radiator reserve tank. Make sure your driving habits are the two
it is between the MAX and MIN most important things that affect
lines. If it is below the MIN line, Driving Habits
the fuel mileage you get.
see Adding Engine Coolant on You can improve fuel economy
page 117 for information on by driving moderately. Rapid
adding the proper coolant. Vehicle Condition acceleration, cornering, and hard
Always maintain your car braking use more fuel.
RESERVE TANK
according to the maintenance
Always drive in the highest gear
schedule. This will keep it in top that allows the engine to run and
operating condition. accelerate smoothly.
An important part of that
Depending on traffic conditions,
maintenance is the Periodic
try to maintain a constant speed.
Checks (see page 112). For
Every time you slow down and
example, an underinflated tire
speed up, your car uses extra
causes more "rolling resistance,"
fuel. Use the cruise control,
which uses fuel. It also wears out
when appropriate, to increase
MAX MIN faster, so check the tire pressure
fuel economy.
at least monthly.
Refer to Periodic Checks on
page 112 for information on A cold engine uses more fuel
In winter the buildup of snow on
checking other items in your than a warm engine. It is not
your car's underside adds weight
Honda. necessary to "warm-up" a cold
and rolling resistance. Frequent
engine by letting it idle for a long
cleaning helps your fuel mileage
continued
Before Driving

Fuel Economy, Loading Cargo
time. You can drive away within figure is shown as the Vehicle passengers), the maximum
30 seconds, no matter how cold Capacity Weight on the tire recommended weight for cargo
it is outside. The engine will information label attached to the is 200 Ib (90 kg).
warm up faster, and you get driver's side doorjamb.
better fuel economy. To cut Where you store cargo and how
down on the number of "cold To figure out how much cargo well you secure it are just as
starts," try to combine several you can carry, do this: important as how much it
short trips into one. Figure the total "occupant weighs. Make sure you load
cargo so it will not shift while
weight" you will be
Air conditioning puts an extra driving. Items stored in the cargo
transporting. To do this,
load on the engine which makes area should be placed as far
it use more fuel. Turn off the A/C multiply the number of people
forward as possible. You could
to cut down on air conditioning (driver and all passengers) by
store additional items on the
use. Use the flow-through 150 Ib (70 kg). floor behind the front seats.
ventilation when the outside air Subtract this number from the Make sure they cannot roll under
temperature is moderate. Vehicle Capacity Weight the front seat and interfere with
(950 lb/430 kg). the pedals.
If you are towing a trailer,
Loading Cargo subtract the tongue weight. If you must carry large objects
See Towing a Trailer on that prevent you from closing
The maximum load you can the tailgate, be aware that
carry in your Honda is 950 Ib page 97.
exhaust gas can enter the
(430 kg). It includes the total This final number is the total interior. See Carbon Monoxide
weight of all passengers and weight of cargo you can load in Hazard on page 24.
their belongings, and any or on the car. With five
accessories. This 950 Ib (430 kg) occupants (driver and four
Before Driving

Loading Cargo
Cargo Area Storage Compartments edge out of its housing, and slip
A passenger should never sit in You can store smaller items in any the brackets in the hooks
the open cargo area while the of the three storage compart- provided at both sides of the
car is moving. They should sit in ments in the cargo area. Two tailgate opening.
one of the seats and wear their compartments are on either side
seat belt. With the rear seats of the tire compartment. The third
folded, the length of the cargo is in the right side panel.
area is 64.5 inches (1,640 mm).
The width at the tailgate opening
is 43 inches (1,107 mm). The
width between the wheelwells is HOOK
33 inches (846 mm). The rear
opening height is 27 inches
(710 mm).
TONNEAU
COVER
64.5 in.
To retract the cover, slip the
brackets out of the hooks, and
guide the cover so it rolls back
Cargo Area Tonneau Cover fully into its housing.
33 in. 27 in.
When extended, the tonneau
43 in. NOTICE: Do not store parcels on
cover conceals your parcels and
protects them from direct the tonneau cover. The tonneau
sunlight. To extend the tonneau cover may break if weight is
cover, pull the cover's leading placed on it.
continued
Before Driving

Loading Cargo
To remove the tonneau cover Release the other side, then

housing unit, press the release remove the unit. Store the unit in NOTICE
on one side, carefully lift it out of an area where it will not be If you lift the housing unit more
the holder, and rest it on the damaged. than 6 inches (150 mm) or pull it
trim. too far rearward, you may risk
damaging the unit.
Before Driving

Driving
This section gives you tips on Preparing to Drive . . . . . . . . . . 88

starting the engine under various Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 88
conditions and how to operate Starting in Cold Weather at
the 5-speed manual and High Altitude . . . . . . . . . . . 89
automatic transmissions. It also
includes important information 5-Speed Manual
on your car's braking system and Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
facts you need if you are Recommended Shift
planning to tow a trailer. Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Maximum Speeds . . . . . . . . . 91
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 91
Shift Lever Position
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Shift Lever Positions . . . . . . 92
Maximum Speeds . . . . . . . . . 94
Shift Lock Release . . . . . . . . 94
The Braking System . . . . . . . . . 9 5
Brake Wear Indicators . . . . 95
Brake System Design . . . . . . 96
Anti-Lock Brakes . . . . . . . . . 96
Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 7
Driving

Preparing to Drive, Starting the Engine
You should do the following 6. Check the adjustment of the Starting the Engine
checks and adjustments every inside and outside mirrors 1. Apply the parking brake.
day before you drive your car. (see page 53).
2. In cold weather, turn off all
1. Make sure all windows, 7. Check the adjustment of the electrical accessories to
mirrors, and outside lights steering wheel (see page 40). reduce the drain on the
are clean and unobstructed. battery.
Remove frost, snow, or ice. 8. Make sure the doors are
securely closed and locked; 3. Manual transmission: Push
2. Check that the hood and the clutch pedal all the way
trunk are fully closed. 9. Fasten your seat belt. Check
that your passengers have down. START (III) does not
3. Visually check the tires. If a fastened their seat belts function unless the clutch
tire looks low, use a gauge to (see page 7). pedal is depressed.
check its pressure. Automatic transmission: Make
10. Turn the ignition ON (II).
4. Check that any items you sure the shift lever is in Park.
Check the indicator lights in
may be carrying with you Push on the brake pedal.
the instrument panel.
inside are stored properly or 4. Without touching the
fastened down securely. 11. Start the engine.
accelerator pedal, turn the
12. Check the gauges and ignition key to the START (III)
5. Check the adjustment of the
indicator lights in the position. If the engine does
seat (see page 48).
instrument panel not start right away, do not
(see page 29). hold the key in START (III) for
more than 15 seconds at a
Driving

Starting the Engine
time. Pause for at least 10 Starting in Cold Weather 3. If the engine fails to start in
seconds before trying again. at High Altitude (Above step 2, push the accelerator
pedal all the way down, and
5. If the engine does not start 8,000 feet/2,400 Meters) hold it there while you try to
within 15 seconds or starts An engine is harder to start in start the engine for no more
but stalls right away, push cold weather. The thinner air than 15 seconds. If the engine
the accelerator pedal halfway found at high altitude above does not start, return to step 2.
down, and turn the ignition 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) adds to
key to the START (III) the problem. Use the following
position. If the engine starts, procedure:
release pressure on the
accelerator pedal so the 1. Turn off all electrical
engine does not race. accessories to reduce the
drain on the battery.
6. If the engine still does not
start, push the accelerator 2. Push the accelerator pedal
pedal all the way down and halfway down, and hold it
hold it there while starting to there while starting the
clear any flooding. As before, engine. Do not hold the
keep the ignition key in the ignition key in START (III) for
START (III) position for no more than 15 seconds. When
more than 15 seconds. the engine starts, release the
Return to step 5 if the engine accelerator pedal gradually
does not start. If it starts, lift as the engine speeds up and
your foot off the accelerator smooths out.
pedal so the engine does
not race.
Driving

5-Speed Manual Transmission
The manual transmission is Come to a full stop before you

synchronized in all forward gears shift into reverse. You can
for smooth operation. It has a damage the transmission by
lockout so you cannot shift trying to shift into reverse with Rapid slowing or speeding up
directly from Fifth to Reverse. the car moving. Push down the can cause loss of control on
When shifting up or down, make clutch pedal, and pause for a few slippery surfaces. If you crash,
sure you push the clutch pedal seconds before shifting into you can be injured.
down all the way, shift to the reverse, or shift into one of the
next gear, and let the pedal up forward gears for a moment. Use extra care when driving on
gradually. When you are not This stops the gears so they slippery surfaces.
shifting, do not rest your foot on won't "grind."
the clutch pedal. This can cause
your clutch to wear out faster. When slowing down, you can get
extra braking from the engine by
shifting to a lower gear. This
extra braking can help you
maintain a safe speed and
prevent your brakes from
overheating while going down a
steep hill. Before downshifting,
make sure engine speed will not
go into the red zone in the lower
gear. Refer to the Maximum
Speeds chart.
Driving

5-Speed Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission
Recommended Shift Points Maximum Speeds Automatic Transmission

Drive in the highest gear that lets The speeds in these tables are Your Honda's transmission has
the engine run and accelerate the maximums for the given four forward speeds and is
smoothly. This will give you the gears. If you exceed these electronically controlled for
best fuel economy and effective speeds, the engine speed will smoother shifting. It also has a
emissions control. The following enter, into the tachometer's red "lock-up" torque converter for
shift points are recommended: zone. If this occurs, you may feel better fuel economy. You may
the engine cut in and out. This is feel what seems like another
caused by a limiter in the shift when the converter locks.
engine's computer controls. The
engine will run normally when
you reduce the rpm below the
red zone.
Driving

Automatic Transmission
Shift Lever Position Indicator Shift Lever Positions

This indicator between the The shift lever has seven
tachometer and speedometer positions. It must be in Park or
shows which shift position the Neutral to start the engine. When
shift lever is in. The "D4" you are stopped in D4, D3, 2, 1 or
indicator comes on for a few R, press firmly on the brake
seconds when you turn the pedal, and keep your foot off the
ignition switch ON (II). If it accelerator pedal.
flashed while driving (in any shift
position), it indicates a possible SHIFT
problem in the transmission. LEVER
Avoid rapid acceleration and
have the transmission checked
by an authorized Honda dealer as
soon as possible.
Driving

Park (P) — This position out of Park, see Shift Lock car for any reason. Press on the
mechanically locks the Release on page 94. brake pedal when you are
transmission. Use Park whenever moving the shift lever from
you are turning off or starting You must also press the release Neutral to another gear.
the engine. To shift out of Park, button to shift into Park. To
you must press on the brake avoid transmission damage, Drive (D4) — Use this position for
pedal and have your foot off the come to a complete stop before your normal driving. The
accelerator pedal. Press the shifting into Park. The shift lever transmission automatically
release button on the side of the must be in Park before you can selects a suitable gear for your
shift lever to move it. remove the key from the ignition speed and acceleration. You may
switch. notice the transmission shifting
up at higher speeds when the
Reverse (R) — To shift to Reverse engine is cold. This helps the
from Park, see the explanation engine warm up faster.
under Park. To shift to Reverse
from Neutral, come to a Drive (D3) — This position is
complete stop and then shift. similar to D4, except only the
Press the release button before first three gears may be selected.
shifting into Reverse from Use D3 when towing a trailer in
Neutral. hilly terrain or to provide engine
braking when going down a
Neutral (N) — Use Neutral if you steep hill. D3 can also keep the
need to restart a stalled engine transmission from cycling
or you need to stop briefly with between third and fourth gears
If you have done all of the above
the engine idling. Shift to Park in stop-and-go driving.
and still cannot move the lever
position if you need to leave the
continued
Driving

For faster acceleration when in transmission downshifts only if engine's computer controls. The
D3 or D4, you can get the the engine's redline will not be engine will run normally when
transmission to automatically exceeded in the lower gear. you reduce the rpm below the
downshift by pushing the red zone.
accelerator pedal to the floor. First (1) — To shift from Second
The transmission will shift down to First, press the release button
one or two gears, depending on on the side of the shift lever.
your speed. With the lever in this position,
the transmission locks in First
Second (2) — To shift to Second, gear. By upshifting and
press the release button on the downshifting through 1, 2, D3,
side of the shift lever. This and D4, you can operate this
position locks the transmission transmission much like a manual
in second gear. It does not transmission without a clutch Shift Lock Release
downshift to first gear when you pedal. This allows you to move the shift
come to a stop. Second gives you lever out of Park if the normal
more power when climbing, and method of pushing on the brake
increased engine braking when Maximum Speeds pedal and pressing the release
going down steep hills. Use The speeds in these tables are button does not work.
second gear when starting out the maximums for the given
on a slippery surface or in deep 1. Set the parking brake.
position. If you exceed these
snow. It will help reduce wheel speeds, the engine speed will 2. Remove the key from the
spin. enter into the tachometer's red ignition switch.
zone. If this occurs, you will feel
Whenever you move the shift the engine cut in and out. This is
lever to a lower gear, the caused by a limiter in the
Driving

Automatic Transmission, The Braking System
3. Insert the key in the Shift If you need to use the Shift Lock Constant application of the
Lock Release slot next to the Release, it could mean your car brakes when going down a long
shift lever. is developing a problem. Have hill builds up heat and reduces
the car checked by your Honda their effectiveness. Use the
4. Push down on the key while
dealer. engine to assist the brakes by
you press the release button downshifting to a lower gear and
and move the shift lever out taking your foot off the
of Park to Neutral. accelerator pedal.
The Braking System
5. Remove the key from the
Your Honda is equipped with
Shift Lock Release slot.
front disc brakes. The brakes on
Return the key to the ignition
the rear wheels may be disc or
switch, depress the brake drum, depending on the model. Brake Wear Indicators
pedal, and restart the engine. The braking system is power The front disc brakes and rear
assisted to reduce the effort brakes of ABS-equipped cars
RELEASE BUTTON
needed on the brake pedal. have audible brake wear
indicators. When the brake pads
Put your foot on the brake pedal need replacing, you will hear a
only when you intend to brake. distinctive metallic "screeching"
Resting your foot on the pedal sound when you apply the
keeps the brakes applied lightly, brakes. If you do not have the
causing them to build up heat. brake pads replaced, they will
Heat buildup can reduce how well screech all the time.
your brakes work. It also keeps
your brake lights on all the time, Your brakes may sometimes
confusing drivers behind you. squeal or squeak when you
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT apply them lightly. Do not
continued
Driving

The Braking System
confuse this with the brake wear much farther and you need to The ABS is always "ON." It
indicators. They make a very press on it much harder. A much requires no special effort or
audible "screeching." longer distance will be needed to driving technique. You will feel a
stop the car. pulsation in the brake pedal
when the ABS activates.
Brake System Design Slow the car by downshifting to a
The hydraulic system that lower gear and removing your Activation varies with the
operates the brakes has two foot from the accelerator pedal. amount of traction your tires
separate circuits. Each circuit Pull to the side of the road as have. On dry pavement, you will
works diagonally across the car soon as it is safe. Because of the need to press on the brake pedal
(the left-front brake is connected longer stopping distance needed, very hard before you feel the
with the right-rear brake, etc.). If brake system failure is very pedal pulsation that means the
one circuit should develop a hazardous. You should have your ABS has activated. However, you
problem, you will still have car towed, but if you must drive may feel the ABS activate
braking at two wheels. the car in this condition, be immediately if you are trying to
extremely cautious. Have your stop on snow or ice. Under all
car repaired as soon as possible. conditions, the ABS is helping to
prevent the wheels from locking
FRONT so you can retain steering
Anti-Lock Brakes control. You should continue to
ABS-equipped models press on the brake pedal with
Your car has an anti-lock brake the same force.
system (ABS). ABS helps you to
You may feel a slight movement
maintain steering control during
of the brake pedal just after you
hard braking. It does this by
If this happens, you will notice start the engine. This is the ABS
helping to prevent the wheels
that the brake pedal goes down working.
from locking up and skidding.
Driving

The Braking System, Towing a Trailer
The ABS is self-checking. If A car with ABS may require a The "tongue load" should
anything goes wrong, the ABS longer distance to stop on loose never exceed 100 Ib (45 kg).
indicator on the instrument or uneven surfaces than an This is the amount of weight
panel comes on (see page 31). equivalent car without anti-lock the trailer puts on the hitch
This means the anti-lock function brakes. The ABS cannot make up when it is fully loaded. As a
of the braking system has shut for road conditions or bad rule of thumb, the tongue load
down. The brakes still work like judgment. It is still your should be 10% of the total
a conventional system, providing responsibility to drive at trailer package.
normal stopping ability. You reasonable speeds for weather
should have the dealer inspect and traffic conditions and to For example, if the trailer and its
your car as soon as possible. leave a margin of safety. load weigh 500 Ib (225 kg), the
tongue load should be
50 Ib (22.5 kg). Adjust the
ABS INDICATOR trailer's cargo to change the
Towing a Trailer
tongue load. Start by putting
Your Honda is designed approximately 60% of the cargo
primarily to carry passengers toward the front and 40% toward
and their cargo. You can use it to the rear. Never load the trailer so
tow a trailer if you carefully the back is heavier than the
observe some general rules. front. This takes weight off your
The total weight of the trailer car's rear axle and reduces
and everything loaded in it traction.
must not exceed 1,000 Ib
(450 kg). The combined weight of the
*U.S, indicator shown.
car, all passengers and their
luggage, and tongue load must
continued
Driving

Towing a Trailer
not exceed the Gross Vehicle Trailer Hitches

Weight Rating. The GVWR is Your Honda dealer, or the Honda
printed on the Certification Customer Relations Zone Office,
Label attached to the driver's Improperly loading your car and can give you advice on the
doorjamb (see page 172). trailer can seriously affect its proper hitch for your car. Never
The combined weight of the
steering and braking use a hitch that mounts only to
car, all passengers and their performance, causing a crash the rear bumper. The bumper is
in which you can be seriously not designed to handle that type
luggage, and tongue load also
injured. of load. The hitch should bolt to
must not exceed the Gross the under-body of the car and
Axle Weight Rating. The GAWR distribute the load over a wide
is also shown on the Check the loading of your car
area. Always have a trailer hitch
Certification label. It tells you and trailer carefully before installed by a qualified
the maximum load for the starting to drive. technician.
front and rear axles. It is
possible that your towing NOTICE
package does not exceed the The best way to confirm that
GVWR but does exceed the your total towing package is A trailer hitch that is not adequate
GAWR. Improper trailer within these specifications is to for the size of the trailer, or a
loading, and/or too much get it weighed. Load the car and hitch that is improperly installed,
luggage in the trunk can trailer as you normally would can cause damage to the
overload the rear axle. while towing, and take them to a underside of your car.
Redistribute the load, and public scale. Have them check
check the axle weights again. the total weight and the weight Mirrors
at each axle, and then compare
them to the specifications. Many states and provinces have
laws requiring special outside
Driving

Towing a Trailer
mirrors when you are towing a trailer's brakes to your car's can't bind in a sharp turn. Do not
trailer. Check the laws in your hydraulic system, no matter how let it drag on the ground.
area. You may want to install successful it may seem, will
mirrors, even if they are not lower braking effectiveness and Your car has a trailer lighting
required. Hook up the trailer and create a potential hazard. connector under the cargo area
see how much it obscures your floor. To use the connector, lift
ability to see behind you with Always use a safety chain when the floor and attach the hook at
the standard mirrors. If you towing a trailer. Connect the the end of the strap to the roof
cannot see directly behind you, safety chain securely at both line.
or have a large blind spot next to ends. Make sure the chain
crosses under the tongue so it You will find the connector
the trailer or the car, you should
will catch the trailer if it under the left side box. Refer to
install mirrors intended for
becomes unhitched. Leave the drawing below for the wiring
towing.
enough slack in the chain so it color code and purpose of each
connector pin.
GROUND LEFT TURN SIGNAL
Connecting the Trailer (BLACK) BACK-UP LIGHT
(GREEN/BLUE)
(GREEN/BLACK)
Most trailers that have a gross
weight of 1,000 Ib (450 kg) do not
have their own braking system. If
you are thinking of getting a
trailer that does have brakes,
make sure they are electrically
operated. There are no
provisions in your car to tap into
its hydraulic braking system. RIGHT TURN SIGNAL BRAKE LIGHT TAILLIGHT
Any attempt to attach the (GREEN/YELLOW) (GREEN/WHITE) (RED/BLACK)
Driving

Towing a Trailer
Before Starting Out Towing Safety slow down to get out of the other
As you are preparing to tow your Your car will not stop as quickly vehicle's air turbulence.
trailer, do the following: with a trailer in tow. Leave extra
distance between your car and Towing a trailer puts an extra
Measure the trailer's tongue load on your car. You should
load. You can do this with a other vehicles. Avoid braking or
turning suddenly. This could have your car serviced
bathroom scale. according to the maintenance
cause the trailer to jackknife or
Verify that the hitch and possibly turn over. schedule under severe driving
safety chain are securely conditions on page 109.
fastened. Keep in mind that your total
Check the condition and air vehicle is now much longer. This extra load is magnified
Leave more room when making when you are driving in hilly
pressure of all tires on the
turns. The trailer tracks a terrain. Watch the temperature
trailer and your car. Low tire
smaller arc than the car and can gauge closely when climbing
pressure can seriously affect hills. If it gets near the hot area,
the handling. Also, check the hit or run over something that
the car misses. When passing turn off the air conditioning (if it
spare tire. is on). If this does not reduce the
another vehicle, make sure the
With everything loaded and trailer is clear before changing heat, it may be necessary to pull
the trailer connected, check lanes. to the side of the road and wait
that the rear of the car is not for the engine to cool. If the
sagging. If so, redistribute the The car/trailer combination is automatic transmission shifts
load in the car. more affected by crosswinds and frequently between 3rd and 4th
Check that all lights on the car buffeting. When being passed by gears, put it in D3. This will help
and trailer are working a large vehicle, keep a constant prevent the transmission from
properly. speed and steer straight ahead. If overheating. Help keep the
there is too much wind buffeting, brakes from overheating by
Driving

Towing a Trailer
shifting to a lower gear when guide you. Grip the steering

going downhill. wheel on the bottom (rather
than the usual position near the
If you have to stop while going top). Move your hand to the left
uphill, do not hold the car in to get the trailer to move to the
place by pressing the left, and right to move the trailer
accelerator. This can cause the right.
automatic transmission to
overheat. Use the parking brake
or footbrake.
When parking your car and

trailer, especially on a hill, be
sure to follow all the normal
precautions. Turn your front
wheels into the curb, set the
parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in 1st or Reverse
(manual) or Park (automatic). In
addition, place wheel chocks at
each of the trailer's tires.
Backing up with a trailer is
difficult and takes practice. Drive
slowly, make small movements
with the steering wheel, and
have someone stand outside to
Driving

Maintenance
This section explains why it is Periodic Checks . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Spark Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
important to keep your car well Fluid Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
maintained and to follow basic Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 127
maintenance safety precautions. Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Adding Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
This section also includes Recommended Oil . . . . . . . 114 Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . . . 129
Maintenance Schedules for Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Air Conditioning System . . . . 130
normal driving and severe Changing the Oil
driving conditions, a Drive Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
and Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Maintenance Record, and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
instructions for simple Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
maintenance tasks you may want Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . 117
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
to take care of yourself. Adding Engine Coolant . . . 117
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Replacing Engine Coolant 118
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
If you have the skills and tools to Windshield Washers . . . . . . . . 120
perform more complex Replacing Tires
maintenance tasks on your Transmission Oil . . . . . . . . . . . 121 and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Honda, you may want to Automatic Transmission . 121 Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . 135
purchase the Service Manual. 5-Speed Manual Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . 135
See page 187 for information on Transmission . . . . . . . . . . 122 Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 136
how to obtain a copy, or see Brake and Clutch Fluid . . . . . 122 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . 136
your Honda dealer. Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Anti-Lock Brake System .. 123 Replacing Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 137
Maintenance Safety . . . . . . . . 104 Clutch System . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Storing Your Car . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . 106 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Maintenance Record . . . . . . . 110 Air Cleaner Element . . . . . . . . 125
Maintenance

Maintenance Safety
Regularly maintaining your car is This section includes

the best way to protect your instructions for simple
investment. Proper maintenance maintenance tasks, such as
is essential to your safety and Improperly maintaining this car checking and adding oil. Any
the safety of your passengers. It or failing to correct a problem service items not detailed in this
will also reward you with more before driving can cause a section should be performed by
economical, trouble-free driving crash in which you can be a Honda technician or other
and help reduce air pollution. seriously hurt and killed. qualified mechanic.
Always follow the inspection Some of the most important

and maintenance safety precautions are given
below. However, we cannot warn
recommendations and you of every conceivable hazard
schedules in this owner's that can arise in performing
manual. maintenance. Only you can
decide whether or not you
should perform a given task.
Maintenance

Maintenance Safety
Important Safety Precautions Read the instructions before you

Before you begin any begin, and make sure you have
maintenance, make sure that the tools and skills required.
Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and your car is parked on level
ground and the parking brake is To reduce the possibility of fire
precautions can cause you to or explosion, be careful when
set. Also, be sure the engine is
be seriously hurt or killed. working around gasoline or
off. This will help to eliminate
several potential hazards: batteries. Use a nonflammable
Always follow the procedures solvent, not gasoline, to clean
and precautions in this owner's Carbon monoxide poisoning parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks
manual. from engine exhaust. Be sure and flames away from the
there is adequate ventilation battery and all fuel-related parts.
whenever you operate the You should wear eye protection
engine. and protective clothing when
Burns from hot parts. Let the working near the battery or
engine and exhaust system when using compressed air.
cool before touching any parts.
Injury from moving parts. Do
not run the engine unless
instructed to do so.
Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule Avoid exceeding your car's Which Schedule to Follow

The Maintenance Schedule load limit. This puts excess Service your car according to the
specifies how often you should strain on the engine, brakes, time and mileage periods on one
have your car serviced and what and many other parts of your of the Maintenance Schedules on
things need attention. It is car. The load limit is shown the following pages. Select the
essential that your car be on the label on the driver's schedule for "Severe Conditions"
serviced as scheduled to retain doorjamb. if most of your driving is done
its high level of safety, Operate your car on under one or more of the
dependability, and emissions reasonable roads within the conditions listed on that page.
control performance. legal speed limit. Otherwise, follow the schedule
for "Normal Conditions."
Drive your car regularly over a
The services and time or mileage
intervals shown in the distance of several miles
maintenance schedule assume (kilometers).
you will use your car as normal Always use unleaded gasoline
transportation for passengers with a pump octane number of
and their possessions. You 86 or higher (see page 78).
should also follow these
recommendations:
Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule
Your authorized Honda dealer We recommend the use of U.S. Cars:

knows your car best and can Genuine Honda parts and fluids Maintenance, replacement, or
provide competent, efficient whenever you have maintenance repair of emissions control
service. However, service at a done. These are manufactured to devices and systems may be
dealer is not mandatory to keep the same high quality standards done by any automotive repair
your warranties in effect. as the original components, so establishment or individual
you can be confident of their using parts that are "certified"
Maintenance may be done by performance and durability. to EPA standards.
any qualified service facility or
person who is skilled in this type According to state and federal
of automotive service. Keep all regulations, failure to perform
the receipts as proof of maintenance on the items
completion, and have the person marked with an asterisk (*) will
who does the work fill out the not void your emissions
Maintenance Record. Check your warranties. However, Honda
warranty booklet for more recommends that all
information. maintenance services be
performed at the recommended
time or mileage period to ensure
long-term reliability.
Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule (Normal Conditions)
Follow the Normal Conditions

Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specified in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule on the next page do
not apply.
For Canadian Owners:

This Maintenance Schedule
outlines the minimum
required maintenance that
you should perform to ensure
the trouble-free operation of
your vehicle. Due to regional
and climatic differences, some
additional servicing may be
required. Please consult your
warranty handbook for a
more detailed description.
Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule (Severe Conditions)
Follow the Severe Conditions

Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your vehicle MAINLY
under one or more of the
following conditions:
Driving less than 5 miles per
trip or, in freezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles per trip.
Driving in extremely hot
(over 90°F) conditions.
Extensive idling or long
periods of stop-and-go
driving.
Trailer towing, driving with a
car-top carrier, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.
NOTE: If you only OCCASION-

ALLY drive under a "severe"
condition, you should follow the
Normal Conditions Maintenance
Schedule on the previous page.
Maintenance

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

Non-Scheduled Maintenance Record
Record additional maintenance for severe driving conditions or non-scheduled maintenance on this page (see page 109).
Maintenance

Periodic Checks
You should check the following Brakes, clutch, and power

items at the specified intervals. If steering — Check the fluid level
you are unsure of how to monthly. See pages 122 — 124.
perform any check, turn to the Battery — Check its condition
page given. and the terminals for
Engine oil level — Check every corrosion monthly. See pages
time you fill the fuel tank. See 127 — 129.
page 82. Air conditioning — Check its
Engine coolant level — Check operation weekly. See page 131.
the radiator reserve tank Tires — Check the tire pressure
every time you fill the fuel monthly. Examine the tread
tank. See page 83. for wear and foreign objects.
Windshield washer fluid — See page 133.
Check the level in the Lights — Check the operation
reservoir monthly. If weather of the headlights, parking
conditions cause you to use lights, taillights, high-mount
the washers frequently, check brake light, turn signals, brake
the reservoir each time you lights, and license plate lights
stop for fuel. See page 120. monthly. See page 136.
Automatic transmission —
Check the fluid level monthly.
See page 121.
Maintenance

Fluid Locations
BRAKE FLUID CLUTCH FLUID

(Gray cap) (Gray cap)
(5-Speed Manual
Transmission only)
ENGINE OIL ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK

FILLER CAP (Orange loop)
COOLANT ANTI-LOCK BRAKE

RESERVOIR RESERVOIR
(Gray cap)
(For cars equipped
with ABS)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
Maintenance

Engine Oil
Adding Oil longevity. Always use a The oil container may also
To add oil, unscrew and remove premium-grade detergent oil. display the API Certification seal.
the engine oil fill cap on top of Make sure it says "For Gasoline
You can determine an oil's SAE Engines."
the valve cover. Pour in the oil, viscosity and Service
and replace the fill cap. Tighten Classification from the API
it securely. Wait a few minutes, Service label on the oil container.
and recheck the oil level. Do not
fill above the upper mark; you A fuel-efficient oil is
could damage the engine. recommended for your Honda.
This is shown on the API Service
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP label by the words "Energy
Conserving II." This oil is
formulated to help your engine
use less fuel.
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
Recommended Oil
Oil is a major contributor to your
API SERVICE LABEL
engine's performance and
Maintenance

Engine Oil
The SAE numbers tell you the additives for the engine or maintenance done by a skilled
oil's viscosity or weight. Select transmission will not increase mechanic.
the oil for your car according to your car's performance or 1. Run the engine until it reaches
this chart. longevity. It only increases the normal operating temperature,
cost of operating your car. and then shut it off.
2. Open the hood, and remove
Changing the Oil and Filter the oil fill cap. Remove the oil
Always change the oil and filter drain bolt and washer from
according to the time and the bottom of the engine.
distance (miles/kilometers) Drain the oil into an
recommendations on the appropriate container.
maintenance schedule. The oil
and filter collect contaminants
An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is that can damage your engine if
preferred for improved fuel they are not removed regularly.
economy and year-round
protection in your Honda. You Changing the oil and filter
may use a 10W-30 oil if the requires special tools and access
temperature in your area never from underneath the car. The car
goes below 20°F (-7 °C). should be raised on a service
station-type hydraulic lift for this
service. Unless you have the
DRAIN BOLT WASHER
Additives knowledge and proper
Your Honda does not need any equipment, you should have this
oil additives. Purchasing continued
Maintenance

Engine Oil
3. Remove the oil filter, and let 5. Put a new washer on the 9. Turn off the engine, and wait
the remaining oil drain. A drain bolt with the flat side for several minutes; then,
special wrench (available toward the engine, and then check the oil level. If
from your Honda dealer) is reinstall the drain bolt. necessary, add oil to bring
required to remove the filter. Tighten it to 33 Ib-ft (4.5 the level to the upper mark
OIL FILTER WRENCH kg-m, 44 N.m). on the dipstick.
6. Refill the engine with the NOTICE
recommended oil. Engine oil
capacity (including filter): If you change your own oil, please
U.S.: LX, Canada: EX dispose of the used oil properly.
4.0 U.S. qt ( 3.8 , 3.3 Imp. qt.) Put it in a sealed container, and
U.S.: EX take it to a recycling center. Do
4.5 U.S. qt (4.3 , 3.8 Imp. qt.) not discard it in a waste bin or
dump it on the ground.
7. Replace the oil fill cap. Start
the engine. The indicator The oil and filter should be
light should go out within five changed every 6 months or 7,500
seconds. If it does not, turn miles (12,000 km), whichever
OIL FILTER off the engine and inspect comes first. Under severe driving
your work. conditions, they should be
4. Install a new oil filter
changed every 3 months or 3,750
according to the instructions 8. Let the engine run for several miles (6,000 km). See page 109
that come with it. minutes; then, check the for a description of severe
drain bolt and washer and driving conditions.
the oil filter for leaks.
Maintenance

Cooling System
Engine Coolant Always use Genuine Honda 1. Make sure the engine and
Check the level of the engine Antifreeze/Coolant. The cooling radiator are cool.
coolant by looking at the system contains many aluminum
2. Turn the radiator cap
radiator reserve tank next to the components that can corrode if
an improper antifreeze is used. counterclockwise, without
air cleaner element housing. If pressing down on it, until it
the level is at or below the MIN Some antifreeze, even though
labeled as safe for aluminum stops. This relieves any
line, add coolant to bring it up to pressure remaining in the
the MAX line. This coolant parts, may not provide adequate
protection. cooling system.
should always be a mixture of 50
percent antifreeze and 50 RADIATOR CAP
percent water. Never add Adding Engine Coolant
straight antifreeze or plain water.
If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check
RESERVE TANK the coolant level in the radiator.
Removing the radiator cap

while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
MAX 3. Remove the radiator cap by
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before pushing down and turning
MIN removing the radiator cap. counterclockwise.
continued
Maintenance

Cooling System
4. The coolant level should be Do not add any rust inhibitors or 1. Turn the heater temperature
up to the base of the filler other additives to your car's control lever to maximum
neck. Add coolant if it is low. cooling system. They may not be heat. Open the hood. Make
compatible with the coolant or sure the engine and radiator
engine components. are cool to the touch.
2. Remove the radiator cap.
Replacing Engine Coolant RADIATOR CAP
The cooling system should be
completely drained and refilled
with new coolant according to
the time and mileage
recommendations in the
maintenance schedule. Only use
RESERVE TANK the recommended antifreeze.
Draining the coolant requires

5. Put the radiator cap back on. access to the underside of the
Tighten it fully. car. Unless you have the tools
6. Pour coolant into the reserve and knowledge, you should have
tank. Fill it to halfway this maintenance done by a 3. Loosen the drain plug in the
between the MAX and MIN skilled mechanic. bottom of the radiator. The
marks. Put the cap back on coolant will drain through the
the reserve tank. splash guard. Remove the
Maintenance

Cooling System
drain bolt from the engine 4. Remove the reserve tank 6. Mix the recommended
block. from its holder by pulling it antifreeze with an equal
straight up. Drain the amount of purified or
coolant, and then put the distilled water in a clean
tank back in its holder. container. The cooling
system capacity is:
RESERVE TANK
With 5-speed manual
transmission:
5.7 U.S. qt (5.4 , 4.8 Imp qt)
With automatic transmission:
5.6 U.S. qt (5.3 , 4.7 Imp qt)
HOLDER RESERVE TANK CAP
5. When the coolant stops

draining, tighten the drain
plug in the bottom of the
radiator. Apply non-hardening
sealant to the drain bolt
threads, and reinstall the bolt
in the engine block. Tighten
the bolt to 61 Ib-ft (8.5 kg-m,
83 N.m).
continued
Maintenance

Cooling System, Windshield Washers
7. Pour coolant into the the engine, and let it run until Windshield Washers
radiator up to the base of the it warms up (the radiator Check the level in the windshield
filler neck. cooling fan comes on at least washer reservoir at least
8. Loosen the bleeder bolt on twice). monthly during normal usage. In
top of the engine. Tighten it 10. Turn off the the engine. Check bad weather, when you use the
again when coolant comes the level in the radiator, and washers often, check the level
out in a steady stream with add coolant if heeded. Install every time you stop for gas.
no bubbles. the radiator cap, and tighten The windshield washer reservoir
if fully. is located behind the driver's side
11. Fill the reserve tank to the headlight. Check the reservoir's
fluid level by removing the cap
MAX mark. Install the reserve
and looking at the dipstick.
tank cap.
RESERVE TANK
9. Refill the radiator to the base

of the filler neck. Put the cap
on the radiator, and tighten it
only to the first stop. Start LEVEL GAUGE
Maintenance

Windshield Washers, Transmission Oil
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow 4. Remove the dipstick and

NOTICE loop) from the transmission, check the fluid level. It
Do not use engine antifreeze or a and wipe it with a clean should be between the upper
vinegar/water solution in the cloth. and lower marks.
windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage your car's

paint, while a vinegar/water
solution can damage the
windshield washer pump.
Use only commercially available

windshield washer fluid.
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
Transmission Oil
DIPSTICK
Check the fluid level with the 3. Insert the dipstick into the 5. If the level is below the lower
engine at normal operating transmission. mark, add fluid into the tube
temperature. to bring it to the upper mark.
Use Honda Premium Formula
1. Park the car on level ground. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Shut off the engine. or an equivalent DEXRON II
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(ATF) only.
continued
Maintenance

Transmission Oil
6. Insert the dipstick all the way hole. Reinstall the filler bolt, and (15,000 miles) under severe
back in the transmission. tighten it securely. driving conditions (see page
Make sure that the notch fits 109).
CORRECT LEVEL
in the dipstick guide and the
dipstick is all the way down.
Brake and Clutch Fluid
The transmission should be Check the fluid level in the
drained and refilled with new reservoirs monthly. There are up
fluid every 24 months or 30,000 to three reservoirs, depending
miles (48,000 km), whichever on which model. They are:
comes first. Shorten this to every
12 months or 24,000 km (15,000 Brake fluid reservoir (all
miles) under severe driving models)
conditions (see page 109.) Clutch fluid reservoir (5-speed
FILLER BOLT manual transmission only)
5-Speed Manual Transmission ABS reservoir for cars with
Only use an API Service SF or SG
Check the oil level a couple of ABS option
grade motor oil with a viscosity
minutes after shutting off the
of SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40.
engine. Make sure the car is on The brake fluid in the brake and
level ground. Remove the The transmission should be anti-lock brake systems should
transmission filler bolt. The oil drained and refilled with new oil be replaced every 2 years or
level should be up to the edge of every 24 months or 30,000 miles 30,000 miles (48,000 km),
the bolt hole. Feel inside the bolt (48,000 km), whichever comes whichever comes first.
hole with your finger. If you do first. Shorten the service interval
not feel any oil, slowly add oil to every 12 months or 24,000 km
until it starts to run out of the
Maintenance

Brake and Clutch Fluid
Brake System or DOT 4 only. Brake fluid If the fluid level is half an inch or
The fluid level should be marked DOT 5 is not compatible more above the MAX mark, it
between the MIN and MAX marks with your car's braking system. may indicate a problem in the
on the side of the reservoir. If the ABS. Have your dealer inspect
level is at or below the MIN Anti-Lock Brake System the system as soon as possible.
mark, your brake system needs The fluid should be between the
attention. Have the brake system If you add brake fluid to bring it
MIN and MAX marks on the side up to the MAX mark, use the
inspected for leaks or worn of the reservoir. If it is at or
brake pads. same DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
below the MIN mark, it may
from a sealed container specified
MAX indicate a problem in ABS. Have
the dealer inspect the system for the brake system.
and add fluid.
MAX
MIN
If you add brake fluid to bring it

up to the MAX mark, use
Genuine Honda Brake Fluid or an
equivalent from a sealed MIN
container that is marked DOT 3
Maintenance

Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering
Clutch System Power Steering NOTICE

The fluid level should be You should check the fluid level
between the MIN and MAX marks in the power steering reservoir Using automatic transmission fluid
on the side of the reservoir. If it monthly. Check the level when or another brand of power
is not, add brake fluid to bring it the engine is cold. Look at the steering fluid will damage the
up to that level. Use the same side of the reservoir. The fluid system. Use only Genuine Honda
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid should be between the UPPER Power Steering Fluid-V.
specified for the brake system. LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. If it is
below the LOWER LEVEL, add A low power steering fluid level
MAX power steering fluid to the can indicate a leak in the system.
UPPER LEVEL. Check the fluid level frequently
and have the system inspected
UPPER LEVEL as soon as possible.
NOTICE
Turning the steering wheel to full
left or right lock and holding it
there can damage the power
steering pump.
MIN
Low fluid level can indicate a

leak in the clutch system. Have LOWER LEVEL
this system inspected as soon as
possible.
Maintenance

Air Cleaner Element
Air Cleaner Element Replacement 2. Loosen the screws from the

The air cleaner element is inside battery hold-down bracket,
The air cleaner element should
the air cleaner housing on the and push the bracket away
be replaced every 2 years or
passenger's side of the engine from the air cleaner.
30,000 miles (48,000 km),
whichever comes first. Under compartment. To replace it: BOLTS
severe driving conditions, it 1. Remove the air cleaner duct
should be replaced every 12 by pulling it straight out.
months or 15,000 miles (24,000
km), whichever comes first. DUCT
Cleaning (Severe Conditions)

Clean the air cleaner element by
blowing compressed air through
it in the opposite direction to HOLD-DOWN
normal air flow. If you do not BRACKET
have access to compressed air
(such as a gas station), ask your 3. Loosen the four bolts, and
Honda dealer to do this service. remove the air cleaner
HOLD-DOWN BRACKET housing cover.
Follow the replacement
procedure for removal and
reinstallation.
continued
Maintenance

Air Cleaner Element, Spark Plugs
4. Remove the old air cleaner Spark Plugs 3. Remove the spark plug, using
element. Clean the inside of The original spark plugs in your a 16 mm (5/8 inch) spark
the housing with a damp rag. car need to be replaced every 2 plug socket.
AIR CLEANER
years or 30,000 miles (48,000 4. Put the new spark plug into
ELEMENT km), whichever comes first. the socket; then screw it into
the hole. Screw it in by hand
so you do not crossthread it.
Replacement
1. Clean up any dirt and oil that
have collected around the
spark plug caps.
2. Remove the spark plug cap
by pulling it straight out.
SPARK PLUG CAP
5. Place the new air cleaner

element in the housing.
6. Reinstall the housing cover
and the duct, and tighten the
four bolts. 5. Torque the spark plug. (If you
do not have a torque wrench,
7. Resinstall the battery
tighten the spark plug
hold-down bracket, and
two-thirds turn after it
tighten the screws.
contacts the cylinder head.)
Maintenance

Spark Plugs, Battery
Tightening torque: 13 Ib-ft 6. Install the spark plug cap.

(1.8 kg-m, 18 N.m).
7. Repeat this procedure for the
other three spark plugs. The battery contains sulfuric
acid (electrolyte) which is highly
Spark Plug Specifications corrosive and poisonous.
Getting electrolyte in your eyes
Normal driving conditions
NGK: ZFR5F-11 or on your skin can cause
Nippondenso: KJ16CR-L11 serious burns.
Wear protective clothing and
Hot climates or continuous high eye protection when working on
speed driving or near the battery.
NGK: ZFR6F-11
Nippondenso: KJ20CR-L11
Emergency Procedures
Spark plug gap Eyes — Flush with water from a
NOTICE cup or other container for at
0.039 — 0.043 in. (1.0 — 1.1 mm)
Tighten the spark plugs carefully. least 15 minutes. (Water under
A spark plug that is too loose can pressure can damage the eye.)
overheat and damage the engine. Immediately call a physician
Battery or 911.
Overtightening can cause damage
to the threads in the cylinder Check the condition of the
battery monthly. You should Skin — Remove contaminated
head.
check for proper electrolyte level clothing. Flush the skin with
and corrosion on the terminals. large quantities of water. Call a
physician immediately.
continued
Maintenance

Battery
Swallowing - Drink water or this stops, wash it off with plain the cables, and then coat the
milk. Call your local Poison water. Dry off the battery with a terminals with grease.
Control Center or a physician cloth or paper towel. Coat the
immediately. terminals with grease to help If you need to connect the
prevent future corrosion. battery to a charger, disconnect
Check the battery condition by both cables to prevent damage
looking at the test indicator If the terminals are severely to the car's electrical system.
window on the battery. The label corroded, clean them with baking
on the battery explains the test soda and water. Then use a
indicator's colors. wrench to loosen and remove the
cables from the terminals. Always
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW disconnect the negative (-) cable The battery gives off explosive
first and reconnect it last. hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the

battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt
you.
Check the battery terminals for Wear protective clothing and a
corrosion (a white or yellowish
face shield, or have a skilled
powder). To remove it, cover the
Clean the battery terminals with mechanic do the battery
terminals with a solution of
baking soda and water. It will a terminal cleaning tool or wire maintenance.
bubble up and turn brown. When brush. Reconnect and tighten
Maintenance

Battery, Windshield Wipers
If your car's battery is Windshield Wipers 2. Disconnect the blade

disconnected or goes dead, the Check the condition of the assembly from the wiper arm
audio system will disable itself. windshield wiper blades at least by pushing in the lock tab.
The next time you turn on the every six months. Look for signs Hold it in while you push the
radio you will see "Code" in the of cracking in the rubber or blade assembly toward the
frequency display. Use the Preset areas that are getting hard. base of the arm.
buttons to enter the five-digit Replace the blades if you find
code (see page 75). these signs, or they leave streaks
and unwiped areas when used.
NOTICE
To replace the blade, do this:
Charging the battery with the 1. Raise the wiper arm off the
cables connected can seriously windshield.
damage your car's electronic
controls. Detach the battery cables WIPER ARMS
before connecting the battery to a
charger.
continued
Maintenance

Windshield Wipers, Air Conditioning System
3. Remove the blade from its install them in the slots along Air Conditioning System
holder by grasping the the edge of the new blade. (Optional)
tabbed end of the blade. Pull Your car's air conditioning is a
firmly until the tabs come out sealed system. Any major
BLADE
of the holder. maintenance, such as recharging,
should be done by a qualified
BLADE technician. You can do a couple
of things to make sure the air
conditioning works efficiently.
AIR
CONDITIONING
REINFORCEMENT CONDENSER
5. Slide the new wiper blade

into the holder until the tabs
lock.
4. Examine the new wiper
blades. If they have no plastic 6. Slide the new blade assembly
or metal reinforcement along onto the wiper arm. Make
the back edge, remove the sure it locks in place.
metal reinforcement strips
from the old wiper blade, and 7. Lower the wiper arm down Periodically check the engine's
against the windshield. radiator and air conditioning
condenser for leaves, insects,
Maintenance

Air Conditioning, Drive Belts
and dirt stuck to the front Recharge the system with Drive Belts
surface. These block the air flow Refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a). POWER STEERING BELT
and reduce cooling efficiency. See Specifications on page 175.
Use a light spray from a hose or
a soft brush to remove them.
NOTICE
NOTICE Whenever you have the air
conditioning system serviced,
The condenser and radiator fins make sure the service facility uses
bend easily. Only use a low- a refrigerant recycling system.
pressure spray or soft-bristle brush This system captures the
to clean them. refrigerant for reuse. Releasing
refrigerant into the atmosphere
Run the air conditioning at least can damage the environment. ALTERNATOR BELT
once a week during the cold
weather months. Run it for at Check the condition of the two
least 10 minutes while you are drive belts. Examine the edges of
driving at a steady speed with each belt for cracks or fraying.
the engine at normal operating Check the tension of each belt by
temperature. This circulates the pushing on it with your thumb
lubricating oil contained in the midway between the pulleys.
refrigerant.
If the air conditioning does not

get as cold as before, have your
dealer check the system.
continued
Maintenance

Drive Belts, Tires
The belts should have the tires for damage, and what to do handling and fuel economy, and
following "play" or deflection. when your tires need to be are more likely to fail from being
replaced. overheated. Overinflated tires
Alternator belt:
can make your car ride more
(on cars without A/C) harshly, are more prone to
0.41—0.49 in. (10.5—12.5 mm) damage from road hazards, and
(on cars with A/C) wear unevenly.
0.31—0.41 in. (8.0—10.5 mm) Using tires that are excessively
Power steering belt: worn or improperly inflated can We recommend that you visually
0.51—0.63 in. (13.0—16.0 mm)
cause a crash in which you can check your tires every day and
be seriously hurt or killed. use a gauge to measure the air
pressure at least once a month.
If you see signs of wear or
Follow all instructions in this If you think a tire might be low,
looseness, have your dealer
owner's manual regarding tire check it immediately. Remember
adjust or replace the belts.
inflation and maintenance. to check the spare tire at the
same time you check all the
other tires.
Tires
To safely operate your car, your Check the pressure in the tires
tires must be the proper type Inflation
when they are cold. This means
and size, in good condition with Keeping the tires properly the car has been parked for at
adequate tread, and correctly inflated provides the best least three hours. If you have to
inflated. The following pages give combination of handling, tread drive the car before checking the
more detailed information on life, and riding comfort. tire pressure, the tires can still
how and when to check air Underinflated tires wear be considered "cold" if you drive
pressure, how to inspect your unevenly, adversely affect less than one mile (1.6 km).
Maintenance

Tires
If you check the pressure when These pressures are also given Tubeless tires have some ability
the tires are hot (the car has on the tire information label on to self-seal if they are punctured.
been driven several miles), you the driver's doorjamb. However, because leakage is
will see readings four to six psi often very slow, you should look
higher than the cold reading. closely for punctures if a tire
This is normal. Do not let air out starts losing pressure.
to match the specified cold
pressure. The tire will be Inspection
underinflated.
Every time you check inflation,
you should also examine the
tires for damage, foreign objects,
Recommended Tire Pressures and wear.
for Normal Driving
You should look for:
The following chart shows the
recommended cold tire Bumps or bulges in the tread
pressures for most normal TIRE INFORMATION LABEL or side of the tire. Replace
driving conditions and speeds. You should get your own tire the tire if you find either of
Tire pressures for high speed pressure gauge and use it these conditions.
driving are shown on page 176. whenever you check your tire Cuts, splits, or cracks in the
pressures. This will make it side of the tire. Replace the tire
easier for you to tell if a pressure if you can see fabric or cord.
loss is due to a tire problem and Excessive tread wear.
not due to a variation between
gauges.
continued
Maintenance

Tires
Your car's tires have wear Maintenance NOTICE

indicators molded into the tread. In addition to proper inflation,
When the tread wears down to correct wheel alignment helps to Improper wheel weights can
that point, you will see a 1/2 inch decrease tire wear. You should damage your car's aluminum
(12.7 mm) wide band running get your car's wheel alignment wheels. Use only genuine Honda
across the tread. This shows checked every 12 months or wheel weights for balancing.
there is less than 1/16 inch (1.6 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
mm) of tread left on the tire. A tire
that is this worn gives very little The tires were properly balanced Tire Rotation
traction on wet roads. You should by the factory. They may need to To help increase tire life and
replace the tire if you can see the be rebalanced at some time distribute wear more evenly, you
tread wear indicator in three or before they are worn out. Have should have the tires rotated
more places around the tire. your dealer check the tires if you every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
feel a consistent vibration while Move the tires to the positions
INDICATOR shown in the chart each time
LOCATION
driving. A tire should always be
MARKS rebalanced if it is removed from they are rotated.
the wheel for repair. FRONT FRONT
Make sure the installer balances
the wheels when you have new
tires installed. This increases
riding comfort and tire life. Your
car's original tires were dynamic
or "spin" balanced at the factory.
For best results, have the
TREAD WEAR installer perform a dynamic For Non-Directional For Directional
INDICATORS balance. Wheels Wheels
Maintenance

Tires
Replacing Tires and Wheels It is best to replace all four tires Wheels and Tires
The tires that came with your car at the same time. If that is not Wheel:
were selected to match the per- possible or necessary, then
replace the two front tires or the U.S. EX
formance capabilities of the car
two rear tires as a pair. Replacing 15 x 5 1/2 JJ (AL)
and provide the best combination
of handling, ride comfort, and just one tire can seriously affect U.S. LX, Canada EX
long life. You should replace them your car's handling. 15 x 5 1/2 JJ
with radial tires of the same size,
load range, and speed rating. Mix- The ABS works by comparing the
ing radial and bias-ply or bias- speed of the wheels. When Tire:
belted tires on your car can replacing tires, use the same size 195/60 R15 88H
reduce its braking ability, originally supplied with the car.
traction, and steering accuracy. Tire size and construction can See Tire Information on page
affect wheel speed and may 176 for additional information
cause the system to work about tire and wheel size
inconsistently. designations. See page 177 for
information about DOT Tire
Installing improper tires on your If you ever need to replace a Quality Grading.
car can affect handling and wheel, make sure the wheel's
stability. This can cause a crash specifications match those of the
in which you can be seriously original wheel that came on your Winter Driving
hurt or killed. car. Replacement wheels are
Tires that are marked "M + S" or
available at your Honda dealer.
Always use the size and type of "All Season" on the sidewall have
tires recommended in this an all-weather tread design. They
owner's manual. should be suitable for most
winter driving conditions. Tires
continued
Maintenance

Tires, Lights
without these markings are tire dealer for maximum speed as soon as you begin driving on
designed for optimum traction in recommendations. cleared roads.
dry conditions. They may not
provide adequate performance
in winter driving. For the best
NOTICE
Tire Chains
performance in snowy or icy Mount snow chains on your car Chains of the wrong size or that
conditions, you should install when warranted by driving are improperly installed can
snow tires or tire chains. They conditions or required by local damage your car's brake lines,
may be required by local laws laws. Make sure the chains are suspension, body, and wheels.
under certain conditions. Stop driving if you hear the chains
the correct size for your tires.
Install them only on the front hitting any part of the car.
tires. If metal chains are used,
Snow Tires they must be SAE class "S."
If you mount snow tires on your Cable-type traction devices can Lights
Honda, make sure they are radial also be used. Check the operation of your car's
tires of the same size and load exterior lights at least once a
range as the original tires. Mount When installing chains, follow month. A burned out bulb can
snow tires on all four wheels to the manufacturer's instructions create an unsafe condition by
balance your car's handling in and mount them as tightly as you reducing your car's visibility and
all weather conditions. Keep in can. Drive slowly with chains the ability to signal your
mind the traction provided by installed. If you hear the chains intentions to other drivers.
snow tires on dry roads may not contacting the body or chassis,
be as high as your car's original stop and tighten them. If they Check the following:
equipment tires. You should still make contact, slow down
drive cautiously even when the until it stops. Remove the chains Headlights (low and high
roads are clear. Check with the beam)
Maintenance

Lights
Parking lights steel base, and protect the glass BULB

Taillights from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the
Brake lights
glass, clean it with denatured
High-mount brake light alcohol and a clean cloth.
Turn signals
Back-up lights NOTICE
Hazard light function
Halogen headlight bulbs get very
License plate light hot when lit. Oil, perspiration, or
Side marker lights a scratch on the glass can cause
Daytime running lights the bulb to overheat and shatter.
TAB
(Canada cars) 1. Open the hood. If you need to 3. Remove the bulb by turning
change the headlight bulb on it one-quarter turn
If you find any bulbs are burned the passenger's side, remove
out, replace them as soon as counterclockwise.
the radiator reserve tank and
possible. Refer to the chart on the intake air tube. 4. Insert the new bulb into the
page 175 to determine what type hole, and turn the bulb in
of replacement bulb is needed. 2. Remove the electrical one-quarter turn clockwise.
connector from the bulb by
squeezing the connector to 5. Push the electrical connector
unlock the tab while you back onto the bulb. Make
Replacing a Headlight Bulb sure it is on all the way.
push down on the connector.
Your car has halogen headlight
bulbs, two on each side. When 6. Turn on the headlights to test
replacing a bulb, handle it by its the new bulb.
continued
Maintenance

Lights
7. (Passenger's side) 2. Remove the turn signal 6. Test the turn signals to make
Reinstall the radiator reserve assembly from the bumper. sure the new bulb is working.
tank and the intake air tube. 7. Put the turn signal assembly
3. Remove the bulb holder from
the turn signal assembly by into the bumper. Make sure
Replacing a Front Turn turning it counterclockwise. the tabs on the turn signal
assembly fit into the bumper
Signal Light Bulb slots. Tighten the mounting
TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY
1. Use a long-handled, #2 screw.
Phillips screwdriver to
loosen the turn signal
assembly mounting screw. Replacing Front Side Marker
and Parking Light Bulbs
1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to
BULB remove the screw from the
BULB HOLDER top of the fender.
SCREW
4. Remove the burned out bulb
from the socket by pushing it
in and turning
counterclockwise until it
unlocks. Install the new bulb.
5. Push the bulb holder into the
turn signal assembly, and
turn it clockwise until it
locks.
Maintenance

Lights
2. Move the side marker light 5. Put the bulb holder back into to gently pry it open.)
assembly forward until it its hole in the lens, and turn Remove the screws under
pops out of the body. it clockwise until it locks. each tab. Then, slide the
3. Turn the bulb holder taillight assembly diagonally
6. Turn on the parking lights,
one-quarter turn out.
and check that the new bulb
counterclockwise to remove is working.
it from the lens.
7. Put the side marker assembly
back into the body. Push on
the front edge until it snaps
into place. Install the
mounting screw, and tighten
it securely.
Replacing Rear Bulbs

1. Open the tailgate, and
remove the taillight assembly
cover.
2. Pull the taillight assembly out 4. Determine which of the three
of the body. bulbs is burned out: tail/
stoplight, back-up light, or
4. Pull the bulb straight out of 3. To open the tabs on the turn signal. Remove that bulb
its socket. Push the new bulb taillight assembly, push in on by turning it one-quarter turn
straight into the socket until the tab and lift it up. (You
it bottoms. may use a flat-tip screwdriver
continued
Maintenance

Lights
counterclockwise and pulling 8. When reinstalling the taillight 2. Use a thin, flat blade to
it out of the socket. assembly, align and pop the wedge the fastener's head
snap fasteners in place. Install out. When both fasteners are
and then tighten the screws. out, remove the high-mount
Lock the tabs in place. brake light cover.
3. Remove the socket by
Replacing a High-Mount turning it one-quarter turn
Brake Light Bulb counterclockwise.
1. Open the tailgate. Undo the
two fasteners on the side of
the cover by pushing on the
center of each fastener's
head until the center pops in.
5. Install the new bulb in the

socket.
Push.
6. Reinstall the bulb holder
assembly by lining up the
bulbs with their holes in the
lens assembly; then turn the
assembly one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place. 4. Pull the bulb out of its
socket. Push the new bulb
7. Test the lights to make sure into the socket.
the new bulb is working.
Maintenance

Lights
5. Test the brake light to make Replacing a Rear 3. Pull the bulb straight out of
sure the new bulb is working. License Bulb the socket.
6. Reinstall the cover. 1. Open the tailgate. Remove 4. Install the new bulb in the
the assembly cover and the socket.
7. Reset the center section of the
bulb assembly.
fastener through the fastener's 5. Turn on the parking lights,
head. Make sure that the and check that the new bulb
fingers on the fastener are BULB is working.
folded and flush to the
6. Reinstall the socket. Turn it
fastener and that the center
clockwise until it locks.
section protrudes beyond the
head.
8. Install each reset fastener
into the cover. Secure each Replacing Bulbs in the
fastener by pushing on the Interior Courtesy Lights
center until it locks (the The courtesy lights in the doors
center is flush with the and roof come apart in the same
head). way. They do not use the same
bulb.
2. Remove the socket from the
light assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.
continued
Maintenance

Lights
1. Remove the lens by carefully Interior/Cargo Light: SUN VISOR

prying on the edge of the lens Pry on the front edge of the
with a fingernail file or a lens in the middle.
small flat-tip screwdriver. Do
not pry on the edge of the INTERIOR LIGHT/CARGO LIGHT
housing around the lens.
Door Light:
Pry on the top middle of the
lens.
DOOR LIGHT
2. Remove the bulb by pulling it

straight out of its metal tabs.
3. Push the new bulb into the
metal tabs. Snap the lens
back in place.
Maintenance

Storing Your Car
If you need to park your car for If the car is to be stored for a To minimize the seal sticking,
an extended period (more than longer period, it should be apply a silicone spray
one month), you should do supported on jackstands so lubricant to all door and trunk
several things to prepare it for the tires are off the ground. seals. Also, apply a car body
storage. Proper preparation Leave one window open wax to the painted surfaces
helps prevent deterioration and slightly (if the car is being that mate with the door and
makes it easier to get your car stored indoors). trunk seals.
back on the road. If possible,
Disconnect the battery.
store your car indoors. If you store your car for 12
Cover the car with a
"breathable" car cover, one months or longer, have your
Fill the fuel tank. Honda dealer perform the
made from a porous material
Change the engine oil and inspections called for in the 24
such as cotton. Nonporous
filter (see page 115). months/30,000 miles (48,000 km)
materials, such as plastic
Wash and dry the exterior maintenance schedule as soon as
sheeting, trap moisture, which
completely. you take it out of storage (see
can damage the paint. pages 106 — 109). The
Clean the interior. Make sure If possible, periodically run
the carpeting, floor mats, etc. replacements called for in the
the engine for a while maintenance schedule are not
are completely dry. (preferably once a month). needed unless the car has
Leave the parking brake off. Support the front and rear actually reached that time or
Put the transmission in wiper blade arms with a mileage.
Reverse (5-speed manual) or folded towel or rag so they do
Park (automatic). not touch the windshield.
Block the rear wheels.
Maintenance

Appearance Care
Regular cleaning and polishing of Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

your Honda helps to keep it Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
"new" looking. This section gives Power Antenna Cleaning . 146
you hints on how to clean your Waxing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
car and preserve it's appearance: Aluminum Wheels . . . . . . . 147
the paint, brightwork, wheels, Touch-Up P a i n t . . . . . . . . . . 147
and interior. Also included are
several things you can do to help Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
prevent corrosion. Carpeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Fabric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Vinyl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Air Fresheners . . . . . . . . . . 149
Corrosion Protection . . . . . . . 149
Body Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Appearance Care

Exterior Care
Washing product made especially for As you dry the car, inspect it for
Frequent washing helps preserve car washing. chips and scratches that could
your car's beauty. Dirt and grit Wash the car, using the water allow corrosion to start. Repair
can scratch the paint, while tree and detergent solution and a them with touch-up paint (see
sap and bird droppings can soft-bristle brush, sponge, or page 147).
permanently ruin the finish. soft cloth. Start at the top and
work your way down. Rinse
Wash your car in a shady area, frequently. Power Antenna Cleaning
not in direct sunlight. If the car is Every time you wash your car,
parked in the sun, move it into Check the body for road tar,
tree sap, etc. Remove these clean the antenna mast with a
the shade and let the exterior dry cloth and mild detergent.
cool down before you start. stains with tar remover or
Scrub the antenna in upward
turpentine. Rinse it off
strokes to avoid bending it.
immediately so it does not
NOTICE harm the finish. Remember to Make sure the antenna works
Chemical solvents and strong rewax these areas, even if the smoothly by turning the stereo
cleaners can damage the paint, rest of the car does not need off and on several times with the
metal and plastic on your car. waxing. ignition switch ON (II). The
When you have washed and antenna does not need
Rinse the car thoroughly with rinsed the whole exterior, dry lubricating. If you use a
cool water to remove loose it with a chamois or soft "drive-through" car wash, make
dirt. towel. Letting it air-dry will sure you turn the stereo off first.
Fill a bucket with cool water. cause dulling and water spots. This retracts the antenna to
Mix in a mild detergent, such prevent damage from the
as dishwashing liquid or a brushes in the car wash.
Appearance Care

Exterior Care
Waxing contain mild abrasives and chemicals, including some

Always wash and dry the whole solvents that remove the top commercial wheel cleaners or
car before waxing it. You should layer of the finish. You should stiff brushes can damage this
wax your car, including the metal use a polish on your Honda if the clear-coat. Only use a mild
trim, whenever water sits on the finish does not have its original detergent and soft brush or
surface in large patches. It shine after using a wax. sponge to clean the wheels.
should form into beads or
droplets after waxing. Cleaning tar, insects, etc. with
removers also takes off the wax. Touch-Up Paint
You should use a quality liquid Remember to rewax those areas, Your dealer has touch-up paint
or paste wax. Apply it according even if the rest of the car does to match your car's color. The
to the instructions on the not need waxing. color code is printed on a sticker
container. In general, there are on the driver's doorjamb. Take
two types of products: this code to your dealer so you
Aluminum Wheels are sure to get the correct color.
Waxes - A wax coats the finish U.S. EX models
and protects it from damage by Clean your Honda's aluminum
exposure to sunlight, air alloy wheels as you do the rest of
pollution, etc. You should use a the exterior. Wash them with the
wax on your Honda when it is same solution, and rinse them
new. thoroughly.
Polishes - Polishes and cleaner/ The wheels have a protective

waxes can restore the shine to clear-coat that keeps the TOUCH-UP
paint that has oxidized and lost aluminum from corroding and PAINT
some of its shine. They normally tarnishing. Using harsh
continued
Appearance Care

Exterior Care, Interior Care
Inspect your car for chips or Carpeting bleach or stain the fabric. Follow
scratches in the paint frequently. Vacuum the carpeting frequently the instructions that come with
Repair them right away to to remove dirt. Ground-in dirt the cleaner.
prevent corrosion of the metal will make the carpet wear out
underneath. Use the touch-up faster. Periodically shampoo the
paint on small chips and carpet to keep it looking new. Vinyl
scratches. More extensive Use one of the foam-type carpet Remove dirt and dust with a
damage should be repaired by a cleaners on the market: Follow vacuum cleaner. Wipe the vinyl
professional. the instructions that come with with a soft cloth dampened in a
the cleaner, applying it with a solution of mild soap and water.
Examine the chip or scratch sponge or soft brush. Keep the Use the same solution with a
closely before repairing it. If it carpeting as dry as possible by soft-bristle brush on more
does not go down to bare metal, not adding water to the foam. difficult spots. You can also use
clean it with soap and water and commercially available spray or
apply the touch-up paint. If it foam-type vinyl cleaners.
does go to the metal, apply a
coat of primer first. After this Fabric
dries, apply the touch-up paint. Vacuum dirt and dust out of the
material frequently. For general Seat Belts
Build up the paint in the
damaged area to the level of the cleaning, use a solution of mild If your seat belts get dirty, you
surrounding paint. Several thin soap and lukewarm water, letting can use a soft brush to clean
coats of paint are better than it air dry. To clean off stubborn them with a mixture of mild soap
one thick coat. spots, use a commercially and warm water. Do not use
available fabric cleaner. Test it bleach, dye, or cleaning solvents.
on a hidden area of the fabric They can weaken the belt
first, to make sure it does not
Appearance Care

Interior Care, Corrosion Protection
material. Let the belts air-dry available glass cleaner. You can chemicals that may cause parts
before you use the car. also use a mixture of one part of the interior trim and fabric to
white vinegar to ten parts water. crack or discolor.
METAL LOOP This will remove the haze that
builds up on the inside of the If you use a liquid air freshener,
windows. Use a soft cloth or make sure you fasten it securely
paper towels to clean all glass so it does not spill as you drive.
and clear plastic surfaces.
NOTICE Corrosion Protection

Two factors normally contribute
The rear window defogger wires to causing corrosion in your car:
are bonded to the inside of the
glass. Wiping vigorously up and 1. Moisture trapped in body
Dirt buildup in the metal loops of down can dislodge and break the cavities. Dirt and road salt
the seat belt anchors can cause defogger wires. When cleaning the that collects in hollows on
the belts to retract slowly. Wipe rear window, use gentle pressure the underside of the car stays
the insides of the loops with a and wipe side to side. damp, promoting corrosion
clean cloth dampened in mild in that area.
soap and warm water or 2. Removal of paint and
isopropyl alcohol. Air Fresheners protective coatings from the
If you want to use an air exterior and underside of the
freshener/deodorizer in the car.
Windows
interior of your Accord, you Many corrosion-preventive
Clean the windows, inside and should use a solid type. Some
out, with a commercially measures are built into your
liquid air fresheners contain continued
Appearance Care

Corrosion Protection, Body Repairs
Honda. You can help keep your Body Repairs with other available parts. You
car from corroding by Body repairs Can affect your should investigate this before
performing some simple periodic car's resistance to corrosion. If any repairs are begun.
maintenance: your car needs repairs after a
collision, pay close attention to Take your car to your authorized
Repair chips and scratches in the parts used in the repair and Honda dealer for inspection after
the paint as soon as you the repairs are completed. He
the quality of the work.
discover them. can make sure that quality
Inspect and clean out the Make sure the repair facility uses materials were used and that
drain holes in the bottom of genuine Honda replacement corrosion-preventive coatings
body parts. Some companies were applied to all repaired and
the doors and body.
make sheet metal pieces that replaced parts.
Check the floor coverings for
seem to duplicate the original
dampness. Carpeting and floor
Honda body parts, but are
mats may remain damp for a
actually inferior in fit, finish, and
long time, especially in winter.
corrosion resistance. Once
This dampness can eventually installed, they do not give the
cause the floor panels to same high-quality appearance.
corrode.
Have the corrosion-preventive When reporting your collision to
coatings on the underside of the insurance company, tell them
your car inspected and you want genuine Honda parts
repaired periodically. used in the repair. Although most
insurers recognize the quality of
original parts, some may try to
specify that the repairs be done
Appearance Care

Taking Care of the Unexpected
This section covers the more Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . 152

common problems that If Your Engine Won't Start . . . 156
motorists experience with their Nothing Happens or the
cars. It gives you information Starter Motor Operates
about how to safely evaluate the Very Slowly . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
problem and what to do to The Starter Operates
correct it. If the problem has Normally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
stranded you on the side of the Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
road, you may be able to get
going again. If not, you will also If Your Engine Overheats . . . . 159
find instructions on getting your Low Oil Pressure Indicator .. 162
car towed. Charging System Indicator ...162
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . 163
Closing the Moonroof . . . . . . 164
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Checking and Replacing .. 165
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

Changing a Flat Tire
If you have a flat tire while lights, and turn the ignition 4. Take the tool kit out of the
driving, stop in a safe place to to LOCK (0). cargo area.
change it. Stopping in traffic or 2. Put the transmission in Park 5. Unscrew the wing bolt, and
on the shoulder of a busy road is (automatic) or Reverse take the spare tire out of
dangerous. Drive slowly along (5-speed). Set the parking its well.
the shoulder until you get to an brake. Have all of the
exit or an area to stop that is far passengers get out of the car
away from the traffic lanes. when you change the tire.
3. Open the tailgate. Raise the
cargo area floor by lifting up
on the back edge. Attach the
The car can easily roll off the hook to the roof line.
jack, seriously injuring anyone
underneath.
Follow the directions for

changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the car when it
is supported only by the jack. 6. Turn the end bracket on the
jack counterclockwise to
loosen it, and then remove
1. Park the car on firm, level the jack.
ground away from traffic.
Turn on the hazard warning

7. U.S. EX models 8. Loosen the four wheel nuts point. Make sure the jacking
Remove the center cap from one-half turn with the wheel point tab is resting in the jack
the wheel with a screwdriver wrench. notch.
(not included in tool kit)
WHEEL NUTS
or coin.
CENTER CAP
JACKING
POINT
SCREWDRIVER 9. Locate the jacking point

nearest the tire you need to
change. It is pointed to by an
arrow molded into the
underside of the body. Place
the jack under the jacking
point. Turn the end bracket
clockwise until the top of the
jack contacts the jacking
continued

10. Use the extension and wheel the wheel face down could
wrench as shown to raise the mar the wheel's finish.
car until the flat tire is off
the ground.
EXTENSION
12. Before mounting the spare

11. Remove the wheel nuts and tire, wipe any dirt Off the
flat tire. Temporarily place mounting surface of the wheel
WHEEL WRENCH
the flat tire on the ground and hub with a clean cloth.
with the outside surface of
the wheel facing up. Putting
BRAKE HUB

13. Put on the spare tire. Put the 14. Lower the car to the ground, 15. Tighten the wheel nuts
wheel nuts back on finger- and remove the jack. securely in the same
tight, and tighten them in a crisscross pattern. Have the
crisscross pattern with the wheel nut torque checked at
wheel wrench until the wheel the nearest automotive
is firmly against the hub. Do service facility. Tighten the
not try to tighten them fully. wheel nuts to 110 N.m
(11 kg-m, 80 lb-ft).
16. Remove the wheel cover or

center cap. Place the flat tire
face down in the spare tire
well.
continued

Changing a Flat Tire, If Your Engine Won't Start
17. Remove the spacer cone depending on what you hear

from the wing bolt, turn it when you turn the key to
over, and put it back on the START (III):
bolt. Loose items can fly around the
You hear nothing, or almost
interior in a crash and could
nothing. The engine's starter
seriously injure the occupants.
motor does not operate at all,
Store the wheel, jack and tools or operates very slowly.
securely before driving. You can hear the starter
motor operating normally, but
the engine does not start up
19. Store the jack in the cargo and run.
area with the end bracket on
the right side. Turn the end Nothing Happens or the
bracket on the jack clockwise
to lock it in place. Store the Starter Motor Operates
tool kit. Very Slowly
When you turn the ignition
18. Secure the flat tire by 20. Store the wheel cover or
switch to START (III), you do not
screwing the wing bolt back center cap in the trunk. Make
sure it does not get scratched hear the normal noise of the
into its hole. engine trying to start. You may
or damaged.
hear a clicking sound or series of
clicks, or nothing at all. Check
If Your Engine Won't Start these things:
Diagnosing why your engine
won't start falls into two areas,

If Your Engine Won't Start
Check the transmission Turn the ignition switch to The Starter Operates Normally
interlock. If you have a START (III). If the headlights In this case, the starter motor
5-speed, the clutch pedal must do not dim, check the sounds normal when you turn
be pushed all the way to the condition of the fuses. If the the ignition switch to START (III),
floor or the starter will not fuses are OK, there is but the engine does not run.
operate. With an automatic probably something wrong
transmission, it must be in with the electrical circuit for Are you using the proper
Park or Neutral. the ignition switch or starter starting procedure? Refer to
Turn the ignition switch to ON motor. You will need a Starting the Engine on page 88.
(II). Turn on the headlights qualified technician to Do you have fuel? Turn the
and check their brightness. If determine the problem. See ignition switch to ON (II) for a
the headlights are very dim or Towing on page 170. minute, and watch the fuel
don't light at all, the battery is gauge.
discharged. See Jump If the headlights dim noticeably There may be an electrical
Starting. or go out when you try to start
problem, such as no power to
the engine, either the battery is
the fuel pump. Check all the
discharged or the connections
are corroded. Check the fuses (see page 165).
condition of the battery and
terminal connections (see page If you find nothing wrong, you
129). You can then try jump will need a qualified technician
starting the car from a booster to find the problem. See Towing
battery (see page 158). on page 170.

Jump Starting
If your car's battery has run down, 1. Open the hood and check the 3. Connect one jumper cable to
you may be able to start the physical condition of the the positive (+) terminal on
engine by using a booster battery. battery (see page 127). In the booster battery. Connect
Although this seems like a simple very cold weather, check the the other end to the positive
procedure, you should take condition of the electrolyte. (+) terminal on your Honda's
several precautions. If it seems slushy or like ice, battery.
do not try jump starting until
it thaws.
NOTICE
A battery can explode if you
do not follow the correct If a battery sits in extreme cold,
procedure, seriously injuring the electrolyte inside can freeze.
anyone nearby. Attempting to jump start with a
frozen battery can cause it to
Keep all sparks, open flames, rupture or explode.
and smoking materials away
from the battery. 2. Turn off all the electrical
accessories: heater, A/C,
stereo system, lights, etc. Put
You cannot start a Honda with an the transmission in Neutral
automatic transmission by or Park, and set the parking
pushing or pulling it. brake.
To jump start your car follow

these directions closely:

Jump Starting, If Your Engine Overheats
4. Connect the second jumper 6. Start your car. If the starter 7. Once your car is running,
cable to the negative (—) motor still operates slowly, disconnect the negative cable
terminal on the booster check the jumper cable from your car and then from
battery. Connect the other connections to make sure the booster battery.
end to the grounding strap as they have good Disconnect the positive cable
shown. Do not connect this metal-to-metal contact. from your car and then from
jumper cable to any other the booster battery.
part of the engine. CHARGED
VEHICLE
(BOOSTER If Your Engine Overheats
BATTERY)
The pointer of your car's
temperature gauge should stay
in the midrange under most
conditions. It may go higher if
you are driving up a long steep
hill on a very hot day. If it climbs
DISCHARGED to the red mark, you should
VEHICLE
(DEAD determine the reason.
BATTERY)
NOTICE
Driving with the temperature gauge
5. If the booster battery is in pointer at the red mark can cause
another car, have an serious damage to your engine.
assistant start that car and
run it at a fast idle.
continued

If Your Engine Overheats
Your car can overheat for several 1. Safely pull to the side of the 4. If the temperature gauge
reasons, such as lack of coolant road. Put the transmission in stays at the red mark, turn off
or a mechanical problem. The Neutral or Park, and set the the engine.
only indication may be the parking brake. Turn off the
temperature gauge climbing to 5. Wait until you see no more
heating and cooling system signs of steam or spray; then
or above the red mark. Or you and all other accessories.
may see steam or spray coming open the hood.
Turn on the hazard warning
from under the hood. In either indicators. 6. Look for any obvious
case, you should take immediate coolant leaks, such as a split
action. 2. If you see steam and/or spray radiator hose. Everything is
coming from under the hood, still extremely hot, so use
turn off the engine. caution. If you find a leak, it
3. If you do not see steam or must be repaired before you
spray, leave the engine continue driving (see Towing
Steam and spray from an running and watch the on page 170).
overheated engine can temperature gauge. If the 7. If you don't find an obvious
seriously scald you. high heat is due to leak, check the coolant level
overloading (climbing a long, in the radiator reserve tank
Do not open the hood if steam steep hill on a hot day with (see page 83). If the level is
is coming out. the A/C running, for below the MIN mark, add
example), the engine should coolant to halfway between
start to cool down almost the MIN and MAX marks.
immediately. If it does, wait
until the temperature gauge
comes down to the midpoint,
and then continue driving.

If Your Engine Overheats
8. If you see no coolant in the pushing down, to the first 12. If the temperature stays
reserve tank, you may also stop. This releases any normal, check the coolant
have to add coolant to the remaining pressure in the level in the radiator reserve
radiator. cooling system. After the tank. If it has gone down, add
pressure releases, push down coolant to the MAX mark. Put
Let the engine cool down the cap back on tightly.
until the pointer reaches the on the cap and turn it until it
middle of the temperature comes off.
gauge, or lower, before 10. Start the engine and set the
checking the radiator. heater control lever to
maximum. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the
fill neck. If you do not have
Removing the radiator cap the proper coolant mixture
while the engine is hot can available, you can add plain
cause the coolant to spray out, water. Remember to have the
seriously scalding you. cooling system drained and
refilled with the proper
Always let the engine and mixture as soon as you can.
radiator cool down before 11. Put the radiator cap back on
removing the radiator cap. tightly. Run the engine and
watch the temperature
gauge. If it goes back to the
9. Using gloves or a large heavy red mark, the engine needs
cloth, turn the radiator cap repair. (See Towing on page
counterclockwise, without 170.)

Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
Low Oil Pressure Indicator 2. Let the car sit for a minute. Charging System Indicator
Open the hood and check the This light indicates the battery is
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
oil level (see page 82), not being charged. It should
Although oil level and oil come on when the ignition is ON
pressure are not directly (II), and go out after the engine
connected, an engine that is starts. If it comes on brightly
very low on oil can lose with the engine running, the
pressure during cornering alternator is no longer charging
and other driving maneuvers. the battery.
3. If necessary, add oil to bring
the level back to the full mark
on the dipstick (see page 114).
4. Start the engine and watch
the oil pressure indicator. If
NOTICE the indicator does not go out
within 10 seconds, turn off
Running the engine with low oil the engine. You need to have
pressure can cause serious the mechanical problem
mechanical damage almost repaired before you can
immediately. Turn off the engine continue driving. (See
as soon as you can safely get the Towing on page 170.)
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
car stopped.
Immediately turn off all electrical
1. Safely pull off the road and accessories: radio, heater, A/C,
shut off the engine. rear defogger, cruise control, etc.

Charging System Indicator, Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Try not to use other electrically fuel economy and cause your car full-throttle acceleration and
operated controls such as the to put out excessive emissions. driving at high speed.
power windows. Keep the engine Continued operation may cause
running and take extra care not serious damage. You should also have the dealer
to stall it. Starting the engine will inspect your car if the indicator
discharge the battery rapidly. U.S. INDICATOR SHOWN comes on frequently, even
though it goes off when you
By eliminating as much of the follow the above procedure.
electrical load as possible, you
can drive several miles before NOTICE
the battery is too discharged to
keep the engine running. Drive to If you keep driving with the
a service station or garage where malfunction indicator lamp/check
you can get technical assistance. engine light on, you can damage
your car's emission controls and
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP/ engine. Those repairs may not be
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
Malfunction Indicator Lamp covered by your car's warranties.
This indicator comes on for a If this indicator comes on, safely
few seconds when you turn the pull off the road and turn off the
switch ON (II). If it comes on at engine. Restart the engine and
any other time, it indicates one watch the indicator. If it stays on,
of the engine's emissions control have your car checked by the
systems may have a problem. dealer as soon as possible. Drive
Even though you may feel no moderately until the dealer has
difference in your car's inspected the problem. Avoid
performance, it can reduce your

Closing the Moonroof
If the electric motor will not 4. Use a screwdriver or coin to 5. Insert the moonroof wrench
close the moonroof, do the remove the round plug in the into the socket behind this
following: center of the headliner. plug. Turn the wrench until
the moonroof is fully closed.
1. Check the fuse for the
moonroof motor (see
SOCKET
page 165). If the fuse is ROUND
blown, replace it with one of PLUG
the same or lower rating.
2. 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 tool out of the tool kit
located under the cargo area
floor. 6. Remove the wrench. Replace
the round plug.

Fuses
Fuses Only cars equipped with ABS The interior fuse box is
All the electrical circuits in your have an ABS fuse box. It is in the underneath the dashboard on
car have fuses to protect them front of the engine compartment the driver's side. To open, turn
from a short circuit or overload. on the passenger's side. the knob.
These fuses are located in two
or three fuse boxes. ABS FUSE BOX
The under-hood fuse box is
located in the front of the engine
compartment on the passenger's
side. To open, push the tab as
shown.
UNDER-HOOD TAB
KNOB
INTERIOR
Checking and Replacing

If something electrical in your
car stops working, the first thing
you should check for is a blown
fuse. Determine from the chart
on the fuse box cover or inside
the fuse box which fuse or fuses
control that component. Check
continued

Fuses
those fuses first, but check all the 4. Check the smaller fuses in the 5. Look for a burned wire inside
fuses before deciding that a blown under-hood fuse box and all the fuse. If it is burned out,
fuse is not the cause. Replace any the fuses in the interior fuse replace it with one of the
blown fuses, and check the box by pulling out each fuse spare fuses of the same
component's operation. with the fuse puller provided rating or lower.
1. Turn the ignition switch to in the interior fuse box.
BLOWN
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 under-hood fuse box
by looking through the top at
the wire inside. Removing
these fuses requires a Phillips
screwdriver.
If you cannot drive the car
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
BLOWN other circuits. Make sure you can
do without that circuit

Fuses
temporarily (such as the 6. If the replacement fuse of the

cigarette lighter or radio). same rating burns out in a
short time, your car probably
If you replace the burned out has a serious electrical
fuse with a spare fuse that has a problem. Leave the burned-
lower rating, it might blow out out fuse in that circuit, and
again. This does not indicate have your car checked by a
anything wrong. Replace the fuse qualified technician.
with one of the correct rating as
soon as you can.
NOTICE
Replacing a fuse with one that has
a higher rating greatly increases
the chances of damaging the
electrical system. If you do not
have a replacement fuse with the
proper rating for the circuit, install
one with a lower rating.
continued

Fuses
UNDERHOOD FUSE BOX
*12 On Canadian cars

U.S.: EX
*

Fuses
ABS FUSE BOX
INTERIOR FUSE BOX

Towing
If your car needs to be towed, Sling-Type Equipment — The tow Shift to D4, then to N.
call a professional towing service truck uses metal cables with Turn off the engine.
or, if you belong to one, an hooks on the ends. These hooks
organization that provides go around parts of the frame or
roadside assistance. Never tow suspension, and the cables lift NOTICE
your car behind another car with that end of the car off the ground.
just a rope or chain. It is very Your car's suspension and body Improper towing preparation will
dangerous. can be seriously damaged if this damage the transmission. Follow
method of towing is attempted. the above procedure exactly. If
Emergency Towing you cannot shift the transmission
If your Honda cannot be trans- or start the engine (automatic
There are three popular methods ported on a flatbed truck, it transmission), your car must be
of towing a car: should be towed with the front transported on a flatbed.
wheels off the ground. If, due to
Flatbed Equipment — The damage, your car must be towed It is best to tow the car no
operator loads your car on the with the front wheels on the farther than 50 miles (80 km),
back of a truck. This is the best ground, do the following: and keep the speed below
way of transporting your Honda.
5-Speed Manual Transmission 35 mph (55 km/h).
Release the parking brake.
Wheel Lift Equipment — The tow NOTICE
truck uses two pivoting arms Shift the transmission to
that go under the tires (front or Neutral. Trying to lift or tow your car by
rear) and lift them off the the bumpers will cause serious
ground. The other two wheels damage. The bumpers are not
Release the parking brake. designed to support the car's
remain on the ground.
Start the engine. weight.

Technical Information
The diagrams in this section give Identification Numbers . . . . . 172 Exhaust Emissions
you the dimensions and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
capacities of your Honda and the PGM-FI System . . . . . . . . 179
locations of the identification Tire Information . . . . . . . . . . . 176 Ignition Timing
numbers. The explanations of Tire Size Designation . . . . . 176 Control System . . . . . . 179
several electronic and Wheel Size Designation......176 Three-Way Catalytic
mechanical systems on your Tire Speed Ratings . . . . . . . 176 Converter . . . . . . . . . . 179
Honda are for the more Tire Pressure Adjustment Exhaust Gas
technically oriented owner. for High Speed Driving .. 176 Recirculation (EGR)
DOT Tire Quality Grading System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
(U.S. Cars) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Replacement Parts . . . . 180
Treadwear . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Three-Way Catalytic
Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Temperature . . . . . . . . . 178
Emissions Controls . . . . . . . . . 178
The Clean Air Act . . . . . . . . 178
Crankcase Emissions
Control System . . . . . . 179
Evaporative Emissions
Control System . . . . . . 178
Tehnical Information

Identification Numbers
Your car has several identifying

numbers located in various VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
places.
The Vehicle Identification

Number (VIN) is the 17-digit
number your Honda dealer uses
to register your car for warranty
purposes. It is also necessary for
licensing and insuring your car.
The easiest place to find the VIN

is on a plate fastened to the top
of the dashboard. You can see it
by looking through the
windshield on the driver's side. It
is also on the Certification Label
attached to the driver's
doorjamb, and it is stamped on
the engine compartment CERTIFICATION LABEL
bulkhead. The VIN is also
provided in bar code on the
Certification Label.

Identification Numbers
The Engine Number is stamped MANUAL TRANSMISSION NUMBER

into the engine block.
The Transmission Number is on

a label on top of the
transmission.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NUMBER

ENGINE NUMBER
Tehnical Information

Specifications
page 126.
*1 U.S.: LX, Canada EX *1 Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine. Reserve tank capacity: 0.6 U.S. qt. (.06 0.13 Imp gal.)
*2 U.S.: EX, EX w/ABS option *2 U.S.: EX
LX, Canada EX
*34 U.S.:
* Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.

Specifications
*1 U.S. :LX, Canada EX

*2 U.S.: EX

Tire Information
Tire Size Designation H — Speed Rating Symbol. See the tires. The speed rating symbol is
A tire's sidewall is marked with a speed rating chart in this section part of the tire size designation
tire size designation. You will for additional information. on the sidewall of the tire. This
need this information when symbol corresponds to that tire's
selecting replacement tires for designed maximum safe
your car. The following explains operating speed.
Wheel Size Designation
what the letters and numbers in Wheels are also marked with
the tire size designation mean. important information that you
need if you ever have to replace
Example tire size designation: one. The following explains what
195/60R15 88H the letters and numbers in the
wheel size designation mean.
195 — Tire width in millimeters.
60 — Aspect ratio. The tire's Example wheel size designation:
section height as a percentage of
its width. 15 X 51/2 JJ
R —Tire construction code 15 — Rim diameter in inches.
(Radial). 51/2 — Rim width in inches.
15 — Rim diameter in inches. JJ — Rim contour designation.
88 — Load Index, a numerical
Tire Pressure Adjustment for
code associated with the Tire Speed Ratings High Speed Driving
maximum load the tire can carry. The chart shows many of the Honda strongly recommends
different speed ratings currently that you not drive faster than
being used for passenger car posted speed limits and

Tire Information
conditions allow. If you decide it DOT Tire Quality Grading their use, however, and may
is safe to drive at high speeds, be (US. Cars) depart significantly from the
sure to adjust the cold tire norm due to variations in driving
The tires on your car meet all
pressures as shown below. If you habits, service practices, and
U.S. Federal Safety
do not adjust the tire pressure, differences in road
Requirements. All tires are also
excessive heat can build up and characteristics and climate.
graded for treadwear, traction,
cause sudden tire failure. and temperature performance
Traction
according to Department of
Transportation (DOT) standards. The traction grades, from
The following explains these highest to lowest, are A, B, and
gradings. C, and they represent the tire's
ability to stop on wet pavement
Treadwear as measured under controlled
conditions on specified
The treadwear grade is a government test surfaces of
Be sure to readjust the pressure comparative rating based on the asphalt and concrete. A tire
for normal driving speeds. You wear rate of the tire when tested marked C may have poor
should wait until the tires are under controlled conditions on a traction performance.
cold before adjusting the tire specified government test
pressure (see page 132). course. For example, a tire Warning: The traction grade
graded 150 would wear assigned to this tire is based on
one-and-one-half (1-1/2) times as braking (straight ahead) traction
well on the government course tests and does not include
as a tire graded 100. The relative cornering (turning) traction.
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of

Tire Information, Emissions Controls
Temperature Warning: The temperature grade Carbon monoxide does not

The temperature grades are A for this tire is established for a contribute to smog Creation, but
(the highest), B, and C, tire that is properly inflated and it is a poisonous gas.
representing the tire's resistance not overloaded. Excessive speed,
to the generation of heat and its underinflation, or excessive
ability to dissipate heat when loading, either separately or in The Clean Air Act
tested under controlled combination, can cause heat The Clean Air Act* sets
conditions on a specified indoor buildup and possible tire failure. standards for automobile
laboratory test wheel. Sustained emissions. It also requires that
high temperature can cause the automobile manufacturers
material of the tire to degenerate Emissions Controls explain to owners how their
and reduce tire life, and emissions controls work and
excessive temperature can lead The burning of gasoline in your
what to do to maintain them.
to sudden tire failure. The grade car's engine produces several
This section summarizes how
C corresponds to a level of byproducts. Some of these are
the emissions controls work.
performance which all passenger carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of
Scheduled maintenance is on
car tires must meet under the nitrogen (NOx), and
page 120.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety hydrocarbons (HC). Gasoline
Standard No. 109. Grades B and evaporating from the tank also * In Canada, Honda vehicles
A represent higher levels of produces hydrocarbons. comply with the Canadian Motor
performance on the laboratory Controlling the production of CO, Vehicle Safety Standards
test wheel than the minimum NOx, and HC is important to the (CMVSS) for Emissions valid at
required by law. environment. Under certain the time they are manufactured.
conditions of sunlight and
climate, NOx and HC react to
form photochemical "smog."

Emissions Controls
Crankcase Emissions Exhaust Emissions Controls how much fuel to inject under all
Control System The exhaust emissions controls operating conditions.
Your car has a Positive include three systems: PGM-FI,
ignition timing control, and Ignition Timing Control System
Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)
System. This keeps gasses that three-way catalytic converter. This system constantly adjusts
build up in the engine's These three systems work the ignition timing, reducing the
crankcase from going into the together to control the engine's amount of HC, CO and NOx
atmosphere. The PCV valve combustion and minimize the produced.
routes them from the crankcase amount of HC, CO, and NOx that
back to the intake manifold. comes out the tailpipe. The Three-Way Catalytic Converter
They are then drawn into the exhaust emissions control The three-way catalytic
engine and burned. systems are separate from the converter is in the exhaust
crankcase and evaporative system. Through chemical
emissions control systems. reactions, it converts HC, CO,
Evaporative Emissions and NOx in the engine's exhaust
PGM-FI System to carbon dioxide (CO2),
Control System
As fuel evaporates in the fuel The PGM-FI system uses a dinitrogen (N 2 ), and water vapor.
tank, an evaporative emissions sequential multiport fuel
control Canister filled with injection. It has three
charcoal adsorbs the vapor. It is sub-systems: air intake, engine
stored in this canister while the control, and fuel control. The
engine is off. After the engine is engine control module (ECM)
started and warmed up, the uses various sensors to
vapor is drawn into the engine determine how much air is going
and burned during driving. into the engine. It then controls

Emission Controls, Three-Way Catalytic Converter
Exhaust Gas Recirculation separate from the rest of your replacement unit must be an
(EGR) System manual for more information. original Honda part or its
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation equivalent.
(EGR) system takes some of the The three-way catalytic
exhaust gas and routes it back Three-Way Catalytic Converter converter must operate at a high
into the intake manifold. Adding temperature for the chemical
exhaust gas to the air/fuel reactions to take place. It can set
mixture reduces the amount of on fire any combustible
NOx produced when the fuel is materials that come near it. Park
burned. your car away from high grass,
Replacement Parts dry leaves, or other flammables.
The emissions control systems Always use unleaded gasoline.

are designed and certified to work Even a small amount of leaded
together in reducing emissions to gasoline can contaminate the
levels that comply with the Clean THREE-WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER catalyst metals, making the
Air Act. To make sure the emis- converter ineffective.
sions remain low, you should use The three-way catalytic Keep the engine tuned up.
only new Genuine Honda replace- converter contains precious Have your car diagnosed and
ment parts or their equivalent for metals that serve as catalysts,
repairs. Using lower quality parts repaired if it is misfiring, back-
promoting chemical reactions to
may increase the emissions from firing, continuing to run after
convert the exhaust gases
your car. without affecting the metals. The you turn off the engine,
catalytic converter is referred to stalling, or otherwise not
The emissions control systems as a three-way catalyst, because running properly.
are covered by warranties it acts on HC, CO, and NOx. A

Warranty and Customer Relations
Warranty Coverages . . . . . . . . 182

Customer Relations
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 183
U.S. Zone Office Map . . . . . . . 184
Canada Zone Office Map . . . . 185
Authorized Manuals . . . . . . . . 187

Warranty Coverages
U.S. Cars Seat Belt Limited Warranty — A Replacement Battery Limited

seat belt that fails to function Warranty- Provides prorated
Your new Honda is covered by coverage for a replacement
properly is covered for the useful
these warranties: battery purchased from a Honda
life of the car.
New Car Limited Warranty — dealer.
Rust Perforation Limited
Covers your new car, except for Replacement Muffler Lifetime
the battery, emissions control Warranty — All exterior body
panels are covered for Limited Warranty — Provides
systems and accessories, against coverage for as long as the
defects in materials and rust-through from the inside for
the specified time period with purchaser of the muffler owns
workmanship. the car.
no mileage limit.
Emission Control Systems Restrictions and exclusions
Defects Warranty and Accessory Limited Warranty —
Genuine Honda Accessories are apply to all these warranties.
Emissions Performance Please read the 1995 Honda
Warranty — These two covered under this warranty.
Time and mileage limits depend Warranty booklet that came with
warranties cover your car's your car for precise information
emission control systems. Time, on the type of accessory and
other factors. Please read your on warranty coverages. Your
mileage, and coverage are Honda's original tires are
conditional. Please read the warranty manual for details.
covered by their manufacturer.
warranty manual for exact Tire warranty information is in a
information. Replacement Parts Limited
Warranty — Covers all Genuine separate booklet.
Original Equipment Battery Honda replacement parts against
Limited Warranty — This defects in materials and Canada Cars
warranty gives up to 100 percent workmanship. Please refer to the 1995 Warranty
credit toward a replacement and Maintenance Guide that
battery. came with your car.

Customer Relations Information, Reporting Safety Defects
Customer Relations When you call or write, please (NHTSA) in addition to notifying
Information give us this information: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda dealership personnel are Vehicle Identification Number If NHTSA receives similar
trained professionals. They (see page 172) complaints, it may open an
should be able to answer all your Name and address of the investigation, and if it finds that
questions. If you encounter a dealer who services your car a safety defect exists in a group
problem that your dealership of vehicles, it may order a recall
Date of purchase
does not solve to your and remedy campaign. However,
satisfaction, please discuss it Mileage on your car
NHTSA cannot become involved
with the dealership's Your name, address, and in individual problems between
management. The Service telephone number you, your dealer, or American
Manager or General Manager can A detailed description of the Honda Motor Co., Inc.
help. Almost all problems are problem
solved in this way. Name of the dealer who sold To contact NHTSA, you may
the car to you either call the Auto Safety
If you are dissatisfied with the Hotline toll-free at (800)
decision made by the 424-9393, or (202) 366-0123 in the
dealership's management, Reporting Safety Defects Washington, D.C. area, or write
contact your Honda Customer (U.S. Cars) to this address: NHTSA, U.S.
Relations Zone Office. Refer to If you believe that your vehicle Department of Transportation,
the U.S. and Canada Zone Office has a defect that could cause a Washington, D.C. 20590. You can
maps on the following pages. crash or could cause injury or also obtain other information
death, you should immediately about motor vehicle safety from
inform the National Highway the Hotline.
Traffic Safety Administration

U.S. Zone Office Map
Western Zone Mid-Atlantic Zone

P.O. Box 2260 902 Wind River Ln., Suite 200
700 Van Ness Avenue Gaithersburg,Maryland 20878
Torrance, California (301)990-2020
90501-2260
(310) 781-4565 Southeastern Zone
1500 Morrison Parkway
Northwestern Zone
Alpharetta, Georgia 30201
P.O. Box 20186
(404) 442-2045
12439 N.E. Airport Way
Portland, Oregon 97220
(503) 256-0943 North Central Zone
(also includes 601 Campus Drive, Suite A-9
Alaska and Hawaii) Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004
(708) 870-5600
South Central Zone
4529 Royal Lane New England Zone
Irving, Texas 75063 555 Old County Road
(214)929-5481 Windsor Locks, Connecticut 06096
(203)623-3310
Central Zone See Zone 5 for. NYC Metro area
101 South Stanfield Road and Fairfield County, CT area
Troy, Ohio 45373
(513)332-6250 West Central Zone
1600 South Abilene Street, Suite D
Northeastern Zone Aurora, Colorado 80012
P.O. Box 337 (303)696-3935
Eastgate Industrial Park
115 Gaither Drive Puerto Rico and U.S. V.I.
Moorestown, New Jersey 08057 Bella International
(609)235-5533 P.O. Box 190816
Includes: NYC Metro area and San Juan, PR 00919-0816
Fair-field County, CT area (809) 250-8070
The above addresses and telephone numbers are subject to change. If you cannot
reach your Zone office, ask your Honda dealer for the current information.

Canada Zone Office Map
Western Zone Quebec Zone

Honda Canada Inc. Honda Canada Inc.
13240 Worster Court 1750 rue Eiffel
Richmond, B.C. Boucherville, Quebec
V6V 2B8 J4B 7W1
(604) 278-7121 (514) 655-6161
Central Zone Atlantic Zone

Honda Canada Inc. Honda Canada Inc.
126 Milner Avenue 800 Windmill Road
Scarborough, Ontario Dartmouth, N.S.
M1S 3R2 B3B 1L1
(416) 299-3400 (902) 468-4416

Authorized Manuals
Purchasing Factory-Authorized Manuals Valid only for sales within the U.S. Canadian owners
should contact their authorized Honda dealer.
(U.S. only)
The following publications covering the operation
and servicing of your vehicle can be obtained from
Helm Incorporated, either by filling out the form or,
for credit card holders, by calling toll free. For
manuals prior to the year shown below, contact
Helm Incorporated, P.O. Box 07280, Detroit, MI 48207 By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You can pay
or call 1-800-782-4356. by check or money order or charge to your credit card. Mail to Helm,
Incorporated at the address shown on the back of the order form.
61SV401
61SV401EL
61 SV431
31 SV5610
HON-R

Authorized Manuals
Service Manual
This manual covers maintenance and recommended
procedures for repair to engine and chassis
components. It is written for the journeyman
mechanic, but is simple enough for most
mechanically inclined owners to understand.
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual

This manual complements the Service Manual by
providing in-depth troubleshooting information for
each electrical circuit in your car.
Body Repair Manual

This manual describes the procedures involved in
the replacement of damaged body parts.
P.O. BOX 07280 DETROIT, Ml 48207 1-800-782-4356.

Index
Additives, Engine Oil . . . . . . 115 Anti-Lock Brakes

Adjustments Indicator Light . . . . . . . 31, 9 7
ABS. See Anti-Lock Brakes Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . 49
ACCESSORY, Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Anti-Theft Steering
(Ignition Key Position) . . . . 44 Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Column Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Adding Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 35, 40 Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Automatic Transmission Air Cleaner Element . . . . . . . 125
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . 145
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Air Conditioning Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Clutch Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 63 Audio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . 117
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Air Filter. See Air Cleaner Automatic Cruise Control . . . 40
Manual Transmission Element Automatic Transmission . . . . 91
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Capacity, Fluid . . . . . 174, XIII
Air Outlets (Vents) . . . . . . . . . 61
Power Steering Fluid . . . . 124 Checking Fluid L e v e l . . . . 121
Radiator Coolant . . . . . . . 117 Air Pressure, Tires . . . . . . . . 175 Shift Lever Position
Windshield Washer Fluid 120 Airbag (SRS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Additional Safety Information 16 Shift Lever Positions . . . . . 92
Alcohol in Gasoline . . . . . . . . 78
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Shift Lock Release . . . . . . . 94
Driving With Pets . . . . . . . . 1 7 Alternator Belt. See S h i f t i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Engine Belts
Head Restraint Position .. 16
Seat-Back Position . . . . . . . 16 Anchor Plate, Child Seat . . . . 23
Storing Cargo Safely . . . . . 16 Antenna, Cleaning . . . . . . . . 146

Index
Brakes, ABS
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 System Indicator . . . . . . . . 9 7 Cables, Jump Starting With 158
Charging System Capacities Chart . . . . . . . . . . 174
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Braking System . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 5
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . 158 Break-in, New Car . . . . . . . . . . 78 Carbon Monoxide Hazard . . . 24
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Cargo, Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Brightness Control,
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . 175
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 7 Cassette Player
Before Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 1
Brights, Headlights . . . . . . . . 36
Belts, Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 CLEAN Indicator . . . . . . . . 7 1
Bulb Replacement
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Beverage Holder . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Back-up Lights . . . . . . . . . 139
Brake Lights . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Catalytic Converter,
Body Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Three-Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Front Parking Lights . . . . 138
Brakes Front Side Marker Lights 138 CAUTION, Explanation of . . . . ii
Anti-Lock Brake System .. 96 Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Break-in, New Linings . . . . 78 CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
High-Mount Brake Light . 140
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Interior Courtesy Lights . 141 Certification Label . . . . . . . . 172
Light, Burned-out . . . . . . 137 License Plate Lights . . . . 141 Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
P a r k i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Parking Light Bulbs . . . . . 138
System Indicator . . . . . . . . 30 Change Oil
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . 175
Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . 9 5 How to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Turn Signal Lights . . . . . . 138
When . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108, 109
Bulbs, Halogen . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . 152

Index
Changing Engine Coolant ...118 Child Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7 Coin Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Charging System Indicator .. 30 Guidelines for Restraining In- Cold Weather, Starting in . . . 89
fants/Children . . . . . . . . . 19
Charging System Light . . . . 162 Important Safety Compact Disc Player . . . . . . . 72
Check Engine Light Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Consumer Information . . . . 183
(Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Where Should
Children S i t . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Control Locations . . . . . . . . . . 28
Checking Controls Near the Steering
Automatic Transmission Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . 56
Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 CLEAN Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Daytime Running Lights .. 36
Battery Condition . . . . . . 127 Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . 39
Cleaner, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Clutch Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Cleaning
Instrument Panel
Drive Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Aluminum Wheels . . . . . . 147 Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 7
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . 117 Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Rear Window Defogger . . . 39
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Carpeting.............. 148 Steering Wheel
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165 Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 A d j u s t m e n t . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Manual Transmission Interior................ 148 Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Windshield Washers . . . . . 38
Power Steering Fluid . . . . 124 Vinyl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Windshield Wipers . . . . . . 3 7
Radiator Coolant . . . . . . . 117 Clock, Setting the . . . . . . . . . . 54
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 132 Controls, Instruments and .. 27
Windshield Wipers . . . . . 129 Clutch Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Coolant
Checklist, Before Driving . . . 88 CO in the E x h a u s t . . . . . . 24, 179 Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Index
Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Dead Battery, What to Do .. 158 Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 7

Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Defects, Reporting Safety .. 183 Locking and Unlocking . . . 4 5
Proper Solution . . . . . . . . 117 Power Door Locks . . . . . . . 45
Temperature Gauge . . . . . 34 Defogger, Rear Window . . . . . 39 Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 7
Corrosion Protection . . . . . . 149 Defrosting the Windows . . . . 65 DOT Tire Quality Grading .. 177
Crankcase Emission Control DEXRON II Automatic Downshifting, 5-Speed Manual
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 Transmission Fluid . . . . . . 121 Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Cruise Control Operation 40, 41 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Drive Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Cup Holder. See Beverage Dimming the Headlights . . . . 36 Driving
Holder Dipstick, Automatic Fuel E c o n o m y . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Customer Relations Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . 121 In Foreign Countries . . . . . 79
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 Directional Signals . . . . . . . . . 32
Customer Relations Disabled, Towing Your
Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184, 185 Car If . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Economy, F u e l . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 95
Emergencies on the Road .. 151
Disposal of Used O i l . . . . . . . 116 Battery, Jump Starting .. 158
DANGER, Explanation of . . . . . ii Door and Brake Lamp Changing a Flat Tire . . . . 152
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Charging System
Dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Doors
Daytime Running Lights . . . . 36 Childproof Door Locks . . . 46 Check Engine Light
(Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Index
Checking the Fuses . . . . . 165 Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . 159 First Gear, Shifting . . . . . . . . . 91

Malfunction Indicator Specifications . . . . . . . . . . 174 5-Speed Manual Transmission,
Lamp (U.S.) . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Shifting the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Ethanol in Gasoline . . . . . . . . 7 9
Manually Closing
Moonroof . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 Evaporative Emissions 5-Speed Manual Transmission,
Oil Pressure Indicator . . . . 30 Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 Checking Fluid Level . . . . . 122
Overheated Engine . . . . . 159 Exhaust Fumes . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Flashers, Hazard Warning 32, 39
Emergency Brake . . . . . . . . . . 54 Expectant Mothers, Use of Flat Tire, Changing a . . . . . . 152
Emergency Flashers . . . . . 32, 39 Seat Belts by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Fluids
Emissions Control . . . . . . . . 178 Exterior, Cleaning the . . . . . 146 Automatic
Transmission .121, 174, XIII
Engine
Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Check Light (Canada) . . . . 31
Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Coolant Temperature
5-Speed Manual
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Fabric, Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . 148
Transmission . 122, 174, XIII
Drive Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Fan, Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . 124
Identification Number ..173
Features, Comfort and Windshield Washer . . . . . 174
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (U.S.) . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Convenience . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 FM Stereo Radio Reception . 66
Oil Filling the Fuel Tank . . . . . . . . 80 Folding Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . 50
Capacity . . . . . . . . 174, XIII Filters Foreign Countries, Driving in 79
What Kind to Use 114, XIII Air. See Air Cleaner Element
Oil Pressure Indicator . . . . 30 Four-Way Flashers . . . . . . 32, 39
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Index
Front End, Towing by Gauges Replacing Halogen Bulbs 137

Emergency Wrecker . . . . . 170 Engine Coolant Turning on . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Fuel Temperature . . . . . . . . . . 34 Heating and Cooling . . . . . . . 61
Fill Door and Cap . . . . . . . . 80 F u e l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
High Altitude, Starting at . . . 89
Filling the Fuel Tank . . . . . 80 Gearshift Lever Positions
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Automatic Transmission . 92 High Beam Indicator . . . . . . . 32
Octane Requirement . . . . . 7 8 5-Speed Transmission . . . 91 High-Low Beam Switch . . . . . 36
Oxygenated . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 8 Glass Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 149 Hood, Opening the . . . . . . . . . 81
Tank, Capacity . . . . . 174, XIII
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Hot Coolant, Warning
Fuses, Checking the . . . . . . . 165
About . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . 124
Halogen Headlight Bulbs .. 137

Gas Mileage, Improving . . . . . 83
Hazard Warning Flashers 32, 39
Gas Station Procedures . . . . . 80
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Identification Number,
Gasohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 8 Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78, XIII
Daytime Running Lights .. 36
See also Fuel High Beam Indicator . . . . . 32
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 High Beams, Turning on .. 36
Octane Requirement . . . . XIII Low Beams, Turning on .. 36
Tank, Filling the . . . . . . . . . 80 Reminder Chime . . . . . . . . 36

Index
If Your Car Has to Be Lights

Towed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . 136
Jack, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Ignition
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Jacking up the Car . . . . . . . . 153 P a r k i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Reminder Chime . . . . . . . . 36
Timing Control System .. 179 Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 7
Indicator Lights, Instrument Loading Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Panel.................... 29 LOCK (Ignition Key
Infant Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Position) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Inflation, Proper Tire . . . . . . 132 Locking Clip, Seat B e l t . . . . . . 21
Inside Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Locks
Anti-Theft Steering
Inspection, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Label, Certification . . . . . . . 172 Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . 28 Childproof Door Locks . . . 46
Labels, Safety, Location of .. 25
Fuel Filler Door . . . . . . . . . 80
Instrument Panel Brightness 37 Lane Change, Signaling . . . . . 37 Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 7
Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . 148 Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 5
Interior Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 7
Lap/Shoulder Belts . . . . . . . . . 7
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Low Coolant Level . . . . . . . . 117
Leaking of Exhaust Into Car . 24
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .. 30
Lighter, Cigarette . . . . . . . . . . 56

Index
Lower Gear, Downshifting Methanol in Gasoline . . . . . . . 79 Odometer, Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

to a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Mirrors, Adjusting . . . . . . . . . 5 3 Oil
Lubricant Specifications Change, How to . . . . . . . . 115
Moonroof
Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Change, When to . . . 108, 109
Closing Manually . . . . . . . 164
Luggage, Loading . . . . . . . . . . 84 Pressure Indicator . . . . . . . 30
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Selecting Proper
Viscosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
ON (Ignition Key Position) .. 44
Maintenance Neutral Gear Position . . . . . . 93 Opening the Hood . . . . . . . . . 81
Periodic Items . . . . . . . . . 112 Operation in Foreign
New Vehicle Break-in . . . . . . . 7 8
Record . . . . . . . . . . . . 110, 111 Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Required Indicator . . . . . . 34 Normal Shift Speeds . . . . . . . 91
Outside Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 NOTICE, Explanation of . . . . . ii
Schedule . . . . . . . . . . 108, 109 Overheating, Engine . . . . . . 159
Numbers, Identification . . . 172
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(U.S.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Manual Transmission . . . . . . 90
Panel Brightness Control . . . 3 7
Manually Closing Moonroof 164 Occupant Protection System . 4
Park Gear Position . . . . . . . . . 93
Maximum Shift Speeds . . . . . 91 Octane Requirement,
Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 4
Meters, Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Index
Parking Brake and Brake Radio/Cassette/CD Sound Replacing Seat Belts

System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Parking Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Rear End Towing . . . . . . . . . 170 Reporting Safety Defects .. 183
Parking Over Things Rear Lights, Bulb Reserve Tank, Coolant . . . . . 117
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Restraint, Child . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7
PGM-FI System . . . . . . . . . . . 179 Rear Seat, Folding . . . . . . . . . 50 Reverse Gear Position . . . . . . 93
Polishing and Waxing . . . . . 147 Rear View Mirror . . . . . . . . . . 53 Rotation, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Power Rear Window Defogger . . . . . 39
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 5 Reclining the Seat-Backs . 16, 48
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Recommended Shift Speeds 91
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 0 Remote Transmitter . . . . 43, 45
Safety Defects, Reporting .. 183
Power Steering Belt. Replacement Information
See Engine Belts Air Cleaner Element . . . . 125 Safety Labels, Location o f . . . 25
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts .. 9 Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Safety Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Engine Oil and Filter . . . . 115
Proper Seat Belt Usage . . . . . . 7 Seat Adjustments
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Driver's Lumbar Support . 49
Light Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Driver's Seat Power Height
Spark Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Front Seat Adjustments .. 48
Radiator Overheating . . . . . 159 Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . 129
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . 49

Index
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . 50 Setting the Clock . . . . . . . . . . 54 Speed Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Seat Belts Shift Lever Position Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Advice for Pregnant Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 SRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0
Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Shifting
Child Seat Anchor Plate .. 23 START (Ignition Key
The Automatic Position) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Transmission . . . . . . . 91, 92
Frayed or Torn . . . . . . . . . . 10 The 5-Speed Starting the Engine
Locking Clip . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Transmission . . . . . . . . . . 90 In Cold Weather at High
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Altitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Reminder Light . . . . . . . . . 30 Side Marker Lights, Bulb With a Dead Battery . . . . 158
R e p l a c e m e n t . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Replacement in . . . . . . . . . 138
Steam Coming From Engine 159
System Components . . . . . . 5 Signaling Turns . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Tether Attachment Points 22 Steering Wheel
Snow Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Use During Pregnancy . . . . 9 Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Anti-Theft Column Lock .. 44
Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Solvent-Type Cleaners . . . . . 146 Steering Wheel Controls,
Wearing the Lap B e l t . . . . . . 9 Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Sound System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Seats, Adjusting the . . . . . . . . 48 Stereo Sound System . . . . . . . 66
Spare Tire, Specifications .. 175
Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Storing Your Car . . . . . . . . . . 143
Spark Plugs
Service Intervals . . . . . . 108, 109 Replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Supplemental Restraint
Service Manual . . . . . . . . . . . 187 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . 127 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0
Service Precautions . . . . . 15
Service Station Procedures . 80 Specifications Charts .. 174, 175

Index
Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 5 Three-Way Catalytic Towing

SRS Indicator . . . . . . . . 14, 30 Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 A Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 7
System Components . . . . . 11 Time, Setting the . . . . . . . . . . 54 Emergency Wrecker
(Tow Truck) . . . . . . . . . . 170
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 152
Transmission
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Checking Fluid Level
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Automatic
See also label in glove box Transmission . . . . . . . 121
Taillights, Changing
Air Pressure . . . . . . . . . . XIII 5-Speed Manual
Bulbs in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Checking Wear . . . . . . . . . 133 Transmission....... 122
Taking Care of the DOT Tire Quality Fluid Selection . . . . . . . . . 121
Unexpected . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Identification Number .. 173
Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Shifting the Automatic . . . 92
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Shifting the 5-Speed
Technical Descriptions Manual.......................... 90
Emissions Control Replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 Rotating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Transmitter, Remote . . . . . . . 45
Three-Way Catalytic S n o w . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Treadwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Specifications . . . . . . 175, XIII Trip Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Tire Information . . . . . . . . 176
Tools, Tire Changing . . . . . . 152 Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 7
Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . 34
Tether Attachment Points .. 22 Torn Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Index
Vinyl Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Wrench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

Unexpected, Taking Care Viscosity, Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Windows
of the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 C l e a n i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Operating the Power . . . . . 5 0
Uniform Tire Quality Rear, Defogger . . . . . . . . . . 39
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Warning Beepers Windshield
Unleaded Gasoline . . . . . . . . . 7 8 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Key in Ignition . . . . . . . . . . 44
Upholstery Cleaning . . . . . . 148 Defroster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Used Oil, How to Wipers, Windshield
Warning Labels, Location of. 25
Dispose of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Changing Blades . . . . . . . 129
WARNING, Explanation of . . . . ii Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 7
Warranty Coverages . . . . . . . 182 Worn Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Washer, Windshield
Wrecker, Emergency
Vehicle Capacity Load ...... 84 Checking the Fluid
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Level . . . . . . . . . . . . 120, 174
Vehicle Dimensions . . . . . . . 174
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Vehicle Identification
Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Waxing and Polishing . . . . . 147
Vehicle Storage . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Wheels
Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Adjusting the Steering . . . 40
VIN..................................... 1 7 2 Alignment and Balance . 134

Gas Station Information
Gasoline Tire Pressure 5 Speed Manual

UNLEADED gasoline (measured cold): Transmission Oil:
Pump octane of 86 or higher Front/Rear — up to 475 Ib: SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 viscosity
32 psi (2.2 kg/cm 2 , 220 kpa) API SF or SG grade recommended
Fuel Tank Capacity Front — up to 950 Ib: Capacity:
17.0 U.S. gal. (64.5 l, 14.2 Imp 32 psi (2.2 kg/cm 2 , 220 kpa) 2.0 U.S. qt (1.9 , 1.7 Imp qt)
gal.) Rear — up to 950 Ib: Automatic
Recommended Engine Oil 38 psi (2.6 kg/cm 2 , 260 kpa) Transmission Fluid:
API SH or SH grade Tire Size (Front and Rear): Honda Premium Formula
"Energy Conserving I I " oil Automatic Transmission Fluid or
195/60R15 88H
SAE 5W-30 viscosity an equivalent DEXRON II type
Other Tire Size Information Automatic Transmission Fluid
Engine Oil Capacity
See label in the driver's (ATF)
including filter
doorjamb.
(U.S.: LX, Canada: EX) Capacity:
4.0 U.S. qt (3.8 l, 3.3 Imp qt) 3.4 U.S. qt (3.2 l, 2.8 Imp qt)
(U.S.: EX)
4.5 U.S. qt (4.3 l, 3.8 Imp qt)
without filter
(U.S.: LX, Canada: EX)
3.7 U.S. qt (3.5 l, 3.1 Imp qt)
(U.S.: EX)
4.2 U.S. qt (4.0 l, 3.5 Imp qt)

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1995 Accord Wagon Online Reference Owner's Manual

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You CAN be HURT if you don't follow

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Driver and Passenger Safety

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Be sure you and your

Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt

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5. If the shoulder belt crosses Rear seats: Move toward the

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Advice for Pregnant Women

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5. Insert the latch plate into the

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Canadian Cars Storing a Child Seat

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These labels are in the locations

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