Page 93 of 143
Spark Plug Replacement
Replace plugs one at a time, so you don't get the wires mixed up. 1. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base.
2. Disconnect the spark plug cap, then remove and discard the old
plug.
3. Check the gap of the new spark plugs before installation.
Plug gap should be:
1.1 mm (0.04 in)
4. Thread the new spark plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading.
5. After the plug seats against the cylinder head, tighten 1/2 turn with a spark plug wrench to compress the washer.
6. Reinstall the spark plug cap.
CAUTION:
The spark plugs must be securely tightened, but not overtightened.A plug that's too loose can get very hot and possibly damage the
engine; one that's too tight could damage the threads in thecylinder head.
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Page 96 of 143

Fuel Filters/Clutch Fluid
Fuel Filters
(2.0 S)
There are two fuel filters in your car; the main filter is located near
the left side of the fuel tank and an auxiliary filter is at the left side
of the air filter in the engine compartment. Both should be replaced at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months,
whichever comes first, or any time you suspect contaminated gas
may have clogged them.
For easier access to the main filter, remove the left rear wheel to
inspect or replace the filter.
The fuel filter is located in the engine compartment, on the right
center of the firewall. It should be replaced at 60,000 miles (96,000km) or 48 months whichever comes first, or any time you suspect
contaminated gas may have clogged it.
CAUTION:
Because the fuel system is under pressure, the filter should be
replaced only by a qualified Honda technician.
CLUTCH FLUID
RESERVOIR
Clutch Fluid
Check the fluid level in the clutchreservoir periodically; it should be
between the MAX and MIN marks
on the reservoir.
If the level is near the MIN mark, add
fluid to raise it to the MAX mark. Do not overfill. Use only brake fluid
manufactured to DOT 3 or DOT 4
specifications from a sealed
container. Follow the manufacturer's instructions printed on the can.
NOTE:
A low clutch fluid level may be an indication of clutch fluid leakage.
You should have your clutch checked if the clutch fluid level in the reservoir is low.
When removing the rear wheel, use safety stands to support the
car.
AUXILIARYFILTER
(2.0 Si,Si)
MAIN FILTERProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 97 of 143

Power Steering
The power steering on your car provides easy handling while parking and maneuvering in traffic, without loss of road "feel" at
highway speeds. An engine-driven hydraulic pump provides full
power assist at low speeds and decreasing assist as the car goes
faster.
CAUTION:
If the power steering system should fail, or if the engine should
stall, the car can still be steered. However, much greater effort will be required, particularly in sharp turns at low speed.
NOTE:
You may feel a slight clunk or knock when turning the wheel with
the engine off. This is a normal condition due to the design of the system.
Power Steering Fluid
Check the power steering fluid level with the engine cold and the
car parked on level ground. Make sure the fluid level is between theupper and lower marks on the reservoir. If the level has dropped
close to or below the lower mark, check for leaks before adding
fluid to the upper mark. Do not overfill.
CAUTION:
Use only genuine Honda power steering fluid. The use of other
fluids such as A.T.F. or other manufacturer's power steering fluid will damage the system. POWER STEERING
FLUID RESERVOIR
UPPER
LOWERProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 98 of 143

Brakes
Brake System Design
The diagonally-separated dual service brake systemis designed so half the
system will still provide
braking action if the other
half fails.However, stopping the car with only half the system will require
more pedal pressure and pedal travel than normal. Also, the distance
required to stop will be longer using only half the brake system. If
the brakes fail suddenly, downshift to a lower gear for increased engine braking, and pull off the road as soon as possible.
It is dangerous to drive your car with a problem in either the
brake electrical or hydraulic system; have your dealer check
both systems if you suspect brake trouble. Do not ride the brakes, In other words, don't put your foot on
the brake pedal unless you intend to brake. This causes excessive brake wear and can damage, or lead to loss of braking
effectiveness through overheating. Your brake lights may also
confuse drivers behind you.Driving through deep water may affect the brakes.
Check their effectiveness by pressing the brake pedal gently.If the car does not slow down at the normal rate, continue
gently applying the brakes, while maintaining a safe speed, until
they dry out and normal performance returns.
Brake Wear
Both front and rear brakes should be inspected for wear at the
intervals shown in the maintenance schedule on page 78
When the brakes require maintenance, use only genuine Honda replacement parts or their equivalent.
Brake Wear Indicators
Your car is equipped with audible brake wear indicators. When the
brake pads need to be replaced, the wear indicators will make a "screeching" sound or a high pitch chirp.
NOTE:
Due to some driving habits or climates, brakes may "squeal" when
you first apply them or when you have them partially applied; this is normal, and does not indicate excessive wear. The wear indicator
makes a "screeching" sound while the brakes are applied.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 102 of 143

Fuse Replacement (cont'd)
CAUTION:
A blown fuse may be just a symptom of some other problem. If a new fuse blows right away, the cause should be diagnosed and
corrected by a qualified Honda technician. Never replace a fuse with anything but another fuse of the same or lower rating. A
higher capacity fuse could cause damage and even start a fire.
The main fuse and some primary fuses are installed in the fuse box
on the right front fender in the engine compartment.
MAIN FUSE: (65A) SUNROOF FUSE: (35A)
If the circuits from the battery are ever overloaded (by a short in
the system drawing too much current for example) the main or a primary fuse will blow, preventing damage to the entire wiring
harness. If the main fuse blows, have a Honda dealer check the
system, repair the cause, and replace the fuse.
CAUTION:
The electrical system is protected by fuses that are designed to
fail and prevent damage to the wire harness. Always replaceblown fuses with the same rating as specified to prevent wiring
damage that can result in a possible fire.
For proper electrical contact after replacing these fuses, make
sure all screws are tight.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 108 of 143
Air Conditioner Care
Condenser and Radiator
Check the engine radiator and the air conditioner condenser (in front
of the radiator) for accumulated dirt, insects or leaves. Carefully brush or hose them off to assure maximum cooling performance.
CAUTION:
Radiator and condenser fins are very thin and easily damaged; do
not bend them with the high water pressure or brush.
Compressor Drive Belt Check the compressor bett tension monthly, during periods when
you use the air conditioner a lot.
If the engine has been running, some engine components may be
hot enough to burn you.
When pushed with 98 N (22 Ib) of force midway between the
compressor drive pulley and the engine crankshaft pulley, the beltshould deflect about: 10-12 mm (0.4—0.5 in)
ADJUSTER COMPRESSOR DRIVE
PULLEY
CRANKSHAFT
PULLEYProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 119 of 143

Jump Starting
To start a car with a dead battery, use another battery of the same voltage, and the proper jumper cables. Procedures other than those below could cause injury or
damage from battery acid spray, explosion or charging system
overload.
Never connect the jumper cable directly to the negative post of
the "dead" battery.
Never allow the two cars to touch each other.
Never allow the jumper cable clamps to touch each other.
Never lean over the battery when making connections.
Never attempt to jump start a vehicle with a frozen battery. The
battery could rupture and explode. If you suspect a frozen
battery, remove the vent caps and check the fluid. If there
seems to be no fluid, or if you see ice, do not attempt a jump
start until the fluid thaws.
CAUTION:
If jumper cables are connected backwards, the car's main fuse
may blow.
1.Turn off all lights, heater and other electrical loads, set parking
brake, and
shift transmission to Neutral or Park.
2. Use one cable to connect the positive terminal of the booster battery to the positive terminal of the "dead" battery.
(cont'd)
Do not attach cable here
DEAD BATTERY
Positive to positive
Negative to the engine, not to the battery
BOOSTER BATTERYProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 120 of 143
Jump Starting (cont'd)
3. Use the other cable to connect the negative terminal of the booster battery to the engine at the ground cable as shown.
4.To remove the cables, reverse the above procedures exactly.
DO NOT push or tow a car to start it. The forward surge when the
engine starts could cause a collision. Also, under some conditions,
the catalytic converter could be damaged. A car equipped with an
automatic transmission cannot be started by pushing or towing.
NOTE:
After jump-starting the car, there is a possibility that the ALB
warning light may come on due to insufficient battery voltage. After
the battery is sufficiently recharged and the engine is turned off and restarted, the ALB warning light should indicate that the ALB
system is OK, by coming on for a few seconds each time the engine is started. If the light remains on after recharging, have it checked
by a Honda dealer.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s