1990 HONDA PRELUDE Owners Manual

Open

Close

Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions.
Always stop the engine before refueling, and never refuel near
sparks or open flames.

CAUTION:

When reinstalling the fuel cap, be sure both tabs on the cap are engaged in the slots of the filler neck and turn the cap until it stops.
If you replace the cap, use only a genuine Honda replacement part
or Its equivalent. Failure to use the proper part could cause serious
fuel system problems.
How to Improve Your Gas Mileage:
Drive at a smooth, steady pace to avoid unnecessary
decelerations and stops — accelerating back to speed uses more
fuel.
Plan trips to avoid rush hour traffic if possible.Make sure the parking brake is completely released.
Consolidate trips whenever possible.
Keep vehicle weight to a minimum by removing unnecessary
items from the luggage area.
Whenever possible, use fresh air from the dash vents to keep
cool when driving; open windows, or use of the air conditioningboth affect fuel economy.
Keep the tires adjusted to the recommended pressure.
Tire Pressure (measured cold)

Front: 195 kPa (28 psi)
Rear: 180 kPa (26 psi)
195 kPa (28 psi) : (Si with 4WS)

Condition of Your Car

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

Pull upProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Ignition Switch
The combined ignition switch/anti-theft lock is located on the right side of the steering column and has four positions:
0-LOCK position: The key can be removed or inserted in thisposition. To remove the key, push it in at position I, then turn it to
0 and pull it out. When the key is removed, the steering column

will lock.

NOTE:

On cars equipped with automatic transmissions, the transmission
must be in Park before pushing and turning the key to the O-LOCK position.
Never turn the ignition switch to the lock position or remove the
key while the car is in motion; the steering wheel can lock causing
a loss of directional control, and an accident could result. I-ACCESSORY position: In this position, the accessory circuit is

on, but the ignition circuit is off.
If the key is difficult to turn from the 0 to the I position, turn the

steering wheel slightly to relieve pressure on the lock.
II-ON position: This Is the normal running position.
III-START position: The starter will engage when the key is
turned to this position.
To remind you to remove the ignition key when leaving your car, a beeper will sound if the key is still in the ignition when you open the
driver's door. The beeper system is deactivated when you turn the ignition to 0 (Lock) and fully remove the key.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Four Wheel Steering (Si with 4WS)
The four wheel steering system (4WS) provides limited steering of the rear wheels, in addition to the normal steering of the front wheels. The system is "steering angle dependent." That is,
depending on how far the steering wheel is turned, the rear wheels
are steered in either the same or the opposite direction of the front
wheels.
When the steering wheel is turned a
moderate amount, up to

approximately one half turn, the rear wheels are steered in the same
direction as the front wheels. For

example, during lane changing and
on gentle curves, the front and rearwheels steer in the same direction. Moderate turns Sharper turns
When the steering wheel is turned
more than approximately one half
turn, the rear wheels are steered in

the opposite direction of the front

wheels. This reduces the turning
radius of the car for easier parking,

U-turns, and maneuvering in

confined spaces.
Moderate turns
Conventional steering

(cont'd)

Same direction


Opposite direction
4WS Sharper turnsProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Four Wheel Steering (cont'd)

CAUTION:

If the car is very close to a wall or other obstacle, the rear of the
body can swing enough to contact the obstacle when turning very sharply. Go slowly, and use both outside mirrors.

Conventional steering
4WSProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Starting the Engine
Before Starting
Manual Transmission:

1 . Apply the parking brake.
2 . Push the clutch pedal all the way in (see NOTE below).
3 . Shift the transmission to neutral.

NOTE:

On cars equipped with manual transmissions, the engine will
not crank unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
Automatic Transmission: 1. Make sure the shift lever is in Park (P).
2. Apply the parking brake and the foot brake.
Starting a Cold Engine(2.0 S)
NOTE:

When starting in cold weather, keep all unnecessary electrical

circuits off (lights, defogger, etc.) for the best battery output.

1. Above 32°F(0°C) Push the accelerator to the floor 1 time and slowly release it.
Below 32°F(0°C)
Push the accelerator to the floor 2 or 3 times and slowly

release it.

Below 0°F(-18°C)
Push the accelerator to the floor 3 or 4 times and slowly

release it.

DO NOT pump while cranking.
2. With your foot OFF the accelerator, crank the engine until it starts and runs. (It may require more than 5 seconds of cranking.)

NOTE:
If the engine won't start, push the accelerator pedal down 1 more
time and slowly release it, then start the engine.Repeat once more if necessary,
If the engine still won't start, push the accelerator down about halfway; hold it there and crank the engine until it starts. Once the
engine starts, release the accelerator gradually as the enginewarms up.If the engine doesn't start within 15 seconds of cranking, turn the
key off
and wait 10 seconds before trying again.
3. If the outside temperature is below freezing, or if your car has not been driven for several days, warm up the engine for a few
minutes before driving.
(cont'd)ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Starting the Engine (cont'd)
Starting a Warm Engine (2.0 S)
Start it without pushing the accelerator down. If it won't start, push
the accelerator pedal about halfway and hold it there while cranking the engine until it starts. It may take 20 to 30 seconds of cranking. DO NOT pump the accelerator.
Once the engine starts, release the accelerator gradually as the

engine speeds up.

Starting the Engine (2.0 Si,Si) NOTE: When starting in cold weather, keep all unnecessary electrical

circuits off (lights, defogger, etc.) for the best battery output.

Do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait
10 seconds before going to the next step.
1. With YOUR FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR start the engine by turning the key to the III position.
2. If the engine won't start within 15 seconds or starts but fails to continue to run, push the accelerator pedal halfway, and hold it
there while cranking the engine. Once the engine starts, release
the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
3. If it doesn't start within 15 seconds, push the accelerator pedal down to the floor and hold it there while cranking in order to clear
flooding. Try step 2 again.
Cold Weather at High Altitude Starting (2.0 Si,Si) NOTE: When starting in cold weather, keep all unnecessary electrical

circuits off (lights, defogger, etc.) for the best battery output.
Do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait
10 seconds before going to the next step.
1. When starting in cold weather at high altitude (above 8,000 feet), push the accelerator pedal about halfway and hold it there while
cranking the engine. Once the engine starts, release the
accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
2. If it doesn't start within 15 seconds, push the accelerator pedal down to the floor and hold it there while cranking in order to clear
flooding. Try step 1 again.

NOTE:

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

Safety Items
Before driving away, check that: The doors are closed properly. The mirrors are properly adjusted, and the windows clean.
The driver and passengers are wearing properly adjusted seat
belts.
The head restraints are properly adjusted.
The warning and indicator lights are operating properly.
The brake pedal feels normal.
All luggage and cargo is secured.
Nothing is interfering with the driver's feet or blocking vision to

the rear.

While driving remember to: Always drive defensively; expect the unexpected. Reduce your speed during night hours and bad weather.
Follow at a safe distance; don't tailgate.
Get off the highway when you are tired; stop and take a rest.
When stopping for repairs: Park the car well off the road.
Turn on the hazard warning flasher. Use flares or other warning devices to warn other motorists.
After parking your car: Apply the parking brake and shift to first gear if equipped withmanual transmission, or PARK on automatic transmission

equipped cars.
Make sure the windows are closed and all doors are locked.
If parked on a hill:
Turn the front wheels away from the curb if facing uphill.
Turn the front wheels toward the curb if facing downhill. Never leave children unattended in a parked car.
Take your
keys.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Engine Exhaust Gas Warning
A properly maintained car is your best protection against exhaust
gas entering the passenger compartment. The exhaust system should be thoroughly inspected by acompetent mechanic whenever:

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

damaged.

Avoid breathing exhaust gases. They contain carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause loss of
consciousness and eventual death. If you suspect that exhaust gas is entering the passenger compartment, have the cause
determined and corrected as soon as possible. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive only with all windows fully open. Do not drive with the trunk lid open. An open trunk may draw
exhaust gases into the passenger compartment. If you must
drive with the trunk lid open, drive only with all the windows
wide open.
Do not run the engine in confined areas, such as garages, any
longer than necessary to move the car in or out. If you must sit in a parked car with the engine running for more
than a short time, adjust the heating/ventilation system as
follows:
1. Push the
and buttons on.
2. Set the temperature lever for best comfort.
3.Turn the fan to the highest speed.

NOTE:

To insure proper operation of the car's ventilation system, keep the
front air inlet clear of snow, mud, leaves or other obstructions.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s