1990 HONDA PRELUDE check oil

Warning and Indicator Lights (cont'd)

Oil Pressure Warning Light

A severe fluctuation in engine oil pressure will cause this light to
flash on and off. You should stop as soon as possible, check the oil level, and add oil if necessary.
The oil pressure warning light will come on, and remain on, if there is insufficient oil pressure or when the ignition switch is turned on
with the engine not running. If the light should stay on while driving,
get the car off the road as soon as you can, turn the engine off and
check the engine oil level (see page 83).
Even if the oil level is correct, the engine should be checked by a
Honda dealer before the car is driven again.

NOTE:

The oil pressure warning light will only light as a result of low oil pressure. It is not directly an oil level indicator.
CAUTION:
Running the engine while the oil pressure warning light is on
constantly may cause immediate and severe engine damage.
Cruise Control Indicator Light
When the cruise control system is on, this indicator light is on (see
page 35 and 36).

Fuel Reserve Warning Light

If the warning light glows, it means you should refuel, because the
tank contains less than:
10 l (2.6 US gal, 2.2 Imp gal) CRUISE
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Check the following items at each fuel stop:

1. Engine oil level.

2. Radiator coolant level.
Check the following items periodically: 1. Brakes: for braking efficiency, brake pedal travel and hydraulic fluid level.
2. Lights: for operation of headlights, taillights, side marker lights, stoplights, turn signals and back-up lights.
3. Tires: for correct pressures (including spare); inspect for cuts and uneven or excessive wear. Rotate every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
in the pattern shown on page 107.
4. Steering: for excessive play or vibration while driving. 5. Exhaust system: for leaks or loose mounts.
6. Wipers: for operation of windshield wipers and washer, and condition of wiper blades.
7. Seat belts: for condition of fabric and buckles, and operation of the restraint mechanism.

8. Battery condition.

(cont'd)ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Engine Oil and Filter

Checking

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

Adding
If the level has dropped close to the lower mark, add oil until it is
even with the upper mark. 1 .Turn the oil filler cap counterclockwise to remove. Add oil, then check the level again. Do not overfill.
2. Reinstall the cap and twist clockwise until it stops.

CAUTION:
Be sure the oil filler cap is correctly replaced before starting the

engine.
Engine oil is a major factor affecting the performance and

service life of the engine; you should use only a premium quality

detergent oil labeled SG grade.
LOOK FOR THIS LABEL
ON THE OIL CONTAINER

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

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

(cont'd)

Ambient Temperature

UPPER

LOWER
DIPSTICKProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

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

the dipstick.

ENGINE OIL CHANGE CAPACITY (including filter):

3.8 l (4,0 US qt, 3.3 Imp qt)

6. Start the engine and make sure oil is not leaking from the drain
bolt or filter.

7. Shut off the engine and recheck the oil level.
NOTE:
Please dispose of used motor oil in a manner that is compatible with
the environment. We suggest you take it in a sealed container to

your local service station for reclamation. Do not throw it in the

trash or pour it on the ground.

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

Transmission Oil/Fluid Check
Transmission oil/fluid must be checked with the engine off and the
car on level ground.
If the engine has been running, some engine components may
be hot enough to burn you. Keep hands away from the radiator fan. The fan may start
automatically without warning and run for up to 15 minutes,
even after the engine is turned off.

CAUTION:

If the oil/fluid level is low, check for possible leaks before adding
oil. Do not overfill.
Since the transmission and differential are in the same housing, you
are actually checking both oil/fluid levels in one procedure. Change
transmission oil/fluid according to the Maintenance Schedule on
page 78 .

5-Speed

Remove the oil filler bolt (beside the right axle). Feel inside the boh
hole with your finger. If the oil is up to the bottom edge of the hole,
the oil level is correct. If it is not, slowly add oil until it runs out of
the hole, then reinstall the bolt and tighten it securely with a wrench.
CORRECT
LEVEL

5-SPEED TRANSMISSION

OIL CHANGE CAPACITY: 2.1 l (2.2 US qt, 1.8 Imp qt)
Use only SE or SF grade motor oil when adding or changing
transmission oil. OIL CHECK
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Use the proper

viscosity oil for

the climate in
which you drive:
Ambient Temperature
Automatic
The automatic transmission fluid level is checked (with the engine off and the car on level ground) using the dipstick in the right end of
the transmission housing. Remove the dipstick and wipe it off.
Insert the dipstick and remove it. The fluid level should be between
the upper and lower marks.
If necessary, add fluid and recheck. Use only DEXRON ®
II
Automatic Transmission Fluid (A.T.F.) when adding or changing fluid. After checking the fluid level, push the dipstick in securely.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHANGE CAPACITY:
2.8 l (3.0 US qt, 2.5 Imp qt) DIP STICK

UPPER

LOWERProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

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

Any corrosion around the positive and negative terminals should be washed off with a solution of baking soda and warm water. Dry the
terminals and then coat them with grease.
The battery gives off explosive gases; keep sparks, flames andcigarettes away. Provide adequate ventilation when charging orusing the battery in an enclosed space.
The battery contains sulfuric acid (electrolyte). Contact with skin or eyes may cause severe burns. Wear protective clothing
and a face shield.
— If electrolyte gets on your skin, flush with water.
— If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush with water for at least
15 minutes and call a physician immediately.
Electrolyte is poisonous.
— If swallowed, drink large quantities of water or milk and follow with milk of magnesia or vegetable oil and call a physician.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Battery

TEST INDICATOR

TERMINAL
TERMINAL
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Index (cont'd)

Emission Controls.........................130

Engine
Coolant.......................................88
Coolant Temperature
Gauge....................................20
Identification Number .............127
Oil and Filter...............................83
Oil Pressure
Warning

Light .......................................22

Specification ...........................125

Exhaust Controls....................131
Engine Exhaust Ga
s Warning

....................................................64

Evaporative Emission Control
System ....................................131
Exhaust Gas Recirculation...........132
Exterior Care.................................110
Filters

Air...........................................94
Engine Oil ...................................84

Fuel.............................................96

Fluid .....................................See "Oil"

Foreign Countries, Operation in ...............................56
Four Wheel Steering.......................59 Front Seat
Adjustment..................................5

Fuel

Filter Door and Cap...................56
Fuel Reserve
Warning

Light .......................................22

Gauge.........................................20

Gasohol......................................55

Gasoline ......................................55

Requirement..............................55

Filter...........................................96
Fuse

Checking and Replacing .........101

Specification...........................126 Gasoline............................See"Fuel"
Gas Station Information
...........................................back cover

Gauges............................................20
Glove Box ........................................39
Hazard Warning

Indicator Light ...........................21
Hazard Warning System................33

Headlights

Flasher.......................................31
Headlight Motor
Switch ...........32

High Beam Indicator..................21
High Beam/Low

Beam

Switch...................................31
If the

Retractable Headlights
do not operate ...................123

Reminder Chime

.......................30

Retractable Headlight Motor Warning Light .......................25

Switch.......................................30
Headlight High
Beam Indicator

Light ...........................................21

Head Restraints.................................8

Heating.............................................45

High Bea
m

Switch .......................................31
Indicator Light ...........................21

Hood Latch.....................................39
Identification Numbers.................127
Ignition
Keys.............................................3

Switch........................................58

Indicator Lights ...............................20
Inflation Pressures, Tire..............105
Instrument Panel....................19
Instrument Panel
Brightness

Control.......................................33

Interior light .....................................33
Interior Trim Care .........................110 Jack .............................................116
Jump Starting ...............................119ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s