1990 HONDA PRELUDE clutch

Cruise Control
Cruise Control
The Cruise Control system allows you to set and automatically maintain any speed above 30 mph (45 km/h) without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. As its name implies, it is meant for cruising

on straight, uncongested highways or freeways. It is not

recommended to be used in traffic, on winding roads or in bad weather conditions where the driver should have total control.
To Set the Cruise Control:
Push the CRUISE CONTROL

master switch on the dash; the
indicator light will come on. Accelerate to the desired
speed, then, push and release

the SET switch on the
steering wheel. The Cruise
Control light on the

instrument panel will come

on.

The speed you were going when you released the SET switch is the speed the Cruise Control will hold. You can then "fine tune" the set
speed by briefly holding and releasing the SET switch to decrease it
a few mph or pushing the RESUME switch to slightly increase it.
To Cancel the Cruise Control:
Push the CRUISE CONTROL

master switch and the indicator
light will go off (this also erases the memory of the set speed), if you must temporarily disengage the system (but you wish to
retain the memory of the set speed): tap the brake pedal, or the clutch pedal (manual transmission) or move the automatic trans-mission shift lever to N (Neutral). If you are still going above 30 mph(45 km/h), you can return to the set speed by simply pushing the
RESUME switch. If the car has decelerated below approximately 30 mph (45 km/h),you can return to the set speed by using the ac-
celerator conventionally until your speed is above 30 mph (45 km/h) and then pushing the RESUME switch.
MASTER SWITCH

RESUME SWITCH Push

SET SWITCH

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Cruise Control (cont'd)

To Change the Set Speed: To a faster speed — For gradual acceleration with your foot off the
accelerator, push
and hold the RESUME switch until you reach the
desired speed; release the switch and the system's memory will be re-programmed to the new speed.
For faster acceleration, push the accelerator until you reach the
desired speed, then push and release the SET switch to re-program
the system.

To a slower speed — push and hold the SET switch and the car willcoast; when you reach the desired slower speed, release the switchand the system will be re-programmed.
For temporary acceleration above the set speed, such as for passing,
use the accelerator pedal conventionally. When you want to return
to the set speed, take your foot off the accelerator and coast without applying the brakes.
The Cruise Control automates the function of the accelerator pedal to maintain your car at a constant speed. This can be a
convenience on long trips, but it can also be a danger if there are many other cars on the road or if the road is unfamiliar. Pay strict
attention to the responsibility of driving whenever using the Cruise Control.

CAUTION:

Because the Cruise Control directly activates the accelerator pedal, don't rest your foot under the pedal when the Cruise
Control is on; it may pull the pedal down onto your foot.
NOTE:
With Cruise Control on, your speed will still vary slightly,particularly when going up or down hills.
Do not drive with your foot on the brake or clutch pedal (manual
transmission), as this will cause the Cruise Control to disengage.ProCarManuals.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.
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Shifting the 5 Speed
The fully synchronized manual
transmission is very easy to shift up or down. When you slow

down for traffic, steep hills, or
corners, shift to a lower gearbefore the engine starts to labor.
When descending steep grades, select a lower gear to help
maintain a safe speed and to
prevent the brakes from over-

heating.

When shifting, depress the clutch pedal fully, shift gears and then release the clutch gradually. Do not speed-shift; allow time for the
gears to synchronize.
To prevent grinding the gears when shifting into reverse, hold the clutch pedal depressed briefly before shifting, or shift the lever intoone of the forward gears before selecting reverse.
A safety lockout prevents accidental shifting straight from 5th to

Reverse.

Avoid rapid acceleration or sudden deceleration when either or both driving wheels are on a slippery surface. Decreased traction
could cause loss of directional control.

CAUTION:
Do not drive with your foot on the clutch pedal as this will causepremature wear of clutch components.
Do not shift into reverse while the car is moving.

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Operating Tips

For smoother operation, apply the brakes when shifting from
Neutral or Park to a forward or reverse gear.
When parking: bring the car to a stop with the foot brake, hold the brake on and shift into Park, set the hand brake and then turn off
the engine.

NOTE:

Your 4 speed automatic transmission is equipped with a torque
converter lock-up clutch. Because of this, you may notice what
feels like an extra shift as the clutch engages.
CAUTION: Shift into P only after the car has come to a complete stop.
Shift into or out of R only after the car has come to a complete

stop.

Do not "rev-up" the engine when the brake is on and the shift
lever is in D, S, 2 or R.
When stopped on a hill, use the brakes to hold your position, not the accelerator pedal.Do not shift from N or P into D, S, 2 or R when the engine is
above idle speed. Before shifting into gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal. Do not rest your hand on the shift lever or push the shift button
while driving.

Driving Technique

D-4th
Use the D range for normal in-town and highway driving. The car
will start off in 1st and shift automatically to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. The
further down you push the accelerator, the later the transmission will shift and the faster the car will accelerate.

S3/S4

The "S" shift selector range changes the shift points under part
throttle acceleration, allowing the transmission to stay in each lower
gear for a longer period before automatically upshifting. With the shift selector in the "S" range, the "S3" indicator light in the dashpanel will come on and the transmission will shift from 1st to 2nd
and 3rd but not 4th. This is especially useful when climbing or
descending grades. While driving in the "S" range, the car's performance is improved but fuel economy is reduced.
Shifting the Automatic (cont'd)ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Towing a Trailer (cont'd)

Towing Safety

Stopping distance will be increased when towing a trailer. For
each 10 mph (16 km/h) of speed, allow at least two car lengths between you and the vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking
which may cause trailer jackknifing and loss of control.
Avoid jerky starts and sudden acceleration. If your car has amanual transmission, always start out in first gear and release
the clutch at moderate engine rpm.
Avoid rapid lane changing and sharp turns. The trailer could hit your car in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn.
Remember, the total length of your car plus trailer will require a
wider turning circle.
Crosswinds may adversely affect handling of your car and
trailer, Use the rearview mirrors frequently to warn you of approaching large vehicles that may pass you causing your car
and trailer to sway. When being passed, firmly grip the steering wheel and be prepared to reduce speed immediately but
gradually. Never increase speed. Steer straight ahead.
Towing a trailer in bad weather will magnify any difficulty in
controlling the car caused by the weather itself. Avoid sudden maneuvers: slow down and use extra caution.
Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance because of the added weight and length

of your trailer.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Fluid Locations
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONFLUID DIPSTICK
POWER STEERING
FLUID RESERVOIR
ANTI LOCK BRAKE
FLUID RESERVOIR (Si with ALB) ENGINE OIL
FILLER CAP
CLUTCH FLUID
RESERVOIR (Manual Transmission Only)
RADIATOR

RESERVE

TANK CAP
RADIATOR
CAP ENGINE OIL
DIPSTICK WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR BRAKE FLUID
RESERVOIRProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

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