Page 20 of 143

Speedometer
The speed is indicated in miles per hour (outside scale) and
kilometers per hour (inside).
Odometer
The numbers on the odometer indicate miles.
The odometer registers total distance traveled, and serves as your
guide for determining when periodic maintenance is due. Federal law makes it illegal to alter the odometer of any motor vehicle with the
intent to change the number of miles indicated.
Trip Meter
The numbers on the trip meter indicate miles.
The trip meter can be returned to zero by pushing in the resetbutton. Use it for checking fuel consumption or distance traveled per trip.
Tachometer
The tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per minute.The beginning of the RED ZONE indicates the maximum allowable
engine R.P.M. Do not run the engine with the tachometer indicator
needle in the RED ZONE.
Fuel Gauge
FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 60 l (15.9 US gal, 13.2 Imp gal)
As a convenience, the gauge continues to show the same fuel level as when the ignition was last on. After refueling, the gauge will
slowly change to the new fuel level when the ignition is switched on.
When the needle first indicates E (empty), you have a usable reserve left in the tank of about:
4 l
(1.1
US gal, 0,9 Imp gal)
Coolant Temperature GaugeCAUTION:
The needle should stay within the white range. If the needle reaches the red line at "H" (Hot), pull safely off the road, stop the
engine and check the coolant level in the reserve tank on the passenger side of the radiator under the hood.
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. The
coolant is under pressure and may blow out and scald you.
GaugesProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 44 of 143

Heating and Cooling (cont'd)
NOTE:
The windows may become fogged if the system is in the
position for an extended period of time with the air
conditioner off. As soon as the interior is warmed, switch to the
position.
How to Use the Controls
To Ventilate Move the temperature lever to the left, and push the buttons. Turn the fan switch on and outside air will flow
through the side and center vents. To change air distribution, select
To Cool with A/C (optional on the 2.0 S and 2.0 Si models)
To cool the car down quickly, start the engine, then turn the fanswitch to high, push the A/C button on and open the windows briefly. Then close the windows, slide the temperature lever to the
When the interior has cooled desired speed, then push the (outside) air to the air conditioner.
When using the air conditioner in heavy traffic, or while driving up long hills, watch the coolant temperature gauge: if the needle movesnear the "H" end of the scale, turn the air conditioner off by
pushing the A/C button ; leave it off until the needle goes back well
into the middle of the scale.
and
the
ducts at the floor level. position and outside air will also flow from the heater
sufficiently, switch the fan to thebutton to direct fresh
and
left, push the
recirculate to the buttons, so inside air will
air conditioner for maximum cooling.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 77 of 143
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
Page 78 of 143
Maintenance Schedule and Records (cont'd)
Cheek oil and coolant level at each fuel stop,
Under severe driving conditions, service these items twice as often. (See page 80 )ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 88 of 143

Cooling System
Your Honda engine contains a number of aluminum parts. Therefore, it requires an antifreeze/coolant specifically formulated to protect
the aluminum parts from corrosion. Failure to use a suitable antifreeze/coolant may seriously shorten the life of the engine as
the result of rapid corrosion damage. Some antifreeze/coolants, although labelled for use in engines containing aluminum, may not provide adequate protection for your engine.
Therefore, use only a Honda RECOMMENDED antifreeze/coolant.
CHECK WITH YOUR AUTHORIZED HONDA DEALER.
For best corrosion protection, the mixture of coolant and water
must be maintained year-round at 50/50. Concentrations less than50% coolant may not provide sufficient protection against
corrosion and freezing. Concentrations of greater than 60% coolant
will impair cooling efficiency and are not recommended. Low- mineral drinking water or distilled water should be mixed with the
antifreeze/coolant. Coolant loss should be replenished by a mixture
containing the proper concentration of antifreeze and water. Do not mix different antifreeze/coolants.
Do not use additional rust inhibitors or anti-rust products, as they
may not be compatible with the radiator coolant.
ENGINE DAMAGE CAUSED BY IMPROPER COOLANT USAGE IS
NOT COVERED BY THE NEW CAR WARRANTY.
Checking Coolant
Check the coolant level in the reserve tank when the engine is at
normal operating temperature (with the engine off and the car on
the level ground), using the dipstick in the reserve tank. Remove the dipstick and wipe it off. Insert the dipstick and remove it. The
coolant level should be between the MAX and MIN marks. Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot; the
coolant is under pressure and could severely scald 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.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 89 of 143

If the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick
add a 50/50 solution of antifreeze and water to bring it up to MAX. If there is no coolant visible on the dipstick, the cooling system
should be checked for leaks and repaired if necessary. Coolantmust then be added to the radiator.
CAUTION:
Radiator coolant will damage paint. Quickly rinse any spilled
coolant from painted surfaces.
Wait until the engine is cool, then turn the radiator cap counterclock-wise until it stops. DO NOT PRESS DOWN WHILE TURNING THECAP. After any remaining pressure has been relieved, remove the
cap by pressing down and again turning it counterclockwise. Add
enough coolant to fill the radiator, and reinstall the cap. Be sure to
tighten it securely. Fill the reserve tank up to the MAX mark with
the engine cold.
Maintenance
1. Check the freeze protection level of the coolant with a hydrometer.
2. Keep the front of the radiator free of dirt and debris.
3. Check hoses and hose clamps regularly.
(cont'd)
MAX
MIN
RESERVE TANKProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 91 of 143
6. Mix the recommended antifreeze with an equal amount of low-
mineral or distilled water and fill the reservoir to maximum, as
illustrated.
7. Loosen the air bleed bolt in the thermostat housing, then fill the radiator to the filler neck with the coolant mixture. Tighten thebleed bolt as soon as coolant starts to run out in a steady stream
without bubbles.
8. With the radiator cap off, start the engine and let it run until warmed up (fan goes on at least twice). Then, if necessary, addmore coolant mixture to bring the level back up to the filter neck.
9. Put the radiator cap on, then run the engine again and check for
leaks.
Fill to
here
Fill to here
FILLER
NECKProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s