1990 HONDA PRELUDE engine 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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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

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

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
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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
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Engine Oil and Filter (cont'd)
Fuel Efficient Oil
For the best fuel economy from your car, it is recommended that
you use a fuel efficient SG oil. This oil is usually identified by the words such as: "Energy Conserving II," "Gas Saving," and "Fuel
Saving," etc.
Changing Oil and FilterEngine oil and filter should be changed together every 6 months or

7,500 miles (12,000 km), whichever occurs first. The filter is on the

engine block, below the intake manifold.

CAUTION:

The oil filter cannot easily be removed from above the engine.For this reason it is recommended
that the oil filter change be done by a skilled mechanic.

1. Start the car to warm up the
engine, then shut it off.

2. Remove the engine oil filler cap and drain bolt, and drain the oil. ENGINE OIL DRAIN BOLT
A warmed-up engine and the oil in it are hot; be careful not to burn
yourself.
3. Remove the oil filter and let the remaining oil drain out.
4. Install a new fitter according to
instructions on or with the filter.
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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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