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
Catalytic Converter
A catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system to help
clean-up the exhaust gases that can cause air pollution.
To be effective, the converter must work at high temperature, so don't park your car over dry grass, leaves or anything else that
could burn easily.
To stay effective, the converter must not be contaminated by
leaded gasoline; use only unleaded gas as explained on page 55.
CAUTION:
The converter can be overheated and damaged if it's fed too much unburned fuel mixture from the engine, so:
— Don't push or tow the car to start it; if the battery is dead. jump start the car as shown on page 119.
— Don't turn the key off while the engine is running above idle
speed.
— Don't change the ignition timing, or remove any emission control parts.
— Use only the spark plugs specified in this manual.
— Don't keep driving your car if it isn't running properly, or if its Check Engine warning light comes on; have It checked byyour Honda dealer. CATALYTIC CONVERTERProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Index
(cont'd)
Air Conditioner
Operation.....................................
43
Service.......................................108
Air Filte
r ...........................................95
Air Pressure, Tires........................105
Aluminum Alloy Wheels...............111
Antifreeze ..................See
"Radiator coolant"
Anti Lock Brakes(ALB) ..................18 ALB Warning Light .....................
24
ALB Fluid
.....................................
99
Anti-theft Steering
Column Lock
System.........................................58
Appearance Care .........................
110
Ashtrays..........................................38
Audio System
.................................
47
Automatic Transmission
Driving Technique ......................68
Fluid.............................................87
Operation....................................67
Shift Lever
Position
Indicator .................................
21 Battery
Charging System Warning
Light.......................................23
Jump Starting ...........................119 Maintenance .............................100
Specification ........................... 126
Beeper System Fasten Seat Belt Beeper ............13
Key Reminder .............................58
Light Reminder Chime ................30
Belts,Seat...............See "Seat Belts"
Brake Lamp Warning Light.............25
Brakes Brake Failure Warning Light .......................................23
Brake Fluid...................................99
Brake System Design .................98
Brake Wear .................................98
Brake Wear Indicators................98
Parking Brake ..............................39
Parking Brake Warning Light .......................................23
Break-in Period ..................................2
Bulb
Replacement.............................103
Specification .............................126
Buzzer ............See "Beeper System"
Capacities......................................125
Care and Cleaning.........................110
Catalytic Converter .....................134
Certification Label ........................127
Chains,Tires ................................. 106
Child Restraint System ..................14
Cigarette Lighter .............................38
Clock................................................37
COMPACT Spare Tire .................114Coolant Temperature Gauge .........20
Cooling(with A/C) ...........................44 Cooling System ...............................88
Crankcase Emission ControlSystem ..........................................
130
Cruise Control
Opeartion...................................
35Indicator .....................................22
Defogger.........................................28
Defroster .........................................45
Dimmer Switch, Headlights...........31
Doors
Locks............................................3
Warning Light ............................25
Emergency
Changing Flat Tire ...................116
Hazard Warning System ..........33If the Retractable Headlights do not operate ...................123
If the Sunroof Won't
Close .....................................54
If Your Car Gets Stuck ...........122
Jump Starting .........................119Towing.....................................121Warning and
Indicator
Lights....................................21
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