Page 60 of 136

Safety Items
Before driving away, check that: The doors are closed properly.
The mirrors are properly adjusted, and the windows clean.
The driver and passengers are wearing properly adjusted seat
belts.
The head restraints are properly adjusted.
The warning and indicator lights are operating properly. The brake pedal feels normal.
All luggage and cargo is secured.
Nothing is interfering with the driver's feet or blocking vision to
the rear.
While driving remember to: Always drive defensively; expect the unexpected.Reduce your speed during night hours and bad weather.Follow at a safe distance; don't tailgate. Get off the highway when you are tired; stop and take a rest.
When stopping for repairs: Park the car well off the road.
Turn on the hazard warning flasher. Use flares or other warning devices to warn other motorists.
After parking your car: Apply the parking brake and shift to first gear if equipped with
manual transmission, or PARK on automatic transmission equip-ped cars.
Make sure the sunroof and windows are closed and the doors are
locked.
If parked on a hill:
1. Turn the front wheels away from the curb if facing uphill.
2. Turn the front wheels toward the curb if facing downhill.
Never leave children unattended in a parked car. Take your keys.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t
Page 65 of 136

Shifting the Automatic
The automatic transmission shift lever has a locking mechanism to prevent accidental shifting into Reverse (R), Park (P) or 2nd (2). Also,
an Automatic Shift Lock prevents you from shifting out of Park
unless the brake pedal is already depressed and the ignition switch is
in the II position.
Push the button on the shift handle to shift into 2nd, Reverse or
Park; depress the brake pedal and then push the button on the shift
handle to shift out of Park. : Depress the brake pedal first
and push the button, then shift.
: Push the button, then shift.
: Shift as desired.
Depress
button
SHIFT LOCK
RELEASE
KEY
Insert
If you cannot shift out of Park with
the brake pedal depressed and the ignition switch in the II position:
1.Turn the ignition switch off and
remove the key.
2. Insert the key in the Shift Lock Release located to the right of the
shift lever.
3. Press and hold the key down, then press the button on the shifthandle and move the shift lever to
Neutral.
4. Return the key to the ignition switch, depress the brake pedaland restart the engine.
NOTE:
If you encounter any problem shifting out of Park, have your
authorized Honda dealer check the system as soon as possible.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t
Page 111 of 136

If towing is necessary, contact a professional towing service. Your
authorized Honda dealer can assist you with detailed towing
instructions.
Never use tow chains or rope to tow a car; your ability to safely
control the car may be adversely affected.
We recommend the following: Flat Bed Equipment —Entire car is winched on a flat bed vehicle.
This is the best way of transporting your Honda.
Wheel Lift Type—Tow with the front wheels off the ground.
If the car can only be towed with the front wheels on the ground:
make sure the transmission is full of fluid (see pages 78 — 79) and
tow with the transmission in neutral (N) and the ignition key in the 1
position.
CAUTION:
To avoid serious damage on automatic transmission cars, first
start the engine and shift to D4, then to N and shut the engine off. If the engine does not run or the transmission cannot be shifted
while the engine is running, the car must be transported on flat
bed equipment.
Check local regulations for towing.
CAUTION:
Do not exceed 35 mph (55 km/h) or tow for distances of more
than 50 miles (80 km).
If a sling type tow is used, the tow truck driver should position
wood spacer blocks between your car's frame and the chains
and lift straps to avoid damaging the bumper and the body. Do not use the bumpers to lift the car or to support the car's
weight while towing. TowingProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t
Page 126 of 136

Catalytic Converter
A catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system to help
clean-up the harmful 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 54.
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 110.
— 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 CHARGE warning light comes on; have it checked by your
Honda dealer.
CATALYTIC CONVERTERProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t
Page 130 of 136

Index (cont'd)
Specification (Sedan)............ 119
Engine Exhaust Gas Warning........ 60
Evaporative Emission Control
System.................................... 125
Exterior Care.................................. 99
Filters
Air.............................................. 86
Engine Oil.................................. 76
Fuel........................................... .86
Fluid..................................... See "Oil"
Foreign Countries, Operation in.... 55
Front Seat
Adjustment................................. 6
Fuel
Filler Door and Cap................... 55
Fitter..........................................86
Gasohol..................................... 54
Gasoline .................................... 54
Gauge........................................ 28
Requirement............................. 54
Fuse
Checking and Replacing .......... 91Specification (Hatchback).... 116
Specification (Sedan)............ 119
Hatch................................................. 5
Hatch/Trunk-open Indicator Light
...................................................31
Hazard Warning System............... 37
Headlights
Flasher...................................... 36
High Beam Indicator................. 29High Beam/Low Beam Switch ...............................................36
Switch...................................... 36
Headlight High Beam Indicator Light
...................................................29
Head Restraints................................ 7
Heating............................................. 50 High Beam
Indicator Light.......................... 29
Switch...................................... 36
Hood Latch..................................... 41
Identification Numbers................ 121
Ignition Keys............................................ 3
Switch....................................... 57
Indicator Lights.............................. 29
Inflation Pressures, Tire................ 94 Instrument Panel............................ 26
Instrument Panel Brightness Control ................................................... 37
Interior Light................................... 37
Interior Trim Care .......................... 99
Keys
Door Locks................................. 3
Hatch/Trunk Lid Lock................ 5
Ignition....................................... 57
Keys............................................ 3
Lap/Shoulder Belts .......................... See "Seat Belts"
Light Bulb Replacement.................... 92
Fuse Replacement................... 90
Operation.................................. 36
Warning and Indicator Lights.. 29
Locks
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock...............................................57
Child Proo f
Door Locks ............. 5
Doors........................................... 3
Fuel Filler Door.......................... 55 Hatch/Trunk Lid......................... 5
Power Doors.............................. 4
Luggage Area Light........................ 38
Luggage Cover................................. 9
Gasoline............................ See "Fuel"
Gas Station Information. back cover
Gauges............................................ 28
Glove Box....................................... 42 Jack.............................................. 106
Jump Starting.............................. 110ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t