Page 159 of 240
Spark Plugs
The original spark plugs in your car need to be replaced every 2 years or
48,000 km (30,000 miles), whichever
comes first.
SPARK PLUG CAP
1. Clean up any dirt and oil around the spark plug caps.
2. Remove the spark plug cap by pulling it straight out.
3. Remove the spark plug, using a 16 mm (5/8 inch) spark plug socket. 4. Put the new spark plug into the
socket, then thread it into the hole.
Screw it in by hand so you do not crossthread it.
Maintenance
Replacement
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Page 167 of 240

Air Conditioning
Your car's air conditioning is a sealed system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should be done
by
a qualified technician. There are a
couple of things you can do to make sure the air conditioning works
efficiently.
Periodically check the engine's
radiator and air conditioning
condenser for leaves, insects
, and
dirt stuck to the front surface.
These
block the air flow and reduce cooling efficiency. Use a light spray from a
hose or
a soft brush to remove them. Run the air conditioning at least once
a week during the cold weather
months
. Run it for at least ten
minutes while you are driving at a steady speed with the engin
e at
normal operating temperature. This
circulates
the lubricating oil con-
tained in the refrigerant.
If th
e air conditioning does not get as
cold
as before, have your dealer
chec
k the system. Recharge the
syste
m with Refrigerant HFC-134a
(R-134a). (See Specifications on page
218.)
Whenever you have the air conditioning
system. This system captures the
refrigerant for reuse. Releasing
refrigerant into the atmosphere can
damage the environment.
Maintenance
AIR CONDITIONING
CONDENSER
The condenser and radiator fins bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure spray
or soft-bristle brush to clean them.
NOTICE NOTICE
system serviced, make sure the service
facility uses a refrigerant recycling
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Page 176 of 240

Lights
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Your car has halogen headlight bulbs, one on each side. Whenreplacing a bulb, handle it by its steel
base and protect the glass from
contact with your skin or hardobjects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
1. Open the hood.
If you need to change a bulb on
the passenger's side, remove the
air intake cover (see page 158 ).
2. Remove the electrical connector from the bulb by squeezing the
connector on both sides to unlock
the tab. Pull the connector straight
off.
3. Remove the rubber weather seal
by pulling on the tab.
4. Unclip the end of the hold-down
wire from its slot. Pivot it out ofthe way and remove the bulb.
5. Insert the new bulb into the hole, making sure the tabs are in theirslots. Pivot the hold-down wire
back in place and clip the end into
the slot.
6. Install the rubber seal over the back of the headlight assembly.Make sure it is right side up; it is
marked "TOP".
7. Push the electrical connector onto the tabs of the new bulb. Makesure it locks in place.
Turn on the headlights to test the new bulb.
8. (Passenger's side) Reinstall the air intake cover.
Maintenance
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Page 181 of 240

Storing Your Car
If you need to park your car for an
extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you should do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your car back on the road. It is best to store your car indoors if at all
possible.
Fill the fuel tank. Change the engine oil and filter
(see page 148 ). Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry. Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park. Block the rear wheels.
If the car is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground. Leave one window open slightly (if
the car is being stored indoors).
Disconnect the battery. Support the front and rear wiper
blade arms with a folded towel or
rag so they do not touch the
windshield. Apply a silicone spray lubricant to
all door and tailgate seals. Also,
apply wax to the painted surfaces
that mate with the door and
tailgate seals. Cover the car with a "breathable"
car cover, one made from a porous
material such as cotton.
Nonporous materials, such as plastic sheeting, trap moisture
which can damage the paint. If possible, run the engine for a
while periodically (preferably once a month).
If you store your car for 12 months
or longer, have your Honda dealer
perform the inspections called for in
the 24 months/48,000 km (30,000
miles) maintenance schedule (Normal Conditions) as soon as you
take it out of storage (see page 140 ).
The replacements called for in the maintenance schedule are notneeded unless the car has actually
reached that time or mileage.
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Page 190 of 240

Taking Care of the Unexpected
This section covers the more- common problems that motorists
experience with their cars. It gives
you information about how to safely evaluate the problem and what to do
to correct it. If the problem has stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again. If not, you will also find instructions
on getting your car towed. Compact Spare Tire....................... 192
Changing a Flat Tire..................... 193
If Your Engine Won't Start........... 199 Nothing Happens....................... 199
The Starter Operates
Normally................................ 200
Jump Starting................................. 200 If Your Engine Overheats............. 202Low Oil Pressure........................... 204
Charging System Indication......... 205
Malfunction Indicator Lamp/ Check Engine Light.................. 206
Closing the Sunroof....................... 207
Fuses............................................... 208
Checking and Replacing........... 209
Towing............................................ 213
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Page 203 of 240

Low Oil Pressure
The low oil pressure indicator should
never come on when the engine is
running. If
this light flashes or stays
on with the engine running, take
immediate action.
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn off
the engine as soon as you can safely get
the car stopped.
1. Safely pull off the road and shut
off the engine.
2. Let the car sit for a minute. Open the hood and check the oil level(see page 146 ). Although oil level
and oil pressure are not directly
connected, an engine that is very
low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
3. If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on thedipstick (see page 146 ). 4. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure light. If the light does not
go out within ten seconds, turn off
the engine. There is a mechanicalproblem that needs to be repaired
before you can continue driving. (See Towing on page 213 .)
Taking Care of the Unexpected
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
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Page 216 of 240
Specifications
* 1 : For front A/C only
* 2 : For front and rear A/C *
1 : Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity: 0.6 (0.16 US gal, 0.13 Imp gal)
* 2 : Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.
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Page 232 of 240

Index
Accessories
Installation.................................. 115
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
Position)....................................... 52
Adding Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 155
Brake Fluid................................. 156
Engine Coolant........................... 150
Engine Oil................................... 146
Power Steering Fluid................. 157
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 154
Additional Safety Information........ 18 Door Locks................................... 19
Driving with Pets......................... 19
Head Restraint Position.............. 18
Seat-back Position........................ 18
Storing Cargo Safely................... 19
Additives, Engine Oil..................... 148
Adjustments
Mirrors.......................................... 67
Head Restraints........................... 58
Seats.............................................. 56
Steering Wheel............................ 46
Airbag (SRS) .................................... 12
Air Cleaner..................................... 157
Air Conditioning............................... 76
Maintenance............................... 168
Usage............................................. 78
Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 76
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 170
Alcohol and Drugs........................... 28
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 109
Antifreeze....................................... 150
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Description................................. 220
Indicator Light..................... 37, 125
Operation.................................... 125
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock .. 52
Appearance Care........................... 183
Ashtray.............................................. 72
Audio System................................... 84
Automatic Speed Control................ 48
Automatic Transmission............... 120
Capacity, Fluid........................... 218
Checking Fluid Level................ 155
Shifting........................................ 120
Shift Lever Positions................. 120
Shift Lock Release..................... 123
Battery
Charging System Light............... 36
Jump Starting............................. 200 Maintenance............................... 162
Specifications............................. 219
Before Driving............................... 107
Belts, Seat........................................... 5
Beverage Holder.............................. 69
Body Repair.................................... 190
Brakes
Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 125Break-in, New Linings .............. 108
Fluid............................................ 156
Light, Burned-out...................... 179
Parking.......................................... 68
System Indicator.......................... 36
Wear Indicators......................... 124
Brakes, ABS Description................................. 220
Operation.................................... 125
System Indicator................. 37, 125
Braking System.............................. 124
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