Page 164 of 240
Windshield Wipers
Check the condition of the wind-
shield wiper blades at least every six months. Look for signs of cracking
in the rubber, or areas that are
getting hard. Replace the blades if
you find these signs, or they leave streaks and unwiped areas when
used.
To replace the front wiper blades: 1. Raise the wiper arm off the windshield. 2. Disconnect the blade assembly
from the wiper arm by pushing inthe lock tab. Hold it in while you
push the blade assembly toward
the base of the arm. 3. Remove the blade from its holder
by grasping the tabbed end of theblade. Pull firmly until the tabs
come out of the holder.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
WIPER ARMS
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Windshield Wipers
4. Examine the new wiper blades. If they have no plastic or metal rein-
forcement along the back edge,remove the metal reinforcementstrips from the old wiper blade and
install them in the slots along the
edge of the new blade. 5. Slide the new wiper blade into the
holder until the tabs lock.
6. Slide the blade assembly onto the wiper arm. Make sure it locks in
place.
7. Lower the wiper arm down against the windshield.
To replace the rear wiper blade:1. Raise the wiper arm off the windshield.
2. Pull the lock tab up and slide the blade assembly off the wiper arm.
3. Pull one end of the blade out and down to remove it from the slot.
Maintenance
BLADE
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Windshield Wipers
4. Slide the blade out of the holder.
5. Slide the new blade into the holder.
Make sure it is engaged in the slot
along its full length. 6. Insert both ends of the blade into
the holder slots. Make sure theyare secure.
7. Slide the wiper blade assembly onto the wiper arm. Make sure it
locks in place.
8. Lower the wiper arm.
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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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Lights
Replacing the Front Side Marker/
Turn Signal and Parking Light Bulb
SCREW
1. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screw from the top of
the fender.
2. Move the side marker light assembly forward until it slides out
of the body. 3. Turn the socket one-quarter turn
counterclockwise to remove it
from the lens.
4. Remove the bulb by pushing it in slightly and turning it counter-
clockwise.
5. Install the new bulb in the socket.
Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
6. Insert the socket back into the lens. Turn it clockwise to lock it in
place.
7. Put the side marker assembly back into the body. Align the four
tabs and push on the front edgeuntil it snaps into place.
Install the mounting screw and
tighten it securely.
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Lights
Replacing Rear Bulbs
1. Open the tailgate. Swing the taillight cover open and remove it.
To replace a bulb on the right side, remove the spare tire (see page
194).
2. Determine which of the three bulbs is burned out: tail/stoplight,
back-up light or turn signal.
3. Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
4. Remove the burned out bulb from the socket by pulling it straight outof its socket.
5. Install the new bulb in the socket. 6. Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly.
7. Test the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.
8. Reinstall the taillight assembly
cover.
9. (Right side) Reinstall the spare tire.
Maintenance
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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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