
Gauges
Temperature Gauge This shows the temperature of the engine's coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom white mark to about
the middle of the gauge. In severe driving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill driving, the pointer may rise to the
upper white mark. If it reaches the
red "H" (Hot) mark, pull safely to
the side of the road. Turn to page
202 for instructions and precautions on checking the engine's cooling
system.
Fuel Gauge
This shows how much fuel you have. It is most accurate when the car is on
level ground. It may show slightly more or less than the actual amount
when you are driving on curvy or hilly roads.
The gauge stays at the same fuel level reading after you turn off the
ignition. When you add fuel, the
gauge slowly changes to the new
reading after you turn the ignition
back ON (II). Maintenance Required Indicator
The indicator reminds you when it is time for scheduled maintenance.
When it nears 12,000 km (7,500 miles) since the last maintenance,
the indicator will turn yellow. If you exceed 12,000 km (7,500 miles), the
indicator will turn red. Your dealer
will reset the indicator when he performs the scheduled maintenance.If someone else performs the
maintenance, reset the indicator by
inserting your key in the slot beside
the indicator.
Instruments and Controls
INDICATOR
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Heating and Cooling
How to Use the System
This section covers the best way to use the system for ventilation,cooling, dehumidifying, defrosting
and heating. In most cases, the mode
and air source selections are only
recommendations. You may prefer different settings. Use mode to heat or cool the
interior more quickly, or to keep out
smoke and dust. Leaving the system
in the recirculation mode with the
A/C off can cause the windows to fog up. Switch to
mode as
soon as the interior reaches a
comfortable temperature or the
outside smoky, dusty condition
clears.
The engine must be running for the
heater and air conditioning to pro-
vide hot and cold air. The heater uses engine coolant to warm the air.If the engine is cold, it will be several
minutes before you feel warm air
circulating.
The air conditioning system does not depend on engine temperature. It
can produce cold air almost immedi-
ately.
Controlling Air Flow Direction
Air flows into the interior at three
levels: Toward the floor
through the dash vents and
toward the windshield and side
windows You select the air
flow level or combination of levels
with the five mode buttons.
Ventilation
Your car has a flow-through venti- lation system. Air enters the car
through vents in front of the wind-shield. It circulates through the
interior then exits through the rear side panels. This system provides
fresh air even when the car is standing still. To bring in outside air, press the button. Set the fan
at a comfortable speed.
CONTINUED
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Service Station Procedures
4. Remove it again and check the level. It should be between the
upper and lower marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see page 146 for information on the
proper oil and how to add it. Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see Adding
Engine Coolant on page 151 for
information on adding the proper
coolant.Refer to Periodic Checks on page
144 for information on checking
other items in your Honda.
Before Driving
UPPER MARK
Engine Coolant Check
RESERVE TANK
MAX MIN
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Maintenance
This section explains why it is important to keep your car well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and
instructions for simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools
required to perform more complex
maintenance tasks on your Honda,
you may want to purchase the Service Manual. See page 233 for
information on how to obtain a copy, or see your Honda dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 136
Maintenance Schedule.................. 138
Maintenance Record..................... 142
Periodic Checks............................. 144
Fluid Locations............................... 145
Engine Oil....................................... 146
Checking Engine Oil................. 146
Adding......................................... 146
Recommended Oil..................... 147
Additives..................................... 148
Oil and Filter Changes.............. 148
Cooling System.............................. 150
Checking the Engine Coolant
Level........................................ 150
Adding Engine Coolant............. 151
Replacing Engine Coolant........ 152
Windshield Washers..................... 154
Automatic Transmission Fluid..... 155
Brake Fluid..................................... 156
Brake System............................. 156
Anti-lock Brake System............ 157
Power Steering............................... 157
Air Cleaner..................................... 158
Spark Plugs..................................... 160
Replacement............................... 160
Specification............................... 161
Battery............................................ 162
Windshield Wipers........................ 165
Air Conditioning............................. 168 Drive Belts...................................... 169
Tires................................................ 169 Inflation....................................... 170
Inspection................................... 171
Maintenance............................... 171
Tire Rotation.............................. 172 Replacing Tires and Wheels .... 172
Wheels and Tires....................... 173
Winter Driving........................... 173 Snow Tires.............................. 174
Tire Chains............................. 174
Lights.............................................. 175 Headlight Aiming...................... 175
Replacing Bulbs......................... 177
Storing Your Car............................ 182
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Periodic Checks
You should check the following items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given. Engine oil level — Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page 112.
Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 113.
Windshield washer fluid — Check the level in the reservoir monthly.If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 154. Automatic transmission — Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
155.
Brakes and power steering —
Check the fluid level monthly. See
page 156.
Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
169.
Battery — Check its condition and
the terminals for corrosion monthly. See page 162. Air conditioning — Check its
operation weekly. See page 168. Lights — Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See
page 175.
Maintenance
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Engine Oil, Cooling System
If you change Your own oil, please
dispose of the used oil properly. Put it
in a sealed container and take it to a
recycling center. Do not discard it in a
trash bin or dump it on the ground.
The oil and filter should be changed every 6 months or 12,000 km (7,500
miles), whichever comes first. Under severe driving conditions, they
should be changed every 3 months
or 6,000 km (3,750 miles). See page 137 for a description of severe
driving conditions. Checking the Engine Coolant
Level
Check the level of the engine coolant
by looking at the radiator reserve
tank next to the battery. If the level
is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
This coolant should always be a mixture of 50% antifreeze and 50%
water. Never add straight antifreeze or plain water. Always use Genuine Honda Anti-
freeze/Coolant. The cooling systemcontains many aluminum compo-
nents which can corrode if animproper antifreeze is used. Someantifreeze, even though labeled as
safe for aluminum parts, may not
provide adequate protection.
Maintenance
NOTICE
RESERVE TANK
MIN
MAX
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Cooling System
Adding Engine Coolant If the reserve tank is completelyempty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
1. Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.
RADIATOR CAP
2. Turn the radiator cap counter- clockwise, without pressing down
on it, until it stops. This relieves
any pressure remaining in the
cooling system.
3. Remove the radiator cap by pushing down and turningcounterclockwise.
4. The coolant level should be up to
the base of the filler neck. Addcoolant if it is low.
5. Put the radiator cap back on. Tighten it fully.
6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank. Fill it to halfway between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap backon the reserve tank.
Maintenance
RESERVE TANK
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
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Cooling System, Windshield Washers
10.Turn off the engine. Check the level in the radiator, add coolant if needed. Install the radiator cap,
tighten it fully.
11.Fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark. Install the reserve tank cap.
Windshield Washers
Check the level in the windshield
washer reservoir at least monthly
during normal usage. In bad weather,
when you use the washers often, check the level every time you stop
for fuel.
The windshield washer reservoir is located behind the left headlight.Check the reservoir's fluid level by
removing the cap and looking at the
level gauge attached to the cap.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing in cold weather.
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir.
LEVEL GAUGE
Antifreeze can damage your car's paint, while a vinegar/water solution can
damage the windshield washer pump.
Use only commercially-available
windshield washer fluid.
Maintenance
RESERVE TANK
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