1998 HONDA PRELUDE ignition

Indicator Lights

Anti-lock BrakeSystem (ABS)
Indicator
This light normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II), and when
the ignition switch is turned to
START (III). If this light comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
the ABS. If this happens, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the light on, your
vehicle still has normal braking ability but no anti-lock. Active Torque Transfer
System (ATTS) Indicator

Type SH only

This indicator normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II).
If it comes on at any other time,
there is a problem in the Active
Torque Transfer System (ATTS). If this happens, take the vehicle to
your dealer to have it checked. With the indicator on, your vehicle willcorner normally, but you will not
have active torque transfer. Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators
The left or right turn signal light blinks when you signal a lane changeor turn. If the light does not blink or
blinks rapidly, it usually means one of the turn signal bulbs is burned out (see page 210). Replace the bulb as
soon as possible, since other drivers
cannot see that you are signalling.
When you turn on the Hazard Warning switch, both turn signallights blink. All turn signals on the
outside of the vehicle should flash.
Instruments and Controls

ABS

ATTS

U.S.


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Indicator Lights

Trunk-open Indicator

This light comes on if the trunk lid is not closed tightly.
Door-open Indicator
This light comes on if either door is not closed tightly.
High Beam Indicator
This light comes on with the high beam headlights. See page 60 forinformation on the headlight
controls.
On Canadian models, this indicator
comes on with reduced brightness
when the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are on (see page 60). Low Fuel Indicator
This indicator is located in the fuel gauge. It comes on as a reminderthat you must refuel soon. "Daytime Running
Lights" Indicator

Canadian models only

This indicator lights when you turn the ignition to ON (II) with the
headlight switch off and the parkingbrake set. It should go off if you turnon the headlights or release the
parking brake. If it comes on at any
other time, it means there is a
problem with the DRL. There may also be a problem with the high
beam headlights.
Instruments and Controls

D
R
L

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Gauges
Fuel Gauge

This shows how much fuel you have. It is most accurate when the vehicle
is on level ground. It may showslightly 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 ignitionswitch back ON (II). Temperature Gauge
This shows the temperature of theengine's coolant. During normaloperation, 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 near
the upper white mark. If it reaches
the red (Hot) mark, pull safely to the side of the road. Turn to page 238 for
instructions and precautions on checking the engine's cooling

system.

Instruments and Controls

TACHOMETER
SPEEDOMETER
TRIP METER
FUEL GAUGE
TEMPERATURE GAUGE ODOMETER

MAINTENANCE

REQUIRED INDICATOR
TRIP METER
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Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Headlights

The rotating switch on the left lever controls the lights. Turning this switch to the position turns
on the parking lights, taillights,
instrument panel lights, side-marker
lights, and rear license plate lights. Turning the switch to the
position turns on the headlights. If you leave the lights on with the
ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I)
or LOCK (0), you will hear a
reminder chime when you open the
driver's door.
To change between low beams and high beams, pull the turn signal lever
until you hear a click, then let go.
The blue high beam indicator will light (see page 55). To flash the high beams, pull the
turn signal lever back lightly, then
release it. The high beams will comeon and go off.
The high beams will stay on for as long as you hold the lever back, nomatter what position the headlightswitch is in.
Daytime Running Lights (Canadian Models)
With the headlight switch off, the high beam headlights come on with
reduced brightness when you turn
the ignition switch to ON (II) and
release the parking brake. Theyremain on until you turn the ignition
off, even if you set the parking brake.
The headlights revert to normal operation when you turn them on
with the switch.
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Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Windshield Washers
To clean the windshield, pull back on the wiper control lever. The washersspray until you release the lever.
The wipers run at low speed while you're pulling the lever, thencomplete one more sweep of the
windshield after you release it.
Hazard Warning

Push the red button to the left of the
clock to turn on the hazard warning
lights (four-way flashers). This causes all four outside turn signals
and both indicators in the instrument
panel to flash. Use the hazard
warning lights if you need to park in a dangerous area near heavy traffic,
or if your vehicle is disabled. Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger will clear fog, frost, and thin ice from the
window. Push the defogger button to turn it on and off. The light in the
button lights to show the defogger ison. If you do not turn it off, thedefogger will shut itself off after
about 25 minutes. It also shuts off
when you turn off the ignition. You
have to turn it on again when you restart the vehicle.
Instruments and Controls
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Keys and Locks
Keys

Your vehicle comes with two kinds of keys: a master key and a valet key.
The master key fits all the locks on
your vehicle:
Ignition

Doors

Trunk Trunk release handle
Rear seat trunk access
Glove box The valet key works only in the
ignition and the door locks. You can
keep the trunk, trunk release handle,
rear seat trunk access and the glove
box locked when you leave your
vehicle and the valet key at a parking facility.
You should have received a key number plate with your keys. You
will need this key number if you ever have to get a lost key replaced. Keep the plate stored in a safe place. If you
need to replace a key, use only
Honda-approved key blanks.
These keys contain electronic circuits that are activated by the
Immobilizer System. They will not
work to start the engine if the circuits are damaged. Protect the keys from direct
sunlight, high temperature, and
high humidity. Do not drop the keys or set heavy
objects on them. Keep the keys away from liquids.
If they get wet, dry them immedi- ately with a soft cloth.
The keys do not contain batteries. Do not try to take them apart.
Instruments and Controls
LEARNING

KEY

(Red)

MASTER

KEY

(Black)

VALET

KEY

(Gray)

KEY

NUMBER

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Keys and Locks

Learning Key

You should also receive a small case containing a learning key. It is used
by the Honda dealer to code replace-
ment keys to your vehicle'sImmobilizer System. It must not be
used in your vehicle's ignition switch.
Store the learning key with the key
number plate in a safe place. If you attempt to use the learning
key to start your vehicle's engine, it
may cause a malfunction in the system that makes your master and
valet keys unusable. If this happens,
you should contact your Honda
dealer.

If you need a new key made, take the
key number plate, the learning key, and all other keys that came with
your vehicle to your Honda dealer. Immobilizer System
The Immobilizer System protects
your vehicle from theft. A properly- coded ignition key must be used in
the ignition switch for the engine to start. If an improperly-coded key (or
other device) is used, the engine'sstarting circuit is disabled.
When you turn the ignition switch to ON (II), the Immobilizer System
indicator should come on for a few seconds, then go out. If the indicator
starts to blink, it means the system
does not recognize the coding of the
key. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), remove the key, reinsert
it, and turn the switch to ON (II)
again.

If the system repeatedly does not
recognize the coding of your key, contact your Honda dealer.
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Keys and Locks

This indicator will also blink several times when you turn the ignition switch from ON (II) to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).
The system may not recognize your key's coding if the key is in contact
with a key from another immobilizer system. If you have a key from
another vehicle's immobilizer system,
keep it separate.
Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it. Electrical
problems could result that may make
your vehicle undriveable.
If you have lost your key and you
cannot start the engine, contact your
Honda dealer.
As required by the FCC:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
way not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.This device complies with DOC rules in

Canada.

Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is on the right side of the steering column. It has
four positions:
LOCK (0)
ACCESSORY (I)
ON (II) START (III)

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