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Engine Oil
The oil container may also display the API Certification seal. Make sureit says "For Gasoline Engines." The SAE numbers tell you the oil's
viscosity or weight. Select the oil for
your vehicle according to this chart.
An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is
preferred for improved fuel economyand year-round protection in your
Honda. You may use a 10W-30 oil if
the temperature in your area never
goes below 20°F( — 7°C).
Synthetic Oil
You may use a synthetic motor oil if it meets the same requirements
given for conventional motor oil; energy conserving, a service
classification of SJ, and the proper
weight as shown on the chart. When using synthetic oil, you must follow
the oil and filter change intervals given in the maintenance schedule.
Additives Your Honda does not need any oil additives. Purchasing additives for
the engine or transmission will not
increase your vehicle's performance or longevity. It only increases the
cost of operating your vehicle.
Maintenance
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
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Engine Oil
Changing the Oil and Filter
Always change the oil and filter according to the time and distance (miles/kilometers) recommenda-
tions in the maintenance schedule.
The oil and filter collect contami- nants that can damage your engine if
they are not removed regularly.
Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lift for this service. Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic.
1. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature,
then shut it off. 2. Open the hood and remove the
engine oil fill cap. Remove the oildrain bolt and washer from the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil into an appropriate container. 3. Remove the oil filter and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your Honda dealer) is required to
remove the filter.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
OIL DRAIN BOLT
WASHER OIL FILTER
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Transmission Fluid
5-speed Manual Transmission Check the fluid level with the
transmission at normal operating temperature and the vehicle sittingon level ground. Remove the
transmission filler bolt and carefully
feel inside the bolt hole with your
finger. The fluid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Genuine Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the filler bolt and tighten it securely. If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an API service SG, SH or SJ
grade motor oil with a viscosity of SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 as a
temporary replacement. An SG
grade is preferred, but an SH or SJ
grade may be used if SG is not available. However, motor oil does
not contain the proper additives and
continued use can cause stiffershifting. Replace as soon as
convenient.
The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule.
Maintenance
Correct
level
FILLER
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Air Cleaner Element
The air cleaner element should be cleaned or replaced according to the
time and distance recommendationsin the maintenance schedule.
Cleaning (Severe Conditions)
Clean the air cleaner element by
blowing compressed air through it in
the opposite direction to normal air
flow. If you do not have access to compressed air (such as a service
station), ask your Honda dealer to do
this service.
Follow the replacement procedure
for removal and reinstallation. Replacement
The air cleaner element is inside the air cleaner housing on the passenger'sside of the engine compartment.
To replace it:
1. Unsnap the four hold-down clamps and remove the air cleaner
housing cover.
AIR CLEANER
ELEMENT
2. Remove the old air cleaner element.
Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing with a damp rag.
3. Place the new air cleaner element in the air cleaner housing.
4. Reinstall the air cleaner housing cover, snap the four hold-down
clamps back into place.
Maintenance
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Index
Protecting Adults............................. 10
Additional Safety Precautions.... 17
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 17
Protecting Children......................... 19
Protecting Infants........................ 27
Protecting Larger Children........ 35
Protecting Small Children.......... 31
Using Child Seats with Tethers......................................38
Radiator Overheating.................... 238
Radio/CD Sound System.............. 100
Rear End Towing........................... 250
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 211
Rear Seat Access ............................. 76
Rear Seat, Folding........................... 79
Rear View Mirror............................. 83
Rear Window Defogger.................. 63
Reclining the Seat Backs................ 75
Recommended Shift Speeds ........ 135
Reminder Lights.............................. 51
Replacement Information Air Cleaner Element.................. 187
Coolant........................................ 179 Engine Oil and Filter................. 175
Fuses...........................................245
Light Bulbs................................. 206
Schedule..................................... 164
SparkPlugs................................. 188
Timing Belt................................. 196 Tires............................................ 200
Wiper Blades.............................. 193
Replacing Seat Belts After a
Crash.............................................42
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant.... 124
Restraint, Child................................ 19
Reverse Gear Position................... 138
Rotation, Tire................................. 200
Safety Belts......................................... 5
Safety Features.................................. 5
Airbags.......................................... 43Door Locks..................................... 9
Head Restraints............................. 8
Seat Belts........................................ 6
Seats & Seat-Backs........................ 8
Safety Labels, Location of.............. 48
Safety Messages................................ ii
Seat Belt, Additional Information.. 40
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 40
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 42
Seat Belt System Components... 40
Seat Belts............................................ 6
Cleaning...................................... 223
Maintenance................................. 42
Reminder Light and Beeper....... 52
System Components.................... 40
Tether Attachment Points.......... 38
Use During Pregnancy................ 17
Seat Heaters..................................... 78
Seats, Adjusting the......................... 75
Sequential SportShift Mode......... 139
Serial Number................................ 252
Service Intervals............................ 164
Service Manual* ............................ 271
Service Station Procedures .......... 121
Setting the Clock............................. 85
Shifting
The Automatic Transmission .. 137
The 5-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 134
Shift Lever Position Indicator...... 136
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