1998 HONDA PRELUDE check engine

If Your Engine Overheats

6. Look for any obvious coolant leaks, such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot, so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you continue driving (see Towing on
page 250).
7. If you don't find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page 124). If the level is below the
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and MAX marks.
8. If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may also have to
add coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, before check-
ing the radiator. 9. Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushingdown, to the first stop. This
releases any remaining pressure in
the cooling system. After the pressure releases, push down on
the cap and turn it until it comesoff. 10. Start the engine and set the
temperature control lever to
maximum. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the filler
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and refilled with
the proper mixture as soon as you

can.

11. Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair. (See Towing on
page 250.)
12. If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on

tightly.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

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.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go outafter the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing, it indicates that the oil pressure
dropped very low for a moment, then
recovered. If the indicator stays on
with the engine running, it shows that the engine has lost oil pressureand serious engine damage is
possible. In either case, you should
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 vehicle stopped.

1. Safely pull off the road and shut off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
2. Let the vehicle sit for a minute. Open the hood and check the oil
level (see page 123). 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 173). 4. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the lightdoes not go out within ten seconds,
turn off the engine. There is a
mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired before you can continue driving. (See Towing on

page 250.)
Taking Care of the Unexpected
NOTICE

LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
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Malfunction Indicator Lamp

This indicator comes on for a few seconds when yon turn the ignition
switch ON (II). If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates one of the
engine's emissions control systems
may have a problem. Even though
you may feel no difference in your
vehicle's performance, it can reduce
your fuel economy and cause your
vehicle to put out excessive emissions. Continued operation may
cause serious damage. If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the cause of this indicator coming on could be a loose or
missing fuel fill cap. Check the cap
and tighten it until it clicks. Replace
the fuel fill cap if it is missing.
Tightening the cap will not make the indicator turn off immediately; it
takes three driving trips.
If the indicator remains on past threedriving trips, or the fuel cap was not
loose or missing, have the vehicle
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible. Drive moderately until the dealer has inspected the problem.
Avoid full-throttle acceleration and driving at high speed.
You should also have the dealer inspect your vehicle if this indicator
comes on repeatedly, even though it
may turn off as you continue driving.If you keep driving with the
malfunction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your vehicle's emissionscontrols and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle 's warranties.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP


NOTICE
ProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Brake System Indicator

The Brake System indicator light comes on when you turn the ignitionON (II). If the parking brake is notset, it goes off after you start the
engine. If the parking brake is set, it
goes off when you fully release the
parking brake with the engine
running.
If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with the vehicle's
brake system. In most cases, the problem is a low fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it feels
normal. If it does, check the brake
fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page 185). If the
fluid level is low, take the vehicle to
your dealer and have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn
brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. Because of the
brake system's dual-circuit design, a
problem in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the
vehicle begins to slow down, and you will have to press harder on thepedal. The distance needed to stop
will be much longer.
Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as

soon as possible.

If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
Taking Care of the Unexpected

BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR

BRAKEProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Index
Accessories and Modifications.... 126 Accessories................................. 126
Additional Safety Precautions.. 127Modifications............................. 127
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 71
Accessory Power Socket................ 88
Active Torque Transfer System
(ATTS)
Indicator................................ 54, 149
Operation.................................... 149
Adding Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 183
Brake Fluid................................. 185
Clutch Fluid................................ 186
Engine Coolant........................... 177
Engine Oil...................................173
Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 184
Power Steering Fluid................. 186
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 182
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts........................ 40
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 40
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 42

Seat Belt System Components... 40

Additional Information About

YourSRS................................... 43

Additional Safety Precautions.... 46
How Your Airbags Work............ 43

How Your SRS Indicator Light
Works........................................45

SRS Components......................... 43

Additives, Engine Oil..................... 174

Adjustments
Headlights.................................. 205

Head Restraints........................... 77
Mirrors..........................................
83

Seats.............................................. 7 5

Steerin
g Wheel............................ 64

Airbag (SRS).................................... 43

Air Cleaner Element...................... 187
Air Conditioning............................... 92 Maintenance............................... 195

Usage.............................................92

Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 94
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 197 High Speed Driving................... 257
Normal Driving.......................... 198
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 259 Antifreeze....................................... 177
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator Eight..................... 54, 148Operation.................................... 146
Anti-theft Steering Column

Lock............................................... 71

Appearance Care........................... 219 Ashtrays (Optional)......................... 89
Audio System................................. 100
Automatic Speed Control................ 65
Automatic Transmission............... 136
Capacity, Fluid........................... 254
Checking Fluid Level................ 183
Sequential SportShift Mode..... 139
Shifting........................................ 137
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 136
Shift Lever Positions................. 137
Shift Lock Release..................... 143
CONTINUEDProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Battery Charging SystemIndicator............................ 53, 241
Jump Starting............................. 236 Maintenance............................... 190
Specifications............................. 255
Before Driving............................... 119
Belts, Seat........................................... 4
Beverage Holder.............................. 86
Body Repair.................................... 225

Brakes
Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 146
Break-in, New Linings .............. 120

Fluid............................................ 185
Light, Burned-out...................... 211

Parking.......................................... 84

System Indicator.......................... 53
Wear Indicators......................... 145
Brakes, ABS Operation.................................... 146
System Indicator................. 54, 148
Braking System.............................. 145
Break-in, New Car......................... 120
Brightness Control, Instruments... 61 Brights, Headlights......................... 60
Bulb Replacement
Back-up Lights........................... 211
Brake Lights............................... 211
Ceiling Lights............................. 215Courtesy Lights......................... 215
Front Parking Lights................. 208
Front Side Marker Lights......... 209
Headlights.................................. 206
High-mount Brake Light.......... 213
License Plate Light.................... 214
Rear Side Marker Lights.......... 211
Specifications............................. 255
Trunk Light................................ 216 Turn Signal Lights..................... 210
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 206
Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 236
Capacities Chart............................. 254

Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 47
Cargo, Loading...............................
128

Cassette Playe r

Care.............................................
116

Operation....................................

113

CAUTION, Explanatio n
of...............

ii

CD Changer...................................
.
109
CD Player........................................ 109

Certification Label......................... 252

Chains............................................. 202

Change Oil How to.........................................175

When to....................................... 164

Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 229
Changing Engine Coolant............. 179
Charging System Indicator .... 53, 241 Checking Automatic Transmission

Fluid........................................ 183

Battery Condition...................... 190

Brake Fluid................................. 185
Clutch Fluid................................186
Drive Belts.................................. 196
Engine Coolant........................... 124

Engine Oil................................... 123

Fuses........................................... 246
Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 184
Power Steering Fluid................. 186
Checklist, Before Driving............. 132
Child Safety......................................19
Cleaner, Air.................................... 187ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels..................... 221Carpeting.................................... 222
Exterior....................................... 220
Fabric.......................................... 222
Interior........................................ 222
Seat Belts....................................223
Vinyl............................................ 222
Windows..................................... 223
Clock, Setting the ............................ 85
Clutch Fluid.................................... 186
Coin Box........................................... 88
CO in the Exhaust......................... 261
Cold Weather, Starting in............. 133
Compact Spare............................... 228
Consumer Information*................ 266
Controls, Instruments and.............. 49
Coolant
Adding......................................... 177
Checking..................................... 124

Proper Solution.......................... 177

Replacing.................................... 179

Temperature Gauge.................... 57
Corrosion Protection..................... 224

Courtesy Lights............................... 90
Crankcase Emission Control

System......................................... 261

Cruise Control Operation............... 65

Customer Relations Office........... 266

DANGER, Explanation of................. ii
Dashboard........................................ 50
Daytime Running Lights................. 60
Dead Battery, What to Do............ 236
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 270
Defog and Defrost........................... 98
Defogger, Rear Window................. 63
DEXRON ®
III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.................... 183
Dimensions..................................... 254
Dimming the Headlights ................ 60
Dipstick Automatic Transmission........... 183
Engine Oil................................... 123
Directional Signals........................... 61
Disabled, Towing Your Car If...... 250
Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 145
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 176 Doors
Locking and Unlocking............... 72
Power Door Locks....................... 72
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 257
Downshifting, 5-speed Manual Transmission.............................. 134
Drive Belts...................................... 190
Driving............................................ 131
Economy..................................... 125
In Bad Weather.......................... 150
In Foreign Countries................. 260
Economy, Fuel............................... 125
Emergencies on the Road............. 227 Battery, Jump Starting.............. 236
Brake System Indicator............ 243Changing a Flat Tire................. 229
Charging System Indicator ...... 241
Checking the Fuses................... 245
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 240
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 242
Manually Closing Moonroof.... 243
Overheated Engine................... 238 CONTINUEDProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Emergency Brake............................ 84
Emergency Flashers....................... 63
Emission Controls......................... 261

Engine

Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 57
Malfunction Indicator Lamp................................. 53, 242
Oil Pressure Indicator......... 53, 240
Oil, What Kind to Use............... 173
Overheating................................ 238
Specifications............................. 254
Ethanol in Gasoline ....................... 259
Evaporative Emission Controls.... 261
Exhaust Fumes................................ 47
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by.........................................17
Exterior, Cleaning the................... 220
Fabric, Cleaning............................. 222

Fan, Interior...................................... 92

Features, Comfort and Convenience................................. 91
Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 121 Filters

Air................................................187

Oil................................................175

First Gear, Shifting........................ 142 5-speed Manual Transmission Checking Fluid Level................ 184
Shifting the................................. 134
Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 63
Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 229
Fluids Automatic Transmission........... 183
Brake...........................................185
Clutch..........................................186

Manual Transmission............... 184
Power Steering........................... 186

Windshield Washer................... 182

FM Stereo Radio
Reception.................................... 105

Folding Rear Seat............................ 79

Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 260 Four-way Flashers........................... 63

Front End, Towing by
Emergency Wrecker................. 250

Fuel..................................................120

Fill Door and Cap....................... 121
Gauge............................................ 57
Octane Requirement................. 120

Oxygenated................................ 259

Reserve Indicator......................... 55
Tank, Filling the......................... 121

Fuses, Checking the...................... 245

Gas Mileage, Improving................ 125
Gasohol........................................... 259
Gasoline.......................................... 120 Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 55
Gauge............................................ 57Octane Requirement................. 120
Tank, Filling the......................... 121
Gas Station Procedures................. 121

Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature .... 57

Fuel................................................57

Gearshift Lever Positions Automatic Transmission........... 137

5-speed Manual
Transmission.......................... 134
Glass Cleaning............................... 223
Glove Box......................................... 74ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t