1998 HONDA PRELUDE service

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

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Towing
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a professional towing service or,
if you belong to one, an organization
that provides roadside assistance. Never tow your vehicle behindanother vehicle with just a rope or
chain. It is very dangerous.
Emergency Towing
There are three popular methods of towing a vehicle:
Flat-bed Equipment — The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. This is the best way of trans-
porting your Honda.

Wheel Lift Equipment — The tow

truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (front or rear) and lift
them off the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground. Sling-type Equipment The tow
truck uses metal cables with hooks
on the ends. These hooks go around
parts of the frame or suspension and
the cables lift that end of the vehicle off the ground. Your vehicle's sus-
pension and body can be seriously damaged if this method of towing is
attempted.
If your Honda cannot be transported
by flat-bed, it should be towed withthe front wheels off the ground. Ifdue to damage, your vehicle must be
towed with the front wheels on the ground, do the following:

5-speed Manual Transmission
Release the parking brake.
Shift the transmission to Neutral.

Automatic Transmission:
Release the parking brake.
Start the engine.
Shift to D4, then to N.
Turn off the engine.
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If yon cannot
shift the transmission or start the
engine (automatic transmission), yourvehicle must be transported on a flat-
bed.
It is best to tow the vehicle no far-
ther than 50 miles (80 km), and
keep the speed below 35 mph (55

km/h).

If your vehicle is equipped with an
optional front air spoiler, remove it
before towing so it is not damaged.

Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle's weight.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
NOTICE
NOTICE
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Tire Information

Tire Pressure Adjustment For High Speed Driving
Honda strongly recommends that
you not drive faster than posted speed limits and conditions allow. If
you decide it is safe to drive at high speeds, be sure to adjust the cold tire
pressures as shown below. If you do not adjust the tire pressure, exces-sive heat can build up and cause
sudden tire failure.
Be sure to readjust the pressure for
normal driving speeds. You should
wait until the tires are cold before adjusting the tire pressure (see page
198).

DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Cars)

The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements.
All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature
performance according toDepartment of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following
explains these gradings. Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a compara-
tive rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlledconditions on a specified government
test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one
half (1-1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits,
service practices, and differences in
road characteristics and climate.

CONTINUED

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Oxygenated Fuels

Some conventional gasolines are
being blended with alcohol or an
ether compound. These gasolines

are collectively referred to as

oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air

standards, some areas of the United

States and Canada use oxygenated

fuels to help reduce emissions.

If you use an oxygenated fuel, be
sure it is unleaded and meets the

minimum octane rating requirement.

Before using an oxygenated fuel, try

to confirm the fuel's contents. Some
states/provinces require this
information to be posted on the

pump.
The following are the EPA-approved
percentages of oxygenates:
ETHANOL (ethyl or grain alcohol)
You may use gasoline containing up to 10 percent ethanol by volume.Gasoline containing ethanol may be
marketed under the name "Gasohol."
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)
You may use gasoline containing up to 15 percent MTBE by volume.
METHANOL (methyl or wood
alcohol)

You may use gasoline containing up to 5 percent methanol by volume as
long as it also contains cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors to protect
the fuel system. Gasoline containing more than 5 percent methanol by
volume may cause starting and/or performance problems. It may alsodamage metal, rubber and plastic
parts of your fuel system. If you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms, try another
service station or switch to another
brand of gasoline.
Fuel system damage or performance
problems resulting from the use ofan oxygenated fuel containing more
than the percentages of oxygenates
given above are not covered under

warranty.

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Customer Relations Information
Honda dealership personnel are
trained professionals. They should
be able to answer all your questions. If you encounter a problem that yourdealership does not solve to your
satisfaction, please discuss it with
the dealership's management. The Service Manager or GeneralManager can help. Almost all
problems are solved in this way. If you are dissatisfied with the
decision made by the dealership's
management, contact your Honda Customer Relations Zone Office.
Refer to the U.S. and Canadian ZoneOffice maps on the following pages.
When you call or write, please give

us this information:

Vehicle Identification Number

(see page 252) Name and address of the dealer
who services your vehicle
Date of purchase
Mileage on your vehicle
Your name, address, and tele-
phone number
A detailed description of the
problem
Name of the dealer who sold the
vehicle to you

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Authorized Manuals

These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14
days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.
Service Manual:
This manual covers maintenance and recommended procedures for repair to engine and chassis components.It is written for the Journeyman mechanic, but is simpleenough for most mechanically-inclined owners to under-

stand.

Electrical Troubleshooting Manual:
This manual complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth troubleshooting information for eachelectrical circuit in your vehicle.
Body Repair Manual:
This manual describes the procedures involved in the replacement of damaged body parts.
P.O. BOX 07280 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207 1-800-782-4356

NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name,
and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the address shown

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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
CONTINUEDProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Shift Lock Release......................... 143
Side Marker Lights, Bulb
Replacement in.......................... 209

Signaling Turns................................ 61

Snow Tires...................................... 202

Solvent-type Cleaners.................... 220
Sound System................................. 100

Spare Tire

Inflating.......................................228

Specifications............................. 255
Spark Plugs, Replacing................. 188
Specifications Charts ............ 254, 255

Speed Control................................... 65

Speedometer.................................... 56
SRS, Additional Information........... 43 Additional Safety Precautions.... 46How Your Airbags Work............ 43How Your SRS Indicator Light
Works........................................ 45

SRS Components......................... 43
SRS Service................................... 45
SRS Indicator.............................. 45, 53
START (Ignition Key Position) ..... 71
Starting the Engine........................ 133 In Cold Weather at HighAltitude................................... 133 With a Dead Battery ................. 236
Steam Coming from Engine......... 238
Steering Wheel Adjustment................................... 64
Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 71

Stereo Sound System.................... 100
Storing Your Car............................ 217

Supplemental Restraint System..... 43
Servicing....................................... 45

SRS Indicator.......................... 45, 53

Synthetic Oil................................... 174

Tachometer...................................... 56 Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 211
Taking Care of the Unexpected................................ 227
Tape Player..................................... 113
Technical Descriptions Emission Control Systems........ 261
Three Way Catalytic Converter................................ 263
Tire Information........................ 256
Temperature Gauge........................ 57
Tether Attachment Points.............. 38 Three Way Catalytic Converter... 263

Time, Setting the ............................. 85

Timing Belt..................................... 196
Tire Chains..................................... 202
Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 229
Tires................................................ 197
Air Pressure............................... 197Checking Wear.......................... 198
Compact Spare........................... 228
DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 257
Inflation....................................... 197
Inspection................................... 198
Maintenance............................... 199
Replacing.................................... 200 Rotating....................................... 200

Snow............................................202

Specifications............................. 255
Tire Chains................................. 202 Technical Information.............. 256
Winter Driving........................... 201
Tools, Tire Changing.................... 229
Towing A Trailer...................................... 152Emergency................................. 250ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t