
Maintenance
This section explains why it is important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normaldriving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See page 333 for information on how toobtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer.
Maintenance Safety.......................
220
Important Safet
y
Precautions ..
221
Maintenance Schedule.................
.
222
Required Maintenance Record.... 229
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 231
Fluid Locations............................... 232
Engine Oil....................................... 233
Adding Oil................................... 233
Recommended Oil..................... 233
Synthetic Oil............................... 234
Additives..................................... 235
Changing the Oil and Filter...... 235
Cooling System.............................. 237
Adding Engine Coolant............. 237Replacing Engine Coolant........ 239
Windshield Washers..................... 242
Automatic Transmission Fluid..... 243
Brake Fluid..................................... 244
Brake System............................. 244
Power Steering............................... 245
Air Cleaner Element...................... 246
Hood Latch..................................... 248
Spark Plugs..................................... 248
Replacement............................... 248
Specifications............................. 250
Battery............................................ 251
Wiper Blades.................................. 253
Air Conditioning System............... 255
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 256
Drive Belts...................................... 256
Timing Belt..................................... 257
Tires................................................ 257 Inflation....................................... 257
Inspection................................... 259Maintenance............................... 260
Tire Rotation.............................. 260
Replacing Tires and Wheels.... 261
Wheels and Tires....................... 262 Winter Driving........................... 262
Snow Tires.............................. 263
Tire Chains............................. 263
Lights..............................................264
Headlight Aiming...................... 266
Replacing Bulbs......................... 266
Storing Your Vehicle..................... 275
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Owner Maintenance 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 186.
Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 187 .
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 242 .
Automatic transmission — Check the fluid level monthly. See page 243.
Brakes — Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 244. Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
257.
Lights — Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate light monthly. See
page 264.
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Fluid Locations
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
WASHER FLUID (Blue cap)
COOLANT
RESERVOIR
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap) BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
RADIATOR CAP ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
MaintenanceProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Engine Oil
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. 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 requiresspecial 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. WASHER
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.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
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Storing Your Vehicle
If you need to park your vehicle for an extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you should do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.
Fill the fuel tank.Change the engine oil and filter (see page 235).
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park. Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the front and rear wiper
blade arms with a folded towel or
rag so they do not touch the
windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a silicone spray lubricant to all door
and tailgate seals. Also, apply a
vehicle body wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door
and tailgate seals. Cover the vehicle with a
"breathable" cover, one made
from a porous material such as cotton. Nonporous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If possible, run the engine for a
while periodically (preferably once a month).
If you store your vehicle for 12
months or longer, have your Honda dealer perform the inspections called
for in the 24 months/30,000 miles (48,000 km) maintenance schedule(Normal Conditions) as soon as you
take it out of storage (see page 224).
The replacements called for in the maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the vehicle hasactually reached that time or mileage.
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Index
Accessories and Modifications.... 189 Accessories................................. 189
Additional Safety Precaution.... 190Modifications............................. 190
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 79
Accessory Power Sockets............. 124
Adding Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 243
Brake Fluid................................. 244
Engine Coolant........................... 237
Engine Oil................................... 233
Power Steering Fluid................. 245
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 242
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts........................ 45
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 45
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 47
Seat Belt System Components... 45
Additional Information About Your SRS................................... 48
Additional Safety Precautions.... 52
How the Automatic Seat Belt
Tensioners Work..................... 50
How the SRS Indicator
Works...................................... 50
How Your Airbags Work............ 48
SRS Components......................... 48
Additives, Engine Oil..................... 235
Adjustments Head Restraints......................... 104
Mirrors........................................ 115
Seats............................................ 100
Steering Wheel............................
72
Airbag (SRS)............................... 9
, 49
Air Cleaner Element...................... 246
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 256 Air Conditioning System.......130, 138 Maintenance............................... 255
Rear A/C Control......................
146
Usage..................................130 ,
138
Air Outlet
s
(Vents)................132, 138
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 25
7
Alcohol i n
Gasoline........................ 321
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning........ 279
Antifreeze....................................... 237
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator Light..................... 59, 206 Operation.................................... 205
Anti-theft, Audio System............... 180 Anti-theft Steering Column Lock .. 78
Appearance Care........................... 277
Armrests......................................... 103
Audio Controls, Remote................ 179
Audio System......................... 149, 161Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners.... 50
Automatic Lighting Off Feature.... 67
Automatic Speed Control................ 73
Automatic Transmission............... 198
Capacity, Fluid........................... 316
Checking Fluid Level................ 243
Shifting........................................199
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 198 Shift Lever Positions................. 199
Shift Lock Release..................... 201
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Index
Battery
Charging SystemIndicator............................ 58, 302
Jump Starting............................. 297 Maintenance............................... 251
Specifications............................. 317
Before Driving............................... 181
Belts, Seat..................................... 8, 45
Beverage Holder............................ 118
Body Repair.................................... 283
Brakes Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 205Break-in, New Linings .............. 182
Fluid............................................ 244
Light, Burned-out...................... 268
Parking........................................ 116
System Indicator.................. 58, 304
Wear Indicators......................... 204
Brakes, ABS Operation.................................... 205
System Indicator.................. 59, 206
Braking System.............................. 204
Break-in, New Vehicle .................. 182
Brightness Control, Instruments... 67 Brights, Headlights......................... 66
Bulb Replacement
Back-up Lights........................... 269
Brake Lights............................... 268Cargo Area Light....................... 272
Front Parking Lights................. 267
Front Side Marker Lights......... 267 Headlights.................................. 266
High-mount Brake Light.......... 270
Individual Map Lights............... 272 License Plate Light.................... 271
Rear Bulbs.......................... 268, 269
Specifications............................. 317
Turn Signal Lights..................... 267
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 266
Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 298
Cancel Button................................... 75
Capacities Chart............................. 316
Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 53
Cargo Area Light........................... 127
Cargo Net....................................... 194
Carrying Cargo.............................. 191
Cassette Player
Care............................................. 178
Operation........................... 154, 175
CAUTION, Explanation of.............. ii
CD Changer...........................157, 171 CD Player ...............................157, 169
Center Pocket................................ 122
Center Table................................... 117
Certification Label......................... 314
Chains............................................. 263 Change Oil How to.........................................235
When to....................................... 224
Changing a Flat Tire..................... 287
Changing Engine Coolant............. 239
Charging System Indicator .... 58, 302
Checking Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 243
Battery Condition...................... 251
Brake Fluid................................. 244Drive Belts.................................. 256
Engine Coolant........................... 187
Engine Oil................................... 186
Fuses........................................... 306
Power Steering Fluid................. 245ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index
Checklist, Before Driving............. 196
Childproof Door Locks................... 85
Child Safety...................................... 22
Cleaner Element, Air..................... 246
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels..................... 279
Carpeting.................................... 280
Exterior....................................... 278
Fabric.......................................... 280
Interior........................................ 280
Seat Belts.................................... 280
Vinyl............................................280
Windows..................................... 281
Climate Control System................ 138
Clock, Setting the.......................... 117
Coat Hook....................................... 123
Code, Audio System...................... 180
CO in the Exhaust......................... 323
Coin Holder.................................... 122
Cold Weather, Starting in............. 197
Compact Spare............................... 286
Consumer Information*................ 328
Controls, Instruments and.............. 55
Coolant
Adding......................................... 237
Checking..................................... 187
Proper Solution.......................... 237
Replacing.................................... 239
Temperature Gauge.................... 63
Corrosion Protection..................... 282
Crankcase Emissions Control
System.........................................323
Cruise Control Operation............... 73
Customer Relations Office........... 328
DANGER, Explanation of................. ii
Dashboard.................................... 2, 56
Daytime Running Lights................. 67
Dead Battery, What to Do............ 297
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 332
Defogger, Rear Window................. 71
Defrosting the Windows.......135, 144
DEXRON ®
III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.................... 243
Dimensions..................................... 316
Dimming the Headlights................ 66
Dipstick
Automatic Transmission........... 243
Engine Oil................................... 186
Directional Signals........................... 68
Disabled, Towing Your
Vehicle If..................................... 311
Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 204
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 236
Doors
Locking and Unlocking............... 79Lockout Prevention..................... 80
Manual Sliding Doors.................. 88
Monitor Light............................... 60
Power Door Locks....................... 79
Power Sliding Doors.................... 90
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 319
Drive Belts...................................... 256
Driver and Passenger Safety............ 5
Driving............................................ 195 Economy..................................... 188
In Bad Weather.......................... 210
In Foreign Countries................. 322
Economy, Fuel............................... 188
Emergencies on the Road............. 285
Battery, Jump Starting.............. 297
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