
Coolin
g Syste m
4 .  Remov e th e reserv e tan k fro m it s
holde r b y pullin g it straigh t up .
Drai n th e coolant , the n pu t th e
tan k bac k i n  it s holder . 5
. Whe n th e coolan t stop s draining ,
tighte n th e drai n plu g a t th e
botto m o f th e  radiator .
6 . Mi x th e recommende d antifreez e
wit h a n equa l amoun t o f purifie d
o r distille d wate r i n  a  clea n
container . Th e coolin g syste m
capacit y is :
With 5-speed manual transmission:
 0.8
2  U S ga l (3. 1  ,  0.6 8 Im p gal )
With automatic transmission:
(U.S. : DX , D X Valu e Package , LX ,
Canada : LX , SE , EX ) 0.7
9  U S  ga l  (3. 0  ,0.6 6  Im p  gal )
(U.S. :  EX ) 0.8
5  U S  ga l  (3. 2  ,0.7 0  Im p  gal ) 7
. Pou r coolan t int o th e radiato r u p
t o  th e bas e o f th e fille r neck . Star t
th e engin e an d le t i t ru n fo r abou t
3 0 seconds . The n tur n of f th e
engine .
Maintenanc e
RESERV
E
TAN K
 RESERV
E
TAN K CA P
HOLDE R
 FILLE
R NEC K
Fil l u p to  her e 

I
f  You r Engin e Won' t Star t
Diagnosin g wh y you r engin e won' t
star t fall s int o tw o areas , dependin g
o n wha t yo u hea r whe n yo u tur n th e
ke y t o  STAR T (III) :
Yo u hea r nothing , o r almos t
nothing . Th e engine' s starte r
moto r doe s no t operat e a t all , o r
operate s ver y slowly .
Yo u ca n hea r th e starte r moto r
operatin g normally , o r th e starte r
moto r sound s lik e it i s spinnin g
faste r tha n normal , bu t th e engin e
doe s no t star t u p an d run . Nothin
g Happen s o r th e Starte r
Moto r Operate s Ver y Slowl y
Whe n yo u tur n th e ignitio n switc h to
STAR T (III) , yo u d o no t hea r th e
norma l nois e o f th e engin e tryin g to
start . Yo u ma y hea r a  clickin g soun d
o r serie s o f clicks , o r nothin g a t all .
Chec k thes e things :
Chec k th e transmissio n interlock .
I f yo u hav e a  manua l transmission ,
th e clutc h peda l mus t b e pushe d
al l th e wa y t o  th e floo r o r th e
starte r wil l no t operate . Wit h a n
automati c transmission , i t mus t b e
i n  Par k o r Neutral .
Tur n th e ignitio n switc h t o O N  (II) .
Tur n o n th e headlight s an d chec k
thei r brightness . I f th e headlight s
ar e ver y di m o r don' t ligh t a t all ,
th e batter y is  discharged .  Se e
Jum p Startin g o n pag e 24 5 .
 Tur
n th e ignitio n switc h t o STAR T
(III) . I f th e headlight s d o no t dim ,
chec k th e conditio n o f th e fuses . I f
th e fuse s ar e OK , ther e is  proba -
bl y somethin g wron g wit h th e
electrica l circui t fo r th e ignitio n
switc h o r starte r motor . Yo u wil l
nee d a  qualifie d technicia n to
determin e th e problem .  (Se e
Emergenc y Towin g o n pag e 259 .)
I f th e headlight s di m noticeabl y o r
g o ou t whe n yo u tr y t o  star t th e
engine , eithe r th e batter y is  dis -
charge d o r th e connection s ar e
corroded . Chec k th e conditio n o f
th e batter y an d termina l connec -
tion s  (se e pag e 205 ). Yo u ca n
the n tr y jum p startin g th e ca r fro m
a  booste r batter y  (se e pag e 245 ).
Takin g  Car e  o f th e  Unexpecte d 

Emergenc
y Towin g
I f you r ca r need s t o  b e towed , cal l a
professiona l towin g servic e or , i f yo u
belon g to  one , a n organizatio n tha t
provide s roadside  assistance . Neve r
to w you r ca r behin d anothe r vehicl e
wit h jus t a  rop e o r chain . I t i s ver y
dangerous .
Ther e ar e thre e popula r type s o f
professiona l towin g equipment .
Flat-bed Equipment — Th e operato r
load s you r ca r o n th e bac k o f a  truck .
Thi s i s th e bes t wa y t o transpor t
you r  Honda .
Wheel-Lift Equipment — Th e to w
truc k  use s tw o pivotin g arm s tha t g o
unde r th e tire s  (fron t o r rear )  an d lif t
the m of f th e ground . Th e othe r tw o
tire s remai n o n th e ground . Thi s is
a n   acceptabl e wa y t o  to w you r
Honda .
Sling-type Equipment — Th e to w
truc k use s meta l cable s wit h hook s o
n th e ends . Thes e hook s g o aroun d
part s o f th e fram e o r suspensio n an d
th e cable s lif t tha t en d o f th e ca r of f
th e ground . You r car' s suspensio n
an d bod y ca n b e seriousl y damaged .
Thi s metho d o f towin g is
unacceptable .
I f you r  Hond a  canno t  b e  transporte d
b y flat-bed ,  i t shoul d b e towe d b y
wheel-lif t  equipmen t wit h  th e  fron t
wheel s of f th e ground .  I f  du e t o
damage , you r  ca r mus t b e towe d
wit h th e fron t wheel s o n th e ground ,
d o th e following :
5-speed Manual Transmission
 Releas e th e parkin g brake .
Shif t th e transmissio n t o Neutral .
Automatic Transmission
 Releas e th e parkin g brake .
Star t th e engine .
Shif t t o   D4 , the n t o N .
Tur n of f th e  engine .
 Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shift the transmission or start the
engine (automatic transmission), your
car must be transported with the front
wheels off the ground.
Wit h th e fron t wheel s o n th e ground ,
i t  i s bes t t o to w th e ca r n o farthe r
tha n 5 0 mile s  (8 0 km) , an d kee p th e
spee d belo w 3 5 mp h  (5 5 km/h) .
I f you r ca r i s equippe d wit h a  fron t
spoiler ,  remov e it befor e towin g s o it
i s  no t damaged .
CONTINUED
Takin g Car e o f th e  Unexpecte d
NOTIC
E 

Identificatio
n Number s
Th e Engin e Numbe r i s stampe d int o
th e  engin e block .
Th e Transmissio n Numbe r i s o n a
labe l o n to p o f th e transmission . TRANSMISSIO
N  NUMBE R
ENGIN E  NUMBE R
Technical Informatio n 

Inde
x
Accessorie s an d Modifications... .  14 9
Accessories................................ . 14 9
Additiona l Safet y Precaution... .  15 0
Modifications............................ .  15 0
ACCESSOR Y  (Ignitio n Ke y
Position)....................................... . 7 1
Accessor y Powe r Socket............... .  8 7
Addin g
Automati c Transmissio n
Fluid....................................... .  19 7
Brak e Fluid................................ . 19 8
Clutc h Fluid............................... . 19 9
Engin e Coolant.......................... .  19 1
Engin e Oil.................................. . 18 7
Manua l Transmissio n Fluid.... .  19 8
Powe r Steerin g Fluid................ . 20 0
Windshiel d Washe r Fluid........ .  19 6
Additiona l Informatio n Abou t
You r Sea t Belts....................... . 4 2
La p Belt........................................ . 4 3
Lap/Shoulde r Belt...................... . 4 2
Sea t Bel t Maintenance............... . 4 4
Sea t Bel t Syste m Components.. . 4 2
 Additiona
l Informatio n Abou t
You r SRS................................... 45
Additiona l Safet y Precautions... . 4 8
Ho w the  SRS Indicato r
Works....................................... . 4 7
Ho w You r Airbag s Work........... . 4 5
SR S Components........................ . 4 5
Additives ,  Engin e  Oil.................... .  18 8
Adjustment s
Hea d Restraints.......................... . 7 9
Mirrors......................................... . 8 3
Seats............................................. . 7 7
Steerin g Wheel........................... . 6 5
Airba g (SRS)............................... . 9 , 4 5
Ai r Cleane r Element..................... . 20 1
Ai r Conditionin g System................ . 9 0
Maintenance.............................. . 20 9
Usage............................................ . 9 0
Ai r Outlet s (Vents)......................... . 9 2
Ai r Pressure , Tires....................... . 21 1
Hig h Spee d Driving.................. . 21 2
Norma l Driving......................... . 21 2
Alcoho l i n  Gasoline....................... .  26 8
Antifreeze...................................... . 19 1
Anti-loc k Brake s  (ABS )
Indicato r Light.................... .55, 16 9 Operation...................................
.  16 7
Anti-thef t Steerin g Colum n
Lock.............................................. . 7 0
Appearanc e  Care.......................... .  23 1
Ashtray s  (Optional)........................ .  8 7
Audi o  System.................. .  98 ,  107 ,  12 1
Automati c  Spee d  Control............... .  6 6
Automati c  Transmission.............. .  16 0
Capacity , Fluid.......................... . 26 4
Checkin g  Flui d  Level............... .  19 7
Shifting....................................... .  16 1
Shif t Leve r Positio n Indicator. .  16 0
Shif t Leve r Positions................ .  16 1
Shif t Loc k Release.................... .  16 4
Batter y
Chargin g Syste m
Indicator........................... . 55 , 25 0
Jum p Starting............................ . 24 5
Maintenance.............................. . 20 5
Specifications............................ . 26 5
Befor e Driving.............................. . 14 1
CONTINUED 

Inde
x
Clutc h Fluid................................... . 19 9
C O  in  th e Exhaust........................ . 27 0
Col d Weather , Startin g in............ .  15 7
Compac t Spare.............................. . 23 8
Consume r Information*............... . 27 4
Controls , Instrument s and............. .
 51
Coolan t
Adding........................................ . 19 1
Checking.................................... . 
 14
7
Prope r Solution......................... . 19 1
Replacing................................... . 19 3
Temperatur e Gauge................... . 5 8
Corrosio n Protection.................... . 23 5
Crankcas e Emission s Contro l
System........................................ . 27 0
Cruis e Contro l Operation.............. . 6 6
Custome r Relation s Office.......... . 27 4
DANGER ,  Explanatio n  of................ .  i i
Dashboard................................... . 2 , 5 2
Daytim e Runnin g Lights................ . 6 1
Dea d Battery , Wha t t o  Do........... . 24 5
Defects , Reportin g Safety............ . 28 0
Defo g an d Defrost.......................... . 9 5 Defogger
,  Rea r Window................ .  6 4
Defrostin g th e Windows................ . 9 5
DEXRON ® II I Automati c
Transmissio n Fluid................... .  19 7
Dimensions.................................... .  26 4
Dimmin g th e  Headlights............... .  6 1
Dipstic k
Automati c Transmission.......... .  19 7
Engin e Oil.................................. . 14 6
Directiona l Signals.......................... .  6 2
Disabled , Towin g You r Ca r If..... . 25 9
Dis c Brak e Wea r Indicators........ .  16 6
Disposa l o f Use d Oil..................... .  19 0
Door s
Lockin g an d Unlocking.............. . 7 1
Powe r Doo r Locks...................... .  7 2
DO T Tir e  Qualit y Grading.......... .  26 6
Downshifting ,  5-spee d Manua l
Transmission............................. .  15 8
Driv e Belts..................................... .  21 0
Drive r an d  Passenge r Safety........... .  5
Driving........................................... . 15 5
Economy.................................... .  14 8
I n   Ba d Weather......................... .  17 0
I n  Foreig n Countries................ .  26 9 Economy
, Fuel.............................. . 14 8
Emergencie s o n th e Road............ . 23 7
Battery , Jum p Starting............. .  24 5
Brak e Syste m Indicator............   252
Changin g a  Fla t Tire................ .  23 9
Chargin g Syste m Indicator..... .  25 0
Checkin g th e Fuses.................. .  25 5
Lo w Oi l Pressur e Indicator..... .  24 9
Malfunctio n Indicato r Lamp... .  25 1
Manuall y  Closin g Moonroof... .  25 3
Overheate d Engine.................. .  24 7
Emergenc y Brake........................... .  8 5
Emergenc y Flashers...................... .  6 4
Emergenc y Towing...................... .  25 9
Emission s Controls....................... .  27 0
Engin e
Coolan t Temperatur e  Gaug e .... .  5 8
Driv e Belts................................. . 21 0
Malfunctio n  Indicato r
Lamp................................ .56, 25 1
Oi l Pressur e Indicator........ .  55 ,  24 9
Oil , Wha t Kin d to  Use.............. .  18 7
CONTINUED 

Inde
x
Engin e
Overheating............................... . 24 7
Specifications............................ . 26 4
Engin e Spee d Limiter...... . 159, 16 3
Ethano l i n  Gasolin e ...................... . 26 8
Evaporativ e Emission s Controls. . 27 0
Exhaus t Fumes............................... . 4 9
Expectan t Mothers , Us e o f Sea t
Belt s by........................................ . 1 9
Exterior , Cleanin g the.................. . 23 2
Fabric ,  Cleaning............................ .  23 4
Fan , Interior..................................... . 9 0
Features ,  Comfor t  an d
Convenience................................ .  8 9
Fillin g th e  Fue l Tank.................... .  14 3
Filter s
Ai r  Cleaner................................ .  20 1
Oil............................................... .  18 9
5-spee d  Manua l  Transmissio n
Checkin g Flui d Level............... .  19 8
Shiftin g the................................ .  15 8
Flashers ,  Hazar d Warning............. .  6 4
Fla t Tire ,  Changin g  a................... .  23 9 Fluid
s
Automati c Transmission.......... .  19 7
Brake.......................................... .  19 8
Clutch......................................... .  19 9
Manua l Transmission.............. .  19 8
Powe r Steering.......................... .  20 0
Windshiel d  Washer.................. .  19 6
F M   Stere o  Radi o
Reception................................... .  12 7
Foldin g Rea r Seat........................... .  8 0
Foreig n Countries , Drivin g in..... .  26 9
Four-wa y  Flashers.......................... .  6 4
Fron t End , Towin g b y
Emergenc y  Wrecker................ .  25 9
Fuel................................................. . 14 2
Fil l Doo r an d  Cap...................... .  14 3
Gauge........................................... . 5 8
Octan e Requirement................ .  14 2
Oxygenated............................... . 26 8
Reserv e Indicator........................ .  5 6
Tank , Fillin g the........................ . 14 3
Fuses , Checkin g the..................... . 25 4
Ga s Mileage , Improving............... .  14 8
 Gasohol..........................................
. 26 8
Gasoline......................................... . 14 2
Fue l Reserv e Indicator............... . 5 6
Gauge........................................... . 5 8
Octan e Requirement................ .  14 2
Tank , Fillin g the........................ . 14 3
Ga s Statio n Procedures................ . 14 3
Gauge s
Engin e Coolan t Temperatur e ... . 5 8
Fuel................................................ 58
Gearshif t Leve r Position s
Automati c  Transmission.......... .  16 1
5-spee d Manua l
Transmission......................... .  15 8
Glas s  Cleaning.............................. .  23 5
Glov e Box........................................ . 8 6
Haloge n Headligh t Bulbs............. .  22 0
Hazar d Warnin g Flashers.............. . 6 4
Headlight s
Daytim e Runnin g Lights............ . 6 1
Hig h Bea m Indicator.................. .  5 6
Hig h Beams , Turnin g on........... . 6 1
Lo w Beams , Turnin g on............ . 6 1 

Inde
x
Maintenance.................................. . 17 3
Owne r Maintenanc e Checks... .  18 5
Record................................. .183  - 
184
Require d Indicator...................... . 
 5
9
Safety.......................................... . 17 4
Schedule............................. .178  - 
182
Malfunctio n Indicato r 
 Lamp.
. 56 , 25 1
Manua l Transmission................... . 15 8
Manua l Transmissio n Flui d ........ .  19 8
Meters , Gauges............................... . 5 7
Methano l i n  Gasoline................... . 26 8
Mirrors , Adjusting.......................... . 8 3
Moonroof......................................... . 8 3
Closin g Manually...................... . 25 3
Operation..................................... . 8 3
Neutra l Gea r Position................... .  16 2
Ne w Vehicl e Break-i n .................. .  14 2
Norma l Shif t Speeds..................... .  15 9
NOTICE , Explanatio n of................... .
 i
Numbers, Identification............... . 
 26
2
 Octan
e Requirement , Gasoline... .  14 2
Odometer......................................... .  5 7
Odometer , Trip............................... . 5 7
Oi l
Change , Ho w to  ........................ .  18 9
Change , Whe n to...................... . 17 8
Checkin g Engine...................... .  14 6
Pressur e Indicator.............. . 55 , 24 9
Selectin g Prope r Viscosit y
Chart...................................... .  18 8
O N (Ignitio n Ke y Position)........... . 7 1
Onboar d Refuelin g Vapo r
Recovery.................................... . 27 0
Openin g th e Hood........................ . 14 4
Openin g th e Trunk......................... . 7 6
Operatio n in  Foreig n Countries.. .  26 9
Outsid e Mirrors.............................. . 8 3
Overheating , Engine.................... . 24 7
Owne r Maintenanc e Checks....... .  18 5
Oxygenate d Fuels......................... . 26 8
Pain t Touch-up.............................. . 23 3
 Pane
l Brightnes s Control.............. . 6 2
Par k Gea r Position........................ . 16 1
Parking........................................... . 16 5
Parkin g Brake................................. . 8 5
Parkin g Lights................................. . 6 1
Parkin g Ove r Thing s tha t Burn.. .  27 2
PGM-F I System............................. . 27 1
Polishin g an d Waxing.................. . 23 3
Powe r
Doo r Locks.................................. . 7 2
Mirrors......................................... . 8 4
Steering...................................... . 20 0
Windows...................................... . 8 1
Pre-Driv e Safet y Checklist............ . 1 1
Pregnancy , Usin g Sea t Belts......... . 1 9
Protectin g Adults............................ . 1 2
Additiona l Safet y Precautions... . 1 9
Advic e fo r Pregnan t Women..... . 1 9
Protectin g Children........................ . 2 1
Protectin g Infants....................... . 2 9
Protectin g Large r Children....... . 3 7
Protectin g Smal l Children......... . 3 3
Usin g Chil d Seat s wit h
Tethers..................................... . 4 0