Accessorie
s an d Modification s
Modifying your vehicle, or installing
some non-Honda accessories, can
make your vehicle unsafe. Before
you make any modifications or add any accessories, be sure to read the
following information.
Accessorie s
Your dealer has Genuine Honda accessories that allow you to
personalize your vehicle. These accessories have been designed and
approved for your vehicle, and are
covered by warranty.
Non-Honda accessories are usually
designed for universal applications.
Although aftermarket accessories may fit on your vehicle, they may not
meet factory specifications, andcould adversely affect your vehicle's
handling and stability. (See "Modifications" on page 196 for
additional information.) When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interfere with your vehicle's
computer-controlled systems, such
as the SRS and anti-lock brake
system.
However, if electronic accessories
are improperly installed, or exceed
your vehicle's electrical system capacity, they can interfere with the operation of your vehicle, or even
cause the airbags to deploy.
Before installing any accessory:
Make sure the accessory does notobscure any lights, or interfere
with proper vehicle operation or performance.
Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits (see page 311). Have the installer contact your
Honda dealer for assistance before
installing any electronic accessory.
If possible, have your dealer inspect
the final installation.
Before Drivin g
Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
vehicle's handling, stability and performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner's manual regarding
accessories and modifications.
Battery
If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damage to the vehicle's electrical system.On EX model
If your vehicle's battery is
disconnected or goes dead, the audio
system will disable itself. The next
time you turn on the radio you will
see in the frequency
display. Use the Preset buttons to
enter the five-digit code (see page
186).
Charging the battery with the cables
connected can seriously damage your
vehicle's electronic controls. Detach the battery cables before connecting
the battery to a charger.
On EX model
If your vehicle's battery is
disconnected or goes dead while thesliding doors are open, the power
sliding door system needs to be
resynchronized (see page 93).
Maintenanc e
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled mechanic do the battery
maintenance.
NOTIC E
Exterior Car e
Washin g
Frequent washing helps preserve
your vehicle's beauty. Dirt and grit can scratch the paint, while tree sap
and bird droppings can permanently
ruin the finish.
Wash your vehicle in a shady area, not in direct sunlight. If the vehicle is
parked in the sun, move it into theshade and let the exterior cool down
before you start.
Only use the solvents and cleaners
recommended in this Owner's
Manual.
Chemical solvents and strong cleaners
can damage the paint, metal, and
plastic on your vehicle.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with
cool water to remove loose dirt.
Fill a bucket with cool water. Mix
in a mild detergent, such as dishwashing liquid or a product
made especially for car washing.
Wash the vehicle using the water and detergent solution and a soft-
bristle brush, sponge, or soft cloth.
Start at the top and work your waydown. Rinse frequently.
Check the body for road tar, tree
sap, etc. Remove these stains with
tar remover or turpentine. Rinse it off immediately so it does not
harm the finish. Remember to re-
wax these areas, even if the rest of the vehicle does not need waxing. When you have washed and rinsed
the whole exterior, dry it with a
chamois or soft towel. Letting itair-dry will cause dulling and water
spots.
As you dry the vehicle, inspect it for chips and scratches that could allow
corrosion to start. Repair them with
touch-up paint (see page 285).
The radio antenna on your vehicle does
not need to be removed when you use a
"drive-through' car wash. However, if
you remove the antenna, make sure to
reinstall it and tighten it securely using
an appropriate tool.
Appearanc e Car e
NOTIC E NOTIC
E
Charging Syste m Indicato r
This indicator should come on when
the ignition switch is ON (II), and goout after the engine starts. If it
comes on brightly when the engine
is running, it indicates that the
charging system has stopped
charging the battery. Immediately turn off all electrical
accessories: radio, heater, A/C,
climate control, rear defogger, cruise
control, etc. Try not to use other
electrically-operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine running and take extra care not to
stall it. Starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly. By eliminating as much of the
electrical load as possible, you can
drive several miles (kilometers)
before the battery is too discharged
to keep the engine running. Drive to a service station or garage where
you can get technical assistance.
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
CHARGIN
G SYSTE M INDICATO R
Fuses
If you cannot drive the vehicle
without fixing the problem, and you do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse
of the same rating or a lower rating
from one of the other circuits. Make sure you can do without that circuit
temporarily (such as the accessory
power socket or radio).
If you replace the blown fuse with a
spare fuse that has a lower rating, it
might blow out again. This does not
indicate anything wrong. Replace the
fuse with one of the correct rating as soon as you can.
Replacing a fuse with one that has a
higher rating greatly increases the
chances of damaging the electrical
system. If you do not have a replace-
ment fuse with the proper rating for the circuit, install one with a lower rating.
6. If the replacement fuse of the same rating blows in a short time,
there is probably a serious electrical problem in your vehicle.
Leave the blown fuse in that
circuit and have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic.
On EX model
If the radio fuse is removed, theaudio system will disable itself. The
next time you turn on the radio you
will see in the frequency display. Use the Preset buttons to
enter the five-digit code (see page
186).
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
NOTICE
Emergency Towin g
If you decide to tow your vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground, make sure you use a properly-designed and attached tow bar.
Prepare the vehicle for towing as described above, and leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I) so
the steering wheel does not lock. Make sure the radio and any items
plugged into the accessory power socket are turned off so they do not
run down the battery.
The steering wheel system can be
damaged if the steering wheel is locked.
Leave the ignition switch in Accessory (I), and make sure the steering wheel
turns freely before you begin towing.
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.
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
NOTICE NOTIC
E
Index
Emergencies on the Road
Brake System Indicator............ 310Changing a Flat Tire................. 293
Charging System Indicator...... 308
Checking the Fuses................... 311
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 307
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 309Overheated Engine................... 305
Emergency Brake.......................... 116
Emergency Flashers....................... 70
Emergency Towing....................... 317
Emissions Controls........................ 328
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 63
Drive Belts.................................. 262
Malfunction Indicator Lamp................................. 58, 309
Oil Pressure Indicator......... 58, 307
Oil, What Kind to Use............... 239
Overheating................................ 305
Specifications............................. 323
Ethanol in Gasoline....................... 326
Evaporative Emissions Controls.. 328
Exhaust Fumes............................... . 53
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
System......................................... 329
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Belts by......................................... 20
Exterior, Cleaning the .................. 284
Fabric, Cleaning............................. 286
Fan, Interior.......................... 130, 142
Features, Comfort and Convenience............................... 129
Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 189
Filters Air............................................... . 252
Air Conditioning........................ 262
Oil................................................ 241
First Gear Position......................... 207
Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 70
Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 293
Fluids Automatic Transmission.......... 249Brake........................................... 250
Power Steering.......................... . 251
Windshield Washer................... 248
FM Stereo Radio Reception........................... 156, 168
Folding the Third Seat ................. 109 Foreign Countries, Driving in......
327
Four-way Flashers........................... 70
Front End, Towing by Emergency Wrecker...................................... 316
Fuel.................................................. 188
Fill Door and Cap....................... 189
Gauge............................................ 63
Octane Requirement................. 188
Oxygenated................................ 326
Reserve Indicator........................ . 61
Tank, Filling the......................... 189
Fuses, Checking the...................... 312
Gas Mileage, Improving................ 194
Gasohol .......................................... 324
Gasoline ......................................... 186 Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 61
Gauge............................................ 63
Octane Requirement................. 186
Tank, Filling the......................... 189
Gas Station Procedures................. 189
Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature .... 63
Fuel
.............................................. . 63
Index
Parking Brake................................ 116
Parking Lights................................. . 66
Parking Over Things that Burn... 209
PGM-FI System.............................. 330
Polishing and Waxing................... 285
Power
Door Locks................................... 79
Mirrors........................................ 115
Seats ........................................... 102
Sliding Doors................................ 90
Steering...................................... . 251
Windows..................................... 112
Power Sliding Doors Indicator................................. . 60, 94
Operation...................................... 90
Switches....................................... . 90
Pre-Drive Safety Checklist............. 11
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 20
Protecting Adults............................ . 12
Additional Safety Precautions.... 20
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 20
Protecting Children........................ . 22
Protecting Infants........................ 30
Protecting Larger Children........ 39
Protecting Small Children.......... 35
Using Child Seats with
Tethers...................................... 43
Radiator Overheating.................... 305
Radio/CD Sound System.............. 167
Rear A/C Unit................................ 152
Rear Compartment........................ 122
Rear End Towing........................... 317
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement....................... 274, 275
Rear View Mirror........................... 115
Rear Window Defogger.................. 71
Rear Windows................................ 114
Rear Window Wiper and Washer.. 70
Reclining the Seat Backs...... 101 , 103
Reclining the Second Seats.......... 101
Reclining the Third Seat .............. 101
Reminder Lights.............................. 57
Remote Audio Controls................. 185
Remote Transmitter........................ 81
Removing the Second Seats............................................ 108
Replacement Information
Air Cleaner Element.................. 252 Coolant........................................ 245
Engine Oil and Filter................. 241
Fuses........................................... 310
Light Bulbs................................. 272
Schedule..................................... 228
Spark Plugs................................. 254
Timing Belt................................. 263
Tires............................................ 267
Wiper Blades.............................. 259
Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash............................................. 47
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant.... 193
Reverse Gear Position................... 206
Rotation, Tire................................. 266
Safety Belts................................... 8, 45
Safety Defects, Reporting*.......... 338
Safety Features.................................. 7
Air bags........................................... 9
Door Locks................................... 10
Head Restraints........................... 10
Seat Belts........................................ 8
Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10
CONTINUED