Page 214 of 267
Never run the engine with the air
cleaner filter removed. If the
engine should backfire, it could
possibly cause an engine
compartment fire.
Be sure to reinstall the air cleaner
filter and assembly correctly. If it is installed incorrectly, engine
damage could result. Manua
l Transmissio n Flui d
See the Maintenance Schedule to
find out how often the lubricant
level should be checked.
Check that the fluid level reaches
the plug hole by removing the
filler plug on the transmission and transfer case. If the fluid level is
low, refill the case up to the filler
plug hole.
Use a high-quality engine oil
labeled SG or SF that is of the
correct viscosity for existing ambient temperatures as follows.
(2WD)
OIL FIL L PLU G
DRAI N PLU G
DRAI N PLU G
Car e an d Maintenanc e
(4WD)
RIGH
T SID E
LEF T SID E
OIL FIL L PLU G
Page 215 of 267

Automati
c Transmissio n Flui d
Prope r Flui d
Have the fluid level in the
automatic transmission checked
during the regularly scheduled maintenance at your Honda
dealer.
If you suspect an automatic transmission fluid leak, take the
vehicle to your Honda dealer for inspection and repair.
Transmission damage could result if you let the fluid level get too
low.
Drai
n Interval s
The automatic transmission drain
interval is not time or mileage
dependent. It will vary according to your driving habits and vehicle
usage.
Your dealer will check thetransmission fluid's condition and
life expectancy during regularly
scheduled maintenance, and
inform you at what mileage it
should be changed.
Fron
t (4WD )
an d Rea r Axle s
See the Maintenance Schedule
List to determine how often the lubricant should be changed. Add
lubricant, if needed, by filling to
the level of the filler plug hole.
Use GL-5 gear lubricant of the
proper viscosity as shown in the
chart.
If your vehicle is equipped with
the optional limited slip
differential (on the rear axle), use GL-5 Limited Slip Differential
Gear Lubricant together with
Limited Slip Differential Gear
Lubricant Additive (Part No. 8-01052-358-0) or equivalent.
Use the correct viscosity for the
existing ambient temperatures.
Car e an d Maintenanc e
Page 222 of 267

Spar
k Plug s
Replace the spark plugs with the
type specified in the "Technical
Data" section.
Clutc h
Check the clutch play at the pedal.
Lubricate the clutch pedal bushing and clevis pin, at the intervalsshown in the Maintenance
Schedule, with water-resistant
chassis lubricant. If you hear a squeaking noise coming from the
area of the bushing or clevis pin at
the clutch pedal arm when the
clutch pedal is depressed,
lubricate it with water-resistant EP
chassis grease.
Check the fluid level in the clutch
reservoir at the interval shown in
the Maintenance Schedule. If the fluid is low in the reservoir, it
should be filled to the
maximum
level lin
e with DOT-3 or DOT-4
fluid.
Flui d o r Lubrican t Level s
Check the fluid or lubricant level in the brake master cylinder,
clutch master cylinder, power steering reservoir, rear axle,
engine and transmission, windshield washer reservoir and
engine coolant at specified
intervals.
Powe
r Steerin g
Check the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir as
recommended in the Maintenance Schedule. The fluid level should
be between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks on the reservoir.
Use only automatic transmission
fluid labeled DEXRON III.
Car e an d Maintenanc e
Page 232 of 267

equipment on the vehicle when it
was shipped from the factory. Be
sure to provide this information to
your authorized Honda dealer when it is necessary to order
parts.
Vehicl
e Loadin g
Vehicl e Loadin g Informatio n
The components of your vehicle are designed to providesatisfactory service only if the
vehicle is not loaded in excess of
either the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) or the maximum
front and rear Gross Axle Weight
Ratings (GAWRs). These ratings are listed on the Vehicle
Certification Label located on the
left door lock pillar.
Your Honda dealer can advise you
of the proper loading conditions
for your vehicle. The use of
selected heavier suspension
components for added durability
purposes does not increase any of the weight ratings printed on the
Vehicle Certification Label. Maximu
m Fron t an d Rea r
Axl e Weigh t
The weight of the cargo load must be properly distributed over both
the front and rear axles. The
Certification Label shows themaximum weight that the front
axle (front GAWR) can carry. It also shows the maximum weight
that the rear axle (rear GAWR) can
carry. The GVWR represents the
maximum permissible loaded
weight of the vehicle and takes
into account the engine,
transmission, frame, springs,
brake, axle, and tire capabilities.
Actual loads on the front and rear
axles can only be determined by
weighing the vehicle. This can be
done at highway weight stations
or other such commercial weigh stations. Consult your Honda
dealer for assistance. The cargo
Technical Dat a
Page 254 of 267

Inde
x
ABS. See Anti-Lock Brake
System
Accessories, Installation .... 169
ACCESSORY
(Ignition Key Position) ...... 97
Accessory Power Outlets ..... 113
Adding AutomaticTransmission Fluid .... 212
Brake Fluid ............ 215
Clutch Fluid ............ 219
Engine Oil ............ 208
Manual Transmission Fluid .... 211
Power Steering Fluid ..... 219
Radiator Coolant ........ 214
Windshield Washer Fluid ..
194
Adjustments
Head
Restraints .......... 12
Mirrors
Exterior ............ 101Interior ............. 101
Power. ............. 101
Seat-Backs .......... 11,
89
Reclining the Rear ...... 93
Seats, Front ......... 10,
89
Steering Wheel ..... 15,
111
Adults, Protecting ........... 10
Airbags (SRS) ............. 7
Serious Risk to Children .... 19
Air Cleaner Filter ......
166, 210
Air Conditioning
Maintenance ........... 217
Usage ................. 116
Air Filter. See Air Cleaner Filter
Air Outlets (Vents) ......... 120
Air Pressure, Tires ......... 235
Alcohol and Driving ........ 4
Alcohol in Gasoline ........ 196
Alternator Belt. See Drive Belts
Antifreeze ................ 213
Anti-Lock Brake System
Indicator Lights .......... 65
Operation .............. 155
Anti-Theft Steering Column Lock ..... 98
System .................
..... 148
Appearance Care. See Cleaning
Ashtray .................. 112
Assist Grip ..............
111
Audio System ............. 121
Page 255 of 267

Automatic Transmission .... 74
Capacity, Fluid .......... 233
Driving Pattern Selector . . 79
Fluid Temperature Indicator 68
Oil Temperature Indicator . . 68Shift Lever Position Indicator ....... 74
Shift Lock ............. 76
Transfer Control, 4WD .... 79
Beverage Holder .......... 109
Body Repair .............. 221
Brakes
Anti-Lock Brake System . . 155
Brake System Indicator .... 59
Break-in ............... 154
Fluid .................. 215
Parking ................. 84
Power ................. 157
Wear Indicators ......... 158
Break-in, New Vehicle ...... 154
Brightness Control, Instrument
Panel. See Illumination Control
Brights, Headlights ......... 60
Bulb Replacement
Specifications ............ 239
Cables, Jump Starting with . . 180
Capacity Charts ........... 231
Carbon Monoxide Hazard ... 44
Care and Maintenance ...... 191
Cargo
Loading ............... 229
Carrying ................ 171
Cassette Player Care .................. 137
Operation .............. 124
Catalytic Converter,
Three-Way .............. 168
CAUTION, Explanation of .... iv
CD Change
r .............. 127
Certification Label ........ 230
Chains, Tire .............. 164
Battery .................. 194
Charging System Indicator . 60
Jump Starting ........... 180
Maintenance ........... 194Specifications .......... 234
Before Driving ............ 152
Belts, Seat ................ 6 Additional Information ... 38
Page 256 of 267

Change Oil
How to ................ 208
When ......... 200, 201, 207
Changing a Flat Tire ....... 182 Lifting Points ........... 183
Changing Engine Coolant .. . 214
Charging System Indicator ... 60
Check Engine Light ......... 61
Checking Battery Condition ....... 194
Brake Fluid ............ 219
Clutch Fluid ............ 219
Engine Belts ............ 218
Engine Coolant ..... 213, 214
Engine Oil ............ 209 5-Speed Manual Transmission Fluid .... 211
Fuses .............
189, 236
Power Steering Fluid .....
219
Radiator Coolan
t ....... 213
Shift-on-the-Fly
System Fluid .......... 216
Tire Pressure ........... 194
Windshield Wipers ..... 205
Checklist, Before Driving ... 152
Children, Protecting .......... 18
Child-Safe Door Locks .... 101
Child Seats, General Guidelines ......... 21
Cigarette Lighter .......... 112
Circuit Breaker, Checking the 104
Cleaner, Air ............. 210
Cleaning Exterior ............... 220
Interior ................ 222Seat Belts .............. 225
Vinyl ................. 225 Clock, Setting the .......... 149
Clutch Fluid .............. 219
CO in the Exhaust ......
44, 245
Consumer Information ...... 242 Control Locations .......... 54
Controls, Instruments and .... 53
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Hazard Warning .......... 74
Headlights ............. 70
Illumination Control ..... 71
Rear Window Defogger .... 72
Steering Wheel Adjustment 111
Turn Signals ............. 73
Windshield Wiper/Washer . 68
Rear Window Wiper/
Washer ............. 72
Page 257 of 267

Coolant
Adding ................ 214
Capacity ............... 232
Checking ............. 213
Proper Solution ......... 214
Temperature Gauge ....... 58
Corrosion Protection ....... 221 Courtesy Lights ........... 108
Crankcase Emission Control System .......... 246
Cruise Control Operation .... 143
Customer Relations Information ............. 242
DANGER, Explanation of .... iv Dashboard ................ 54
Dead Battery, What to Do ... 180 Defects, Reporting Safety .. . 245
Defogger, Rear Window ..... 72
Defrosting the Windows .... 118
DEXRON III
AutomaticTransmission Fluid ...... 212
Digital Clock ............... 149
Dimensions .............. 239
Dimming the Headlights .... 70
Dipstick, Engine Oil ... 196, 209
Directional Signals .......... 73
Disabled, Towing Your Vehicle If .... 187
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . . 158
Dome Light .............. 107
Door Locks ............... 9 Power ................ 100 Doors, Close and Lock ....... 10
DOT Tire Quality Grading ... 247
Downshifting, 5-Speed
Manual Transmission ....... 82
Drive Belts ............... 218
Driving, On-Road Fuel Economy .......... 166In Bad Weather ......... 164
In Foreign Countries ..... 169
On Slippery Surfaces ..... 158
Economy, Fuel ............ 166 EGR System .............. 247
Emergency Brake ........... 84
Emergency Flashers ......... 74