Page 154 of 267
Drivin
g Tip s
Before Driving ........... 152Starting the Engine ..... 153
New Vehicle Break-In ..... 154
Parking ................ 154 Brakes ................. 155
Tires .................. 159 Inflation ............. 160
Inspection ............ 161
Maintenance .......... 162
Tire Rotation .......... 162
Replacing Tires and Wheels .......... 162
Wheels and Tires ...... 163
Traction .............. 164 Tire Chains ......... 164
Wheel Replacement
Considerations ....... 165
Fuel Economy ........... 166
Three-Way Catalytic Converter ............. 168 Operation in
Foreign Countries ....... 169
Accessories & Modifications 169
Carrying Cargo ........... 171
Trailer Towing ........... 174 Trailer Hitches ........ 176Safety Chain .......... 177
Trailer Lights .......... 177
Tires ................. 177 Trailer Brakes ......... 177
Equipment Check ...... 178
Limited Slip Differential ... 178
Driving Tip s
Page 177 of 267

Traile
r Towin g
Your Honda vehicle is designed
for passenger and cargo transportation. With the proper
equipment installed, your vehicle
can also tow a trailer under certain
conditions, as detailed in this section. Be sure to read this entire
section and follow all
requirements.
Towing a trailer will have an
effect on handling, performance,
braking, durability and fuel
consumption.
Honda recommends that you do
not tow a trailer with a new Honda vehicle or one with a new
powertrain component (engine, transmission, differential) for the
first 500 miles. For your safety and the safety
of others, use equipment
specifically designed for your
vehicle. Improper towing
equipment and improper installation of same can cause
damage to your vehicle and may also result in personal injury.
Additional care and cautious
driving habits are essential to trailer towing.
Do not exceed 45 mph or the
posted towing speed limit, whichever is lower. Higher speed
may cause loss of vehicle control.
Drivin g Tip s
Improperly loading your
vehicle and trailer can seriously affect the steering
and braking performance,
causing a crash in which you
can be seriously injured.
Check the loading of your
vehicle and trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Page 181 of 267

There are no provisions in your
vehicle to tap into its hydraulic
braking system. Any attempt toattach the trailer's brakes to your
vehicle's hydraulic braking system, no matter how successfulit may seem, will lower braking
effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
Equipmen t Chec k
Before operating your vehicle,
check all safety equipment to
ensure safe operation. Be sure
your vehicle is properly serviced
to avoid mechanical failure.
Check that your vehicle remains
level when the loaded or unloadedtrailer is hitched. Do not drive if
the rear end of your vehicle is abnormally higher or lower.
Check for proper tongue weight,
overload, improper weight
distribution, worn suspension, or
other possible causes.
Make sure the trailer load is
properly positione
d and secured
so its does not shift around whil
e
driving.
Chec k
if your rearview mirrors
comply with federal, state and
local regulations. If not, confirm
the proper mirrors required for
towing and have them installed.
Perform an equipment check of
all braking, lighting and safety
equipment to ensure they are working properly.
Your safety depends on proper
operation and installation of
equipment. Never operate a
vehicle with faulty equipment.
Limite
d Sli p Differentia l
Standard on 4WD models
The limited slip differential is
designed to improve traction by limiting wheelspin. If one rear
wheel begins to spin on a slipperysurface, the limited slip
differential will automatically
transmit driving force to the other
rear wheel.
Drivin g Tip s
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 260 of 267

Hot Coolant, Warning About . 214
Hydroplaning ............. 164
Identification Number,
Vehicle ................. 228
If Your Vehicle Has to Be
Towed .................. 187
Ignition Keys ................... 97Switch ................. 97
Timing Control System . . . 246
Illumination Control ....... 71 Important Safety Precautions ... 4
Indicator Lights, Instrument Panel .......... 55
Indicators and Gauges ....... 55
Infants, Protecting ........... 25 Inflation, Proper Tire . . . 160, 235
Inside Mirror ............. 101
Inspection, Tire ........... 161
Instrument Panel Brightness. See Illumination Control
Interior Cleaning .......... 222
Interior Lights ............ 106
Introduction ................
i
Jack, Tire ................ 183
Jacking up the Vehicle ..... 183
Jump Starting ............. 180
Keyless Entry .............. 147
Keys ..................... 97
Label, Certification ........ 230
Labels, Safety, Location of . . 45
Lane Change, Signaling ...... 73
Lap Belt ................. 39
Lap/Shoulder Belts ........ 38
Leaking of Exhaust into Car . 44
Lever, Transfer .......... 78, 82
Lifting Points ............. 183
Lighter, Cigarette .......... 112
Lights Bul b
Replacement ....... 239
Dome Light ............ 107
Indicator ................ 59
Luggage ............... 106
Turn Signal ............. 62
Limited Slip Differential .... 178