Page 44 of 267

Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe frontal
collision.
A sophisticated electronic system that continually
monitors the sensors, control unit, the airbag activators and
all related wiring when the
ignition is ON (II).
An indicator light on the instrument panel to alert you to
a possible problem with the
system (see page 42).
Emergency backup power in
case your vehicle's electrical system is disconnected in a
crash.
Ho
w You r Airbag s Wor k
If you ever have a moderate to severe frontal collision, the
sensors will detect rapid
deceleration and signal the control
unit to instantly inflate the
airbags.
During a crash, your seat belt
helps restrain your lower body and torso. Your airbag provides a
cushion to help restrain and
protect your head and chest.
Since both airbags use the same
sensors, both airbags normally
inflate at the same time. However, it is possible for only one airbag
to inflate.
This can occur when the severity of a collision is at the margin, or
threshold, that determines whether
or not the airbags will deploy. Insuch cases, the seat belt will
provide sufficient protection and the supplemental protection
provided by the airbag would be minimal.
Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y
Page 172 of 267

If you are planning to take your
Honda outside the U.S. or
Canada, contact the tourist
bureaus in the areas you will be
traveling in to find out about the availability of unleaded gasoline
with the proper octane rating.
If unleaded gasoline is not
available, be aware that using
leaded gasoline in your Honda
will affect performance and fuel
mileage, and damage its
emissions controls. It will no longer comply with U.S. and
Canadian emissions regulations,
and will be illegal to operate in
North America. To bring your
vehicle back into compliance will
require the replacement of several components, such as the oxygen sensor and the three-way catalyticconverter. These replacements
are not covered under warranty.
Accessorie
s & 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.
Accessories
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, and could adversely affect your vehicle's
handling and stability. (See "Modifications" on the next page
for additional information.)
When properly installed, car
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and low-powered audio systems
should not interfere with your
vehicle's computer-controlled
Driving Tip s
Operatio
n i n
Foreig n Countrie s
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.
Page 249 of 267

maintain them. This section
summarizes how the emissions
controls work. Scheduled
maintenance is on page 200.
Crankcas e Emission s
Contro l Syste m
Your vehicle has a Positive
Crankcase Ventilation System.
This keeps gasses that build up in the engine's crankcase from goinginto the atmosphere. The Positive
Crankcase Ventilation valve
routes them from the crankcase
back to the intake manifold. They are then drawn into the engine and
burned.
Evaporativ e Emission s
Contro l Syste m
As gasoline evaporates in the fuel
tank, an evaporative emission
control canister filled with charcoal adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this canister while the
engine is off. After the engine is
started and warmed up, the vapor
is drawn into the engine and
burned during driving.
Exhaus t Emission s Control s
The exhaust emission controls include four systems: Fuel
Injection, Ignition Timing Control, Exhaust Gas
Recirculation, and Three-Way Catalytic Converter. These four
systems work together to control
the engine's combustion and
minimize the amount of HC, CO,
and NOx that comes out the
tailpipe. The exhaust emission
control systems are separate fromthe crankcase and evaporative
emission control systems. Fuel Injection System
The Fuel Injection System uses sequential multiport fuel injection.
It has three subsystems: Air
Intake, Engine Control, and Fuel
Control. The Engine Control Module (ECM) uses various
sensors to determine how much
air is going into the engine. It then
controls how much fuel to inject
under all operating conditions.
Ignition Timing Control System This system constantly adjusts theignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO and NOx produced.
Owne r Assistanc e