Page 195 of 293

Transmissio
n Flui d
5-spee d Manua l Transmissio n
Check the fluid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the car sitting on
level ground. Remove the
transmission filler bolt and carefully
feel inside the bolt hole with your
finger. The fluid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is not, add Genuine Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the filler bolt and tighten it securely. If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an API service SG, SH or SJ
grade motor oil with a viscosity of
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 as a
temporary replacement. An SG
grade is preferred, but an SH or SJ grade may be used if SG is notavailable. However, motor oil does
not contain the proper additives and
continued use can cause stiffershifting. Replace as soon as
convenient.
The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule.
Maintenanc e
FILLE
R
BOL T
Correc t
leve l
Page 225 of 293
Light
s
Replacin g a Rea r Licens e Bul b
1. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the two screws holding
the license plate light assembly to
the bracket. Pull the assembly away from the bracket. 2. Remove the socket from the light
assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise.
3. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb in until
it bottoms in the socket.
4. Turn on the parking lights and
check that the new bulb is
working.
5. Put the license light assembly in place. Reinstall the two screws and
tighten them securely.
Maintenanc e
Page 235 of 293

Interio
r Care , Corrosio n Protectio n
Ai r Freshener s
If you want to use an air freshener/
deodorizer in the interior of your car,
it is best to use a solid type. Some
liquid air fresheners contain chemi-
cals that may cause parts of the
interior trim and fabric to crack or discolor.
If you use a liquid air freshener,
make sure you fasten it securely so it
does not spill as you drive. Corrosio
n Protectio n
Two factors normally contribute to causing corrosion in your car:
1. Moisture trapped in body cavities. Dirt and road salt that collects in
hollows on the underside of the car stays damp, promoting
corrosion in that area.
2. Removal of paint and protective coatings from the exterior and
underside of the car.
Many corrosion-preventive measures are built into your Honda. You can
help keep your car from corroding
by performing some simple periodic
maintenance:
Repair chips and scratches in the
paint as soon as you discover them. Inspect and clean out the drain
holes in the bottom of the doors
and body. Check the floor coverings for
dampness. Carpeting and floor
mats may remain damp for a long-
time, especially in winter. This dampness can eventually cause
the floor panels to corrode. Use a high-pressure spray to clean
the underside of your car. This is especially important in areas that
use road salt in winter. It is also a
good idea in humid climates andareas subject to salt air. Be careful
of the ABS wheel sensors and
wiring at each wheel. Have the corrosion-preventive
coatings on the underside of your
car inspected and repaired
periodically.
Appearanc e Car e
Page 244 of 293
Changing a Fla t Tir e
15. Tighten the wheel nuts securely in
the same crisscross pattern. Hav
e
the wheel nut torque checked at the nearest automotive service
facility.
Tighten the wheel nuts to:
80 lbf.ft (108 N.m, 11 kgf.m)
16. Remove the center cap before storing the flat tire i n the trunk
well. 17. Place the flat tire face down in the
spare tire well.
18. Remove the spacer cone from the wing bolt, turn it over, and put itback on the bolt.
CONTINUED
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
WIN
G BOL T
SPACE R
CON E
CENTE R CA P
Page 245 of 293

Changing a Fla t Tire , I f You r Engin e Won' t Star t
19. Secure the flat tire by screwing
the wing bolt back into its hole.
20. Store the jack in its holder. Turn the jack's end bracket to lock it in
place. Replace the cover. Store the tool kit. 21. Store the center cap in the trunk.
Make sure it does not get scratch-ed or damaged.
22. Lower the trunk floor, then close the trunk lid.
Type SH only
If you mount the compact spare on
either front or rear tire, it may cause
the ATTS indicator light in the instrument panel to come on due to
the difference in tire diameter. The
light will go out when the proper tire
is installed.
I f You r Engin e Won' t Star t
Diagnosing why your engine won't start falls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
key to START (III):
You hear nothing, or almost nothing. The engine's starter
motor does not operate at all, or operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
faster than normal, but the engine does not start up and run.
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
Loose items can fly around the
interior in a crash and could
seriously injure the occupants.
Store the wheel, jack and tools
securely before driving.