Page 44 of 293
Protectin
g Childre n
When installing tether hardware, make sure the toothed washer is on
the bottom of the bolt. Tighten the
bolt to:
16 lbf.ft (22 N.m,2.2 kgf.m)
If a torque wrench was not used, see
your Honda dealer as soon as possible to verify proper installation.
To attach the tether to the child seat, follow the child seat maker'sinstructions.
If you are not sure how to install the
tether, or you need mounting
hardware, contact your Honda dealer. Usin
g Chil d Seat s wit h Tether s
Canadian Models
Your car has two tether anchorage points on the rear shelf for securinga tether-style child seat to the car.
Since a tether can provide additionalsecurity, we recommend using a
tether whenever one is required or
available.
Attach the tether strap hook to the
tether anchorage point and tighten
the strap according to the child seat
maker's instructions.
Driver an d Passenge r Safet y
Page 59 of 293

Indicato
r Lights
U.S .
Anti-lock Brak e
Syste m (ABS )
Indicato r
This light normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II), and when
the ignition switch is turned toSTART (III). If this light comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
the ABS. If this happens, take the
car to your dealer to have it checked.
With the light on, your car still has normal braking ability but no anti-
lock. For complete information, see
page 156.
Activ
e Torqu e Transfe r
Syste m (ATTS ) Indicato r
Type SH only
This indicator normally comes o
n for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II).
If it comes on at any other time,
there is a problem in the Active
Torque Transfer System (ATTS). If this happens, take the car to yourdealer to have it checked. With the
indicator on, your car will corner
normally, but you will not have active
torque transfer. Tur
n Signa l an d
Hazar d Warnin g
Indicator s
The left or right turn signal light blinks when you signal a lane changeor turn. If the light does not blink or
blinks rapidly, it usually means one of the turn signal bulbs is burned out (see page 218). Replace the bulb as
soon as possible, since other drivers
cannot see that you are signalling.
When you turn on the Hazard
Warning switch, both turn signal lights blink. All turn signals on the outside of the car should flash.
Instrument s an d Control s
Canad
a
AB S
ATTS
Page 142 of 293

Drivin
g
This section gives you tips on starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the 5-speed manual and automatic
transmissions. It also includes important information on parking
your car, the braking system, and
facts you need if you are planning to
tow a trailer.
Preparing to Drive......................... 140
Starting the Engine........................ 141
Starting in Cold Weatherat High Altitude..................... 141
5-speed Manual Transmission..... 14
2
Recommended Shift Points...... 143
Engine
Speed Limiter ............... 143
Automatic Transmission............... 144 Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 144
Shift Lever Positions................. 145
Engine Speed Limiter............... 150Shift Lock Release..................... 151
Parking............................................ 152
The Braking System...................... 153 Brake Wear Indicators.............. 153
Brake System Design................ 154
Anti-lock Brakes........................ 154 Important Safety
Reminders.......................... 155
ABS Indicator......................... 156
Active Torque Transfer System .. 157 Driving in Bad Weather................ 158
Towing a Trailer............................ 160
Driving
Page 147 of 293
Automati
c Transmissio n
Your Honda's transmission has four forward speeds, and is electronicallycontrolled for smoother shifting. It
also has a "lock-up" torque converter
for better fuel economy. You may
feel what seems like another shift
when the converter locks. Shif
t Leve r Positio n Indicato r
x1000r/mi n
This indicator in the tachometer shows which position the shift lever
is in. The illuminated number next to
the "D4" indicator shows you the
gear you have selected in the
Sequential SportShift mode. The "D4" indicator comes on for a
few seconds when you turn theignition switch ON (II). If it flashes
while driving (in any shift position), it indicates a possible problem in the
transmission. Avoid rapid acceler- ation and have the transmission
checked by an authorized Hondadealer as soon as possible.
Drivin g
Page 160 of 293

Activ
e Torqu e Transfe r Syste m
Type SH only
Your Honda is equipped wit
h an
Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS). Under certain driving
conditions, the ATTS enhances the car's cornering performance by
transferring some torque between
the inside and outside front wheels during a turn.
Based on steering wheel turn angle,
lateral acceleration, and engine
power, the ATTS regulates the driving force to each drive wheel
through an electronically-controlled
hydraulic system and two sets of clutches and gears.
Important Safety Information
Th e ATT S canno t preven t
skiddin g if yo u ente r a corne r to o
fast . It has almost no effect on
braking and vehicle speed.
It is still your responsibility to drive
at reasonable speeds and to leave a
sufficient margin of safety.
ATTS Indicator
The Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) is self-checking. If a problem
is detected in the system, the ATTS
indicator on the instrument panel
comes on.
If this happens, take the car to your Honda dealer to have it checked.
With the indicator on, your car will corner normally, but you will not
have active torque transfer.
Driving
ATT
S INDICATO R
Page 191 of 293
Coolin
g Syste m
Except Type SH only
Remove the drain bolt and washer
from the engine block. 4. Remove the reserve tank from its
holder by pulling it straight up.
Drain the coolant, then put the
tank back in its holder.
5. When the coolant stops draining, tighten the drain plug at the
bottom of the radiator.
Except Type SH only
Apply non-hardening sealant to the
drain bolt threads, put a new washer
on the drain bolt, and reinstall the
bolt in the engine block. Tighten it
securely.
Tightening torque:
61 lbf.ft (83 N.m , 8.5 kgf.m)
6. Mix the recommended antifreez
e
with an equal amount of purified or distilled water in a clean
container. The cooling system
capacity is:
With 5-speed manual transmission:
(Except Type SH)
0.87 US gal (3.3 l , 0.73 Imp gal)
(Type SH)
0.85 US gal (3.2 l , 0.70 Imp gal)
With automatic transmission:
0.85 US gal (3.2 l ,0.70 Imp gal)
Maintenanc e
DRAI
N BOL T
Excep t
Typ e S H
DRAIN PLU G
HOLDER
RESERV
E TAN K
RESERVE
TAN K CA P
Page 200 of 293
Spar
k Plug s
3. Remove the spark plug cap by pulling it straight out.
4. Remove the spark plug with a five-eighths inch (16 mm) spark
plug socket. 5. Put the new spark plug into the
socket; then screw it into the hole.
Screw it in by hand so you do not
crossthread it. 6. Torque the spark plug. (If you do
not have a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn after it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:
13 lbf.ft (18N.m ,1.8kgf.m)
CONTINUED
Maintenanc e
SPAR
K PLU G
CA P
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