Page 162 of 273

Changing the Oil and Filter
Always change the oil and filter
according to the time and distance
(miles/kilometers) recommenda
tions
in the maintenance schedule.
The oil and filter collect contami
nants that can damage your engine
if
they are not removed regularly.
Changing the
oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath
the car. The car should
be raised on a service station-type
hydraulic lift for this service.
Unless
you have the knowledge and proper
equipment, you should have this
maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
1. Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
2. Remove the engine oil fill cap.
Remove the
oil drain bolt from the
bottom of
the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
Engine Oil
3. Remove the oil filter and let the
remaining
oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
Honda dealer) is required to
remove the filter.
4. Install a new oil filter according to
instructions that come with it.
CONTINUED
Maintenance 159
Page 166 of 273
Replacing Engine Coolant
The cooling system should be
completely drained and refilled with
new coolant according to
the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. Only use
Genuine Honda Antifreeze/Coolant.
Draining the coolant requires access
to
the underside of the vehicle.
Unless you have the tools and
knowledge, you should have this
maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
1. Turn the ignition ON (II). Turn
the heater temperature control
dial fully clockwise.
Turn the
ignition off.
2. Open the hood. Make sure the
engine and radiator are cool to the
touch.
3. Remove the radiator cap.
Cooling System
4. Loosen the drain plug on the
bottom of the radiator. The
coolant will drain through the
splash guard. Remove the drain
bolt and washer from the engine
block.
CONTINUED
Maintenance 163
Page 171 of 273

6-speed Manual Transmission Fluid
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.
168 Maintenance
If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an
API service SG, SH or SJ
grade motor oil with a viscosity of
SAE lOW-30 or lOW-40 as a
temporary replacement. An
SG
grade is preferred, but an SH or SJ
grade may be used if SG is not
available. However, motor
oil does
not contain the proper additives and
continued use can cause stiffer
shifting. 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.
Page 172 of 273
Check the fluid level with the
differential at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
onlevelground.Removethe
differential fluid filler bolt and
washer 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, slowly add fluid
until it starts to run out of
the hole.
Use a SAE 90 viscosity hypoid gear
oil, API service classified GL5 or
GL6 only, in the differential.
Put a new washer on the filler bolt,
then reinstall the filler bolt. Tighten
it securely. Tightening torque:
33 lbf·ft (45 N·m, 4.6 kgf·m)
The differential should be drained
and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance
recommendations in the
maintenance schedule.
Differential Fluid
Maintenance 169
Page 173 of 273

Brake and Clutch Fluid
Check the fluid level in the reser
voirs monthly.
There are two reser
voirs.
They are:
• Brake fluid reservoir
• Clutch fluid reservoir
The brake fluid should be replaced
according to the time and distance
recommendations in
the mainte
nance schedule.
170 Maintenance
Brake Fluid Brake System
Always use Genuine Honda DOT 3
brake fluid.
If it is not available, you
should use only
DOT 3 or DOT 4
fluid, from a sealed container, as a
temporary replacement. However,
the use of any non-Honda brake fluid
can cause corrosion and decrease
the life of the system. Have
the
brake system flushed and refilled
with Honda
DOT 3 brake fluid as
soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked
DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car's braking
system and can cause extensive
damage.
The fluid level should be between
the MIN and
MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
Page 175 of 273
Air Cleaner Element
The air cleaner element should be
replaced according to the time and
distance recommendations in the
maintenance schedule.
Follow the replacement procedure
for removal and reinstallation.
172
Maintenance
Replacement
To replace it:
1. Unsnap the six clamps holding the
air cleaner housing cover.
2. Remove the air cleaner housing
cover. Disconnect the air intake
duct from the air cleaner element.
3. Remove the old air cleaner
element.
4. Carefully clean the inside of the
air cleaner housing with a damp
rag.
Page 177 of 273
Hood Latch, Spark Plugs
Hood Latch
Clean the hood latch assembly with a
mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a
multipurpose grease. Lubricate
all
the moving parts, including the pivot.
Follow the time and distance
recommendations
in the
Maintenance Schedule.
If you are
not sure how to clean and grease the
latch, contact your Honda dealer.
17 4 Maintenance
Spark Plugs
The spark plugs in your car are a
special platinum-tipped design for
longer life.
They only need to be
replaced every 7 years or
105,000
miles (168,000 km), whichever
comes first.
Replacement
1. Remove the four hexagon socket
head cap bolts holding the ignition
coil cover.
2. Clean up any dirt and oil that have
collected around the ignition coils.
Page 186 of 273

The air conditioning filter removes
pollen and dust from outside air the
heating and cooling system brings
into the interior.
It should be
replaced according to the time and
distance recommendations
in the
maintenance schedule.
This filter should be replaced every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) under
normal conditions.
It should be
replaced every
15,000 miles (24,000
km) if you drive primarily in urban
areas that have high concentrations
of soot in the air from industry and
diesel-powered vehicles. Replace it
more often
if air flow from the
climate control system becomes less
than usual. Have the air conditioning
filter replaced by your Honda dealer.
Replacement
The air conditioning filter is located
in the engine compartment on the
passenger's side near the base of the
windshield.
1. Open the hood. Unclip the
windshield base by pulling it
up.
Air Conditioning Filter
2. Push the tab on the air
conditioning filter to unlock it
from the holder.
3. Remove the old filter. Put a new
filter in the holder and push it in
until it locks.
4. Put the pins on the windshield
base into their mating holes on the
support, and push the base down
until the pins snap
in.
Maintenance 183