Page 249 of 372

Windshield Washers
Check the level in the windshield
washer reservoir at least monthly
during normal usage. In bad weather,
when you use the washers often,
check the level every time you stop
for fuel.
The windshield washer reservoir is
located behind the headlight.
Check the reservoir's fluid level by
removing the cap and looking at the
level gauge attached to the cap.
Canadian Models
The low washer level indicator will light when the level is low (see page 57 ).
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing in cold weather.
Do not use engine antifreeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage your car's paint,
while a vinegar/water solution can
damage the windshield washer pump.
Use only commercially-available
windshield washer fluid.
When you refill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer fluid on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition the blade edges.
Maintenance LEVEL GAUGE
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models
NOTICE
Page 250 of 372

Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission
4-cylinder models
Check the fluid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
1. Park the car on level ground. Shut off the engine.
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the transmission and wipe it
with a clean cloth. 3. Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely asshown in the illustration.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be
between the upper and lower marks. 5. If the level is below the lower
mark, add fluid into the tube to
bring it to the upper mark. Always use Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid). If it is not available, you may use a
DEXRON ®
III automatic
transmission fluid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect shift quality. Have
the transmission drained and refilled with Honda ATF-Z1as soon as it is convenient.
To thoroughly flush the transmission, the technician should drain and refillit with Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid), then drive the vehicle a short distance.Do this three times. Then drain and
refill the transmission a final time.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
DIPSTICK
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
Page 251 of 372
Transmission Fluid
6. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the transmission securely asshown in the illustration.
The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule.
Automatic Transmission
6-cylinder models
Check the fluid level with the engineat normal operating temperature.
1. Park the car on level ground. Shut off the engine.
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the transmission and wipe it
with a clean cloth. 3. Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely asshown in the illustration.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
Maintenance
DIPSTICK
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
Page 252 of 372

Transmission Fluid
5. If the level is below the lower mark, add fluid into the tube to
bring it to the upper mark. Always use Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid). If it is not available, you may use a
DEXRON ®
III automatic
transmission fluid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect shift quality. Have
the transmission drained and
refilled with Honda ATF- Zl as soon as it is convenient.
To thoroughly flush the transmission, the technician should drain and refillit with Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid), then drive the vehicle a short distance. Do this
three times. Then drain and refill
the transmission a final time. 6. Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely asshown in the illustration.
The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule. 5-speed Manual Transmission
FILLER
BOLT
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 Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the filler bolt and tighten it securely.
Maintenance
Correct level
Page 253 of 372
Transmission Fluid
If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an API service SG, SH or SJ
grade motor oil with a viscosity ofSAE 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 not available. However, motor oil does
not contain the proper additives and
continued use can cause stiffershifting. Replace as soon as it is
convenient.
The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule.
Maintenance
Page 254 of 372

Brake and Clutch Fluid
Check the fluid level in the reser-
voirs monthly. There are up to two reservoirs, depending on the model.
They are:
Brake fluid reservoir (all models)
Clutch fluid reservoir(manual transmission only)
The brake fluid should be replaced according to the time and distance
recommendations in the mainte- nance schedule. Always use 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.
Brake System
4-cylinder models
MIN
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the sideof 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.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
MAX
Page 255 of 372
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering
Clutch System
The fluid should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of
the reservoir. If it is not, add brake
fluid to bring it up to that level. Use
the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Low fluid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system inspected as soon as possible. Power Steering
Check the level when the engine is cold. Look at the side of thereservoir. The fluid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
fluid to the UPPER LEVEL.
Maintenance
UPPER LEVEL
6 cylinder models
LOWER LEVEL
MIN MAX
4-cylinder models
MIN
MAX
Page 256 of 372

Power Steering, Air Cleaner Element
UPPER LEVEL
6-cylinder models
Always use Honda Power
Steering Fluid. If it is not available,
you may use another power steering fluid as an emergency replacement.However, continued use can cause
increased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the power
steering system flushed and refilled
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering fluid level can indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Turning the steering wheel to full left
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
Air Cleaner Element
The air cleaner element should be
cleaned or replaced according to the
time and distance recommendations
in the maintenance schedule.
Cleaning (Severe Conditions)
Clean the air cleaner element by
blowing compressed air through it in
the opposite direction to normal air flow. If you do not have access to
compressed air (such as a service station), ask your Honda dealer to do
this service.
Follow the replacement procedure
for removal and reinstallation.
Maintenance
NOTICE
LOWER LEVEL