Page 259 of 372
Hood Latch, Spark Plugs (4-cylinder Models)
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. Spark Plugs
The spark plugs in your car should be replaced according to the timeand distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule.
Replacement
1. Clean up any dirt and oil around the spark plug caps.
2. Remove the spark plug cap by pulling it straight out.
3. Remove the spark plug with a five-eighths inch (16 mm) spark
plug socket.
Maintenance
LATCH ASSEMBLY
SPARK PLUG CAP
Page 261 of 372
Spark Plugs (6-cylinder Models)
The spark plugs in your car should be replaced according to the timeand distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule.
1. Loosen the two holding clips by turning the heads one-quarter turncounterclockwise with a flat-tippedscrewdriver. Remove the cover on
the front cylinder bank by pulling
it straight up. 2. Clean up any dirt and oil that have
collected around the ignition coils.
3. Disconnect the wire connector from the ignition coil by pushingon the lock tab and pulling on the
connector. Pull on the plastic connector, not the wires. 4. Use a wrench to remove the
hexagon socket head cap boltholding the ignition coil. Remove
the ignition coil by pulling it straight out.
5. Remove the spark plug with a five-eighths inch (16 mm) spark
plug socket.
Maintenance
Replacement
HEXAGON SOCKET HEAD CAP BOLT
HOLDING CLIP
Page 264 of 372
Battery
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.
If the terminals are severely cor-
roded, clean them with baking soda
and water. Then use a wrench to
loosen and remove the cables from
the terminals. Always disconnect the negative (—) cable first and recon-
nect it last. Clean the battery termi-
nals with a terminal cleaning tool or
wire brush. Reconnect and tighten the cables, then coat the terminals
with grease. If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damage to the car's
electrical system.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
4 cylinder models
6-cylinder models
Page 269 of 372

Air Conditioning Filter, Drive Belts
Air Conditioning FilterThe air conditioning filter removes pollen and dust that is brought in
from the outside through the heatingand cooling system.
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 concentrationsof 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. Drive Belts
Check the condition of the drive
belts (two on 4-cylinder models, one
on 6-cylinder models). Examine the
edges of each belt for cracks or
fraying.
Check the tension of each belt by
pushing on it with your thumb
midway between the pulleys.
The belts should have the following
"play" or deflection.
4-cylinder models
Alternator belt: (On vehicles without A/C)
0.41 — 0.49 in (10.5 — 12.5 mm)
(On vehicles with A/C)
0.28 — 0.35 in (7.0 — 9.0 mm)
Power steering belt:
0.51 — 0.63 in (13.0 — 16.0 mm)
Maintenance
ALTERNATOR BELT
4-cylinder models
POWER STEERING
BELT
6-cylinder models
POWER STEERING BELT
Page 276 of 372

Tires
Winter Driving
Tires that are marked "M + S" or "All Season" on the sidewall have an
all-weather tread design. They
should be suitable for most winter
driving conditions. Tires without
these markings are designed for optimum traction in dry conditions.
They may not provide adequate performance in winter driving.For the best performance in snowy
or icy conditions, you should install
snow tires or tire chains. They may
be required by local laws under certain conditions.
Snow Tires
If you mount snow tires on your
Honda, make sure they are radial
tires of the same size and load range as the original tires. Mount snow
tires on all four wheels to balance
your car's handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind the traction
provided by snow tires on dry roads
may not be as high as your car's original equipment tires. You should
drive cautiously even when the roads
are clear. Check with the tire dealer
for maximum speed recommenda-
tions.
Tire Chains
Mount snow chains on your vehicle
when warranted by driving condi- tions or required by local laws. Make sure the chains are the correct size
for your tires. Install them only on
the front tires.
4-cylinder models
If metal chains are used, they must
be SAE class "S". Cable-type traction devices can also be used.
6-cylinder models
Use only SAE class "S" cable-type
traction devices.
When installing chains, follow the
manufacturer's instructions and
mount them as tightly as you can.Drive slowly with chains installed. If
you hear the chains contacting the body or chassis, stop and investigate.Make sure the chains are installed
tightly, and that they are not
contacting the brake lines or suspension. Remove the chains assoon as you begin driving on cleared
roads.
Chains of the wrong size or that are
improperly installed can damage your
car's brake lines, suspension, body, and
wheels. Stop driving if you hear the
chains hitting any part of the car.
Maintenance
NOTICE
Page 279 of 372

Lights
Headlight Aiming
The headlights were properly aimed when your car was new. If youregularly carry heavy items in the
trunk, readjustment may be required.
Adjustment of the headlights should be performed by a Honda technicianor other qualified mechanic.
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Your car has two bulbs on each side, four in total. Make sure you arereplacing the bulb that is burned out.
Your car uses halogen headlight bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handleit by its plastic case and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass,clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth.
BULB
1. Open the hood. If you need to change a bulb on
the passenger's side (on the driver's side on 6-cylinder models),
remove the radiator reserve tank.
2. Remove the electrical connector from the bulb by squeezing theconnector to unlock the tab, thenslide the connector off the bulb. 3. Remove the bulb by turning it
approximately one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.
4. Insert the new bulb into the hole and turn it one-quarter turn clock-
wise to lock it in place.
5. Push the electrical connector back onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
6. Turn on the headlights to test the new bulb.
7. (Passenger's side on 4-cylinder models, driver's side on 6-cylindermodels)
Reinstall the radiator reserve tank.
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
Maintenance
NOTICE
TAB
Page 308 of 372
Jump Starting
3. Connect one jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal on yourHonda's battery. Connect the
other end to the positive (+)
terminal on the booster battery. 4. Connect the second jumper cable
to the negative (—) terminal on
the booster battery. Connect theother end to the grounding strap
as shown. Do not connect this
jumper cable to any other part of the engine.
5. If the booster battery is in another vehicle, have an assistant startthat vehicle and run it at a fast idle.
Taking Care of the Unexpected CONTINUED
4-cylinder models
6-cylinder models 4-cylinder models
Page 314 of 372

Malfunction Indicator Lamp
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
(For
L4-
LEV)
This indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition
switch ON (II). If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates one of the
engine's emissions control systems
may have a problem. Even though
you may feel no difference in your car's performance, it can reduce
your fuel economy and cause your car to put out excessive emissions.
Continued operation may cause
serious damage.
(For V6 and L4- ULEV)
This indicator should light when the ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
after the engine starts. If it comes on
at any other time, it indicates one of
the engine's emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may feel no difference in
your car's performance, it can
reduce your fuel economy and cause
your car to put out excessive
emissions. Continued operation may
cause serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your
car, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or
missing fuel fill cap. Check the cap
and tighten it until it clicks several
times. Replace the fuel fill cap if it is
missing. Tightening the cap will not
make the indicator turn off
immediately; it takes at least three
driving trips. If the indicator remains on past three
driving trips, or the fuel cap was not
loose or missing, have the car checked by the dealer as soon as
possible. Drive moderately until the dealer has inspected the problem.
Avoid full-throttle acceleration and driving at high speed.
You should also have the dealer inspect your car if this indicator
comes on repeatedly, even though it
may turn off as you continue driving.
If you keep driving with the
malfunction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your car's emissions controls and engine. Those repairs may not be
covered by your car's warranties.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
NOTICE