Maintenance
This section explains why it is important to keep your car well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normaldriving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See page 345 for information on how toobtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 220
Important Safety Precautions ..221
Maintenance Schedule.................. 222
Maintenance Record..................... 229
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 231
Fluid Locations............................... 232
Engine Oil....................................... 234
Adding Oil................................... 234Recommended Oil..................... 235
Synthetic Oil............................... 235
Additives..................................... 235
Changing the Oil and Filter...... 236
Cooling System.............................. 239
Adding Engine Coolant............. 239Replacing Engine Coolant........ 241
Windshield Washers..................... 246
Transmission Fluid........................ 247
Automatic
Transmission.......................... 247
5-speed Manual
Transmission.......................... 249
Brake and Clutch Fluid................. 251
Brake System............................. 251
Clutch System............................ 252
Power Steering............................... 252
Air Cleaner Element...................... 253
Hood Latch..................................... 256
Spark Plugs..................................... 256
Replacement............................... 256
Specifications............................. 257
Battery............................................ 260
Wiper Blades.................................. 263
Air Conditioning System............... 265
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 266 Drive Belts...................................... 266
Timing Belt..................................... 267
Tires................................................ 267
Inflation...................................... 268
Inspection................................... 270
Maintenance............................... 270
Tire Rotation.............................. 271 Replacing Tires and Wheels .... 271
Wheels and Tires....................... 272 Winter Driving........................... 273
Snow Tires.............................. 273
Tire Chains............................. 273
Lights.............................................. 274 Replacing Bulbs......................... 276
Storing Your Car............................ 285
Maintenance
U.S. Owners
Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your vehicle MAINLY
under one or more of the
following conditions:
Driving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in freezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.Driving in extremely hot [over 90°F (32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long
periods of stop-and-go driving.
Trailer towing, driving with a car top carrier, or driving in
mountainous conditions.Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.
Canadian Owners
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule for Severe Conditions.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 223.
* 1 : See timing belt on page 267 to determine need for replacement.
* 2 : Balancer belt applies to 4-cylinder models only.
*3 : See air conditioning filter on page 266 for replacement information under special driving conditions.
Maintenance
Maintenance
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page 223.
* 1 : See timing belt on page 267 to determine need for replacement.
* 2 : Balancer belt applies to 4-cylinder models only.
* 3 : See air conditioning filter on page 266 for replacement information
under special driving conditions.
NOTE:
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
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
Index
Accessories and Modifications.... 186 Accessories................................. 186Additional Safety Precaution.... 187 Modifications............................. 187
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 74
Accessory Power Socket.............. 106
Additives, Engine Oil..................... 234
Airbag (SRS) ...................................... 9
Air Cleaner Element...................... 253
Air Conditioning............................. 110
Maintenance............................... 265
Usage.......................................... 110
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 266
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 268
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 331
Antifreeze....................................... 239
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Description................................. 204
Indicator............................... 55, 205
Operation.................................... 204
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock.. 73
Appearance Care........................... 287
Audio System................ 125, 137, 153
Automatic Speed Control................
68
Automatic Transmission............... 196
Capacity, Fluid........................... 326
Checking Fluid Level....... 247, 249
Shifting........................................ 196
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 197
Shift Lever Positions................. 197
Shift Lock Release..................... 200
Battery Charging System Light...... 54, 310
Jump Starting............................. 304
Maintenance............................... 260
Specifications............................. 329
Before Driving............................... 177
Belts, Seat........................................... 8
Beverage Holder............................ 104
Body Repair.................................... 296
Brakes Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 204Break-in, New Linings .............. 178
Bulb Replacement..................... 281
Fluid............................................ 251
Parking........................................ 101
System Indicator.......................... 55
Wear Indicators......................... 203
Braking System.............................. 203
Break-in, New Car......................... 178 Brightness Control, Instruments... 63
Brights, Headlights......................... 62
Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights........................... 281
Brake Lights............................... 281Ceiling Light............................... 282
Courtesy Light........................... 283
Front Parking Lights................. 278
Front Side Marker Lights......... 277
Headlights.................................. 276
High-mount Brake Light.......... 281
License Plate Lights.................. 281
Specifications............................. 327
Spotlight...................................... 283
Trunk Light................................ 284
Turn Signal Lights..................... 277
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 276
CONTINUED
Index
Driving............................................ 191 Economy..................................... 185
In Bad Weather.......................... 209
In Foreign Countries................. 332
Economy, Fuel............................... 185
Emergencies on the Road............. 295 Battery, Jump Starting.............. 304
Brake System Indicator............ 313Changing a Flat Tire................. 297
Charging System Indicator...... 310
Checking the Fuses................... 316
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 309
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 311 Manually Closing Moonroof.... 314
Overheated Engine................... 307
Emergency Brake.......................... 101
Emergency Flashers....................... 66
Emergency Towing....................... 320
Emissions Controls........................ 333
Engine
Belts.............................................266
Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 59 Malfunction Indicator
Lamp................................. 55, 311
Oil Pressure Indicator......... 54, 309 Oil, What Kind to Use............... 234
Overheating................................ 307
Specifications............................. 327
Speed Limiter..................... 196, 200
Starting........................................ 193
Engine Speed Limiter........... 196, 200
Ethanol in Gasoline ....................... 331
Evaporative Emissions Controls.. 333
Exhaust Fumes................................ 49
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by......................................... 17
Exterior, Cleaning the................... 290
Fabric, Cleaning............................. 291
Fan, Interior.................................... 110
Features, Comfort and Convenience............................... 109
Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 178
Filter
Air Conditioning........................ 266
Oil................................................ 234 5-speed Manual Transmission
Checking Fluid Level................ 249
5-speed Manual Transmission Shifting the................................. 195
Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 66
Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 297
Fluids Automatic Transmission .. 247, 248
Brake...........................................251
Clutch.......................................... 252
Manual Transmission............... 249 Power Steering........................... 252
Windshield Washer................... 246
FM Stereo Radio Reception.................................... 158
Folding Rear Seat............................ 92
Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 332
Four-way Flashers........................... 66
Fuel.................................................. 178 Fill Door and Cap....................... 178Gauge............................................ 58
Octane Requirement................. 178
Oxygenated................................ 331
Tank, Filling the......................... 178
Fuses, Checking the...................... 316
CONTINUED
Index
Parking Brake................................ 101
Parking Lights.................................. 63
Parking Over Things that Burn... 335
PGM-FI System.............................. 334
Polishing and Waxing................... 289
Pre-Drive Safety Checklist............. 11
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 17
Protecting Adults............................. 12 Additional Safety Precautions.... 18
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 17
Protecting Children......................... 19
Protecting Infants........................ 28
Protecting Larger Children........ 34
Protecting Small Children.......... 31Using Child Seats with
Tethers......................................37
Radiator Overheating.................... 309
Radio/Cassette Sound System.... 125
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 281
Rear Seat Armrest........................... 94
Rear Seat, Folding........................... 93
Rear View Mirror............................. 99 Rear Window Defogger.................. 66 Reclining the Seat Backs......... 88, 91
Recommended Shift Speeds ........
196
Reminder Lights.............................. 53
Remote Transmitter........................ 75
Replacement Information
Air Cleaner Element.................. 253Coolant........................................ 241
Engine Oil and Filter................. 235
Fuses...........................................318
Light Bulbs................................. 278
Schedule..................................... 224
Spark Plugs ....................... 256, 258
Tires............................................ 271 Wiper Blades.............................. 263
Replacing Seat Belts After a
Crash.............................................42
Reserve Tank, Coolant.................. 184
Restraint, Child................................
19
Reverse Gear Position................... 198
Rotation, Tire................................. 271
Safety Belts......................................... 8
Safety Defects, Reporting* .......... 344
Safety Features.................................. 7
Airbags............................................ 9Door Locks................................... 10
Head Restraints........................... 10
Seat Belts........................................ 8
Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10
Safety Labels, Location of.............. 50
Safety Messages................................ ii
Seat Belts............................................ 8
Additional Information................ 40
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners................................ 41
Cleaning...................................... 292
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 40
Maintenance................................. 42
Reminder Light and
Beeper................................. 40, 54
System Components.................... 40 Use During Pregnancy................ 17
Seats, Adjusting the......................... 88
Security System............................. 175
Serial Number................................ 324
Service Intervals............................ 224
Service Manual*............................ 345
Service Station Procedures .......... 178