This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer. This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .196
.
Important Safety Precautions . 197
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 198
....................
Maintenance Record .205
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 207
..............................
Fluid Locations .208
......................................
Engine Oil .209
..................................
Adding Oil .209
....................
Recommended Oil .209
..............................
Synthetic Oil .210
....................................
Additives .210
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 211
.............................
Cooling System .213
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 213
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 215
....................
Windshield Washers .219
.......................
Transmission Fluid .220
Automatic .........................
Transmission .220
5-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .222
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 223
............................
Brake System .223
...........................
Clutch System .223
..............................
Power Steering .224
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .225 ....................................
Hood Latch .226
....................................
Spark Plugs .227
..............................
Replacement .227
............................
Specif ications .229
...........................................
Battery .230
.................................
Wiper Blades .232
..............
Air Conditioning System . 234
.................
Air Conditioning Filter . 235
.....................................
Drive Belts .237
....................................
Timing Belt .237
...............................................
Tires .238
......................................
Inf lation .238
Recommended Tire Pressures ...........
f or Normal Driving . 239
..................................
Inspection .240
..............................
Maintenance .240
.............................
Tire Rotation .241
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 242
......................
Wheels and Tires .243
..........................
Winter Driving .243
.............................
Snow Tires .243
...................
Traction Devices . 244
.............................................
Lights .245
.....................
Headlight Aiming .247
........................
Replacing Bulbs .250
...........................
Storing Your Car .254
311
Maint enance
Maintenance
195
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Maint enance200
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first. miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months 10
16
50
8070
112 110
176
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Visually inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots, Suspension components
Driveshaft boots, Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust system, Fuel lines and connections
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace air conditioning filter
Replace transmission fluid
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace timing belt, and inspect water pump
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km) or 84 months
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Service the following items at the recommended intervals
20
3230
4840
64 80
128 90
144 100
160 120
192
60
96
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 72 months, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 60 months
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 36 months, then every 40,000 miles (64,000 km) or 24 months Every 36 months (independent of mileage)24
4872
12 3660
:
1:
2: MT
AT
CVT
199
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
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Maint enance201
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners A
B
C
D
E
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page241).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace air conditioning filter.
Replace air cleaner element every 30,000 mi/48,000
km (independent of time).
Replace brake fluid every 3 years (independent of
mileage).
10,000 mil/16,000 km/1 yr
20,000 mil/32,000 km/1 yr
30,000 mil/48,000 km/2 yrs
40,000 mil/64,000 km/2 yrs
50,000 mil/80,000 km/3 yrs
60,000 mil/96,000 km/3 yrs
70,000 mil/112,000 km/4 yrs
80,000 mil/128,000 km/4 yrs
90,000 mil/144,000 km/5 yrs
100,000 mil/160,000 km/5 yrs
Every 110,000 mil/176,000 km,
otherwise adjust only if noisy
110,000 mil/176,000 km
110,000 mil/176,000 km/6 yrs
110,000 mil/176,000 km/7 yrs
120,000 mil/192,000 km/6 yrs
At 120,000 mil/192,000 km or
120 months,
thereafter every 60,000 mil/
96,000 km or 60 months Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
DoitemsinA,C,D.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, E.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D,
Replace transmission fluid (CVT) .
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
DoitemsinA,C,D.
Do items in A, B. Replace transmission fluid (CVT) .
Inspect valve clearance.
Replace spark plugs.
Do items in A, E. Replace timing belt, inspect water pump.
Inspect idle speed.
Replace transmission fluid (MT/AT ).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace engine coolant.
198
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 72 months, then every
90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 60 months
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 36 months, then every
40,000 miles (64,000 km) or 24 months
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: 1:
2:
: 199
2
2
1
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)
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Maint enance202
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months Replace every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km) or 84 months
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) in dusty conditions,
otherwise use normal schedule
Service the following items at the recommended intervals
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Lubricate all door hinges, locks and latches, include the hood
Visually inspect the following items:Tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots, Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check engine oil and coolant
Visually inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust system, Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, Vehicle underbody
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace air conditioning filter
Replace transmission fluid
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid 20
32
10
16 30
4840
6450
80 70
112 80
128 90
144 100
160110
176120
192
60
96
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . Refer to page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
Refer to page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 36 months, then every 40,000 miles (64,000 km) or 24 months Every 36 months (independent of mileage)24
4872
12 3660
MT
AT
CVT
1:
2:
3: : 235
237
199
1
2 3
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
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CONT INUED
Maint enance203
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners A
B
C
D
E
F
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Replace engine oil.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page241).
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches include the
hood.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace air conditioning filter .
Replace brake fluid every 3 years independent of
milage.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
DoitemsinA,C,F.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
DoitemsinA,B,D,E.
DoitemsinA,C,F.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace transmission fluid (CVT).
Replace transmission fluid (MT, AT).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D,E,F.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, C.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do items in A. Replace transmission fluid (AT).
DoitemsinA,B,C,E,F.
5,000 mil/8,000 km/6 mos
10,000 mil/16,000 km
15,000 mil/24,000 km
20,000 mil/32,000 km/1 yr
25,000 mil/40,000 km/1½ yrs
30,000 mil/48,000 km
35,000 mil/56,000 km
40,000 mil/64,000 km
2yrs
45,000 mil/72,000 km/2½ yrs
50,000 mil/80,000 km
55,000 mil/88,000 km
At 60,000 mil/96,000 km
or 36 months,
thereafter every 40,000 mil/
64,000 km or 24 months
60,000 mil/96,000 km/3 yrs
65,000 mil/104,000 km/3½ yrs
70,000 mil/112,000 km
75,000 mil/120,000 km
80,000 mil/128,000 km/4 yrs
85,000 mil/136,000 km/4½ yrs
90,000 mil/144,000 km 198
1
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)
If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an API service SG, SH or SJ
grade motor oil with a viscosity of
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 as a
temporary replacement. An SG
grade is pref erred, 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 stif f er
shif ting. Replace as soon as it is
convenient.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.Check the f luid level in the reser-
voirs monthly. There are up to two
reservoirs, depending on the model.
They are:
The brake f luid should be replaced
accordingtothetimeanddistance
recommendations in the mainte-
nance schedule.
Brake f luid reservoir (all models)
Clutch f luid reservoir
(manual transmission only)
Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the car sitting on
level ground. Remove the
transmission f iller bolt and caref ully
f eel inside the bolt hole with your
f inger. The f luid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Honda Manual Transmis-
sion Fluid (MTF) until it starts to
run out of the hole. Reinstall the
f iller bolt and tighten it securely. 5-speed Manual Transmission
T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance222
F FI ILLL LEE R
R B
BOOL LTT
C
Co or
rrreec ctt L
Leevveell
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.The f luid should be between the
MIN and MAX marks on the side of
the reservoir. If it is not, add brake
f luid to bring it up to that level. Use
the same f luid specif ied f or the
brake system.
Low f luid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.
Always use Honda DOT 3 brake
f luid. If it is not available, you should
useonlyDOT3orDOT4fluid,from
a sealed container, as a temporary
replacement. However, the use of
any non-Honda brake fluid can cause
corrosion and decrease the lif e of the
system. Have the brake system
f lushed and ref illed with Honda
DOT 3 brake f luid as soon as
possible.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car’s braking
system and can cause extensive
damage.
Brake System
Clutch System
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Maint enance223
M MA
AX
X
M
M I
INN M
M
I
INN
M
M
A
AX
X
Î
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Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the
longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the car. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible. (See
on page .)
If you must drive the car a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with the car’s
brake system. In most cases, the
problem is a low f luid level in the
brake f luid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it f eels
normal. If it does, check the brake
f luid level the next time you stop at a
service station (see page ). If the
fluid level is low, take the car to your
dealer and have the brake system
inspected f or leaks or worn brake
pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. Because of the
brake system’s dual-circuit design, a
problem in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels. You will f eel the brake pedal
go down much f arther bef ore the car
begins to slow down, and you will
have to press harder on the pedal.
The distance needed to stop will be
much longer.
The Brake System Indicator
normallycomesonwhenyouturn
the ignition switch ON (II). It is a
reminder to check the parking brake.
It comes on and stays lit if you do not
f ully release the parking brake.
223
289Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed282
U U. .SS. .i
inn d
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icca at too r
r s
shh o
ow
wn n
B
BR
RAA K
KEE S
SYYSSTTE
EM
M I
INND DI
ICCA A T
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OR R