This light has two f unctions:This light normally comes on f or a
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II), and when
the ignition switch is turned to
START (III). If this light comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
theABS.If thishappens,takethe
cartoyourdealertohaveitchecked.
With the light on, your car still has
normal braking ability but no anti-
lock. For complete inf ormation, see
page .
If this light comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For complete
inf ormation, see page .
The engine can be severely damaged
if this light f lashes or stays on when
the engine is running. For complete
inf ormation, see page .
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch ON (II). It
is a reminder to check the parking
brake. Driving with the parking
brake not f ully released can
damage the brakes and tires.
If the indicator remains lit after
you have f ully released the
parking brake while the engine is
running, or if it comes on while
driving, it can indicate a problem
in the brake system. For complete
inf ormation, see page .
1.
2.
279
278 282192
Only on models equipped with ABS (see
page ) 190
Parking Brake
and Brake
System
Indicator Anti-lock Brake
System (A BS)
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Indicator L ights
Inst rument s and Cont rols62
U.S. Canada
U.S. Canada
In addition, any modif ications that
decrease ground clearance increase
the chance of undercarriage parts
striking a curb, speed bump, or other
raised object, which could cause
your airbags to deploy.
Do not modif y your steering wheel
or any other part of your
Supplemental Restraint System.
Modif ications could make the
system inef f ective.
Do not remove any original
equipment or modif y your car in any
way that would alter its design or
operation. This could make your car
unsaf e and illegal to drive.
For example, do not make any
modif ications that would change the
ride height of your car, or install
wheels and tires with a dif f erent
overall diameter.
Such modif ications can adversely
af f ect handling, and interf ere with
the operation of the car’s anti-lock
brakes and other systems.
Do not attach or place objects on
the airbag covers. Any object
attached to or placed on the covers
marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG,’’ in the
center of the steering wheel and
on top of the dashboard, could
interf ere with the proper operation
of the airbags. Or, if the airbags
inf late, the objects could be
propelled inside the car and hurt
someone. If a side airbag
inflates,acupholderorotherhard
object attached on or near the
door could be propelled inside the
car and hurt someone.
Covering the outside edge of a
f ront seat-back, with a non-Honda
seat cover for example, could
prevent the airbag from inflating
properly.Only on models equipped with side
airbagsModif ications
Additional Saf ety Precaution
A ccessories and Modif ications
Bef ore Driving
Do not at t ach hard object s on ornear a f ront door.
Do not place any object s over t heoutsideedgeof afront seat-back.
170
Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood and trunk are
f ully closed.Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked. Check that any items you may be
carrying with you inside are stored
properly or f astened down
securely.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure. Check the adjustment of the seat
(see page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
steering wheel (see page ).Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
Start the engine (see page ).
Check the gauges and indicator
lights in the instrument panel (see
page ). Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments every day bef ore
you drive your car.
1.
2.
3. 4.
9.
10.
8. 7. 6. 5. 11.
12.
90
75 16
59
99 177
Preparing to Drive
Driving176
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.this defeats the
purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS
work f or you by always keeping f irm,
steady pressure on the brake pedal
as you steer away from the hazard.
This is sometimes ref erred to as
You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal, it is the ABS rapidly
pumping the brakes.
The U.S. EX model has an Anti-lock
Brake System (ABS) as standard
equipment.
ABS helps to prevent the wheels
f rom locking up and skidding during
hard braking, allowing you to retain
steering control.
When the f ront tires skid, you lose
steering control; the car continues
straightaheadeventhoughyouturn
the steering wheel. The ABS helps to
prevent lock-up and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly; much f aster than a
person can do it.
‘‘stomp and steer.’’
Brake System Design
A nti-lock BrakesYou should never pump the
brake pedal,
The Braking System
Driving190
F Fr roo n
nt
t
on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock. Slow down and allow a greater
distance between vehicles under
those conditions.
it
only helps with steering control
during braking. You should always
maintain a saf e f ollowing distance
f rom other vehicles.
such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe,
prudent speed f or the road and
weather conditions.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your car to veer into
oncoming traffic or off the road.
Activation varies with the amount of
traction your tires have. On dry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforeyou
activate the ABS. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
CONT INUED
A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the car,
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.Import ant Saf et y Reminders
The Braking System
Driving191
µCheck your tires
f requently f or wear and proper
pressure. Both are important in
preventing ‘‘hydroplaning’’ (loss of
traction on a wet surface). In the
winter, mount snow tires on all f our
wheels f or the best handling.
Watch road conditions caref ully,
they can change f rom moment to
moment. Wet leaves can be as slip-
pery as ice. ‘‘Clear’’ roads can have
patches of ice. Driving conditions
can be very hazardous when the
outside temperature is near f reezing.
The road surf ace can become
covered with areas of water puddles
mixed with areas of ice, so your
traction can change without warning.
Be caref ul when downshif ting. If
traction is low, you can lock up the
drive wheels f or a moment and cause
askid. Be very cautious when passing, or
beingpassedbyothervehicles.The
spray f rom large vehicles reduces
your visibility, and the wind buf f eting
can cause you to lose control.Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer. Attempting to do so can void
your warranties. Towing a Trailer
Traction
Driving in Bad Weather, Towing a Trailer
Driving194
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
µ
Ì
Î
Î
ÌÌ
Î
Î
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