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 .192
.
Important Safety Precautions . 193
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 194....................
Maintenance Record .201
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 203
..............................
Fluid Locations .204
......................................
Engine Oil .205
..................................
Adding Oil .205
....................
Recommended Oil .205
..............................
Synthetic Oil .205
....................................
Additives .205
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 207
.............................
Cooling System .209
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 209
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 211
....................
Windshield Washers .215
.......................
Transmission Fluid .216
Automatic .........................
Transmission .216
5-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .217
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 218
............................
Brake System .218
...........................
Clutch System .219
..............................
Power Steering .220
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .221
....................................
Hood Latch .222
....................................
Spark Plugs .223
..............................
Replacement .223 ............................
Specif ications .225
...........................................
Battery .226
.................................
Wiper Blades .228
..............
Air Conditioning System . 230
.................
Air Conditioning Filter . 231
.....................................
Drive Belts .233
....................................
Timing Belt .233
...............................................
Tires .234
......................................
Inf lation .234
Recommended Tire Pressures ...........
f or Normal Driving . 235
Tire Pressure Adjustment f or ..........
High Speed Driving . 235
..................................
Inspection .236
..............................
Maintenance .236
.............................
Tire Rotation .237
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 238
......................
Wheels and Tires .239
..........................
Winter Driving .239
.............................
Snow Tires .239
...................
Traction Devices . 240
.............................................
Lights .241
.....................
Headlight Aiming .243
........................
Replacing Bulbs .243
...........................
Storing Your Car .251
309
Maintenance
Maint enance191
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission and wipe it
with a clean cloth. Park the car on level ground. Shut
of f the engine. If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the f iller hole
to bring it to the upper mark.
Always use genuine 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 af f ect shif t
quality. Have the transmission
f lushed and ref illed with Honda
ATF-Z1 as soon as it is convenient.
To thoroughly f lush the transmission,
the technician should drain and ref ill
it with genuine Honda ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid),
then drive the vehicle a short
distance. Do this three times. Then
drain and ref ill the transmission a
final time.
3.
4. 5.
1.
2. Automatic Transmission
T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance216
D D I
IPP S
ST TI
ICCK K U
UP
PP
PE
ER
R
M
M A
AR
RKK
L
LO OW WE ER
R
M
M A
AR
RKK
ÎÎÎ
Î Î
Î
Î
Î
Î
Î
Î
Î
Î
Î
Î
Î
Specif ications
T echnical Inf ormation292
Dimensions
Weights
Engine Capacities
174.6 in (4,435 mm)
67.3 in (1,710 mm)
56.9 in (1,445 mm)
103.1 in (2,620 mm)
57.9 in (1,470 mm)
57.9 in (1,470 mm)
2.95 x 3.72 in (75.0 x 94.4 mm) 11.9 US gal (45
, 9.9 Imp gal)
1.00 US gal (3.8
, 0.84 Imp gal)
101.7 cu-in (1.668 cm
)
9.5
9.9
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
Gross vehicle weight rating See the certification label attached
to the driver’s doorjamb.
Type
BorexStroke
Displacement
Compression ratio
Spark plugs Water cooled 4-stroke
SOHC , SOHC VTEC
4-cylinder gasoline engine Fuel tank
Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Automatic
transmission
fluid1.03 US gal (3.9
, 0.86 Imp gal)
1.32 US gal (5.0
, 1.10 Imp gal)
1.29 US gal (4.9, 1.08 Imp gal)
3.4 US qt (3.2
, 2.8 Imp qt)
3.7 US qt (3.5, 3.1 Imp qt)
3.2 US qt (3.0, 2.6 Imp qt)
3.5 US qt (3.3, 2.9 Imp qt)
4.4 US qt (4.2, 3.7 Imp qt)
1.6 US qt (1.5, 1.3 Imp qt)
1.7 US qt (1.6, 1.4 Imp qt)
2.9 US qt (2.7, 2.4 Imp qt)
6.2 US qt (5.9, 5.2 Imp qt)
2.6 US qt (2.5
, 2.2 Imp qt)
4.8 US qt (4.5, 4.0 Imp qt)
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity: 0.21 US gal (0.8
, 0.18 Imp gal)
See spark plug maintenance
section page 225 .
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.
Front
Rear
Approx.
1:
2:
3:
4:
1 : DX, LX
2:EX
DX, LX
EXChange
Manual
Automatic
Total Manual
Automatic
Change
Without filter
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
U.S. Cars
Canada Cars
12
1
2 1
2
3
4
3
4
Manual trans-
mission fluidIncluding filter
Windshield
washer reservoir
CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 167
................................
Accessories .167
...
Additional Safety Precaution . 168
............................
Modif ications .168
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .83
.............
Accessory Power Socket . 102
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 206
.............................
Airbag (SRS) .10, 48
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .221
..............
Air Conditioning System . 106
......................
Maintenance .230, 231
.........................................
Usage .106
.......................
Air Outlets (Vents) .108
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .234
..................
High Speed Driving . 235
.........................
Normal Driving .235
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .296
......................................
Antif reeze .209
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ....................
Indicator Light .62, 187
...................................
Operation .185
Anti-thef t Steering Column ..............................................
Lock .82 ..........................
Appearance Care .253
................
Audio System . 114,126,138
...............
Automatic Speed Control . 76
..............
Automatic Transmission . 178
..........................
Capacity,Fluid .292
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 216
.......................................
Shif ting .179
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 178
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 179
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 182
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .62, 276
............................
Jump Starting .270
..............................
Maintenance .226
............................
Specif ications .293
..............................
Bef ore Driving .159
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,44
...........................
Beverage Holder .101
.................................
Body Repairs .260
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 185
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 160............
Bulb Replacement . 246,247
...........................................
Fluid .218
.........................................
Parking .99
.................
System Indicator . 62,279
........................
Wear Indicators .184
.............................
Braking System .184
........................
Break-in, New Car .160
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 71
........................
Brights, Headlights .70
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .247
..............................
Brake Lights .246
..............................
Ceiling Light .250
................
Front Parking Lights . 244
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 244
.................................
Headlights .243
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 247
.................
License Plate Lights . 248
.........
Rear Side Marker Lights . 246
............................
Specif ications .293
...................................
Spotlights .250
...............................
Trunk Light .249
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 244
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .243
Index
A
B
I
Î
............................
Capacities Chart .292
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 54
.............................
Carrying Cargo .169
Cassette Player ............................................
Care .156
...................
Operation . 120,132,153
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
..................
CD Changer . 123,135,149
......................
CD Player .123, 135,147
..................................
Ceiling Light .103
........................
Certif ication Label .290
............................................
Chains .240
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .263
............
Changing Engine Coolant . 211
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .207
......................................
When to .194
...
Charging System Indicator . 62,276
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 174
.....................................
Child Saf ety .21
Child Seats .......................
Lower Anchorage .42
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 41
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 88....................
Cleaner Element, Air . 221
Cleaning ......................................
Exterior .254
.......................................
Interior .256
...................................
Seat Belts .257
...........................................
Vinyl .257
....................................
Windows .258
.........
Clock, Setting the . 119,131,143
...................................
Clutch Fluid .219
........................
CO in the Exhaust .298
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 175
..............................
Compact Spare .262
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 304
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 57
Coolant ........................................
Adding .209
....................................
Checking .165
.........................
Proper Solution .209
...................................
Replacing .211
...................
Temperature Gauge . 68
....................
Corrosion Protection .259
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .298
..............
Cruise Control Operation . 76
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 304................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .2, 58
................
Daytime Running Lights . 71
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 308
........................
Def og and Def rost .111
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 74
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 111
....................................
Dimensions .292
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 71
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 216
..................................
Engine Oil .164
..........................
Directional Signals .72
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 184
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .208
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 83
......................
Power Door Locks .84
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 294
Downshif ting, 5-speed Manual .............................
Transmission .176
.....................................
Drive Belts .233
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
Index
C D
II
CONT INUED
...........................................
Driving .173
....................................
Economy .166
.........................
In Bad Weather .188
................
In Foreign Countries . 297
............................
Fabric, Cleaning .257
...................................
Fan, Interior .106
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience .105
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 161
Filters ................................
Air Cleaner .221
.......................
Air Conditioning .231
...............................................
Oil .207 5-speed Manual Transmission
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 217
................................
Shif ting the .176
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 74
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 263
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 216
..........................................
Brake .218
.........................................
Clutch .219
..............
Manual Transmission . 217
..........................
Power Steering .220
..................
Windshield Washer . 215
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .145
...........................
Folding Rear Seat .93
.....
Foreign Countries, Driving in . 297
..........................
Four-way Flashers .74
.................................................
Fuel .160
......................
Fill Door and Cap .161
...........................................
Gauge .67
................
Octane Requirement . 160
...............................
Oxygenated .296
........................
Reserve Indicator .63
........................
Tank, Filling the .161
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .282
..............................
Economy, Fuel .166
............
Emergencies on the Road . 286
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 270
...........
Brake System Indicator . 279
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 263
.....
Charging System Indicator . 276
..................
Checking the Fuses . 282
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 275
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 277
...
Manually Closing Moonroof . 279
..................
Overheated Engine . 272
...........................
Emergency Brake .99
......................
Emergency Flashers .74
......................
Emergency Towing .286
.......................
Emissions Controls .298
.............
Emissions Testing, State . 301
Engine ....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 68
.................................
Drive Belts .233 Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .63, 277
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 62,275
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 205
...............................
Overheating .272
............................
Specif ications .292
.......................................
Starting .175
......
Engine Speed Limiter . 177,181
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .296
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 298
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .54
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .19
..................
Exterior, Cleaning the . 254
Index
E
F
III
Î
.....................
Underside, Cleaning .259
Unexpected, Taking Care ..........................................
of the .261
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 294
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .160
.....................
Upholstery Cleaning .256
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 208
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load . 170......................
Vehicle Dimensions .292
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 290
.............................
Vehicle Storage .251
.....................................
Ventilation .108
.................................................
VIN .290
...............................
Vinyl Cleaning .257
..................................
Viscosity, Oil .206
..........
Time, Setting the . 119,131,143
....................................
Timing Belt .233
....................................
Tire Chains .240
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 263
...............................................
Tires .234
..............................
Air Pressure .234
.........................
Checking Wear .236
..........................
Compact Spare .262
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 294
......................................
Inf lation .234
..................................
Inspection .236
..............................
Maintenance .236
...................................
Replacing .238
......................................
Rotating .237
...........................................
Snow .239
............................
Specif ications .293
.......................
Traction Devices .240
..................
Technical Inf ormation . 289
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 263
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .189
................
Emergency Wrecker . 286
...........................
Traction Devices .240
Transmission Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .216 Checking Fluid Level,
...................................
Manual .217
..................
Fluid Selection . 216,217
..............
Identif ication Number . 291
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 179
..................
Shif ting the Manual . 176
.....................................
Treadwear .236
.......................................
Trip Meter .67
................................................
Trunk .88
........................................
Opening .88
...................
Open Monitor Light . 63
....................................
Turn Signals .72 .............
WARNING, Explanation of . ii
.........
Warning Labels, Location of . 55
..................
Warranty Coverages .307
Washer, Windshield ........
Checking the Fluid Level . 215
.......................................
Indicator .63
.....................................
Operation .73
.........................................
Washing .254
..................
Waxing and Polishing . 255
Wheels ...............
Adjusting the Steering . 75
............
Alignment and Balance . 236
..........................
Compact Spare .262
......................................
Wrench .263
Windows .....................................
Cleaning .258
Index
U
V W
VIII
Service Inf ormat ion Summary
Gasoline:
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Recommended Engine Oil:Tire Pressure (measured cold): Brake Fluid:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Fluid: Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Power Steering Fluid:
Unleaded gasoline, pump octane
number of
86or higher.
11.9 US gal (45
,9 .9 Imp gal)
30psi ( 210kPa , 2.1kgf/cm
)
Genuine Honda DOT
3Brake Fluid
preferred, or a DOT 3or DOT 4
brake fluid as a temporary
replacement (see page ).
Front/Rear:
Spare Tire: 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2kgf/cm
)
API Premium grade
5W-20
detergent oil (see page ).
Oil change capacity (including
filter):
3.4US qt ( 3.2
,2 .8 Imp qt)
3.7 US qt ( 3.5
,3 .1 Imp qt) Genuine Honda ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid)
preferred, or a DEXRON
III ATF
as a temporary replacement (see
page ).
Genuine Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid preferred, or
an API service SG, SH or SJ, SAE
10W-30 or10W-40 motor oil as a
temporary replacement (see page ).
1.6 US qt ( 1.5
,1 .3 Imp qt)
Capacity (including differential):
Genuine Honda Power Steering
Fluid preferred, or another brand
of power steering fluid as a
temporary replacement. Do not
use ATF (see page ).
DX, LX
EX
205
218
216
220
217