2001 HONDA INSIGHT air condition

A cold engine uses more f uel than a
warm engine. It is not necessary to
‘‘warm-up’’ a cold engine by letting it
idle f or a long time. You can drive
away in about a minute, no matter
how cold it is outside. The engine
will warm up f aster, and you get
better f uel economy. To cut down on
the number of ‘‘cold starts,’’ try to
combine several short trips into one.
The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
usemorefuel.Turnoff theA/Cto
cutdownonairconditioninguse.
Use the f low-through ventilation
when the outside air temperature is
moderate.If air conditioning is needed, you can
save some f uel by using the A/C in
‘‘Econ’’ mode. When the outside
temperature is above 41°F (5°C),
this mode allows the Auto Idle Stop
f unction to shut of f the engine when
the vehicle is stopped, resulting in
fuel savings.
You may notice that using the A/C
causes a greater drop in f uel
economy than you are used to in
other vehicles. Although the amount
of extra f uel used by the A/C load on
the engine is no greater than other
vehicles, it is more noticeable
because of your Insight’s excellent
f uel mileage. Using the A/C in hot
weather may result in f uel economy
that is lower than expected.
Fuel Economy
Bef ore Driving
127

µ
µ Being able to see
clearly in all directions and being
visible to other drivers are important
in all weather conditions. This is
more difficult in bad weather. To be
seen more clearly during daylight
hours, turn on your headlights.
Inspect your windshield wipers and
washers f requently. Keep the wind-
shield washer reservoir f ull of the
proper f luid. Have the windshield
wiper blades replaced if they start to
streak the windshield or leave parts
unwiped. Use the def rosters and air
conditioning to keep the windows
f rom f ogging up on the inside (see
page ).
Exercise extra caution when driving
in rain af ter a long dry spell. Af ter
months of dry weather, the f irst
rains bring oil to the surf ace of the
roadway, making it slippery.
Rain, f og, and snow conditions re-
quire a dif f erent driving technique
because of reduced traction and
visibility. Keep your car well-
maintained and exercise greater
caution when you need to drive in
bad weather. Always drive
slower than you would in dry
weather. It takes your car longer to
react, even in conditions that may
seem just barely damp. Apply
smooth, even pressure to all the
controls. Abrupt steering wheel
movements or sudden, hard appli-
cation of the brakes can cause loss of
control in wet weather. Be extra
cautious f or the f irst f ew miles
(kilometers) of driving while you
adjust to the change in driving
conditions. This is especially true in
snow. A person can f orget some
snow-driving techniques during the
summer months. Practice is needed
to relearn those skills. 88
CONT INUED
Visibility
Driving T echnique
Driving in Bad Weather
Driving 151

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 . 154
.
Important Safety Precautions . 155
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 156
....................
Maintenance Record . 163
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 165
..............................
Fluid Locations . 166
......................................
Engine Oil . 167
..................................
Adding Oil . 167
....................
Recommended Oil . 167
..............................
Synthetic Oil . 168
....................................
Additives . 168
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 169
.............................
Cooling System . 171
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 171
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 173
....................
Windshield Washers . 177
.......................
Transmission Fluid . 178
Automatic Transmission .....................................
(CVT) . 178
5-speed Manual
.........................
Transmission . 180
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 181
............................
Brake System . 181
...........................
Clutch System . 182
.....................
Air Cleaner Element . 183
....................................
Hood Latch . 184 ...........................................
Battery . 185
.................................
Wiper Blades . 187
..............
Air Conditioning System . 190
..................
DustandPollenFilter .191
.....................................
Drive Belts . 191
...............................................
Tires . 192
......................................
Inf lation . 192
Recommended TirePressures f or Normal
...............................
Driving . 193
..................................
Inspection . 194
..............................
Maintenance . 194
.............................
Tire Rotation . 195
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 195
......................
Wheels and Tires . 196
..........................
Winter Driving . 196
.............................
Snow Tires . 197
............................
Tire Chains . 197
.............................................
Lights . 198
........................
Replacing Bulbs . 199
...........................
Storing Your Car . 206
259
Maintenance
Maint enance
153

µ
Ì ÎÌ Ì Î
Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you only
drive under a
‘‘severe’’ condition, you should
f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
OCCASIONALLY
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
Maint enance
158 Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months Every 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 72 months
Every 36 months (independent of mileage)Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections 152412
304824 609648
457236 75
120 60 90
144
72 105168
84 120192
96
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
Adjust only if noisy
MTCVT
U.S. model 157
::
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

ØØ Ø Ø ØØ ØØØØØØØØØ Ø ØØØØØØØ
Î ÌÌ
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Î
Maint enance159
Canadian owners:
A, B, C, D
A B C D
Follow the schedule for Severe Conditions.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval. Follow this
schedule if the severe driving conditions described in the Severe Conditions Schedule on the next page do not apply.
7,500 mi/12,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yrs
22,500 mi/36,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
37,500 mi/60,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
52,500 mi/84,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
67,500 mi/108,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
82,500 mi/132,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
97,500 mi/156,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
112,500 mi/180,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
then every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) or 60 months Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Replace spark plugs. Inspect valve clearance.
Check idle speed.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace transmission fluid (MT) .
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant. Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 185 ).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox 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 cooling system hoses and connections.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Replace air cleaner element.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Replace transmission fluid (CVT).
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace brake fluid every 3 years (independent ofmileage).
Replace every 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 72 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: :
157
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

µ
Ì
Î Î ÌÌ Î
Î
µ
Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your vehicle
under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions:
Driving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in f reezing
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.
Driving with a roof rack, or
driving in mountainous
conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
MAINLY
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
Maint enance
160 Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 monthsCheck oil and coolant at each fuel stop
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 36 months
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months Every 36 months (independent of mileage)
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls
Vehicle underbody Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
152412
75
120
60 105168
84
304824 457236 609648 90
144
72 120192
96
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Refer to page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
Adjust only if noisy
MTCVT
:
1:2: U.S. model
189 157
Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions
21
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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ÌÌ
Î
Ì
CONT INUED
Maint enance
161
Severe Conditions:
A, B, C, D, E
AB C D E
Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or, in freezing temperatures, driving less than 10 miles (16 km) p
er trip.
Driving in extremely hot (over 90°F/32°C) conditions.
Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go driving.
Driving with a roof rack, or driving in mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.
Use this schedule if your vehicle is MAINLY driven in any of the following Severe Conditions, o
r normally driven in Canada; otherwise use the Normal
Schedule. Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
3,750 mi/6,000 km/-
7,500 mi/12,000 km/6 mos
11,250 mi/18,000 km/-
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
18,750 mi/30,000 km/-
22,500 mi/36,000 km/1½ yrs
26,250 mi/42,000 km/-
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
33,750 mi/54,000 km/-
37,500 mi/60,000 km/2½ yrs
41,250 mi/66,000 km/-
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
48,750 mi/78,000 km/-
52,500 mi/84,000 km/3½ yrs
56,250 mi/90,000 km/-
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
63,750 mi/102,000 km/- Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace transmission fluid (MT).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A. Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 195 ).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with
multipurpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace transmission fluid (CVT).
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Replace brake fluid every 3 years (independent ofmileage).
·····
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop. See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
NOTE: :
 157
1
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

Periodically check the engine’s
radiator and air conditioning
condenser f or leaves, insects, and
dirt stuck to the f ront surf ace. These
block the air f low and reduce cooling
ef f iciency. Use a light spray f rom a
hose or a sof t brush to remove them.If the air conditioning does not get as
cold as before, have your dealer
check the system. Recharge the
system with Ref rigerant HFC-134a
(R-134a). (See Specif ications on page
.)
Run the air conditioning at least once
a week during the cold weather
months. Run it f or at least ten
minutes while you are driving at a
steady speed with the engine at
normal operating temperature. This
circulates the lubricating oil con-
tained in the ref rigerant.
Your car’s air conditioning is a sealed
system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should be done
by a qualif ied mechanic. You can do
a couple of things to make sure the
air conditioning works ef f iciently.
245
Maint enance
Air Conditioning System (Optional)
190
AAIIRRCCOONNDDIITTIIOONNIINNGGCCOONNDDEENNSSEERR Whenever you have the air conditioning
system serviced, make sure the service
f acility uses a ref rigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
ref rigerant f or reuse. Releasing
ref rigerant into the atmosphere can
damage the environment.
The condenser and radiator f ins bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure spray
or sof t-bristle brush to clean them.