Page 168 of 269
Always change the oil and f ilter
accordingtothetimeanddistance
(miles/kilometers) recommenda-
tions in the maintenance schedule.
The oil and f ilter collect contami-
nants that can damage your engine if
they are not removed regularly.
Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the car. The car should
be raised on a service station-type
hydraulic lif t f or this service. Unless
you have the knowledge and proper
equipment, you should have this
maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.Open the hood and remove the
engine oil f ill cap. Remove the
black cover under the engine.
Remove the oil drain bolt and
washer from the bottom of the
engine. Drain the oil into an
appropriate container.
Do not loosen the smaller bolt
located above the drain bolt.
1.
2.
CONT INUED
Changing the Oil and Filter
Engine Oil
Maint enance169
WWAASSHHEERROOIILLDDRRAAIINNBBOOLLTT
Page 172 of 269
CONT INUED
Turn the ignition ON (II). Turn
the temperature control dial to
maximum heat. Turn of f the
ignition and remove the key. Open
the hood. Make sure the engine
and radiator are cool to the touch.Removethealloycoverunderthe
radiator.
Remove the radiator cap.
Thecoolingsystemshouldbe
completely drained and ref illed with
new coolant according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. Only use
Honda All Season Antif reeze/
Coolant Type 2.
Draining the coolant requires access
to the underside of the car. Unless
you have the tools and knowledge,
you should have this maintenance
done by a skilled mechanic. 1.
2.3.
Replacing Engine Coolant
Cooling Syst em
Maint enance
173
Page 178 of 269
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 Honda ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). If
it is not available, you may use a
DEXRON
III automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect shift quality. Have
the transmission f lushed and
ref illed with Honda ATF-Z1 as
soon as it is convenient. Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
To thoroughly f lush the transmission,
the technician should drain and ref ill
it with 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 f inal time.
5.
6.
T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance179
Page 179 of 269

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 with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the car sitting on
the level ground.
Remove the black cover under the
engine. 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
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it
starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the f iller bolt and tighten it securely.
Maint enance
T ransmission Fluid
5-speed Manual Transmission 180
Page 182 of 269
The air cleaner element should be
replaced according to the time and
distance recommendations in the
maintenance schedule.Remove the old air cleaner
element.
Unsnap the four clips and remove
the air cleaner housing cover.
To replace it:
The air cleaner element is inside the
air cleaner housing in the engine
compartment.
Caref ully clean the inside of the
air cleaner housing with a damp
rag.
Reinstall the air cleaner housing
cover, snap the four clips back into
place.
Place the new air cleaner element
in the air cleaner housing.
1. 3.
2. 4. 5.
Replacement
A ir Cleaner Element
Maint enance
183
CCLLIIPPSS
AAIIRRCCLLEEAANNEERREELLEEMMEENNTT
Page 183 of 269
Clean the hood latch assembly with a
mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a
multipurpose grease. Lubricate all
the moving parts, including the pivot.
Follow the time and distance
recommendations in the
Maintenance Schedule. If you are
not sure how to clean and grease the
latch, contact your Honda dealer.Maint enance
Hood L at ch
184
PPIIVVOOTTSS
Page 190 of 269

µµ µµ
The belts should have the f ollowing
‘‘play’’ or def lection.
With Air Conditioning System
Without Air Conditioning System
If you see signs of wear or looseness,
have your dealer adjust or replace
the belts.
Check the tension of each belt by
pushingonitwithyourthumb
midway between the pulleys.
Check the condition of the drive belt.
Examine the edges of each belt for
cracks or fraying.
The dust and pollen f ilter removes
pollen and dust f rom the outside air
the heating and cooling system
brings into the interior. It should be
replaced according to the time and
distance recommendations in the
maintenance schedule.
This f ilter 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 concentrations
of soot in the air f rom industry and
diesel-powered vehicles. Replace it
more of ten if air f low f rom the
climate control system becomes less
than usual. Have the dust and pollen
f ilter replaced by your Honda dealer.
Maint enance
Drive Belt
Dust and Pollen Filter
Dust and Pollen Filter, Drive Belt
191
CCOOMMPPRREESSSSOORRBBEELLTT 0.30 0.41 in (7.5 10.5 mm)
0.33 0.43 in (8.5 11.0 mm)
Page 205 of 269

Block the rear wheels.
Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter
(see page ).
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry.
If you need to park your car f or an
extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your car back on the road. If
possible, store your car indoors.
If the car is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the car is being stored indoors).Coverthecarwitha‘‘breathable’’
cover, one made f rom a porous
material such as cotton.
Nonporous materials, such as
plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront and rear wiper
blade arms with a f olded towel or
ragsotheydonottouchthe
windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and hatch seals. Also, apply a body
wax to the painted surf aces that
mate with the door and hatch seals. Drive your car every month f or
about 30 minutes. This will keep
the IMA battery charged and in
good condition.
If you store your car f or 12 months
or longer, have your Honda dealer
perf orm the inspections called f or in
the 24 months/30,000 miles (48,000
km) maintenance schedule (Normal
Conditions) as soon as you take it
out of storage (see page ). The
replacements called f or in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the car has actually
reached that time or mileage.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse (5-
speed manual) or Park (CVT). 169
158
Maint enance
St oring Your Car
206