2001 HONDA INSIGHT check engine

If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
Wait until you see no more signs
of steam or spray, then open thehood.
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page). If the level is below the
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and MAX marks. If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may also have to
add coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. This
releases any remaining pressure in
the cooling system. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap and turn it until it comes
off.
Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (see
on page ). Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair. (See
on page .)
4. 5.
6. 7. 8. 9.
12.
11.
10.
239
125 239
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If Your Engine Overheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed 227
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.

This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
af ter the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing, it
indicates that the oil pressure
dropped very low f or a moment, then
recovered. If the indicator stays on
with the engine running, it shows
that the engine has lost oil pressure
and serious engine damage is
possible. In either case, you should
take immediate action.Saf ely pull of f the road and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Letthecarsitforaminute.Open
the hood and check the oil level
(see page ). Although oil level
and oil pressure are not directly
connected, an engine that is very
low on oil can lose pressure during
cornering and other driving
maneuvers. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the light
does not go out within ten seconds,
turn of f the engine. There is a
mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired bef ore you can
continue driving. (See
on page .)
The engine running generates the
oil pressure.
When the auto idle stop is
activated, the engine is stopped.
But the low oil pressure indicator
does not light.
1. 2. 3. 4.
124 167 239
Emergency
Towing
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
228
LLOOWWOOIILLPPRREESSSSUURREEIINNDDIICCAATTOORR
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the car stopped.

This indicator comes on f or a f ew
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch ON (II). If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates one of the
engine’s emissions control systems
may have a problem. Even though
you may f eel no dif f erence in your
car’s perf ormance, it can reduce
your f uel economy and cause your
car to put out excessive emissions.
Continued operation may cause
serious damage.Youshouldalsohavethedealer
inspect your car if this indicator
comes on repeatedly, even though it
may turn of f as you continue driving.
If you have recently ref ueled your
car, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or
missing f uel f ill cap. Check the cap
and tighten it until it clicks several
times. Replace the fuel fill cap if it is
missing. Tightening the cap will not
make the indicator turn of f
immediately; it takes one driving trip.
If the indicator remains on past one
driving trip, or the f uel cap was not
loose or missing, have the car
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible. Drive moderately until the
dealer has inspected the problem.
Avoid full-throttle acceleration and
driving at high speed.
CONT INUED
Malf unction Indicator L amp
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
230
MMAALLFFUUNNCCTTIIOONNIINNDDIICCAATTOORRLLAAMMPP
If you keep driving with the
malf unction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your car’s emissions controls
and engine. Those repairs may not be
covered by your car’s warranties.

Your car has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics f or the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
If your car’s battery has been
disconnected or gone dead, these
codes are erased. It takes several
days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.If possible, do not take your car f or a
state emissions test until the
readiness codes are set. To check if
they are set, turn the ignition ON (II),
but do not start the engine. The
Malf unction Indicator Lamp will
come on f or 20 seconds. If it then
goes of f , the readiness codes are set.
If it blinks 5 times, the readiness
codes are not set. Ref er to the
warranty manual f or more
inf ormation.
Malf unction Indicator L amp
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Readiness Codes
231

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( % ) $
%."#)
This manual complements the Service Manual by
providing in-depth troubleshooting inf ormation f or each
electrical circuit in your vehicle.
This manual describes the procedures involved in the
replacement of damaged body parts.
This manual covers maintenance and recommended
procedures f or repair to engine and chassis components.
It is written f or the Journeyman mechanic, but is simple
enough f or most mechanically-inclined owners to under-
stand.
Authorized Manuals
Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
260 NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name,
and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should
be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the address shown
below for a quotation.
P.O. BOX 07280·DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207·1-800-782-4356
Customer Name
Attention
Apartment Number
State & Zip Code
City
Daytime Telephone Number
Check or money order enclosed payable to Helm Inc U.S. funds only.
Do not send cash
Master
Card VISA Check here if your billing address is different
from the shipping address shown above.
Account Number Expiration: Mo. Yr.
CUSTOMER SIGNATURE DATE
Street Address No P.O. Box Number
()
These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14
days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 128
................................
Accessories . 128
...
Additional Safety Precaution . 129
............................
Modif ications . 129
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) . 70
...............
Accessory Power Socket . 80
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 168
...............................
Airbag (SRS) . 9, 47
................
Air Conditioning System . 90
..............................
Maintenance . 190
............................................
Usage . 90
.........................
Air Outlets (Vents) . 90
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires . 192
.........................
Normal Driving . 192
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline . 248
......................................
Antif reeze . 171
Anti-thef t Steering Column
..............................................
Lock . 69
..........................
Appearance Care . 207
..................................
Audio System . 98
........................
Auto Idle Stop . 137, 145
..............
Automatic Transmission . 140
..........................
Capacity, Fluid . 244 ...............
Checking Fluid Level . 178
.......................................
Shif ting . 140
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 140
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 140
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 144
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator . 56, 229
............................
Jump Starting . 225
..............................
Maintenance . 185
............................
Specif ications . 245
..............................
Bef ore Driving . 119
..........................................
Belts, Seat . 8
.............................
Beverage Holder . 80
.................................
Body Repairs . 213
Brakes
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 120
...........................................
Fluid . 181
....................
Bulb Replacement . 203
.........................................
Parking . 79
.................
System Indicator . 46, 231
........................
Wear Indicators . 148
.............................
Braking System . 149 ........................
Break-in, New Car . 120
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 62
........................
Brights, Headlights . 61
Bulb Replacement
..........................
Back-up Lights . 203
...............................
Brake Light . 203
................
Front Parking Lights . 201
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 201
.................................
Headlights . 200
.............................
Interior Light . 205
.................
License Plate Lights . 204
............................
Specif ications . 245
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 201
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen . 200
............................
Capacities Chart . 244
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 40
.............................
Carrying Cargo . 130
Cassette Player
............................................
Care . 118
...................................
Operation . 104
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
Index
A
B
C
I

Î
...................................
CD Changer . 114
.......................................
CD Player . 108
........................
Certif ication Label . 242
............................................
Chains . 197
....................
Charge/Assist Gauge . 57
Changing Oil
........................................
How to . 169
......................................
When to . 158
....................
Changing a Flat Tire . 195
............
Changing Engine Coolant . 173
............
Charging System Indicator . 56
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 119
.....................................
Child Saf ety . 19
Child Seats
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 33
....................
Cleaner Element, Air . 183
Cleaning
......................................
Exterior . 208
.......................................
Interior . 211
...................................
Seat Belts . 211
...........................................
Vinyl . 211
....................................
Windows . 212
.........................
Clock, Setting the . 103
...................................
Clutch Fluid . 181
........................
CO in the Exhaust . 250
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 135 ..............................
Compact Spare . 216
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 256
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 60
Coolant
........................................
Adding . 171
....................................
Checking . 124
.........................
Proper Solution . 175
...................................
Replacing . 177
...................
Temperature Gauge . 58
....................
Corrosion Protection . 212
Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................
System . 250
.....................
Current Fuel Mileage . 55
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 256
..............................
Economy, Fuel . 126
............
Emergencies on the Road . 215
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 224
...........
Brake System Indicator . 232
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 217
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard . 2, 44
................
Daytime Running Lights . 62
............
Defects, Reporting Safety . 260
..........................
Def og and Def rost . 84
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 65
................
Defrosting the Windows . 84
....................................
Dimensions . 244
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 61 Dipstick
..................................
Engine Oil . 124
..........................
Directional Signals . 63
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 148
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 170
..................
Display Change Button . 50
Doors
..............
Locking and Unlocking . 71
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 246
Downshif ting, 5-speed Manual
.............................
Transmission . 136
.....................................
Drive Belts . 191
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving . 133
....................................
Economy . 126
.........................
In Bad Weather . 151
................
In Foreign Countries . 249
..................
DustandPollenFilter .191
Index
D
E
II

CONT INUED
.....
Charging System Indicator . 229
..................
Checking the Fuses . 233
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 228
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 230
..................
Overheated Engine . 227
...........................
Emergency Brake . 79
......................
Emergency Flashers . 65
......................
Emergency Towing . 239
.......................
Emissions Controls . 250 Engine
............................................
Belts . 191
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 58
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp . 48, 230
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 167
...............................
Overheating . 227
............................
Specif ications . 244
.......................................
Starting . 135
..........
Engine Speed Limiter . 139, 143
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline . 248
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 250
...............................
Exhaust Fumes . 40
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by . 17
..................
Exterior, Cleaning the . 208 ............................
Fabric, Cleaning . 211
.....................................
Fan, Interior . 84
Features, Comfort and
................................
Convenience . 83
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 121
Filter
.........................
Dust and Pollen . 191
...............................................
Oil . 167
5-speed Manual Transmission ...............
Checking Fluid Level . 180
................................
Shif ting the . 136
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 65
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 217
Fluids
Automatic Transmission .....................................
(CVT) . 178
..........................................
Brake . 181
.........................................
Clutch . 181
..............
Manual Transmission . 180
..................
Windshield Washer . 177
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception . 112
.....
Foreign Countries, Driving in . 249
..........................
Four-way Flashers . 65 .................................................
Fuel . 126
......................
Fill Door and Cap . 121
...........................................
Gauge . 58
................
Octane Requirement . 120
...............................
Oxygenated . 248
........................
Reserve Indicator . 58
........................
Tank, Filling the . 121
.....................
Fuses, Checking the . 233
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 126
..........................................
Gasohol . 248
.........................................
Gasoline . 120
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 48
...........................................
Gauge . 50
................
Octane Requirement . 120
........................
Tank, Filling the . 121
................
Gas Station Procedures . 121
Index
F
G
III