µTo shif t f rom Second to
First, press the release button on the
side of the shift lever. With the lever
in this position, the transmission
locks in First gear. By upshif ting and
downshif ting through 1, 2, D , and
D , you can operate this
transmission much like a manual
transmission without a clutch pedal. If you exceed the maximum speed
f or the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer’s
red zone. If this occurs, you may f eel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
RPM below the red zone.This allows you to move the shif t
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pressing the release
button does not work.
Set the Parking brake.
Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
1.
2.
3
4
Automatic Transmission
Driving
First (1) Engine Speed Limiter Shift Lock Release
214
Put a cloth on the edge of the Shif t
Lock Release slot cover next to
the shift lever.
Use a small flat-tipped screwdriver
or small metal plate (neither are
included in the tool kit) to remove
the cover. Caref ully pry of f the
edge of the cover.
Insert the key in the Shift Lock
Release slot.Push down on the key while you
pressthereleasebuttononthe
shif t lever and move the shif t lever
out of Park to Neutral.
Remove the key from the Shift
Lock Release slot, then reinstall
thecover.Makesurethenotchon
the cover is on the lef t side.
Depress the brake pedal and
restart the engine.If you need to use the Shif t Lock
Release, it means your car is
developing a problem. Have the car
checked by your Honda dealer.
4. 5.
6.
3.
Automatic Transmission
Driving215
µMake sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you. Turn of f the lights.
Make sure the parking brake is f ully
released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or damage
the rear brakes. Lock the doors.
Always use the parking brake when
you park your car. The indicator on
the instrument panel shows that the
parking brake is not f ully released; it
does not indicate that the parking
brakeisfirmlyset.Makesurethe
parking brake is set f irmly or your
car may roll if it is parked on an
incline.
If your car has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake
bef ore you put the transmission in
Park.Thiskeepsthecarfrom
moving and putting pressure on the
parking mechanism in the
transmission making it easier to
move the shift lever out of Park
when you want to drive away. If the car is f acing uphill, turn the
f ront wheels away f rom the curb. If
you have a manual transmission, put
it in f irst gear.
If the car is f acing downhill, turn the
f ront wheels toward the curb. If you
have a manual transmission, put it in
reverse gear.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The three way catalytic
converter gets very hot, and could
cause these materials to catch on
fire. Lockthedoorswiththekeyorthe
remote transmitter. Check the
indicator on the driver’s door to
verify that the security system is
set.
On Special Edition, EX, and EX-V6models
Parking T ips
Driving
Parking
216
The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will af f ect your
vehicle’s handling and perf ormance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.Make turns more slowly and wider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller are than your vehicle, and it
canhitorrunoversomethingthe
vehicle misses. Allow more time and
distance f or braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknif e or turn over.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shif t down to 2nd
gear. Do not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and
remember it will take longer to slow
downandstopwhentowingatrailer.
Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
discussed below.
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
If the automatic transmission shif ts
f requently between 3rd and 4th
gears while going up a hill, shif t to
D.If youmuststopwhenfacinguphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits f or vehicles with trailers.
If you have an automatic
transmission, use the D position
when towing a trailer on level roads.
D is the proper shif t lever position
to use when towing a trailer in hilly
terrain. (See ‘‘ ’’ in the
next column f or additional gear
inf ormation.)
3
4
3
Driving Saf ely With a T railer
T owing Speeds and Gears Making T urns and Braking
Driving on Hills
Driving on Hills
Towing a Trailer
Driving230
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer
swaying. When being passed by a
large vehicle, keep a constant speed
and steer straight ahead. Do not try
to make quick steering or braking
corrections.
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1st or Reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.
bottom
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Backing Up Parking
Towing a Trailer
Driving231
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 .234
.
Important Safety Precautions . 235
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 236
...
Required Maintenance Record . 243 .......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 245
..............................
Fluid Locations .246
......................................
Engine Oil .248
..................................
Adding Oil .248
....................
Recommended Oil .248
..............................
Synthetic Oil .250
....................................
Additives .250
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 250
.............................
Cooling System .253
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 253
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 255
....................
Windshield Washers .260
.......................
Transmission Fluid .261
Automatic .........................
Transmission .261
5-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .263
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 264
............................
Brake System .264
...........................
Clutch System .265
..............................
Power Steering .266
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .267
....................................
Hood Latch .269
Spark Plugs ..............
(4-cylinder Models) . 269
..............................
Replacement .269 ............................
Specif ications .270
Spark Plugs ..............
(6-cylinder Models) . 271
..............................
Replacement .271
............................
Specif ications .273
...........................................
Battery .274
.................................
Wiper Blades .277
..............
Air Conditioning System . 279
.................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 280
.....................................
Drive Belts .280
....................................
Timing Belt .281
...............................................
Tires .282
......................................
Inf lation .282
..................................
Inspection .283
..............................
Maintenance .284
.............................
Tire Rotation .285
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 285
......................
Wheels and Tires .286
..........................
Winter Driving .286
.............................
Snow Tires .287
............................
Tire Chains .287
.............................................
Lights .288
.....................
Headlight Aiming .290
........................
Replacing Bulbs .290
...........................
Storing Your Car .291
361
Maintenance
Maint enance233
µµ
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
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Ø
Ø
Ø
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Ì
Ì
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Maint enance239
A, B, C, D
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A
B
C
D
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Balancer belt applies to 4-cylinder models only.
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE:
·
· :
:
237
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do item in D.
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.
Do item in D.
Do items in A.Replace timing belt, balancer belt , and inspect
water pump. Check idle speed.
Inspect valve clearance.
Replace spark plugs.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant.
Replace manual transmission fluid.
Replace automatic transmission fluid.
7,500 mi/12,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
22,500 mi/36,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
37,500 mi/60,000 km
3 yrs (independent of mileage)
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
6 yrs (independent of mileage)
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/8 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
then replace every 60,000 mi/
96,000 km/5 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
then replace every 90,000 mi/
144,000 km/5 yrs Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
267).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box 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.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Replace brake fluid every 3 years (independent of
mileage).
238Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)
µµ
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
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Ø
Ø
Ø
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Ì
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CONT INUED
Maint enance241
A, B, C, D, E
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A
B
C
D
E
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in
as required for each distance/time.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use. Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page267).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
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.
3,750 mi/6,000 km
7,500 mi/12,000 km
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
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
41,250 mi/66,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
3 yrs (independent of mileage)
48,750 mi/78,000 km
52,500 mi/84,000 km
56,250 mi/90,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
then replace every 30,000 mi/
48,000 km/2 yrs
63,750 mi/102,000 km
67,500 mi/108,000 km
71,250 mi/114,000 km Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Clean air cleaner element.
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. Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do item in E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and
inspect water pump.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace MT fluid.
Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter .
Replace brake fluid every 3 years (independent of
mileage).
240
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving
conditions. Balancer belt applies to 4-cylinder models only. See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. ·
· NOTE:
1:
2:
3: : 237
281
280
11 ,2
3
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)