4-cylinder models6-cylinder models
The gauge stays at the same f uel
level reading af ter you turn of f the
ignition. When you add f uel, the
gauge slowly changes to the new
readingafteryouturntheignition
switch back ON (II).
The needle returns to the bottom
after you turn off the ignition. The
gauge shows the f uel level reading
immediately af ter you turn the
ignition switch back ON (II).
This meter shows the number of
miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada)
driven since you last reset it.
There are two trip meters: Trip A
and Trip B. Switch between these
displays by pressing the Select/
Reset button repeatedly. Each trip
meter works independently, so you
can keep track of two dif f erent
distances.
To reset a trip meter, display it and
then press and hold the Select/Reset
button until the number resets to
‘‘0.0’’. Both trip meters will reset if
the vehicle’s battery goes dead or is
disconnected.
This shows the temperature of the
engine’s coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom white mark to about
the middle of the gauge. In severe
driving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill
driving, the pointer may rise to near
the upper grey zone. If it reaches the
red (Hot) mark, pull saf ely to the
side of the road. Turn to page f or
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine’s cooling
system.
This shows how much f uel you have.
It is most accurate when the car is on
level ground. It may show slightly
more or less than the actual amount
whenyouaredrivingoncurvyor
hilly roads.
325
Gauges
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Trip Meter Temperature Gauge Fuel Gauge
61
CONT INUED
The f low-through ventilation system
draws in outside air, circulates it
through the interior, then exhausts it
through vents near the rear window.Turn the temperature control dial
all the way to the lef t.
Make sure the A/C is of f .
Select and Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
The outside air intakes f or the
heating and cooling system are at
the base of the windshield. Keep
these clear of leaves and other
debris.
This section covers how to set up the
system controls f or ventilation,
heating, cooling, dehumidif ying, and
def rosting.
The engine must be running f or the
heater and air conditioning to
generate hot and cold air. The heater
uses engine coolant to warm the air.
If the engine is cold, it will be several
minutes bef ore you f eel warm air
coming from the system.
It is best to leave the system in Fresh
Air mode under almost all conditions.
Keeping the system in Recirculation
mode, particularly with the A/C of f ,
can cause the windows to fog up.
Switch to Recirculation mode when
you are driving through smoky or
dusty conditions, then switch back to
Fresh Air mode when the condition
clears.
The air conditioning does not rely on
engine temperature.
1. 2. 3.
Heating and Cooling
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
Vent ilat ion
How to Use the System
107
TTEEMMPPEERRAATTUURREECCOONNTTRROOLLDDIIAALLFFAANNCCOONNTTRROOLLDDIIAALL
AAIIRRCCOONNDDIITTIIOONNIINNGGBBUUTTTTOONN
MMOODDEEBBUUTTTTOONNSS
RREECCIIRRCCUULLAATTIIOONNBBUUTTTTOONN
For saf ety, make sure you have a
clear view through all the windows
bef ore driving away.To shut of f the system temporarily,
turn the fan speed and temperature
control dials all the way to the lef t.
You should shut the system
completely of f only f or the f irst f ew
minutes of driving in cold weather,
until the engine coolant warms up
enough to operate the heater. Keep
the fan on at all other times so stale
air does not build up in the interior.
Start the engine.
Select .
When you select , the
system automatically switches to
Fresh Air mode and turns on the
A/C.
Switch the fan and temperature
controls to maximum.
To rapidly remove exterior f rost or
ice f rom the windshield (on very cold
days), f irst select the Recirculation
mode. Once the windshield is clear,
select the Fresh Air mode to avoid
f ogging the windows. These settings direct all the air f low
to the defroster vents at the base of
the windshield and the side window
def roster vents. The air f low will get
warmer and clear the windows faster
as the engine warms up. You can
close the side vents with the dial
underneath each vent. This will send
more warm air to the windshield
defroster vents.
To remove exterior f rost or ice f rom
the windshield and side windows
after the car has been sitting out in
cold weather: 1. 2. 3.
Heating and Cooling
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
To Turn Everything Of f
110
Bef ore you begin driving your Honda,
youshouldknowwhatgasolineto
use, and how to check the levels of
important f luids. You also need to
know how to properly store luggage
or packages. The inf ormation in this
section will help you. If you plan to
add any accessories to your car,
please read the inf ormation in this
section f irst..............................
Break-in Period . 194
.........................................
Gasoline . 194
.........
Service Station Procedures . 194
................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 194
....................
Opening the Hood . 196
...............................
Oil Check . 198
.........
Engine Coolant Check . 200
...............................
Fuel Economy . 201
.....................
Vehicle Condition . 201
...........................
Driving Habits . 201
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 202
.............................
Carrying Cargo . 204
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving193
Refer toon page f or inf ormation
on checking other items in your
Honda.
Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see
on page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant.
Remove the dipstick again and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page .
4.
250 247
255
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving
Owner Maintenance
Checks
A dding
Engine Coolant
A dding Oil
Engine Coolant Check
200
MMAAXX
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RREESSEERRVVEETTAANNKKMMAAXX
MMIINN
RREESSEERRVVEETTAANNKK
LLOOWWEERRMMAARRKK
UUPPPPEERRMMAARRKK
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 . 236
.
Important Safety Precautions . 237
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 238
...
Required Maintenance Record . 245
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 247
..............................
Fluid Locations . 248
......................................
Engine Oil . 250
..................................
Adding Oil . 250
....................
Recommended Oil . 250
..............................
Synthetic Oil . 251
....................................
Additives . 252
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 252
.............................
Cooling System . 255
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 255
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 257
....................
Windshield Washers . 262
.......................
Transmission Fluid . 263
Automatic .........................
Transmission . 263
5-speed Manual .........................
Transmission . 265
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 267
............................
Brake System . 267
...........................
Clutch System . 268
..............................
Power Steering . 268
.....................
Air Cleaner Element . 269 ....................................
Hood Latch . 272
....................................
Spark Plugs . 272
..............................
Replacement . 272
............................
Specif ications . 273
...........................................
Battery . 276
.................................
Wiper Blades . 279
..............
Air Conditioning System . 281
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 282
.....................................
Drive Belts . 282
....................................
Timing Belt . 283
...............................................
Tires . 283
......................................
Inf lation . 284
..................................
Inspection . 286
..............................
Maintenance . 286
.............................
Tire Rotation . 287
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 287
......................
Wheels and Tires . 288
..........................
Winter Driving . 289
.............................
Snow Tires . 289
............................
Tire Chains . 289
.............................................
Lights . 290
........................
Replacing Bulbs . 292
...........................
Storing Your Car . 301
359
Maintenance
Maint enance235
µµµ µ
µ
µ
µ
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the page given.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Windshield washer f luid Check
the level in the reservoir monthly.
If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers f requently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
f or f uel. See page .Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See
page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page . 198
200
262
263 267 283
290
Owner Maintenance Checks
Maint enance247
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system f or leaks.
This coolant should always be a
mixtureof 50percentantifreezeand
50 percent water. Never add straight
antif reeze or plain water.Always use Honda All Season
Antif reeze/Coolant Type 2. This
coolant is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antif reeze and 50 percent water. It
does not require any additional
mixing. If it is not available, you may
use another major-brand non-silicate
coolant as a temporary replacement.
Make sure it is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
However, continued use of any non-
Honda coolant can result incorrosion, causing the cooling
system to malf unction or f ail. Have
the cooling system f lushed and
ref illed with Honda antif reeze/
coolant as soon as possible.
If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
CONT INUED
A dding Engine Coolant
Maint enance
Cooling Syst em
255
66--ccyylliinnddeerrmmooddeellss44--ccyylliinnddeerrmmooddeellssRREESSEERRVVEETTAANNKKRREESSEERRVVEETTAANNKKRemoving 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.