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222Care and Maintenance
Front (4WD Only) and Rear
Propeller Shaft
Lubricate the sliding yoke with
EP chassis grease. Lubricate
universal joints with grease
containing MoS
2 (molybdenum
disulfide-type grease) at the
intervals shown in the
Maintenance Schedule. Also
check the propeller shaft
flange-to-pinion bolts for proper
torque of 64 N⋅ m (46.3 lb-ft).
Most lubrication recommendations
and procedures for four-wheel drive-
equipped vehicles are the same
for the corresponding components
in conventional drive vehicles.
Exhaust System
Check the complete exhaust
system and nearby body areas for
damaged, missing, or
mispositioned parts, open seams, holes, loose connections, or other
deterioration that could allow
exhaust fumes to seep into the
passenger compartment or cause
heat build-up in the floor pan. Any
necessary corrections should be
made immediately. For continued
safety, exhaust system pipes and
resonators rearward of the muffler
must be replaced whenever a new
muffler is installed.
Fuel Line and Fuel Tank/Cap
Inspect the fuel tank, cap and lines
for damage that could cause
leakage. Inspect the fuel cap and
gasket for correct sealing ability
and indications of physical
damage. Replace any damaged or
malfunctioning parts.
Drive Belt
Check the belt driving the
alternator, power steering pump,
and air conditioning compressor.
Look for cracks, fraying, and
wear. Replace as necessary.
Timing Belt
The timing belt should normally
be replaced at the intervals shown
in the Maintenance Schedule.
Valve Clearance
Incorrect valve clearance will
result in increased engine noise
and lower engine output, thereby
adversely affecting engine
performance.
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223Care and Maintenance
Spark Plugs
Replace the spark plugs with the
type specified in the “Technical
Data” section.
Clutch
Check the clutch play at the pedal.
Lubricate the clutch pedal bushing
and clevis pin, at the intervals
shown in the Maintenance
Schedule, with water-resistant
chassis lubricant. If you hear a
squeaking noise coming from the
area of the bushing or clevis pin at
the clutch pedal arm when the
clutch pedal is depressed,
lubricate it with water-resistant
EP
chassis grease.
Check the fluid level in the clutch
reservoir at the interval shown in
the Maintenance Schedule. If the
fluid is low in the reservoir, it should be filled to the maximum
level line with
DOT-3 or DOT-4
fluid.
Fluid or Lubricant Levels
Check the fluid or lubricant level
in the brake master cylinder,
clutch master cylinder, power
steering reservoir, rear axle,
engine and transmission,
windshield washer reservoir and
engine coolant at specified
intervals.
Power Steering
Check the fluid level in the power
steering fluid reservoir as
recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule. The fluid level should
be between the “
MIN” and
“
MAX” marks on the reservoir.
Use only automatic transmission
fluid labeled
DEXRON III.
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224Care and Maintenance
Wheel Alignment
Proper wheel alignment improves
tire mileage. Your vehicle’s
suspension parts should be
inspected often and aligned when
needed (see the “Technical Data”
section). Improper alignment will
cause the front tires to roll at an
angle that will result in faster tire
wear.
Proper tire balancing provides the
best riding comfort and helps
reduce tire tread wear.
Out-of-balance tires can cause
annoying vibration and uneven
tire wear such as cupping and flat
spots.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your
vehicle ’s finish is to keep it clean by
frequent washings. Wash the vehicle
with lukewarm or cold water.
Do not use hot water or wash in
direct sunlight. Do not use strong
soap or chemical detergents. All
cleaning agents should be promptly
flushed from the surface and not
allowed to dry on the finish.
Polishing and Waxing
Your Vehicle
Polishing is recommended to
remove accumulated residue and
eliminate any “weathered”
appearance.
Your Honda dealer offers several
polishes and cleaners that have
proven to maintain the original
finish appearance and durability.
Protection of Exterior
Bright Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned
regularly to keep their luster.
Washing with water is all that is
usually needed. However, chrome
polish may be used on chrome or
stainless steel trim, if necessary. A
coating of wax, rubbed to a high
polish, is recommended for all bright
metal parts.
Care of Aluminum Wheels
Aluminum wheels have a
clear-coat finish similar to paint.
Use a chamois skin, sponge or
other soft material when washing
the wheels.
Foreign Material Deposits
Calcium chloride and other salts,
ice melting agents, road oil and
tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
Exterior
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225Care and Maintenance
chemicals from industrial
chimneys, and other foreign
matter may damage your vehicle
’s
finish if allowed to remain on
painted surfaces.
Prompt washing may not
completely remove all of these
deposits. Additional cleaners may
be needed. When using chemical
cleaners developed for this
purpose, be certain they are safe
for use on painted surfaces.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep
scratches in the finish should be
repaired promptly. Exposed metal
will corrode quickly and may
develop into a major repair
expense. Minor chips and scratches
can be repaired using touch-up
materials available from your
Honda dealer.
Corrosion Protection
Your vehicle has been designed
and built to resist corrosion.
Special materials and protective
finishes were applied to most
parts of your vehicle when it was
built to help maintain its good
looks, strength and reliable
operation. However, some parts
that are normally not visible (such
as certain parts under the vehicle
and under the hood) are strong
enough so that surface rust will
not affect their reliability. So
corrosion protection is not needed
or used on these parts. By
omitting unneeded rust protection
on such parts and applying extra
protection where it is needed
most, the best value is assured for
the vehicle buyer.
Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to the parts repaired or
replaced so that corrosion
protection is restored. (Also see
“Finish Damage.”)
Underbody Maintenance
Corrosive materials used for ice
and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the
underbody. If these materials are
not removed, accelerated
corrosion (rust) can occur on
underbody parts such as fuel lines,
frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system even though they have
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226Care and Maintenance
been coated with corrosion
protectants.
At least every spring, flush these
materials from the underbody
with plain water. Take care to
thoroughly clean any areas where
mud and other debris can collect.
Sediment packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened
before being flushed.
With the use of modern trim
materials it is very important that
proper cleaning techniques and
cleaners be used. Failure to do
this on the first cleaning may
result in water spots, spot rings or
setting of stains, all of which
make it more difficult to remove
on a second cleaning.
The portion of the following
cleaning instructions that are in
ALL CAPITAL LETTERS are
especially important and
MUST
be followed.
Dust and loose dirt that
accumulate on interior fabrics
should be removed often with a
vacuum cleaner or soft brush.
Vinyl or leather trim should be
wiped regularly with a clean
damp cloth. Normal trim soil,
spots or stains can be cleaned with
conventional cleaners.
Remember These Basic Steps
Before Cleaning
1. Remove stains as quickly as possible before they become
“set.”
2. Use a clean cloth or sponge and change to a clean area
often. (
A SOFT brush may be
used if stains persist.)
3. Use solvent-type cleaners only in a well ventilated area; also,
do not saturate the stained
area.
4. If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire area
IMMEDIATELY.
5. Follow specific instructions onthe cleaning products’ labels.
Interior
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227Care and Maintenance
Cleaning Fabric
Cleaning General Soilage or
Water Spots From Fabric Trim
Multipurpose powdered cleaner is
excellent for this type of cleaning
and for cleaning panel sections
where small cleaning rings may
be left from spot cleaning.
•Vacuum the area thoroughly to
remove loose dirt.
•ALWAYS clean a full trim
assembly or complete trim
section. Mask surrounding trim
along stitch or welt-lines.
•Mix the multipurpose
powdered cleaner in strict
accordance with the directions
on the label of its container.
Mix in proportion for smaller
quantities.
•USE SUDS ONLY ON A
CLEAN SPONGE OR SOFT
BRISTLE BRUSH. DO NOT
SATURATE FABRIC OR RUB
HARSHLY WITH THE
BRUSH
.
•
IMMEDIATELY AFTER
CLEANING, WIPE OFF
EXCESS CLEANER WITH A
SLIGHTLY DAMP ABSORBENT
TOWEL OR CLOTH
.
•
IMMEDIATELY AFTER
WIPING, FORCE-DRY THE
FABRIC WITH AN AIR HOSE,
HEAT DRYER, OR HEAT
LAMP
. Use caution if you are
using a heat dryer or heat lamp
so you do not damage the
fabric.
•When trim materials that have a
sheen or lustrous finish are dry,
wipe them with a soft, clean
cloth to restore the sheen. Spot Cleaning Fabric
With Solvent Cleaner
Before trying to remove a spot or
stain from fabric, determine as
accurately as you can what kind of
spot or stain it is and how long it
has been there. Some spots or
stains can be removed with water
or mild soap solution (see
“Removal of Specific Stains
”).
Spots or stains should always be
removed as soon as possible.
Some types of stains or soilage,
such as lipstick, inks and grease,
are very difficult (sometimes
impossible) to completely remove.
When cleaning this type of stain or
soilage be sure not to enlarge the
soiled area. Fabric cleaner (solvent
type) is excellent for spot-cleaning
grease, oil or fat stains.
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228Care and Maintenance
•Gently scrape the stain off trim
material with a clean,
DULL
knife or scraper. USE VERY
LITTLE CLEANER
, light
pressure, and a clean cloth
(preferably cheesecloth).
Cleaning should be from the
outside of the stain,
“
FEATHERING” towards the
center. Keep changing to a clean
section of the cloth.
•When the stain is cleaned from
the fabric, immediately dry the
area with an air hose, heat dryer
or heat lamp to help prevent a
cleaning ring. (Use caution with
a heat dryer or lamp to prevent
damage to fabric.)
•If a ring forms, immediately
repeat the cleaning operation
over a slightly larger area with
emphasis on “
FEATHERING”
towards its center. If a ring still remains, mask off surrounding
trim sections and clean the entire
affected area with a
multipurpose powered cleaner
(as described under
“Cleaning
General Soilage or Water Spots
From Fabric Trim ”).
Removal of Specific Stains
Grease or Oil Stains
These include grease, oil, butter,
margarine, shoe polish, coffee
with cream, chewing gum,
cosmetic creams, vegetable oils,
wax crayon, tar and asphalts.
•Carefully scrape off excess
stain; then use fabric cleaner
(solvent type) as previously
described.
•Shoe polish, wax crayons, tar
and asphalt will stain if allowed
to remain on trim; they should
be removed as soon as possible.
Use caution as cleaner will
dissolve them and may cause
them to “bleed. ”
Non-Greasy Stains
These include catsup, coffee
(black), egg, fruit juice, milk, soft
drinks, wine, vomit and blood.
•Carefully scrape off excess
stain; then sponge stain with
cool water.
•If a stain remains, use a
multipurpose powdered cleaner
(foam type) as previously
described.
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229Care and Maintenance
•If an odor persists after
cleaning vomit or urine, treat
area with a water-baking soda
solution: 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters)
baking soda to 1 cup (250
milliliters) of warm water.
•Finally, if needed, clean lightly
with a fabric cleaner (solvent
type).
Combination Stains
These include candy, ice cream,
mayonnaise, chili sauce and
unknown stains.
•Carefully scrape off excess
stain; then clean with cool
water and allow to dry.
•If stain remains, clean with a
fabric cleaner (solvent type).
Cleaning Vinyl or Leather Trim
Ordinary soilage can be removed
from vinyl or leather with warm
water and a mild soap such as
saddle soap, oil soap or
equivalent.
•Apply a small amount of soap
solution and allow it to soak for
a few minutes to loosen dirt;
then rub briskly with a clean,
damp cloth to remove dirt and
traces of soap. (This may be
repeated several times, if
necessary.)
•Some compounds such as tar,
asphalt, shoe polish etc. will
stain if allowed to remain on
trim. They should be wiped off
as quickly as possible and the
area cleaned with a clean cloth
dampened with vinyl cleaner
(solvent type).
Seat Belt Care
•Clean seat belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
•Do not bleach or dye belts
since this may severely weaken
them.