Page 60 of 294
57Instruments and Controls
Indicators and Gauges
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGEANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM INDICATOR
A/T OIL TEMP
INDICATOR LIGHT
(A/T only)
CHECK TRANS
INDICATOR LIGHT
(A/T only) SRS INDICATOR LIGHT
CHECK ENGINE
INDICATOR LIGHT
TACHOMETER
TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR LIGHT
4-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD)
INDICATOR LIGHT
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR LIGHT
SPEEDOMETER
ODOMETER TRIP ODOMETER
RESET KNOB
CHARGING SYSTEM
INDICATOR LIGHT BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR LIGHT TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR LIGHT
FUEL GAUGE
SEAT BELT
REMINDER
LIGHT
CRUISE SET
INDICATOR LIGHT
WINTER DRIVE
INDICATOR LIGHT
POWER DRIVE
INDICATOR LIGHT
TRIP ODOMETER
LOW FUEL
INDICATOR LIGHT
REDUCED POWER
INDICATOR LIGHT
Page 66 of 294
LOW FUEL
INDICATOR
MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS
LOW OIL
PRESSURE
INDICATOR
REDUCED
POWER
INDICATOR
63Instruments and Controls
overheating of the engine could
result. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
The indicator light should turn on
when the key is turned to the
“
ON” position, but should go out
after the engine is started. (The
light will stay on a short time after
the engine starts.)
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, it indicates a
problem in the engine emissions
control system. Have your Honda
dealer inspect the system and
correct the problem.
If this indicator starts flashing as
you drive, engine misfiring has
been detected. Misfiring can
damage the catalytic converter
Page 68 of 294
65Instruments and Controls
Low Oil
Pressure Indicator
This light is designed to come on
to provide a “bulb check” when
the key is turned to the “
ON”
position, but should go out after
the engine is started. If the light
fails to come on with the key
turned to the “
ON” position, it
could indicate a burned out bulb
or a blown fuse. Have the system
repaired if the light does not come
on when checking. Occasionally, this light may
flicker momentarily while the
engine is idling, but this will not
harm the system. However, if the
light remains on during normal
engine operation, the engine
should be stopped until the cause
of the trouble can be located and
corrected. The source of the
trouble could be either of the
following:
•Low engine oil level
•Loss of engine oil pressure
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious
mechanical damage almost
immediately. Turn off the engine
as soon as you can safely get the
vehicle stopped.
Page 73 of 294

70Instruments and Controls
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Temperature Indicator
The “A/T OIL TEMP” indicator
light warns that the automatic
transmission fluid temperature is
high.
The indicator light should turn on
when the ignition switch is turned
to the “
ON” position, but should
go out after a few seconds. If this light comes on while you are
driving, slow down and pull off the
road. Stop the vehicle at a safe
place and put the shift lever in
“
P”
position. With the engine idling,
wait until the light goes off. If the
light goes off, you can drive the
vehicle again. If the light does not
go off, have the automatic
transmission lubricating system
checked as soon as possible by
your Honda dealer.
Driving with the “
A/T OIL TEMP”
light constantly on will cause
serious mechanical damage to the
automatic transmission.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
The lever on the right side of the
steering column controls the
windshield wipers. Move the lever
down to select the various
windshield wiper speeds.
In INT, the wipers operate every
few seconds. In
LO and HIGH, the
wipers run continuously.
In
INT, you can vary how often the
Switches
Page 198 of 294

195Care and Maintenance
This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle
well maintained and to follow
basic maintenance safety
precautions.
This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules for
normal driving and severe driving
conditions, a Maintenance
Record, and instructions for
simple maintenance tasks you
may want to take care of yourself.
If you have the skills and tools
required
to perform more complex
maintenance tasks on your Honda,
you may want to purchase the
Service Manual. See page 253 for
information on how to obtain a
copy, or see your Honda dealer. Service Station Information
197
.
Fuel Fill Cap 197
. . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Recommendation 198
. . .
Fuel Tank Capacity 198
. . . . .
Engine Oil
Recommendation 198
. . . . . .
Windshield Washer 198
. . . . .
Tire Inflation Pressures 198
. .
Battery 198
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood Release 199
. . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Dipstick 200
. . . . .
Fuel Requirements 200
. . . . . . . .
Oxygenated Fuels 200
. . . . . .
Maintenance Safety 201
. . . . . . .
Important Safety
Precautions 202
. . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Schedule 203
. . . . .
Required Maintenance Record 206
Owner Safety Checks 208
. . . . . .
Engine Oil and Filter 211
. . . . . .
Proper Quality Oil 211
. . . . . . Change Interval
211
. . . . . . . .
Oil Change 212
. . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Filter Installation 212
.
Oil Viscosity 213
. . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 213
. . . . . . .
Engine Oil Additives 214
. . .
Air Cleaner Filter 214
. . . . . . . .
Manual Transmission Fluid 215
Automatic Transmission
Fluid 216
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front (4
WD) and
Rear Axles 216
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 217
. . .
Other Required Maintenance 219
Brake Master Cylinder 219
. .
Shift-on-the-Fly System 220
.
Front Wheel Bearings 220
. . .
Hood Latch and Hinges 221
.
Air Conditioning 221
. . . . . . .
Body Lubrication 221
. . . . . .
Care and Maintenance
Page 201 of 294

198Care and Maintenance
Fuel Recommendation
Use only unleaded gasoline. For
additional information see “Fuel
Requirements” in this section.
Fuel Tank Capacity
19.5 U.S. gallons (75 liters)
Engine Oil Recommendation
Use only SJ quality oil.
The chart shown under “Engine
Oil and Filter” in this section will
serve as a guide for choosing the
proper viscosity oil.
Windshield Washer
Check the reservoir fluid level
regularly. Use a commercially
available windshield washer fluid.
The windshield washer reservoir
is located on the front right side of
the engine compartment.
Tire Inflation Pressures
Check at least monthly, including
the spare. Keep inflated to the
pressure shown on the tire placard
on the driver’s doorjamb.
LABEL
Battery
Your new vehicle has a low
maintenance battery.
CHARGE TEST INDICATOR
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL CHARGING
NECESSARY
OK
BLUE COLORLESS
You will never have to add water.
The hydrometer (test indicator) in
the top of the battery provides
information for testing purposes
only.
WARNING : Battery posts,
terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.
Page 203 of 294

200 Care and Maintenance
To Close
1.
Lift the hood slightly to remove
tension from the support rod.
2. Place the support rod in its
retaining clip and lower the
hood.
Always make sure the hood is
securely latched before you begin
driving.
Engine Oil Dipstick
Check the oil level when the
engine is off and the oil is warm,
such as during a fuel stop. See
page 213. Your Honda operates most
effectively on unleaded gasoline
with a pump octane number of 86
or higher. Use of a lower octane
gasoline can cause a persistent,
heavy metallic rapping noise in
the engine that can lead to
mechanical damage.
We recommend gasolines containing
detergent additives that help prevent
fuel system and engine deposits.
Using gasoline containing lead will
damage your vehicle
’s emission
controls. This contributes to air
pollution and can void certain parts
of your warranty.
Oxygenated Fuels
Some conventional gasolines are
being blended with alcohol or an
ether compound. These gasolines
are collectively referred to as
oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air
Fuel Requirements
Page 205 of 294

202Care and Maintenance
This section includes instructions
for simple maintenance tasks,
such as checking and adding oil.
Any service items not detailed in
this section should be performed
by a Honda technician or other
qualified mechanic.
Some of the most important safety
precautions are given below.
However, we cannot warn you of
every conceivable hazard that can
arise in performing maintenance.
Only you can decide whether or
not you should perform a given
task.
Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner
’s
manual.
Important Safety Precautions
Before you begin any
maintenance, make sure your
vehicle is parked on level ground
and that the parking brake is on.
Also, be sure the engine is off.
This will help to eliminate several
potential hazards:
•Carbon monoxide poisoning
from engine exhaust.
Be sure
there is adequate ventilation
whenever you operate the engine.
•Burns from hot parts. Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
before touching any parts.
•Injury from moving parts. Do
not run the engine unless
instructed to do so.
Read the instructions before you
begin, and make sure you have
the tools and skills required.
To reduce the possibility of fire or
explosion, be careful when
working around gasoline or
batteries. Use a commercially
available degreaser or parts
cleaner, not gasoline, to clean
parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and
flames away from the battery and
all fuel-related parts.
You should wear eye protection
and protective clothing when
working near the battery or when
using compressed air.