60 Instruments and Controls
• The needle may move during
turning, stopping and
acceleration.
Gauge
ReadingRe maining Amount
Approx. Gallons (Liters)
F19.5 (75.0)
1/210.8 (41.0)
E3.6 (13.5)
Fuel Door
This is a reminder that the fuel fill
door is on the left side of the
vehicle. Always park with that
side closest to the service station
pumps.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge
When the key is in the “ON”
position, the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicates the
temperature of the engine coolant.
The letters “
C” and “H” on the
gauge represent “Cold” and
“Hot,” respectively.
NORMAL RANGE OVERHEATING
The gray area indicates the
normal engine coolant
temperature.
If the pointer reaches the
“
H”
mark, pull safely to the side of the
road. Turn to page 217 for
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine ’s cooling
system.
Driving with the temperature
gauge pointer at “
H” can cause
serious damage to the engine.
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
183In Case of Emergency
This section covers the most
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you information on how to
safely evaluate those problems,
with tips to help get you going
again. Lastly, it tells you how to
have your vehicle towed.
Jump Starting184
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Tire186 . . . . . . . . . .
Lifting Points187 . . . . . . . . . .
Tool Locations188 . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Overheating190 . . . . . . .
Towing 191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Precautions191 . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing Tips192 . . . . . . . . . . .
All Four Wheels
on the Ground192 . . . . . .
Front Wheels
off the Ground192 . . . . . .
Rear Wheels
off the Ground193 . . . . . .
Inoperative Electrical
Devices193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Case of Emergency
190In Case of Emergency
Reverse this procedure to store
the spare tire. Connect the spare
tire to the bracket with the outside
of the wheel facing up. Make sure
the tire does not catch on any part
of the underbody of the vehicle as
you are raising it, and that the
spare tire is stored securely before
driving.
If the engine overheats:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge pointer will move up to
the
“
H” or higher.
•Engine “ping” will become
excessive.
•Loss of engine power will be
noticed.
•Either steam or boiling water
will squirt out of the radiator.
If you find that the engine is
overheating:
•Stop the vehicle, and turn on
the hazard warning lights.
•If you see or hear steam or
coolant coming from the
engine compartment, turn off
the engine immediately.
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
•
If you do not see or hear steam
or spray, turn off the
A/C (if
on) and run the engine at a
speed slightly higher than idle
speed (about 1,500 rpm) for
several minutes. Watch the
coolant temperature gauge. If it
remains at the “
H” mark, turn
off the engine.
•Open the hood only after all
signs of steam or hot coolant
spray have stopped. Look for
signs of an obvious leak, such
as a split radiator hose. If you
Engine Overheating
209Care and Maintenance
Sit in the driver
’s seat and
perform these checks:
1. With the engine stopped,
depress the brake pedal several
times; the travel distance and
effective pedal stroke should
remain unchanged.
2. Start the engine with the brake pedal fully depressed.
The brake pedal should go down
a little as the engine starts.
3. Depress the brake pedal, stop the engine and hold the pedal
depressed for about 30
seconds; the brake pedal
should remain in position
without rising or going down.
4. Restart the engine and run it for about a minute, then turn it
off and depress the brake
pedal firmly several times; the
brake pedal travel should decrease each time the brake
pedal is depressed.
If the brakes do not operate
normally, have them checked and
corrected by your Honda dealer.
Exhaust system — Be alert to any
changes in the sound of the exhaust
system or any smell of fumes.
These are signs the system may be
leaking or overheating. Have the
system checked and/or repaired at
once if these conditions exist. (Also
see “Carbon Monoxide Hazard” in
the “Driver and Passenger Safety ”
section and “ Three-Way Catalytic
Converter ” in the “Driving Tips ”
section.)
Windshield wipers and
washers —
Check the operation
and condition of the wiper blades.
Check the flow and aim of the
washer spray.
Defrosters — Check performance
by moving the controls to the
defrost setting and noting the
amount of air directed against the
windshield.
Rear view mirrors and sun
visors —
Check that the friction
joints hold the mirrors and sun
visors firmly in place.
Horn — Blow the horn now and
then to be sure it works.
Lap and shoulder belts — Check
the belt system, including
webbing, buckles, latch plates,
retractors, guide loops and
anchors for proper operation and
damage.
Seat adjusters — When adjusting
a seat, be sure the seat adjusters
latch securely by pushing the seat
forward and backward.
217Care and Maintenance
Recommended Lubricant
Ambient
TemperatureLubricant Viscosity to Be Used
Rear
AxleFront Axle
Below 50F(10 C)
SAE 80
or SAE80W-90
SAE
75W-90
synthetic
0 F to 90hF(–18 C to
32 C)
SAE 90
or SAE
80W-90
SAE
75W-90
synthetic
Above 50 F(10C)
consistentlySAE
140SAE
80W-90
or SAE
80W
-140
The engine cooling system is
designed to maintain the engine at
the proper operating temperatures.
The cooling system was filled at
the factory with a quality engine
coolant. The engine cooling system
is designed to use coolant (a
mixture of water and ethylene
glycol antifreeze) rather than plain
water. The engine coolant solution
should be used year-round. It has
many advantages such as:
•provides freezing protection as
low as –33F (–36C)
• provides boiling protection up
to 262F (128C)
•protects against rust and
corrosion in the cooling system
• maintains the proper engine
temperature for efficient
operation and emission control
•allows proper operation of the
engine coolant temperature gauge See the Maintenance Schedule in
this section to find out when the
engine coolant must be replaced.
Checking the Coolant Level
Check the engine coolant level at
the interval shown in the
Maintenance Schedule unless there
is evidence of leaking or
overheating. The engine coolant
level should be between the
maximum and the minimum level
marks on the radiator reserve tank.
Engine Cooling System
258
Emergency Flashers76. . . . . . . .
Emergency, In Case of
183. . . . . .
Charging System Indicator
62
Check Engine Light63. . . . . .
Checking the Fuses
193. . . . . .
Engine Overheating
190. . . . . .
Jump Starting
184. . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
63
Oil Pressure Indicator65. . . .
Emissions Controls
248. . . . . . . .
Engine Belts
222. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-in
158. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Light
63. . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gauge
60
Identification Number232. . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
63
Oil Capacity
235. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommendation
198. . . . . . Oil Pressure Indicator
65. . . .
Specifications
235. . . . . . . . . .
Starting
157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethanol in Gasoline
201. . . . . . . .
Evaporative Emissions Controls
249. . . . . . .
Exhaust Fumes
47. . . . . . . . . . . .
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by
16. . . . . .
Exterior, Cleaning the
224. . . . . .
F
Fabric, Cleaning. See Interior Cleaning
Fan Control Lever
121. . . . . . . . .
Features, Comfort and Convenience
119. .
Filling the Fuel Tank
197. . . . . . . Filters
Air
214. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil
212. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5-Speed Manual Transmission Checking Fluid Level
215. . . .
Shifting
83. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning
76. . .
Flat Tire, Changing a
186. . . . . . .
Fluids Automatic Transmission
216. .
Capacity
237. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake
219. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch
223. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5-Speed Manual Transmission
215. . . . . . . . . .
Capacity
237. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Steering
223. . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Washer
71. . . . . .
FM Stereo Radio Reception
136. . . . . . . . .
Folding the Rear Seat
94. . . . . . .
261
Low Coolant Level217. . . . . . . .
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
65. .
Lower Gear, Downshifting to a
84
Lubricant Specifications Charts
235. . . . . .
Luggage, Loading
175, 233. . . . .
Luggage Light
110. . . . . . . . . . . .
M
Maintenance195. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Checks. See Owner Safety Checks
Record
206, 207. . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety
201. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Schedule
203, 204, 20. . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
63.
Map Light
112. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Meters, Gauges
58. . . . . . . . . . . Methanol in Gasoline
201. . . . . . .
Mirror Adjusting the
105. . . . . . . . . . .
Defogger
74. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vanity
106. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Moonroof
112. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N
Neutral Gear Position77. . . . . . .
New Vehicle Break-In
158. . . . . .
Normal Shift Speeds
84. . . . . . .
NOTICE, Explanation of
i. . . . . .
Numbers, Identifications
232. . . .
O
Octane Requirement, Gasoline
200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip
58. . . . . . . . . . . . Off-Road Driving. See the
Off-Road Driving Information
booklet in your owner’s packet.
Oil ChangeHow to
212. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to
204, 205, 211. . . . .
Checking Engine
213. . . . . . . .
Front and Rear Axle
216. . . . .
Pressure Indicator
65. . . . . . .
Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart
213. . . . . . . .
ON (Ignition Key Position)
101. .
Opening the Hood
109. . . . . . . . .
Opening the Tailgate
108. . . . . . .
Opening the Windows
107. . . . . .
Operation in Foreign Countries
173. . . . . . . .
Ordering Service Parts
232. . . . . .
Overheating, Engine
190. . . . . . .