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.
