2003 HONDA INSIGHT cooling

If the indicator begins to blink or
stays on, you will also see a ‘‘WATER
TEMP HOT’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display. This warning
will alert you that the engine should
be cooled down.
This indicator shows the
temperature of the engine coolant. It
normallycomesonwhenyouturn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position and goes of f af ter a f ew
seconds. In normal driving
conditions, this indicator should not
blink or stay on. In severe driving
conditions, such as very hot weather
or a long period of uphill driving, this
indicator may blink. This means the
engine coolant temperature is high.
If the indicator begins to blink while
you are driving, be sure to slow down
to prevent overheating. If the
indicator stays on, pull safely to the
side of the road and turn of f the
engine. See page f or instructions
and precautions on checking the
engine’s cooling system.
Do not drive the vehicle while the
indicator is on or the engine may be
damaged.This indicator shows the
temperature of the engine coolant. If
there is no problem, this indicator
comes on when the engine is cold. If
itcomesonwhentheengineiswarm
(normal operating temperature),
have the vehicle inspected by your
dealer as soon as possible.
360
Instrument Panel Indicators
High T emperature
Indicator Low Temperature
Indicator
Inst rument s and Cont rols
67

Û
Ý
When you set the temperature to its
lower limit ( ) or its upper limit
( ), the system runs at f ull
cooling or heating only. It does not
regulate the interior temperature.
When you adjust a f an control, the
f an is taken out of AUTO mode.
Press the side of the bar to
increase the f an speed and airf low.
Press the side of the bar to
decrease them. You can manually select various
f unctions of the climate control
system when it is in f ully automatic
mode. All other f eatures remain
automatically controlled. Making any
manual selection causes the word
AUTO in the display to go out.
To keep stale air and mustiness
f rom collecting, you should have
the f an running at all times. Keep the system completely of f
f or short periods only.
To turn the system completely of f ,
press the ON/OFF button. Each time you press this button, the
climate control system switches
betweenonandoff.Turningonthe
system with this button selects your
last climate control selection.
Climat e Cont rol Syst em
Semi-automatic Operation
Fan Control
To Turn Everything Of fON/OFF Button
164

µµ
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to between the
MIN and MAX lines. Inspect the
cooling system f or leaks. Always use Honda Long-lif e Anti-
f reeze/Coolant Type 2. This coolant
is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antif reeze and 50 percent distilled
water. Never add straight antif reeze
or plain water.
If Honda antif reeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporaryreplacement.Makesureit
is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
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.
CONT INUED
A dding Engine Coolant
Engine Coolant
Maint enance
315
RESERVE TANK
If you regularly drive your vehicle
under severe conditions in very low
temperature (under 31°F, 35°C), a
higher concentration of coolant should
be used. Consult your Honda dealer
f or more inf ormation on the proper
coolant.

If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components. Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank. Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
Put the radiator cap back on, and
tighten it fully.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise. Relieve any pressure in the cooling
system by turning the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without
pressing down. Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.
1.
2.
3. 4.
5.
6.
Engine Coolant
316
RADIATOR CAP
Removing 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.

Fill the f uel tank.
If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park.
Block the rear wheels. If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the 12 volt battery.
Support the f ront and rear wiper
blade arms with a f olded towel or
ragsotheydonottouchthe
windshield.
If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f ans cycle on and of f
twice). Pref erably, do this once a
month. Reconnect the 12 volt battery and
drive your vehicle every month f or
about 30 minutes. This will keep
the IMA battery charged and in
good condition.
Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and hatch seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and hatch seals.
Vehicle Storage
346
If this vehicle is unused f or over one
month, the service lif e of the 100V
Nickel-Metal Hydride battery will be
reduced and the battery may be
permanently damaged.

Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
Start the engine, and set the
temperature to maximum heat
(climate control to AUTO at
‘‘ ’’). Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the high temperature indicator. If
it begins to blink or comes on
again, the engine needs repair
(see
on page
).
8. 9.
10. 11.
374
If theEngineOverheats
Emergency T owing
362
Removing 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.