Page 54 of 313

This section gives inf ormation about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your Honda. All the essential
controls are within easy reach............................
Control Locations . 56
..............................
Instument Panel . 57
...........
Instument Panel Indicators . 58
..
Maintenance Required Indicator . 63
.............................................
Gauges . 65
.....................................
Odometer . 65
Outside Temperature
...................................
Indicator . 66
...................................
Trip Meter . 66
...................
Temperature Gauge . 67
..................................
Fuel Gauge . 67
Controls Near the Steering ...........................................
Wheel . 68
.
Windshield Wipers and Washers . 69
...........
Turn Signal and Headlights . 70
........
Instrument Panel Brightness . 72
..............................
Hazard Warning . 72
.................
Rear Window Def ogger . 73
..........
Steering Wheel Adjustment . 74
...............................
Keys and Locks . 75
........................
Immobilizer System . 76
................................
Ignition Switch . 77
..........................
Power Door Locks . 78
.......................
Remote Transmitter . 79
................................................
Trunk . 82
........
Emergency Trunk Opener . 82 .................................................
Seats . 83
....................................
Seat Heaters . 90
..............................
Power Windows . 91
.........................................
Moonroof . 94
.............................................
Mirrors . 95
.................................
Parking Brake . 97
...........
Interior Convenience Items . 98
....................................
Glove Box . 99
.......................
Beverage Holders . 99
.............
Console Compartment . 100
....................
Center CD Pocket . 100
...............................
Coin Pocket . 101
...................................
Sun Visor . 101
............................
Vanity Mirror . 102
..................................
Coat Hook . 102
....................
Sunglasses Holder . 103
........
Accessory Power Sockets . 103
...............................
Interior Lights . 103
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols55
——y
y
(%
yy
Page 76 of 313

µµµ
µ
The ignition switch has f our
positions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY
(I), ON (II), and START (III). You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To turn the key, you must push the
key in slightly. If your vehicle has an
automatic transmission, the shif t
lever must also be in park. If the f ront wheels are turned, the
anti-thef t lock may make it dif f icult
to turn the key. Firmly turn the
steering wheel to the lef t or right as
you turn the key.
You can
operate the audio system and the
accessory power sockets in this
position. This is the normal key
position when driving. Several of the
indicators on the instrument panel
come on as a test when you turn the
ignition switch f rom ACCESSORY
(I) to ON (II).
Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of
the key.
You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key in the ignition
switch in the LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
the driver’s door. Remove the key to
turn of f the beeper.
On automatic transmission model,
theshiftlevermustbeinPark
bef ore you can remove the key f rom
the ignition switch.
Ignition Switch
Inst rument s and Cont rols
LOCK (0) A CCESSORY (I)ON (II)
ST A RT (III)
77
Removing the key from the
ignition switch while driving
locks the steering. This can
cause you to lose control.
Remove the key from the
ignition switch only whenparked.
——y
y
(%
yy
Page 187 of 313

Your Honda is equipped with f ront
disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels may be disc or drum,
depending on the model. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness.
It also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
The f ront and rear disc brakes on all
models have audible brake wear
indicators. All models except f or the
4-cylinder LX have rear disc brakes
as standard equipment.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Braking System
Driving
Braking System Design
Brake Wear Indicators
188
Front
——y
y
(%
y
y
Page 200 of 313

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety . 202
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 203
Maintenance Schedule
..................
(4-cylinder Models) . 205
....................
Maintenance Record . 207
Maintenance Schedule
..................
(6-cylinder Models) . 210
....................
Maintenance Record . 212
..............................
Fluid Locations . 215
........................
Adding Engine Oil . 217
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 218
..............................
Engine Coolant . 221
....................
Windshield Washers . 224
.......................
Transmission Fluid . 225
..........
Automatic Transmission . 225
5-speed Manual
.........................
Transmission . 228
6-speed Manual .........................
Transmission . 228
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 230
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 231
....................................
Timing Belt . 232
....................................
Hood Latch . 232
.............................................
Lights . 233
.......................................
Seat Belts . 240
.....................................
Floor Mats . 240 ..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 242
.................................
Wiper Blades . 243
...............................................
Tires . 245
........................
Check the Battery . 252
.............................
Vehicle Storage . 254
303
Maintenance
Maint enance201
——y
y
(%
yy
Page 214 of 313
Fluid Locations
Maint enance
4-cylinder Models
215
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange handle)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
RADIATOR CAPAUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
CLUTCH FLUID
(5-speed Manual
Transmission only)
(Light gray cap)
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR
——y
y
(%
y
y
Page 215 of 313
Fluid Locations
Maint enance
6-cylinder Models
216
ENGINE OIL FILL CAPRADIATOR CAP
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap) BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR
CLUTCH FLUID
(Gray cap)
(6-speed Manual
Transmission only)
——y
y
(%
y
y
Page 230 of 313
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Low f luid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark.
CONT INUED
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering Fluid
Maint enance
Power Steering Fluid
Clutch System
231
6-cylider models UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
4-cylider models LOWER LEVEL UPPER LEVEL
MAX
MIN
——y
y
(%
yy
Page 231 of 313

µµClean the hood latch assembly with a
mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a
multipurpose grease. Lubricate all
the moving parts (as shown),
including the pivot. Follow the time
and distance recommendations in
the Maintenance Schedule. If you
are not sure how to clean and grease
the latch, contact your Honda dealer.
Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
The timing belt should be replaced
at the intervals shown in the
maintenance schedule.
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C).
Replace the belt at 60,000 miles (U.S.)
or 100,000 km (Canada) if you
regularly drive your vehicle in one or
more of these conditions:
6-cylinder models only
Power Steering Fluid, T iming Belt, Hood L atch
Maint enance
Hood L atch
Timing Belt
232
NOTICE:
PIVOTS
LATCH ASSEMBLY
T urning the steering wheel to
f ull lef t or right lock and holding it
there can damage the power steeringpump.
——y
y
(%
yy