If you exceed the maximum speed
f or the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer’s
red zone. If this occurs, you may f eel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
RPM below the red zone.
Bef ore downshif ting, make sure the
engine will not go into the
tachometer’s red zone.If you are still unable to shif t to
Reverse, apply the parking brake
and turn the ignition key to
ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).
If you need to use this procedure to
shif t to Reverse, your vehicle may be
developing a problem. Have your
vehicle checked by a Honda dealer.
The 6-speed manual transmission
has an electric lockout so you cannot
accidentally shif t f rom Fif th to
Reverse instead of Sixth while the
vehicle is moving. If you cannot shif t
to Reverse when the vehicle is
stopped:
With the clutch pedal pressed,
move the shift lever to the First/
Second gear side of the Neutral
gate, then shif t to Reverse. Depress the clutch pedal and shif t
to Reverse.
With the clutch pedal still pressed,
start the engine.
1. 2. 3. 4.6-speed manual transmission only
Engine Speed L imiter Reverse L ockout
5-speed/6-speed Manual T ransmission
Driving182
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This allows you to move the shif t
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pressing the release
button does not work.Set the Parking brake.
Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
Insert the key in the Shift Lock
Release slot.
Push down on the key while you
pressthereleasebuttononthe
shif t lever and move the shif t lever
out of Park to Neutral.Remove the key from the Shift
Lock Release slot, then reinstall
thecover.Makesurethenotchon
the cover is on the lef t side. Press
the brake pedal, and restart the
engine.
If you need to use the Shif t Lock
Release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have the
vehicle checked by a Honda dealer.
Put a cloth on the edge of the Shif t
Lock Release slot cover. Using a
small f lat-tipped screwdriver or
small metal plate, carefully pry on
the edge of the cover to remove it.
1. 2. 3.
4.5.6.
Shif t L ock Release
Automatic Transmission
Driving186
COVER
RELEASE
BUTTON
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT
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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
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The total
weight of the trailer and
everything loaded in it must not
exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg). Towing
a load that is too heavy can
seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and perf ormance. It can
also damage the engine and
drivetrain. The weight that
the tongue of a f ully-loaded trailer
puts on the hitch should be
approximately 10 percent of the
trailer weight. Too little tongue
load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway. Too much
tongue load reduces f ront-tire
traction and steering control.
To saf ely tow a trailer, you should
observe the load limits, use the
proper equipment, and f ollow the
guidelines in this section.
Towing a Trailer
T otal T railer Weight: T ongue L oad:
Load Limits
Driving194
Exceeding any load limit or
improperly loading your vehicle
and trailer can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt
or killed.
Check the loading of your
vehicle and trailer carefully
beforestartingtodrive.
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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
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Your authorized Honda dealer
knows your vehicle best and can
provide competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
skilled person to keep your
warranties in ef f ect. Keep all the
receipts as proof of completion, and
have the person who does the work
f ill out the Maintenance Record.
Check your warranty booklet f or
more inf ormation.
We recommend the use of Honda
parts and f luids whenever you have
maintenance done.
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Honda
recommends that all maintenance
services be perf ormed at the
recommended time or mileage
period to ensure long-term reliability.Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page
.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
U.S. Vehicles:
233
168
169
225 230
245
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance
Servicing Your Vehicle Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maintenance,
replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and
systems may be done by any
automotive repair establishment
or individual using parts that are
‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA standards.
204
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Ì ÎÌ
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4-cylinder Models
Maint enance205
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 2 years, whichever comes first
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy
Every 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or every 6 years, whichever comes first Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km)
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
Every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first
1016
20323048 50806096 70
112 80
128 90
144 100160110176120192 130208140224 150240
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years. 4064
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 248 )
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brake wear
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Inspect drive belt
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace manual transmission fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
:: 204
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
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4-cylinder Models
Maint enance206
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Every 3 years (independent of mileage) Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km)
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or every 3 years, whichever comes first
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty condition)
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 2 years, whichever comes firstEvery 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . 1016
2032 304840645080 70
112 80
128 90
144 100160 110176120192130208 140224150240
6096
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 248 )
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brake wear
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect drive belt
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace manual transmission fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
:
1:2: 204
242
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
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