Page 21 of 221

Your Airbag System includes:Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) f ront airbags. The driver’s
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the f ront
passenger’sairbagisstoredinthe
dashboard. Both are marked ‘‘SRS
AIRBAG.’’ A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors and
records inf ormation about the
sensors, the control unit, the
airbag activators, and driver and
frontpassengerseatbeltusewhen
the ignition is ON (II).
Emergency backup power in case
your vehicle’s electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
If you ever have a moderate to
severe f rontal collision, sensors will
detect the vehicle’s rapid
deceleration. If the rate of
deceleration is high enough, the
control unit will instantly inf late the
driver’s and f ront passenger’s f ront
airbags, at the time and with the
f orce needed.
Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe frontal impact
or side impact in models equipped
with side airbags.
Automatic seat belt tensioners
(see page ).
one f or the driver and one f or a
f ront passenger. The airbags are
stored in the outer edges of the
seat-backs. Both are marked
‘‘SIDE AIRBAG’’ (see page ). An indicator on the instrument
panel that alerts you to a possible
problem with your airbags (see
page ).
an indicator on the dashboard that
alerts you that the passenger’s
side airbag has been turned of f
(see page ).
20 25 26
27
On models equipped with side airbags, On models equipped with side airbags,
Additional Inf ormation About Your Airbags
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
Airbag System Components How Your Front Airbags Work
22
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Page 48 of 221

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 . 50
............................
Instrument Panel . 51
................
Instrument Panel Lights . 54
..
Maintenance Required Indicator . 58
.............................................
Gauges . 59
...............
Odometer/Trip Meter . 59
..................................
Fuel Gauge . 59
...................
Temperature Gauge . 60
Controls Near the Steering ...........................................
Wheel . 61
.
Windshield Wipers and Washers . 62
...........
Turn Signal and Headlights . 63
........
Instrument Panel Brightness . 64
...................
Hazard Warning Light . 65
.................
Rear Window Def ogger . 65
..........
Steering Wheel Adjustment . 66
...............................
Keys and Locks . 67
........................
Immobilizer System . 68
................................
Ignition Switch . 69
......................................
Door Locks . 70
......................
Power Door Locks . 70
..............
Childproof Door Locks . 70
...........................................
Trunk . 71
........
Emergency Trunk Opener . 71
.......................
Remote Transmitter . 72
.................................................
Seats . 74 ..............................
Power Windows . 78
.........................................
Moonroof . 80
.............................................
Mirrors . 80
.................................
Parking Brake . 82
.................................
Interior Lights . 83
...........
Interior Convenience Items . 84
.......................
Beverage Holders . 85
..........
Accessory Power Sockets . 85
....................................
Glove Box . 85
...............
Console Compartment . 85
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols49
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Page 68 of 221

µ
µ
µ
µ
The ignition switch has f our
positions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY
(I), ON (II), and START (III). 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
lights on the instrument panel come
on as a test when you turn the
ignition switch f rom ACCESSORY toON.
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.
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 your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, the shif t lever must be
in Park bef ore you can remove the
key f rom the ignition switch.
Ignition Switch
Inst rument s and Cont rols
A CCESSORY (I)
ON (II)
ST A RT (III)
LOCK (0)
69
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.
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Page 131 of 221

Your Honda is equipped with f ront
disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels are drum. A power assist
helps reduce the ef f ort needed on
thebrakepedal.TheABS(onsome
models) helps you retain steering
control when braking very hard.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.
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. 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.
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
Braking System DesignBrake Wear Indicators
132
Front
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Page 134 of 221

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.
This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
......................
Maintenance Saf ety . 136
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 137
....................
Maintenance Record . 141
..............................
Fluid Locations . 143
........................
Adding Engine Oil . 144
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 145
..............................
Engine Coolant . 147
....................
Windshield Washers . 148
.....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .149
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 150
....................................
Timing Belt . 150
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 151
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 152
....................................
Hood Latch . 152
.............................................
Lights . 153
.......................................
Seat Belts . 159
.....................................
Floor Mats . 159
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 159
.................................
Wiper Blades . 160
...............................................
Tires . 161
................
Checking Your Battery . 167
.............................
Vehicle Storage . 168
211
Maintenance
Maint enance135
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Page 142 of 221
Fluid Locations
Maint enance143
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
CLUTCH FLUID
(Manual
Transmission only)
(Gray cap)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
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Page 151 of 221

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.
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.
Clean 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.
Power Steering Fluid, Hood L atch
Maint enance
Power Steering Fluid Hood L atch
152
NOTICE:
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL 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.
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Page 152 of 221
Halogen headlight bulbs get
very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause the bulbto overheat and shatter.
If you need to change a headlight
bulb on the driver’s side, remove
the power steering reservoir tank
by pulling it out of its holders.
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk, readjustment may be required.
Adjustments should be perf ormed by
a Honda dealer or other qualif ied
mechanic.
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulb. Handle it by its steel base and
protect the glass f rom contact with
your skin or hard objects. If you
touch the glass, clean it with
denaturedalcoholandacleancloth.
1.
Lights
Maint enance
Headlight A iming Replacing a Headlight Bulb
153
NOTE:
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