2004 HONDA INSIGHT engine

Park the vehicle on level ground.
With the A/C of f , let the engine
run until the radiator cooling f an
cycles on and of f twice. Then turn
of f the engine.
NOTE: For accurate results, wait at
least 60 seconds, and no more than
90 seconds, af ter turning of f the
engine to check the f luid level. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks within the HOT range.
If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the f iller hole
to bring it to the upper mark.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill. Clean up any
spills immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). If
it’s not available, you may use a
DEXRON
III automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can af f ect the shif t quality.
Have the transmission flushed and
ref illed with Honda ATF-Z1 as
soon as it is convenient.
1. 2.
3.
4.5.
U.S. model
T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance
Automatic Transmission (CVT)
140
DIP STICK
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK HOT

To thoroughly f lush the transmission,
the technician should drain and ref ill
it with Honda ATF-Z1, then drive the
vehicle f or a short distance. Do this
three times. Then drain and ref ill the
transmission a f inal time.Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration. If you
added f luid, return to step 1 to
recheck the f luid level.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your Honda dealer. Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on the level ground.
Remove the black cover under the
engine.Remove the transmission f iller bolt,
and caref ully f eel inside the bolt hole
with your f inger. The f luid level
should be up to the edge of the bolt
hole. If it is not, add Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it
starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the f iller bolt and tighten it securely.
6.
CONT INUED
T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance
5-speed Manual Transmission
141
Correct Level

Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
Check the f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly. There are up to
two reservoirs, depending on the
model. They are:
Brake f luid reservoir (all models)
Clutch f luid reservoir
(manual transmission only)
Replace the brake f luid according to
the recommendation in the
maintenance schedule.
If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certif ication seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives, and continued use can
cause stiffer shifting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
If you are not sure how to check and
add f luid, contact your Honda dealer.
Transmission Fluid, Brake and Clutch Fluid
Maint enance
Brake and Clutch Fluid
142

Open the hood.
To change the headlight bulb on
the driver’s side, remove the
engine coolant reservoir tank by
pulling it out of its holder.
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs, one on each side. When
replacing a bulb, handle it by its steel
base and protect the glass from
contactwithyourskinorhard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
cargo area, readjustment may be
required. Adjustments should be
perf ormed by a Honda dealer or
other qualif ied mechanic.
1.
Lights
Maint enance
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Headlight A iming
144
NOTICE:
HOLDER
Halogen headlight bulbs get
very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a
scratch on the glass can cause the bulb
to overheat and shatter.

CONT INUED
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.
Install the new bulb into the
socket.
Unclip the end of the hold-down
wire f rom its slot. Pivot it out of
the way, and remove the bulb.
Insert the new bulb into the hole,
making sure the tabs are in their
slots. Pivot the hold-down wire
back in place, and clip the end into
the slot.
Install the rubber seal over the
back of the headlight assembly.
Make sure it is right side up; it is
marked ‘‘TOP’’.
Push the electrical connector onto
the tabs of the new bulb. Make
sure it locks in place.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
(Driver’s side)
Reinstall the engine coolant
reserve tank.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by squeezing the
connector on both sides to unlock
the tab. Pull the connector straight
off.
Remove the rubber weather seal
by pulling on the tab. 4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
1.
2.
3.
2.
3.
Lights
Maint enance
Replacing a Front Parking L ight
Bulb
145
BULB
CONNECTOR WEATHER SEAL
HOLD-DOWN WIRE

Install the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.To change the bulb on the driver’s
side, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the
right, then turn of f the engine. To
change the bulb on the passenger’s
side, turn the steering wheel to the
lef t.
Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to
remove the screw f rom the top of
the f ender.Pull the inner f ender cover back.
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
3.
2. 4.
5.
4.
5.
1.
Lights
Maint enance
Replacing the Front Side Marker/
Turn Signal Light Bulb
146

If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than one
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.Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse (5-
speed manual) or Park (CVT).
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.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and hatch seals. Also, apply a body
wax to the painted surf aces that
mate with the door and hatch seals.
Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, suchas plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
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.
If you store your vehicle f or 1 year or
longer, have your Honda dealer
perf orm the inspections called f or in
the 2 years/30,000 miles (48,000 km)
maintenance schedule (Normal
Conditions) as soon as you take it
out of storage (see page ). The
replacements called f or in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the vehicle has
actually reached that time or mileage. 127
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance161

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .164
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .165
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start . 171
................................
Jump Starting .173
..............
If the Engine Overheats . 175
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 177
..........
Charging System Indicator . 178
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 178
...............
Brake System Indicator . 180
......................
Emergency Towing .181
......
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck . 182
..............................................
Fuses .183
..............................
Fuse Locations .186
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed163