Page 225 of 286
When installing cables, f ollow the
manuf acturer’s instructions, and
mount them as tight as you can.
Make sure they are not contacting
the brake lines or suspension. Drive
slowly with them installed. If you
hear them coming into contact with
the body or chassis, stop and
investigate. Remove them as soon as
youbegindrivingonclearedroads.
Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, Honda strongly
recommends using the chains listed
below, made by Security Chain
Company (SCC). Mount snow chains on your tires
when required by driving conditions
or local laws. Install them only on the
f ront tires.
Cable-types: SCC Radial Chain
CH2311T or SCC SC Cable SC1030T ire Chains
Tires
224
Using the wrong chains, or not
properly installing chains, can
damage the brake lines and
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding the
selection and use of tire chains.
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µ
Check the condition of the battery
monthlybylookingatthetest
indicator window. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors. If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualif ied technician.
Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle’s
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative ( ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
Check the terminals f or corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it of f with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a
cloth or paper towel. Coat the
terminals with grease to help prevent
f uture corrosion.
WARNING:
Wash your hands af ter handling.
Checking the Battery
Maint enance
225
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
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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.
Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Vehicle Storage
Checking the Battery, Vehicle Storage
226
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
mechanic do the battery
maintenance.
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Page 228 of 286

Support the f ront wiper blade
arms with a f olded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals.
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.
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).
If you store your vehicle f or 1 year or
longer, have your 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.
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.
Disconnect the 12 volt battery. 194
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance
227
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Page 230 of 286

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..............................
Flat Tire Repair .230
......................
Compact Spare Tire .236
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .237
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start .240
Nothing Happens or theStarter Motor Operates ............................
Very Slowly .240
The Starter Operates ................................
Normally .241
................................
Jump Starting .242
..............
If the Engine Overheats .244
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .246
..........
Charging System Indicator .247
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .247
.......................
Readiness Codes .248
...............
Brake System Indicator .249
......................
Emergency Towing .250
..............................................
Fuses .252
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
229
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Your vehicle is not equipped with a
spare tire. Instead, it has a f lat tire
repair kit that can allow you to
temporarily repair a f lat caused by a
nail or other small item.
Thetirerepairkitmaynotworkif;The puncture is located outside
the tread,
The puncture is wider than about
3/16ths of an inch (4 mm),
The wheel rim is damaged,
The tire sealant has expired.
Use of the sealant in the repair kit
may void your tire warranty.
Check with the tire manufacturer
if you have any questions
regarding the tire warranty. Make sure you have parked saf ely
of f the road, turned the ignition
switch to OFF, and set the parking
brake. Then, lif t up the trunk f loor
to access the repair kit.Remove the sealant bottle, and
check the label to be sure the
sealant has not expired.
1. 2.
Flat Tire Repair (U.S. Model)
HowtoUsetheTireRepairKit
230
EXPIRATION DATE
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CONT INUED
If the sealant has not expired,
remove the sealant f iller tube, the
pliers, the air pump, the
instruction sheet, and the small
plastic bag stored under the
sealant bottle, and place these
items conveniently near the f lat
tire.If possible, use the pliers to
remove the nail or other
embedded object.
Unscrew the tire valve cap.
Remove the valve core tool from
the plastic bag, insert the knob
end of the tool into the valve, and
push until the tire is completely
def lated.
5.
4.
3.
Flat Tire Repair (U.S. Model)
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
231
SEALANT FILLER TUBE
AIR PUMP VALVE CORE TOOL
SEALANT
BOTTLE
PLIERS
NAIL or OTHER
OBJECTVALVE CAP
TIRE VALVE
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