Page 185 of 302

Your vehicle is equipped with 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.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.
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. Put your f oot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your f oot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, builds up heat,
increases wear and reduces their
ef f ectiveness. It also keeps your
brake lights on all the time,
conf using drivers behind you. 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. The f ront disc brakes have audible
brake wear indicators. They are also
in the rear disc brakes of the EX,
EX-V6, and LX-V6 models. 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.
Braking System
Brake Wear Indicators Braking System Design
184
Page 187 of 302

Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes f eel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your Honda dealer as
soon as possible. Avoid sudden hard
braking which could cause the rear
wheels to lock up and possibly lead
to a loss of control.such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed f or the road and weather
conditions.
It only helps with the steering control during braking.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
on loose or
uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock. Slow down and allow a greater
distance between vehicles under
those conditions. The TCS indicator will come on
alongwiththeABSindicator.
261
On LX-V6 and EX-V6 models
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle. A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.
A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
Import ant Saf et y Reminders
186
ABS INDICATOR
Page 195 of 302

When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operating
condition. Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inf lated (see page ),
and the trailer tires and spare are
trailer maker.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer
swaying. When being passed by a
large vehicle, keep a constant speed
and steer straight ahead. Do not try
to make quick steering or braking
corrections. Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1st or Reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly. All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive. Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure. All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages and ). 190 191 236
bottom
Pre-T ow Checklist
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Backing Up
Parking
Towing a Trailer
194
Page 198 of 302

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 vehicle, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your 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 .198
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 199
............
Servicing Your Vehicle . 200
Owner’s Maintenance ...................................
Checks .201
.....................
4-cylinder Models .202
.....................
6-cylinder Models .204
....................
Maintenance Record .206
..............................
Fluid Locations .210
........................
Adding Engine Oil .212
.......
Recommended Engine Oil . 212
..............................
Synthetic Oil .213
................
Engine Oil Additives . 213
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 214
....................
Windshield Washers .216
..............................
Engine Coolant .217
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 217
.......................
Transmission Fluid .219
Automatic .........................
Transmission .219
Manual .........................
Transmission .222
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 223
................................
Brake Fluid .223
...............................
Clutch Fluid .224
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 224....................................
Timing Belt .225
....................................
Hood Latch .225
.............................................
Lights .226
.......................................
Seat Belts .233
.....................................
Floor Mats .233
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 233
.................................
Wiper Blades .234
...............................................
Tires .236
......................................
Inf lation .236
..........................
Tire Inspection .238
.....................
Tire Maintenance .238
.............................
Tire Rotation .239
.........................
Replacing Tires .239
......................
Wheels and Tires .240
..........................
Winter Driving .240
.............................
Snow Tires .240
............................
Tire Chains .241
...................
Checking the Battery . 242
.............................
Vehicle Storage .243
291
Maintenance
Maint enance
197
Page 226 of 302

µµ
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.
The timing belt should be replaced
at the intervals shown in the
maintenance schedule. Replace the
belt at 60,000 miles (100,000 km) if
you regularly drive your vehicle in
one or more of these conditions:
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C).
Frequently tow a trailer.
6-cylinder models only
Power Steering Fluid, Timing Belt
T iming Belt Hood L atch
Maint enance
225
LATCH ASSEMBLYPIVOTS
T urning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
Page 229 of 302
Push the electrical connector onto
the bulb.To change the passenger’s side
bulb, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the
lef t, and turn of f the engine. To
change the driver’s side bulb, turn
the steering wheel to the right.Pull the inner f ender cover away
f rom the f ender and bumper.
Remove the bulb by turning it
approximately one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.
Remove the electrical connector
fromthebulbbysqueezingthe
connector to unlock the tab, then
slide the connector of f the bulb.
Use a f lat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the two holding clips f rom
the inner f ender.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
(Passenger’s side)
Reinstall the air intake cover.
Reinstall the two fasteners and
secure them by pushing on the
heads until they lock.
6. 5.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
7.
Lights
L ow Beam Headlight
228
HOLDING CLIPS
TAB BULB
6-cylinder models BULB
Page 230 of 302
Install the new bulb and turn it
one-quarter turn clockwise to lock
it in place.
Push the electrical connector onto
the bulb.
Put the inner f ender cover in place.
Install the two holding clips. Lock
each one in place by pushing on
the center. Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.Use a f lat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the two holding clips f rom
the inner f ender. To change the passenger’s side
bulb, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the
lef t, and turn of f the engine. To
change the driver’s side bulb, turn
the steering wheel to the right.Pull the inner f ender cover away
f rom the f ender and bumper.
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
1.
3.
2. 4.
8. 7. 6.
9.
CONT INUED
Lights
Replacing the Front Side Marker/
Turn Signal and Parking L ight
Bulb
Maint enance
229
HOLDING CLIPS
BULB
Page 240 of 302

Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall).
Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a dif f erent
size or construction can cause the
ABS to work inconsistently.
It is best to replace all f our tires at
thesametime.If thatisnotpossible
or necessary, replace the two f ront
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
af f ect your vehicle’s handling.
Move the tires to the positions
shown in the illustration each time
they are rotated. If you purchase
directional tires, rotate only f ront-to-
back.
To help increase tire lif e and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires at these intervals: 4-cylinder
models
6-cylinder
models
T ire Rotation
Replacing T ires and Wheels
Tires
Maint enance
239
(For Non-directional
Tires and Wheels)Front Front
(For Directional
Tires and Wheels)
Every 10,000 miles
(16,000 km)
Every 7,500 miles
(12,000 km)