Page 218 of 302

If Honda antif reeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporaryreplacement.Makesureit
is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system f or leaks.
Always use Honda All Season
Antif reeze/Coolant Type 2. This
coolant is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antif reeze and 50 percent water.
Never add straight antifreeze or
plain water. A dding Engine Coolant
Engine Coolant
Maint enance
217
6-cylinder models RESERVE TANK
RESERVE TANK
4-cylinder models
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
Page 220 of 302

4-cylinder models
Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.Park the vehicle on level ground.
Shut of f the engine.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth. Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lowermarks.
Make sure the rubber cap on the
dipstick f its in the dipstick guide
and that you push the dipstick in
all the way. If the level is below the lower
mark, remove the f ill plug and add
f luid into the tube to bring it to the
upper mark.
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 affect the shift quality. Have
the transmission f lushed and ref illed
with Honda ATF-Z1 as soon as it is
convenient. Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
1.
2. 3.5.
4.
CONT INUED
T ransmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission
Maint enance
219
DIPSTICK UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
Page 221 of 302
To thoroughly f lush the transmission,
the technician should drain and ref ill
it with Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid), then drive the
vehicle f or a short distance. Do this
three times. Then drain and ref ill the
transmission a f inal time.Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.Park the vehicle on level ground.
Shut of f the engine.
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.
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 dealer.
1.
2.
6.
6-cylinder models
T ransmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission
220
DIPSTICK
Page 222 of 302

Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission.If the level is below the lower
mark, remove the f ill plug and add
f luid into the tube to bring it to the
upper mark.
To thoroughly f lush the transmission,
the technician should drain and ref ill
it with Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid), then drive the
vehicle f or a short distance. Do this
three times. Then drain and ref ill the
transmission a final time.
Make sure the rubber cap f its in
the dipstick guide and the dipstick
is down all the way.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks. 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 affect the shift quality. Have
the transmission f lushed and ref illed
with Honda ATF-Z1 as soon as it is
convenient. Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
5.
3.
4.
CONT INUED
T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance
221
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
Page 223 of 302

Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission.
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 dealer.
Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. 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.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 stif f er shif ting. 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.
6.
T ransmission Fluid
Manual Transmission
222
FILLER BOLT
Correct level
Page 225 of 302
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Low f luid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.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.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering Fluid
Clutch Fluid
Power Steering Fluid
224
MAX
MIN UPPER LEVEL
4-cylinder models LOWER LEVEL LOWER LEVELUPPER LEVEL
6-cylinder models
Page 244 of 302
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
Maint enance
243
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.
Page 246 of 302

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 .246
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .247
..........
If Your Engine Won’t Start . 251
Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor Operates ............................
Very Slowly .251
The Starter Operates ................................
Normally .252
................................
Jump Starting .253
............
If Your Engine Overheats . 256
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 258
..........
Charging System Indicator . 259
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 259
.......................
Readiness Codes .260
...............
Brake System Indicator . 261
..................
Closing the Moonroof . 262
......................
Emergency Towing .263
..............................................
Fuses .265
..........
Checking and Replacing . 265
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
245