Park the vehicle, and set the
parking brake. Pull the hood
release handle located under the
lower lef t corner of the dashboard.
The hood will pop up slightly.If the hood latch handle moves
stif f ly, or if you can open the hood
without lifting the handle, the
mechanism should be cleaned and
lubricated.
Put your f ingers between the f ront
edge of the hood near the center.
The hood latch handle is above
the ‘‘H’’ logo. Push this handle up
until it releases the hood. Lif t the
hood. Lif t it up slightly to remove the
support rod f rom the hole. Put the
support rod back into its holding clip.
Lower the hood to about a f oot (30
cm) above the f ender, then let it
drop. Make sure it is securely
latched. To Close the Hood:
Pull the support rod out of its clip,
and insert the end into the hole on
the f ront lef t side of the hood.
2. 1.
3.
Service Station Procedures
Opening and Closing the Hood
124
HOOD
RELEASE
HANDLE LATCH
GRIP
SUPPORT ROD CLIP
Your dealer has Honda accessories
that allow you to personalize your
vehicle. These accessories have
been designed and approved f or your
vehicle, and are covered by warranty.When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interf ere with your vehicle’s
computer controlled systems, such
as your airbags and anti-lock brakes.Bef ore installing any accessory:
Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interf ere
with proper vehicle operation or
perf ormance.
Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits
(see page ) or interf ere with
proper operation.
Modif ying your vehicle, or installing
some non-Honda accessories, can
make your vehicle unsaf e. Bef ore
you make any modif ications or add
anyaccessories,besuretoreadthe
f ollowing inf ormation.
Although aftermarket accessories
may f it on your vehicle, they may not
meet f actory specif ications, and
could adversely af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and stability. (See
‘‘Modif ications’’ on page f or
additional information.) Bef ore installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer for assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the f inal installation.
128 200
A ccessories
A ccessories and Modif ications
Bef ore Driving
127
Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
vehicle’s handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding
accessories and modifications.
Remove the key from the Shift
Lock Release slot, then install the
cover. Make sure the notch on the
cover is on the lef t side.
Return the key to the ignition
switch, press the brake pedal, and
restart the engine.Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly or
your vehicle may roll if it is on an
incline.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake
bef ore you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the vehicle f rom
moving and putting pressure on the
parking mechanism in the
transmission.
Lock the doors. Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you. Turn of f the lights.
Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed. If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the f ront wheels away f rom the
curb. If you have a manual
transmission, put it in f irst gear.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb. If you have a manual
transmission, put it in reverse gear.
If you need to use the Shif t Lock
Release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have it
checked by your dealer. 6.
Automatic Transmission, Parking
Parking
Parking T ips
Driving
141
RELEASE BUTTON
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT
Your vehicle 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(on
models equipped) 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
Braking System
Braking System DesignBrake Wear Indicators
142
Front
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 . This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
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.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .146
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 147
....................
Maintenance Record .151
..............................
Fluid Locations .153
........................
Adding Engine Oil .154
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 155
..............................
Engine Coolant .157
....................
Windshield Washers .158
.....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 159
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 160
....................................
Timing Belt .160
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 161
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 162
....................................
Hood Latch .162
.............................................
Lights .163
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 169
.....................................
Floor Mats .169
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 169
.................................
Wiper Blades .170
...............................................
Tires .172
...................
Checking the Battery . 178
.............................
Vehicle Storage .179
215
Maintenance
Maint enance
145
µµµ
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We recommend the use of Honda
parts and f luids whenever you have
maintenance done. U.S. Vehicles:
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
Your authorized dealer knows your
vehicle best and can provide
competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
skilled person to keep your
warranties in ef f ect. Keep all the
receipts as proof of completion, and
have the person who does the work
f ill out the Maintenance Record.
Check your warranty booklet f or
more inf ormation.
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed at the recommended time
or mileage period to ensure long-
term reliability. 125
159 161
172 125
163
Maintenance Schedule
Servicing Your Vehicle Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.Owner’s Maintenance Checks
148
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Follow the Severe Maintenance
Schedule if you drive your vehicle
MAINLY under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions: Extensive idling or long periods of
stop and go driving, such as a taxi or
a commercial delivery vehicle.
Driving with a roof rack, or driving
in mountainous conditions. Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per
trip or, in f reezing temperatures,
driving less than 10 miles (16 km)
per trip.
Driving in extremely hot [over 90°F
(32°C)] conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced
roads. Follow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions. Canadian Owners
150
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
( (O
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Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule
except in dusty conditions)
10
16
20
3230
4840
6450
80 70
112 80
128 100
160
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop 110
176
60
96 90
144 120
192130
208140
224150
240
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
( (O
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re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 1
1y
ye
ea
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ir
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st t)
)
See information on maintenance and
emission warranty on page . See timing belt on page for
replacement information under special
driving conditions. Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3
years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000
km) or 2 years. See dust and pollen filter on page for
replacement information under special
driving conditions.
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page175)
Replace engine oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Visually inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components, Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system , Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace manual transmission fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace timing belt , inspect auto-tensioner and
water pump
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid 1:
2:
3:
: 160
148 169
1
2
,3
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
Open the trunk and remove the
socket f rom the light assembly by
turning it one-quarter turn counter-
clockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.Reinstall the socket. Turn it
clockwise until it locks. Make sure
the new bulb is working.
2. 1. 3.
Lights
Replacing a High-mount Brake
Light Bulb
168
BULB
SOCKET