2005 HONDA INSIGHT steering

This indicator also blinks several
times when you turn the ignition
switch f rom ON (II) to ACCESSORY
(I) or LOCK (0).
This indicator comes on if either
door or the hatch is not closed
tightly.
This indicator comes on as a
reminder that you must ref uel soon.This indicator normally comes on
when you turn the ignition switch to
ON (II) and goes of f af ter the engine
starts. If it comes on at any other
time, there is a problem in the
electric power steering system. If
this happens, stop the vehicle in a
saf e place, and turn of f the engine.
Reset the system by restarting the
engine, and watch the EPS indicator.
If it does not go of f , or comes back
on again while driving, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
checked. With the indicator on, the
EPSisturnedoff,makingthevehicle
harder to steer.
This indicator comes on with the
high beam headlights. For more
inf ormation, see page .
This indicator comes on f or a f ew
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to ON (II). It will then go of f
if you have inserted a properly-coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly-
coded key, the indicator will blink,
and the engine will not start (see
page ).
On Canadian models, this indicator
comes on with reduced brightness
when the Daytime Running Lights
(DRL) are on (see page ).
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to ON (II)
with the headlight switch off and the
parking brake set. It should go of f if
youturnontheheadlightsorrelease
the parking brake. If it comes on at
any other time, it means there is a
problem with the DRL. There may
also be a problem with the high
beam headlights. 56
60
56
Canadian models only
Instrument Panel Indicators
High Beam Indicator Immobilizer System
Indicator
Door and Hatch Open
Indicator
Low Fuel IndicatorElectric Power Steering
(EPS) Indicator
‘‘Daytime Running
Lights’’ Indicator
46

Î
Î
To use the horn, press the pad around the ‘‘H’’ logo.
:
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
54
WINDSHIELD
WIPERS/WASHERS
HORN ECON BUTTON
POWER WINDOW SWITCHES
HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS DRIVING MODE BUTTONS
(CVT model only)REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER
MIRROR CONTROLS
AUDIO SYSTEM
HAZARD WARNING BUTTON
(P. 67) (P.68)
(P.55)
(P.75) (P.
57)
(P.80)
(P. 58)
(P. 115)
(P.
56)

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The ignition switch has f our
positions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY
(I), ON (II), and START (III). If the f ront wheels are turned, the
anti-thef t lock may make it dif f icult
to turn the key. Firmly turn the
steering wheel to the lef t or right as
you turn the key.
You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To turn the key, push it in slightly. If
your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, the shif t lever must
also be in park. You can
operate the audio system and the
accessory power socket in this
position.
This is the normal key
position when driving. Several of the
indicators on the instrument panel
come on as a test when you turn the
ignition switch f rom ACCESSORY
(I) to ON (II).
Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of
the key. You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key in the ignition
switch in the LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
thedriver’sdoor.Removethekeyto
turn of f the beeper.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, the shif t lever must be
in Park bef ore you can remove the
key f rom the ignition switch.
Ignition Switch
LOCK (0)A CCESSORY (I)
ON (II)
ST A RT (III)
Inst rument s and Cont rols
61
Removing the key from the
ignition switch while driving
locks the steering. This can
cause you to lose control of the
vehicle.
Remove the key from the
ignition switch only when
parked.

Theclimatecontrolsystemhastwo
sensors. A sunlight sensor is in the
top of the dashboard, and a
temperature sensor is next to the
steering column. Do not cover the
sensors or spill any liquid on them.
Vents, Heating, and A/C
Sunlight and T emperature
Sensors
Features
79
SUNLIGHT SENSORTEMPERATURE SENSOR

Some examples are:Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interf ere with the operation of
your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and
other systems.
Lowering your vehicle with a
non-Honda suspension kit that
signif icantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarriage to hit speed bumps
or other raised objects, which
could cause the airbags to deploy.
Raising your vehicle with a
non-Honda suspension kit can
af f ect the handling and stability.
Non-Honda wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components. If you plan to modif y your vehicle,
consult your dealer.
Removing parts f rom your vehicle,
or replacing components with
non-Honda components could
seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, and reliability. Modif ying your steering wheel or
any other part of your vehicle’s
saf ety systems could make the
systems inef f ective.
Modif ying Your Vehicle
A ccessories and Modif ications
102

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Use this position f or
normal driving. The drive position
has two modes, Drive (D) and
Second (S). You can select the
desired mode with the two select
buttons on the steering wheel. The
‘‘D’’ indicator remains lit in either
mode. Usethismodefor
everyday driving. The transmission
automatically adjusts to keep the
engine at the best speed f or driving
conditions. To help the engine warm
up f aster, the transmission will select
ratios that allow the engine to run at
higher speeds when it is cold.
In this mode, the
transmission selects a wider range of
ratios to give better acceleration.
Usethismodefordrivingupor
downhill. Along with the ‘‘D’’
indicator, the ‘‘S’’ indicator comes on
as a reminder.
Automatic Transmission (CVT)
Drive (D)
Drive Mode
Second (S) Mode
Driving
115
DRIVE MODE BUTTON
SECOND MODE BUTTON
‘‘D’’ INDICATOR
‘‘S’’ INDICATOR

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. 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. 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.TheABShelpsyou
retain steering control when braking
very hard.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.
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.
Braking System
Braking System Design
Brake Wear Indicators
Driving
121

The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps prevent the brakes f rom
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much f aster than a
person can do it.
this def eats the purpose of the ABS.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal as you steer away from
the hazard. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’If the ABS indicator comes on, the
anti-lock f unction of the braking
system has shut down. The brakes
still work like a conventional system,
but without anti-lock. You should
have your dealer inspect your vehicle
as soon as possible.
You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal: it is the ABS rapidly
pumpingthebrakes.Ondry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforethe
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
You should never pump the brake pedal;
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
ABS Indicator
122