This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
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.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .122
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 123
....................
Maintenance Record .127
..............................
Fluid Locations .130
........................
Adding Engine Oil .131
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 132
..............................
Engine Coolant .134
....................
Windshield Washers .136
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 137
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .138
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 139
.............................................
Lights .140
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 145
.....................................
Floor Mats .146
..................
DustandPollenFilter . 146
.................................
Wiper Blades .147
...............................................
Tires .148
...................
Checking the Battery . 154
.............................
Vehicle Storage .155
197
Maintenance
Maint enance
121
ÌÌ
Ì
125
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000 15
24
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes firstCheck oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Check inflation and condition once a month or every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), whichever comes first
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items:
Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace manual transmission fluid
Replace rear differential fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 2 years, whichever comes first
30
48
Inspect every 105,000 miles (168,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy 60
96
90
144 120
192150
240
45
72 75
120 135
216
Every 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or every 6 years, whichever comes first 105
168
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 2 years, whichever comes first
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, middle column, page . 124
:
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
Ì
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Î
126
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000 15
2430
4845
72 75
120 135
216
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first 60
96
90
144 120
192150
240
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first
Check inflation and condition once a month or every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), whichever comes first
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 2 years, whichever comes first
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions) Inspect every 105,000 miles (168,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisyEvery 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or every 3 years, whichever comes first Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first 105
168
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, middle column, page .
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check front and rear brakes
Inspect the following items:
Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
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 drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace manual transmission fluid
Replace rear differential fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid
:
: 124
146
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
µ
The oil’s viscosity or weight is
provided on the container’s label.
Select the oil f or your vehicle
according to this chart.
An oil with a viscosity of 10W-30 is
pref erred f or optimum f uel economy
and year-round protection in your
vehicle. You may use a 5W-40 oil if
the temperature in your area goes
below 0°F ( 20°C).
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given f or a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certif ication Seal,
and it is the proper weight. You must
f ollow the oil and f ilter change
intervals given on the maintenance
schedule.
Your vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
af f ect your engine’s or transmission’s
perf ormance and durability.
Always change the oil and f ilter
according to the recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. The oil
and f ilter collect contaminants that
can damage your engine if they are
not removed regularly.
Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lif t f or this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
1.
A dding Engine Oil, Changing the Oil and Filter
Synthetic Oil
Engine Oil A dditives Changing the Oil and Filter
132
Ambient Temperature
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 stiffer shifting. 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.
If you are not sure how to check and
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. Install
the f iller bolt, and tighten it securely.
Manual T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance
137
CORRECT LEVEL
FILLER BOLT
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.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Raise the convertible top cover.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse. 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).
Disconnect the battery.
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.
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.
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. If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f an cycles on and of f
twice). Pref erably, do this once a
month.
125
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance
155
Î
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Î
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Specif ications
184
Dimensions
Engine WeightsCapacities
162.0 in (4,115 mm)
68.9 in (1,750 mm)
50.6 in (1,285 mm)
94.5 in (2,400 mm)
57.9 in (1,470 mm)
59.4 in (1,510 mm) 13.2 US gal (50)
132 cu-in (2,157 cm
)
11.1 : 1 1.72 US gal (6.5
)
2.01 US gal (7.6)
5.1 US qt (4.8
)
5.1 US qt (4.8)
5.9 US qt (5.6)
1.7 US qt (1.6)
1.7 US qt (1.6)
0.78 US qt (0.74
)
0.81 US qt (0.77)
2.6 US qt (2.5)
6.3 US qt (6.0)
3.43 x 3.57 in (87.0 x 90.7 mm)
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
See the certification label attached
to the driver’s doorjamb.Water cooled 4-stroke DOHC
VTEC 4-cylinder gasoline engine
Type
BorexStroke
Displacement
Compression ratio
Spark plugs
Spark Plug Gap
0.04 in (1.1 mm)PK22PR-L11S PFR7G-11S
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity:
0.16 US gal (0.6
)
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.
Gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR)
Fuel tank
Engine coolant
Engine oil
Manual
transmission
fluid
Differential
fluid
Windshield
washer
reservoir
Front
Rear
1:
2:
NGK :
DENSO : Change
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
U.S. Vehicles
Canadian
Vehicles
0mm
0.1 mm
1
2
Including filter
Without filter
Î
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .3, 38
................
Daytime Running Lights . 48
Daytime Running Lights .......................................
Indicator .42
.................................
Dead Battery .166
............
Defects, Reporting Safety . 196
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 50
................
Defrosting the Windows . 77
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .138
....................................
Dimensions .184
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 48
Dipstick ..................................
Engine Oil .103
..........................
Directional Signals .48
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 118
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .134 ...................
Do Not Tow a Trailer . 119
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 54
.......................
Monitor Indicator .41
......................
Power Door Locks .54
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 186
Downshif ting, Manual .............................
Transmission .115
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .111
....................................
Economy .104
........................
Driving Guidelines .112
..............................
Economy, Fuel .104
..................................
Emergencies .157
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 166
...........
Brake System Indicator . 172
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 159
.....
Charging System Indicator . 170
..................
Checking the Fuses . 174
...
Closing the Convertible Top . 173
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 49
............................
Jump Starting .166
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 170
.....................................
Child Saf ety .23
..............................
Booster Seats .32
...................................
Child Seats .28
.....
Important Saf ety Reminders . 26
..........................
Larger Children .31
.......................
Risk with Airbags .24
.............................
Small Children .27
.......................................
Child Seats .28
.......................
Cleaning Seat Belts .145
.................................................
Clock .45
...................................
Clutch Fluid .139
........................
CO in the Exhaust .189
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 114
......................
Compact Spare Tire .158
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 194
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 37
..............................
Convertible Top .61
...............
Convertible Top Cover . 63
..
Lowering the Convertible Top . 61
................................
Maintenance .65
.....
Raising the Convertible Top . 64
Coolant ........................................
Adding .134
....................................
Checking .104
.........................
Proper Solution .134
...................
Temperature Gauge . 45Crankcase Emission Control
........................................
System .189
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 41
..............
Cruise Control Operation . 95
......................................
Cup Holder .69
.............
Customer Service Of f ice . 194
Index
D
E
II