Make sure the convertible top and
the windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you.
Lock the doors.
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.If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the f ront wheels away f rom the
curb, and put the transmission in
f irst gear.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb, and put the transmission in
reverse gear.
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.
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.
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.
Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. 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.
CONT INUED
Parking
Parking T ipsBraking System
Parking, Braking System
Driving
117
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.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.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’
You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
may hear some noise. This is normal:
it is the ABS rapidly pumping the
brakes. On dry pavement, you will
need to press on the brake pedal
very hard before the ABS activates.
However, you may f eel the ABS
activate immediately if you are trying
to stop on snow or ice.
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.
You should never pump the brake pedal.
Braking System Design
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Brake Wear Indicators
Braking System, Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
118
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.such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change.
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. Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer, attempting to do so can void
your warranties.
it only helps with steering
control during braking.
ABS Indicator
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.
A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stopTowing a Trailer
Important Saf ety Reminders
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle;
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Towing a Trailer
Driving
119
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR
µµ
The maintenance schedule assumes
you will use your vehicle as normal
transportation f or your passenger
and possessions. You should also
f ollow these recommendations:
Avoid exceeding your vehicle’s
load limit. This puts excess stress
on the engine, brakes, and many
other vehicle parts. The load limit
is shown on the tire inf ormation
label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Drive your vehicle regularly over a
distance of several miles
(kilometers).
Always use unleaded gasoline with
theproperoctanerating(seepage ). Service your vehicle according to the
time and mileage periods on one of
the Maintenance Schedules on the
f ollowing pages.
Follow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions if you drive your vehicle
MAINLY under one or more of the
f ollowing 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 in mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-
iced roads.
Follow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions.
Operate your vehicle on
reasonable roads within the legal
speed limit.
Extensive idling or long periods of
stop and go driving. If you only OCCASIONALLY
drive under a ‘‘severe’’ condition, you
should f ollow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Normal Conditions.
100
Maintenance Schedule
Which Schedule to Follow
U.S. Owners Canadian Owners
Maint enance
123
NOTE:
̵
µ
µ µ µ
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.
We recommend the use of Honda
parts and f luids whenever you have
maintenance done. U.S. Vehicles:
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.
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 f ill the f uel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. 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 . Brakes and clutch Check the
f luid level monthly. See page . 103
104
139
148
140
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
124
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
Î
ÌÌ
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
CONT INUED
....................................
Accessories .105
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .53
...............
Accessory Power Socket . 69
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 132
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 19
................
Air Conditioning System . 74
............................................
Usage .76
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .150
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .100
......................................
Antif reeze .134
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .41, 119
...................................
Operation .118
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 53
............................
Anti-thef t System .94
......................................
Audio Panel .70
..................................
Audio System .78
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 17
...............
Automatic Speed Control . 95
........
Back-up Light Replacement . 144Battery
Charging System ...........................
Indicator .40, 170
............................
Jump Starting .166
..............................
Maintenance .154
............................
Specif ications .185
................................
Bef ore Driving .99
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,16
.............................
Beverage Holder .69
..................................
Booster Seats .32
............................................
Brakes .117
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 118
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 100
...........................................
Fluid .139
.........................................
Parking .67
..........................
System Design .118
.................
System Indicator . 40,172
........................
Wear Indicators .118
.............................
Braking System .117
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 100
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 49
........................
Brights, Headlights .48
.........................
Bulb Replacement .140
..........................
Back-up Lights .144
.................................
Headlights .140
...........
Side Turn Signal Lights . 143............................
Specif ications .185
............
Turn Signal Lights . 142,144
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .140
............................
Capacities Chart .184
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 35
....................
Cargo, How to Carry .107
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
...........................................
CD Care .90
.....................................
CD Changer .90
.......
CD Changer Error Messages . 92
........................
CD Error Messages .91
.........................................
CD Player .88
........................
Certif ication Label .182
.................................
Chains, Tires .153
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .159
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .132
......................................
When to .125
...
Charging System Indicator . 40,170
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 113
Index
B A
C
INDEX
I