Examine the new wiper blades. If
they have no plastic or metal
reinf orcement along the back
edge, remove the metal
reinf orcement strips f rom the old
wiper blade, and install them in
the slots along the edge of the new
blade.Slide the new wiper blade into the
holder until the tabs lock.
Slide the wiper blade assembly
onto the wiper arm. Make sure it
locks in place.
Lower the wiper arm down against
the windshield.
To saf ely operate your vehicle, your
tires must be the proper type and
size, in good condition with adequate
tread, and correctly inf lated.
The f ollowing pages give more
detailed inf ormation on how to take
care of your tires and what to do
when they need to be replaced.
4. 5.
6.
7.
Tires
Wiper Blades, Tires
148
REINFORCEMENTBLADE
Using tires that are excessively
worn or improperly inflated can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.
In addition to proper inf lation,
correct wheel alignment helps to
decrease tire wear. If you f ind a tire
is worn unevenly, have your dealer
check the wheel alignment.
Have your dealer check the tires if
you f eel a consistent vibration while
driving. A tire should always be
rebalanced if it is removed f rom the
wheel. When you have new tires
installed, make sure they are
balanced. This increases riding
comf ort and tire lif e. For best results,
have the installer perform a dynamic
balance.You should not rotate your vehicle’s
tires. The f ront and rear tires are
dif f erent sizes, so they cannot be
rotated f ront-to-rear. The original-
equipment tires on your vehicle have
a unidirectional tread pattern, so
they cannot be rotated side-to-side.
The tires that came on your vehicle
were designed and constructed to
provide superior grip during
acceleration, braking, and cornering.
As a trade-of f , they will wear more
rapidly than tires used on ordinary
passenger vehicles. Because of the
vehicle’s weight distribution, and the
fact that the rear wheels are the
driving wheels, you can expect them
to wear more rapidly than the f ront
tires.The mileage you can expect f rom
yourvehicletiresisthesameas
comparable mid-and rear-engine
sports cars, and it will vary greatly
with your driving habits.
If you drive moderately, the rear
tires could last more than 10,000
miles (16,000 km). However, the
mileage will be substantially less if
you tend to drive your vehicle at the
upper limits of its capabilities.
You should caref ully inspect your
vehicle’s tires f or wear, damage, and
proper inf lation every 7,500 miles
(12,000 km) (see page ).
125
T ire Maintenance
T ire Rotation
Tire Wear
Tires
Maint enance
151
Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle’s aluminum wheels. Use
only Honda wheel weights f or
balancing.
µ
Check the condition of the battery
monthlybylookingatthetest
indicator window. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors. Check the terminals f or corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it of f with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a
cloth or paper towel. Coat the
terminals with grease to help prevent
f uture corrosion.
If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualif ied technician.
Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle’s
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative ( ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
WARNING:
Wash your hands af ter handling.
Checking the Battery
154
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
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.
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
ÎÎ
The burning of gasoline in your
vehicle’s engine produces several by-
products. Some of these are carbon
monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen
(NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC).
Gasoline evaporating f rom the tank
also produces hydrocarbons.
Controlling the production of NOx,
CO, and HC is important to the
environment. Under certain
conditions of sunlight and climate,
NOx and HC react to f orm
photochemical ‘‘smog.’’ Carbon
monoxide does not contribute to
smog creation, but it is a poisonous
gas.
In Canada, Honda vehicles comply
with the Canadian emission
requirements, as specif ied in an
agreement with Environment
Canada, at the time they are
manuf actured.
Your vehicle has a positive
crankcase ventilation system. This
keeps gasses that build up in the
engine’s crankcase f rom going into
the atmosphere. The positive crankcase ventilation valve routes
them from the crankcase back to the
intake manif old. They are then
drawn into the engine and burned.
As gasoline evaporates in the f uel
tank, an evaporative emissions
control canister f illed with charcoal
adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this
canister while the engine is of f . Af ter
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine
and burned during driving.
The United States Clean Air Act
sets standards f or automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to
owners how their emissions controls
workandwhattodotomaintain
them. This section summarizes how
the emissions controls work.
Scheduled maintenance is on page
.
The onboard ref ueling vapor
recovery (ORVR) system captures
the f uel vapors during ref ueling. The
vapors are adsorbed in a canister
f illed with activated carbon. While
driving, the f uel vapors are drawn
into the engine and burned of f .
125
Emissions Cont rols
Crankcase Emissions Control
System Evaporative Emissions Control
System
The Clean Air Act
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor
Recovery
T echnical Inf ormation
189
µµ
µ
(
%
)
$
%
.
"
#
) This manual covers maintenance and recommended
procedures f or repair to engine and chassis components.
It is written f or the journeyman mechanic, but is simple
enough f or most mechanically-inclined owners to under-
stand.
This manual complements the service manual by
providing in-depth troubleshooting inf ormation f or each
electrical circuit in your vehicle.
This manual describes the procedures involved in the
replacement of damaged body parts.
Authorized Manuals
Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
198
NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name,
and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should
be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the address shown
below for a quotation.
P.O. BOX 07280·DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207·1-800-782-4356
Customer Name Attention
Apartment Number
State & Zip Code
City
Daytime Telephone Number
Check or money order enclosed payable to Helm Inc U.S. funds only.
Do not send cash
Master
Card VISA
Check here if your billing address is different
from the shipping address shown above.
Account Number Expiration: Mo. Yr.
CUSTOMER SIGNATURE DATE
Street Address No P.O. Box Number
()
These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14
days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.
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
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