Page 191 of 307

Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interf ere with the operation of
your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and
other systems.
Modif ying your steering wheel or
any other part of your vehicle’s
safety features can make the
systems inef f ective.
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.
Some examples are:
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.
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
the proper operation of your
vehicle.
Do not install accessories on the
side pillars or across the rear
windows. In these areas,
accessories may interf ere with
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags. Bef ore installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer f or assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the f inal installation. 266 Modif ying Your Vehicle
A ccessories and Modif ications
Bef ore Driving
187
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Page 206 of 307

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.If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from 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.
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.
Make sure the moonroof (if
equipped) and the windows are
closed.
Lock the doors. Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you. Turn of f the lights.
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 parked
on an incline.
Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set.
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.
On vehicles with security system
Parking T ips
Parking
202
Never install a sunshade between the
upper and lower meters on the
instrument panel. If you do, you could
cause heat damage to the upper meter
on a very hot day.
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Page 207 of 307

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 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.
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. Your vehicle is equipped with f ront
disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels may be disc or drum,
depending on the model. 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. 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 Design Brake Wear Indicators
Braking System
Driving
203
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Page 211 of 307

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
perf 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. This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages in the
inf ormation display, a maintenance
record, and instructions f or simple
maintenance tasks you may want to
take care of yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .208
....................
Maintenance Minder .209
....................
Maintenance Record .216
..............................
Fluid Locations .218
........................
Adding Engine Oil .220
.......
Recommended Engine Oil .220
..............................
Synthetic Oil .221
................
Engine Oil Additives .221
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter .222
..............................
Engine Coolant .224
....................
Windshield Washers .227
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .228
........
Manual Transmission Fluid .229
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid .230
....................
Power Steering Fluid .231
.............................................
Lights .232
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .237
.....................................
Floor Mats .238
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .239
.................................
Wiper Blades .239
...............................................
Tires .241
...................
Checking the Battery .248
.............................
Vehicle Storage .250
291
Maintenance
Maint enance
207
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Page 218 of 307

µ
µ
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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. Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page . Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel 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 .
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 in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the
inf ormation display.
183
185
228 230
241 232
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
Maintenance Minder
214
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Page 222 of 307
Fluid Locations
DX, Canadian DX-G, L X, and EX models
218
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange handle) BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
CLUTCH FLUID
(Manual
transmission only)
(Light gray cap)AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR
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Page 223 of 307
Fluid Locations
Si model
Maint enance
219
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR
BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange handle)
CLUTCH FLUID
(Light gray cap)
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Page 241 of 307
If your seat belts get dirty, use a sof t
brush with a mixture of mild soap
and warm water to clean them. Do
not use bleach, dye, or cleaning
solvents. Let the belts air-dry bef ore
you use the vehicle.
Reinstall the cover, and tighten its
holding clips securely. Reinstall the socket. Turn it
clockwise until it locks. Make sure
the new bulb is working. Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
Open the trunk, then remove the
holding clips f rom the cover, and
remove the cover.
Remove the socket f rom the light
assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise.
2. 1.
3.
4.
5.
CONT INUED
On DX and LX models
Replacing a High-mount Brake
Light Bulb Cleaning the Seat Belts
Lights, Cleaning the Seat Belts
Maint enance
237
SOCKETBULB LOOP
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