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
——y
y
(+yy
Page 208 of 307

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.
The ABS also balances the f ront-to-
rear braking distribution according
to vehicle loading.
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.’’If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is f ully
released, the front-to-rear braking
distribution system may also be shut
down.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes f eel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
If the indicator comes on while
driving, test the brakes as instructed
on page . If this 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. 265
265
You should never pump the brake pedal.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
ABS Indicator
204
——y
y
(+yy
Page 209 of 307
It only helps with the
steering control during braking.
such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed f or the road and weather
conditions.
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. Slow down, and allow a greater
distance between vehicles under
those conditions. Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer; Attempting to do so can void
your warranties.
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
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 stop
Important Saf ety Reminders
Towing a Trailer
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Towing a Trailer
Driving
205
——y
y
(+yy
Page 235 of 307

Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the enginecompartment.
Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
A low f luid level can indicate a leak
in the clutch system. Have this
system inspected as soon as possible.
Manual Transmission only
All models except Si
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid
Clutch Fluid
Maint enance
231
MAX
MIN LOWER LEVEL
UPPER LEVEL
Turning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
——y
y
(+yy
Page 238 of 307
To change the driver’s side bulb,
start the engine, turn the steering
wheel all the way to the right, and
turn of f the engine. To change the
passenger’s side bulb, turn the
steering wheel to the lef t. Remove the electrical connectorf rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab to unlock it, then slide the
connector of f the bulb.Remove the bulb f rom the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn clock-
wise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Use a Phillips head screwdriver to
remove the screw from the inner
f ender, and pull the inner f ender
cover back. Reinstall the inner f ender cover.
Then reinstall the screw and
tighten it securely.
2.
1.
3.4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Lights
L ow Beam Headlight
234
SCREW
——y
y
(+yy
Page 239 of 307
Remove the bulb f rom the socket
by pushing the bulb in and turning
it counterclockwise until it unlocks.
Install the new bulb in the socket.
Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
To change the driver’s side bulb,
start the engine, turn the steering
wheel all the way to the right, and
turn of f the engine. To change the
passenger’s side bulb, turn the
steering wheel to the lef t.
Use a Phillips head screwdriver to
remove the screw from the inner
f ender, and pull the inner f ender
cover back.
Reinstall the inner f ender cover.
Then reinstall the screw and
tighten it securely.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
3. 2.
1.
Lights
Replacing the Front Side Marker/
Parking/Turn Signal Light Bulb
Maint enance
235
——y
y
(+yy
Page 249 of 307

Themileageyoucanexpectfrom
yourvehicletiresisthesameas
comparable mid-and rear-engine
sports cars, and it will vary greatly
with your driving habits.
If you drive moderately, the f ront
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.TheABSworksbycomparingthe
speed of the wheels. When replacing
tires, use the same size originally
supplied with the vehicle. Tire size
and construction can affect wheel
speed and may cause the system to
activate.
If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure the new one matches the
specif ications of the original.
Replacement wheels are available at
your dealer.
You should caref ully inspect your
vehicle’s tires f or wear, damage, and
proper inf lation every 7,500 miles
(12,000 km). Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall).
Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a dif f erent
size or construction can cause the
ABS to work inconsistently.
It is best to replace all f our tires at
thesametime.If thatisnotpossible
or necessary, replace the two f ront
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
af f ect your vehicle’s handling. Replacing T ires and Wheels
Tires
Maint enance
245
Installing improper tires on your
vehicle can affect handling and
stability. This can cause a crash
in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of
tires recommended in this
owner’s manual.
——y
y
(+yy
Page 276 of 307

µµ If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do this:
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
Therearetwowaystotowyour
vehicle:
The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck.
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the f ront tires and lif t them of f
the ground. The rear tires remain on
the ground. Release the parking brake.
Shif t the transmission to neutral.
Turn of f the engine. ShifttoD,thentoN.
Start the engine.
Release the parking brake. Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
Do not tie down the vehicle at an
angle that would allow the towing
cables to contact the vehicle’s f ront
bumper. To avoid possible damage,
protect the f ront bumper with tape. With the f ront wheels on the ground,
do not tow the vehicle more than 50
miles (80 km), and keep the speed
below35mph(55km/h).
If your vehicle is equipped with a
f ront spoiler, remove it bef ore
towing so it is not damaged.
Manual Transmission:
Automatic Transmission:
Flat -bed Equipment
Wheel-lif t Equipment
This is the best way to trans-
port your vehicle.
This is an acceptable
way to tow your vehicle.
Emergency Towing
272
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine (automatic transmission), your
vehicle must be transported with the
f ront wheels of f the ground.
——y
y
(+yy