Page 117 of 218

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You can switch into and out of
Second mode with the ignition
switch in the ON (II) position and
the shif t lever in D position. If you
turn the ignition switch to the
ACCESSORY (I) position in Second
mode, the mode is switched to Drive. To shif t to Low, press
the release button on the side of the
shif t lever. Use Low to get more
power when climbing, and f or
maximum engine braking when
going down steep hills.
ForfasteraccelerationwheninDor
L, the transmission will automatically
‘‘kick down’’ to a lower range of
ratios when you push the accelerator
pedal to the f loor. If you exceed the maximum speed
f or the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer’s
red zone. If this occurs, you may f eel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
rpm below the red zone.
The ‘‘S’’ indicator also comes on f or a
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON(II) position.
Automatic Transmission (CVT)
Low (L)
Engine Speed Limiter
116
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This allows you to move the shif t
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pressing the release
button does not work.Set the parking brake.
Insert the key in the shift lock
release slot.
Push down on the key while you
pressthereleasebuttononthe
shif t lever and move the shif t lever
out of Park to neutral.Remove the key from the Shift
Lock Release slot, then reinstall
thecover.Makesurethenotchon
the cover is on the lef t side. Press
the brake pedal, and restart the
engine.
If you need to use the shif t lock
release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have the
vehicle checked by your dealer.
Make sure the ignition switch is in
the LOCK (0) position.
Put a cloth on the edge of the Shif t
Lock Release slot cover. Using a
small f lat-tipped screwdriver or
f inger nail f ile, caref ully pry on the
edge of the cover to remove it.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.6.
Automatic Transmission (CVT)
Shif t L ock Release
Driving
117
RELEASE BUTTON
SHIFT LOCK
RELEASE SLOT
COVER
Page 119 of 218

To maximize f uel economy, your
Insight has an Auto Idle Stop
f unction. Under certain conditions,
the engine will shut of f when you
come to a stop. Those conditions are:The engine coolant is nearly up to
normal operating temperature.
The shift lever is in D or N.
You are not pressing on the
accelerator pedal.
The IMA battery is sufficiently
charged (at least 1/3 on the
Battery Level Gauge).
The A/C is of f , or in ECON mode,
and the outside temperature is
above 41°F (5°C) (see page ). There is adequate vacuum reserve
f or the power brakes.
When these conditions are met, the
engine will shut of f as you are
braking to a stop and the vehicle
speed goes below 5mph ( 8km/h).
The engine will start again when you
release the brake pedal. It will also
restart, even if you are still pressing
the brake pedal, under these
conditions: You move the shif t lever f rom D
orNtoR,L,orP.
You press the accelerator pedal.
You are on an incline, and the
vehicle begins rolling. During Auto Idle Stop, the IMA
charge and power brake vacuum
reserve is monitored by the system.
If the vacuum reserve drops below
an optimal level, the engine will
restart to replenish the vacuum
supply. If the IMA charge drops
below an optimal level and the shif t
lever is in neutral or Park (P), the
engine will restart to recharge the
IMA battery.
75
Automatic Transmission (CVT)
Auto Idle Stop
118
Page 120 of 218
The indicator blinks as a reminder
that the engine has stopped because
of the Auto Idle Stop f unction. You
cannot restart the engine with the
ignition switch when this indicator is
blinking.If you open the driver’s door when
Auto Stop is active, the indicator will
blink and you will hear a chime. The
chime will stop when you close the
door.
Always turn the ignition switch to
LOCK (0) and remove the key if you
are getting out of the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission (CVT)
A uto Idle Stop Indicator
Driving
119
AUTO IDLE STOP INDICATOR
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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.
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.Make sure the windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
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.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the storage box or take them
with you.
Lock the doors and the hatch with
the key or the remote transmitter. 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.
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.
Parking
Parking T ips
120
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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
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.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .126
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 127
....................
Maintenance Record .131
..............................
Fluid Locations .134
........................
Adding Engine Oil .135
.......
Recommended Engine Oil . 135
..............................
Synthetic Oil .136
................
Engine Oil Additives . 136
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 136
..............................
Engine Coolant .139
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 139
....................
Windshield Washers .141
.......................
Transmission Fluid .142
Automatic Transmission .....................................
(CVT) .142
..............
Manual Transmission . 143
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 144
............................
Brake System .145
...........................
Clutch System .145
.............................................
Lights .146
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 151
.....................................
Floor Mats .151
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 152
................................
Roof Antenna .152
..........................
Rear Wheel Skirt .153
.................................
Wiper Blades .153 ...............................................
Tires .156
..................
Inf lation Guidelines . 156
.
Recommended Tire Pressure . 157
..........................
Tire Inspection .158
.....................
Tire Maintenance .158
.............................
Tire Rotation .159
.........................
Replacing Tires .159
Wheels and Tires ........................
Specif ications .160
..........................
Winter Driving .160
.................................
Snow Tires .161
................................
Tire Chains .161
...................
Checking the Battery . 162
.............................
Vehicle Storage .163
207
Maintenance
Maint enance
125
Page 129 of 218

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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. 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. U.S. Vehicles:
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate light monthly. See
page . Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page . Automatic transmission (CVT)
Check the f luid level 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 f ill the f uel tank. See
page .
97
98
142 145
156
146
Maintenance Schedule
Servicing Your Vehicle
Owner’s Maintenance ChecksMaintenance,
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.
128
Page 130 of 218

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129
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000 15
2430
4845
7260
9675
120 90
144 135
216150
240
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
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
Inspect every 105,000 miles (168,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
Every 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or every 6 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
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . 105
168
120
192
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 2 years, whichever comes first
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 159 )
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brake wear
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 automatic transmission (CVT) fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid
: 128
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions