Your vehicle’s exhaust contains
carbon monoxide gas. You should
have no problem with carbon
monoxide entering the vehicle in
normal driving if you maintain your
vehicle properly.High levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly in enclosed areas,
such as a garage. Do not run the
engine with the garage door closed.
Even with the door open, run the
engine only long enough to move the
vehicle out of the garage.If you must sit in your parked vehicle
with the engine running, even in an
unconf ined area, adjust the heating
and cooling system as f ollows:
Have the exhaust system inspected
f or leaks whenever:
The vehicle is raised f or an oil
change.
You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust.
The vehicle was in an accident
that may have damaged the
underside. With the trunk open, airf low can pull
exhaust gas into your vehicle’s
interior and create a hazardous
condition. If you must drive with the
trunk open, open all the windows,
and set the heating and cooling
system as shown below.
Select the f resh air mode.
Select the mode.
Set the f an speed to high.
Set the temperature control to a
comfortable setting.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
40
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or
activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.
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¶¶
This shows how much f uel you have.
It may show slightly more or less
than the actual amount.
This shows the temperature of the
engine’s coolant. During normal
operation, the reading should be in
the middle of the gauge. In severe
driving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill
driving, the reading may reach near
the red mark. If it reaches the red
(Hot) mark, pull saf ely to the side of
the road. See page f or
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine’s cooling
system.This indicator displays the outside
temperature in Fahrenheit (U.S.
models) or Centigrade (Canadian
models).
The temperature sensor is in the
f ront bumper. Theref ore, the
temperature reading can be af f ected
by heat ref lection f rom the road
surf ace, engine heat, and the
exhaust f rom surrounding traf f ic.
This can cause an incorrect
temperature reading when your
speed is under 19 mph (30 km/h).
The sensor delays the indicator
update until it reaches the correct
outside temperature. This may take
several minutes.
If the outside temperature is
incorrectly displayed, you can adjust
it up 5°F in U.S. models ( 3°C in
Canadian models) warmer or cooler.
179
Fuel Gauge T emperature Gauge Outside T emperature Indicator
Gauges
52
Avoid driving with an extremely low
f uel level. Running out of f uel could
cause the engine to misf ire, damaging
the catalytic converter.
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Push this lever up and down to
increase or decrease the f an speed
and airf low. The indicators next to
the lever show you the speed and
airf low selected.
This button turns the air
conditioning on and of f . The
indicator in the button comes on
when the A/C is on. Turning this dial clockwise increases
the temperature of the airflow.This button turns the rear window
def ogger of f and on (see page ).
Do not push the def ogger button
when the convertible top is f olded.
Use the mode control dial to select
the vents the air flows from. Some
air will f low f rom the dashboard
vents in all modes.
Air flows from the vents on
both sides of the instrument panel,
andfromthedashboardventinfront
of the passenger.
Airf low is divided between
the vents in the dashboard and the
f loor vents.
When the recirculation indicator is
on, air f rom the vehicle’s interior is
sent through the system again
(recirculation mode). When the
indicator is of f , air is brought in f rom
the outside of the vehicle (f resh air
mode).
The outside air intakes f or the
heating and cooling system are at
the base of the windshield. Keep this
area clear of leaves and other debris.
Thesystemshouldbeleftinfresh
air mode under almost all conditions.
Keeping the system in recirculation
mode, particularly with the A/C of f ,
can cause the windows to fog up.
Switch to recirculation mode when
driving through dusty or smoky
conditions, then return to fresh air
mode. 59
CONT INUED
Vents, Heating, and A/C
Fan Control L ever Controlling the A irf low
Air Conditioning (A/C) Button T emperature Control Dial
Rear Window Def ogger Button
Mode Control Dial
Recirculation Button
Features
83
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If Honda antif reeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporaryreplacement.Makesureit
is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system f or leaks.
Turn of f the engine and let it sit
f or several minutes, then check
the oil level on the dipstick. If
necessary, add more oil. Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Always use Honda Long-Lif e
Antif reeze/Coolant Type 2. This
coolant is pre-mixed with 50 %
antif reeze and 50 % water. Never add
straight antif reeze or plain water.
9.
10.
Changing the Oil and Filter, Engine Coolant
A dding Engine Coolant
146
RESERVE TANK
MAX MIN
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmf ul to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
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If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.When the radiator and engine are
cool, relieve any pressure in the
cooling system by turning the
radiator cap counterclockwise,
without pressing down.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pour the coolant slowly and
caref ully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
Put the radiator cap on, and
tighten it fully.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components.
2. 3.
4.
5.
1.
Engine Coolant
Maint enance
147
RADIATOR CAP
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
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The floor mats that came with your
vehicle hook over the f loor mat
anchors. This keeps them f rom
sliding f orward and possibly
interf ering with vehicle operation.
If you remove a f loor mat, make sure
tore-anchoritwhenyouputitback
in your vehicle.If you use a non-Honda f loor mat,
make sure it f its properly and that it
canbeusedwiththefloormat
anchor. Do not put additional f loor
mats on top of the anchored mat.
This f ilter removes the dust and
pollenthatisbroughtinfromthe
outside through the heating and
cooling system.
Have your dealer replace this filter
every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
under normal conditions. It should
be replaced every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km) if you drive primarily in
urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air, or if
the f low f rom the heating and
cooling system becomes less than
usual.
Floor Mats, Dust and Pollen Filter
Floor Mats
Dust and Pollen Filter
158
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If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
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.
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.
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance
167
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If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the reading
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge or lower
bef ore checking the radiator.Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
Start the engine, and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum heat. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
9. 8.
7. 10.
11.191
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
181
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
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