Page 173 of 311

Once the security system is set,
opening any door, the trunk, or the
hood without using the key or the
remote transmitter will cause it to
alarm. It also alarms if the radio is
removed from the dashboard or the
wiring is cut.
The
security system helps to protect
your vehicle and valuables from theft.
The horn sounds and a combination
of headlights (low beam), parking
lights, side marker lights, and
taillights flash if someone attempts
to break into your vehicle or remove
the radio. This alarm continues for 2
minutes, then it stops. To reset an
alarming system before the 2
minutes have elapsed, unlock the
driver’s door with the key or the
remote transmitter.
The security system automatically
sets 15 seconds after you lock the
doors, hood, and trunk. For the
system to activate, you must lock the
doors from the outside with the key,
driver’s lock tab, door lock switch, or
remote transmitter. The security
system indicator on the instrument
panel starts blinking immediately to
show you the system is setting itself. With
the system set, you can still
open the trunk with the master key
or the remote transmitter without
triggering the alarm. The alarm will
sound if the trunk lock is forced, or
the trunk is opened with the trunk
release handle.
The security system will not set if
the hood, trunk, or any door is not
f ully closed. If the system will not set,
check the door and trunk open
indicators on the instrument panel
(see page ) to see if the doors and
trunk are f ully closed. Since it is not
part of the monitor display, manually
check the hood.
Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it. To see if the system is set
af ter you exit the vehicle, press the
LOCK button on the remote
transmitter within 5 seconds. If the
system is set, the horn will beep
once. 65
If equipped
Security System
170
NOTE:
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR
Page 185 of 311

When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interf ere with your vehicle’s
computer controlled systems, such
as your airbags and anti-lock brakes.
Your dealer has Honda accessories
that allow you to personalize your
vehicle, or improve its perf ormance.
These accessories have been
designed and approved f or your
vehicle, and are covered by warranty. Modif ying your vehicle, or installing
some non-Honda accessories, can
make it unsaf e. Bef ore you make any
modif ications or add any accessories,
be sure to read the f ollowing
inf ormation.
Although non-Honda accessories
may f it on your vehicle, they may not
meet f actory specif ications, and
could adversely af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and stability.
Try to maintain a constant speed.
Everytimeyouslowdownand
speed up, your vehicle uses extra
f uel. Use cruise control when
appropriate.
Combine several short trips into
one.
The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
usemorefuel.Usethefresh-air
ventilation when possible.
Fuel Economy, A ccessories and Modif ications
A ccessories A ccessories and Modif ications
182
Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
vehicle’s handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding
accessories and modifications.
Page 186 of 311

Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interfere with the operation of
your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and
other systems.
Modifying your steering wheel or
any other part of your vehicle’s
safety features can make the
systems ineffective.
If you plan to modify your vehicle,
consult your dealer.
Removing
parts from your vehicle,
or replacing componen ts with
non-Honda components could
seriously affect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, and reliability.
Some examples are:
Lo wering your vehicle with a
non-Honda suspension kit that
signifi cantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarri age 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
affect the handling and stability.
Non-Honda wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components.
Befo
re installing any accesso ry:
Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interfere
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. 270 Modif ying Your Vehicle
A ccessories and Modif ications
Bef ore Driving
183
Page 189 of 311

Store or secure all items that could
be thro wn around and hurt
someone during a crash. Distribute
cargo evenly on the
floor of the trunk, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as far forward as possible.
If you carry large items that
prevent you from closing the trunk
lid, exhaust gas can enter the
pa ssenger area. To avoid the
possibility of , f ollow the instructions
on page . If youfolddownthebackseat,tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop.
Do not put any items on top of the
trunk panel. They can block your
view and be thrown around the
vehicle during a crash.
Be sure items placed on the f loor
behind the f ront seats cannot roll
under the seats and interf ere with
the driver’s ability to operate the
pedals, the proper operation of the
seats, or proper operation of the
sensors under the seats.
Keep the glove box closed while
driving. If it is open, a passenger
could injure their knees during a
crash or sudden stop. 51
Carrying Items in the Passenger
Compartment
Carrying Cargo in the Trunk
carbon monoxide
poisoning
Carrying Cargo
186
Page 190 of 311
This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
manual and automatic transmissions.
It also includes important
information on parking your vehicle,
the braking system, the vehicle
stability assist (VSA) system, and
f acts you need if you are planning to
tow a trailer.........................
Driving Guidelines .188
........................
Preparing to Drive .189
.......................
Starting the Engine .190
...................
Manual Transmission .191
..............
Automatic Transmission .194
...........................................
Parking .198
.............................
Braking System .199
...............
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) .200
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
........................................
System .202
...........................
Towing a Trailer .204
Driving
Driving
187
Page 192 of 311
Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood and trunk are
fully closed. Check
that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
fastened down securely.
Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
ad justment (see page ).
Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked. Fasten
your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page ).
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and
adjustments every day before
you drive your vehicle.
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicato rs in the
instrument panel (see page ).
Vi sually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure (see page ).
1.
2.
3. 4.
9.
8. 7. 6. 5. 10.
245 91
99 75 14
57
Preparing to Drive
Driving
189
Page 194 of 311

CONTINUED
The manual transmission is
synchronized in all forward gears for
smooth operation. It has a lockout so
you cannot shift directly from fifth to
reverse. On
vehicles with 6-speed manual
transmission, the lockout system
prevents you from shifting directly
from any forward gear to reverse
while the vehicle is moving at a
certain speed (see page ).
When shif ting up or down, make
sure you push the clutch pedal down
all the way, shif t to the next gear,
and let the pedal up gradually. When
you are not shif ting, do not rest your
f oot on the clutch pedal. This can cause your clutch to wear out f aster.
Come to a full stop before you shift
into reverse. You can damage the
transmission by trying to shift into
reverse with the vehicle moving.
Push down the clutch pedal, and
pause f or a f ew seconds bef ore
shif ting into reverse, or shif t into one
of the f orward gears f or a moment.
This stops the gears so they won’t
‘‘grind.’’
197
The engine can be damaged if
you inadvertently downshif t into the wrong gear (f or example, going f romthird gear at high rpms to second gearinstead of upshif ting to f ourth gear; theengine speed limiter will not work in thissituation).
On U.S. Si model
Manual T ransmission
Driving
191
Note:
Except U.S. Si
U.S. Si
Page 196 of 311

If you exceed the maximum speed
for the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer’s
red zone. If this occurs, you may feel
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.
Before downshifting, make sure the
engine will not go into the
tachometer’s red zone.
Your vehicle has a rev limit indicator
to show you when the engine speed
is near the tachometer’s red zone
(see page ). If you are still unable to shif t to
reverse, apply the parking brake,
and turn the ignition key to the
ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0)
position.
With the clutch pedal still pressed,
start the engine. Press the clutch pedal, and shif t to
reverse.
If you need to use this procedure to
shif t to reverse, your vehicle may be
developing a problem. Have the
vehicle checked by your dealer.
The manual transmission has
lockout so you cannot accidentally
shif t f rom any f orward gear to
reverse while the vehicle is moving
at a certain speed. If you cannot shif t
to reverse when the vehicle is
stopped, do the f ollowing.
With the clutch pedal pressed,
move the shift lever to the first/
second gear side of the neutral
gate, then shif t to reverse.
1. 2.
3.
4.
636-speed manual transmission
On U.S. Si model
Engine Speed L imiter Reverse L ockout
Manual T ransmission
Driving
193