The instrument panel has many
indicato rs that give you important
info rmation about your vehicl e.
See page .
If this indicator comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For more information,
see page .
The
engine can be severely damaged
if this indicator flashes or stays on
wh en the engine is running. For
more information, see page .This
indicator has two functions: This
indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. It reminds you and your
passengers to fasten your seat belts.
A beeper also sounds if you have not
fastened your seat belt.
Itcomesonwhenyouturnthe
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It is a reminder to check
the parking brake. A beeper
sounds if you drive with the
parking brake not fully released.
Driving with the parking brake not
fully released can damage the
brakes and tires.
If it stays on after you have fully
released the parking brake while
the engine is running, or if it
comes on while driving, there
could be a problem with the brake
system. For more inf ormation, see
page . If you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position bef ore f astening
your seat belt, the beeper sounds,
and the indicator f lashes. If you do
notfastenyourseatbeltbeforethe
beeper stops, the indicator stops
f lashing but remains on.
If your f ront passenger does not
f asten their seat belt, the indicator
comes on about 6 seconds af ter the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position.
2. 1.
310
309
309 311
Malf unction Indicator
Lamp
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator
Instrument Panel Indicators
60
U.S. Canada
If your fuel fill cap is loose or
missing, a ‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’
messa ge appears on the information
display after you start the engine.
For more information, see page .The
information display in the
instrument panel shows you the
engine oil life and maintenance
service items when the ignition
switch is in the ON (II) position. This
information helps to keep you aware
of the periodic maintenance your
vehicle needs for continued trouble-
f ree driving. Ref er to page f or
more inf ormation.
216
257
Gauges
Maintenance Minder
Check Fuel Cap Message
Inst rument s and Cont rols
71
Bef ore you begin driving your
vehicle, you should know what
gasoline to use and how to check the
levels of important f luids. You also
need to know how to properly store
luggage or packages. The
inf ormation in this section will help
you. If you plan to add any
accessories to your vehicle, please
read the information in this section
first..............................
Break-in Period .214
.................
Fuel Recommendation .214
.........
Service Station Procedures .215
....................................
Ref ueling .215
........
Check Fuel Cap Message .216
Opening and Closing
................................
the Hood .217
...................................
Oil Check .218
.............
Engine Coolant Check .218
...............................
Fuel Economy .219
...
Accessories and Modif ications .220
.............................
Carrying Cargo .222
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving
213
Wait a few minutes after turning the
engine off before you check the oil.
Remove the dipstick (orange
handle).
Wipe off the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into its hole. Remove
the dipstick again, and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page .Look
at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see on page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant.
1.
2.
3. 4.
267 270
Oil Check
A dding Engine OilEngine Coolant Check
A dding
Engine Coolant
Service Station Procedures
218
DIPSTICK
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARKMAX
MIN RESERVE TANK
Before you leave the pavement, be
sure to do all scheduled maintenance
and service, and inspect your vehicle
f or any problems. Pay special
attention to the condition of the tires,
and check the tire pressures.
After you return to the pavement,
caref ully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsaf e.
Recheck the condition of the tires
and the tire pressures.
The route presents limits (too steep
or bumpy roads). You have limits
(driving skill and comfort). And your
vehicle has limits (traction, stability,
and power).
Driving of f -highway can be
hazardous if you f ail to recognize
limits and take the proper
precautions.Forbettertractiononallsurfaces,
accelerate slowly and gradually build
up speed. If you try to start too fast
on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you
might not have enough traction to
get underway, and you may dig
yourself a hole. Starting with the
shif t lever in second (2) gear will
help you have a smoother start on
snow or ice.
Keep in mind that you will usually
need more time and distance to
brake to a stop on unpaved surf aces.
Avoid hard braking. Do not ‘‘pump’’
the brakes; let the anti-lock braking
system pump them f or you.
Debris in the road can damage your
suspension or other components.
Because your vehicle has a high
center of gravity, driving over a large
obstacle, or allowing a wheel to drop
into a deep hole can cause your
vehicle to tip or roll over.
If you can’t clearly see all conditions
or obstacles on a slope, walk the
slope bef ore you drive on it. If you
have any doubt whether or not you
can saf ely drive on the slope, don’t
do it. Find another route.
If you are driving up a hill and f ind
that you cannot continue,
. Your vehicle could roll
over. Slowly back down the hill,
f ollowing the same route you took up
the hill.
do not try to
turn around
Check Out Your Vehicle
Remember A ccelerating and Braking A voiding Obstacles
Driving on Slopes
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
Driving
253
This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform 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 on
the information display, a
maintenance record, and instructions
for simple maintenance tasks you
may want to take care of yourself. ......................
Maintenance Saf ety .256
....................
Maintenance Minder .257
....................
Maintenance Record .264
..............................
Fluid Locations .266
........................
Adding Engine Oil .267
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter .268
..............................
Engine Coolant .270
....................
Windshield Washers .272
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .273
.................
Rear Dif f erential Fluid .275
....................................
Brake Fluid .275
....................
Power Steering Fluid .276
.............................................
Lights .277
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .283
.....................................
Floor Mats .283
..............................
Audio Antenna .284
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .284
.................................
Wiper Blades .285
...............................................
Tires .288
...........................................
Wheels .293
...................
Checking the Battery .294
.............................
Vehicle Storage .295
337
Maintenance
Maint enance
255
µµµ
µ
µ
Ì
µ
Engine
oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
.
Brakes Check the fluid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specified interval s. If
you are unsure of how to perform
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
U.S.
Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
performed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the
information display.
However,
service at a dealer is not
mandato ry to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualified service facility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Make sure to
have the service facility or person
reset the display as previously
describe d. Keep all receipts as proof
of completion, and have the person
who does the work fill out the
maintenance record. Check your
warranty booklet for more
info rmation.
We recommend using Honda parts
and fluids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manufactu red to the same high
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be confident
of their perfo rman ce and durability. Lights
Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate light monthly.
See page . 218
218
273 275
288
277
Maintenance Minder
Owner’s Maintenance Checks 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.
262
Î
Î
Ì Ì
Î
Ì
ÎÎ
Maintenance Minder
263
: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.
If the message ‘‘SERVICE’’ does not appear more than 12 months after the
display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
Independent of the maintenance items in the information display, replace
the brake fluid every 3 years.
NOTE: 1:
2:
262
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, 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 Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Replace dust and pollen filter If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission fluid
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace rear differencial fluid
A
B
Symbol
Symbol
1
2
3
4
5
4WD
61
1
2
Maintenance Minder