Page 161 of 258

à
à
à
àà
à
à
´
Downshif ting gives you more power
when climbing, and provides engine
braking when going down a steep hill.
The transmission also shif ts
automatically as the vehicle comes to
a complete stop. It downshif ts to f irst
gear when the vehicle speed reaches
6mph(10km/h)orless.
You cannot downshif t with the
paddle shif ter bef ore the engine
speed reaches the upper limit of the
lower gear. If you try to do this, the
gear indicator will f lash the number
of the lower gear several times, then
the indicator will display the higher
gear number.
If the vehicle speed decreases below
the redline of the selected lower gear
while the indicator is f lashing, the
transmission downshif ts, and the
indicator displays the selected gear. To shift
from
12
23
34
45 Speed range
over 0 mph (0 km/h)
over 6 mph (10 km/h)
over 21 mph (34 km/h)
over 30 mph (48 km/h) Speed range
under 25 mph (40 km/h)
under 47 mph (75 km/h)
under 75 mph (121 km/h)
To shift
from
21
32
43
When you are in sequential shif t
mode, and the vehicle is stopped,
pull the (right) paddle shifter to
shif t to second gear. You will see ‘‘M
2’’ in the display. Starting in second
gear helps to reduce wheelspin in
deep snow or on a slippery surf ace.
Here are the speed ranges f or
upshif ting and downshif ting.
Driving with the Paddle Shif ters (Sport only)
St art ing in Second GearDriving
159
Page 162 of 258

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.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.
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. 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 windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area or take them
with you.
Lock the doors and the tailgate.
Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set.
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.
On Sport model
Parking T ips
Parking
160
Page 167 of 258

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 .166
....................
Maintenance Minder .167
....................
Maintenance Record .174
..............................
Fluid Locations .176
........................
Adding Engine Oil .177
Changing the Engine Oil
....................................
and Filter .178
..............................
Engine Coolant .180
....................
Windshield Washers .182
.......................
Transmission Fluid .183
..........
Automatic Transmission .183
..............
Manual Transmission .184
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid .185
.............................................
Lights .186
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .192
.....................................
Floor Mats .192
..............................
Audio Antenna .193
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .194
.................................
Wiper Blades .194
...........................................
Wheels .197
...............................................
Tires .197
...................
Checking the Battery .203
.............................
Vehicle Storage .204
245
Maintenance
Maint enance
165
Page 174 of 258

µµµ
µ
µ
µ
Ì 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
.
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and licen se plate lights monthly.
See page .
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items
at the specified interval s. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed. U.S. Vehicles:
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 in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the
inf ormation display.
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
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Make sure to
have the service f acility or person
reset the display as previously
described. Keep all receipts as proof
of completion, and have the person
who does the work fill out the
maintenance record. Check your
warranty booklet f or more
inf ormation.
We recommend using Honda parts
and fluids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manuf actured to the same high-
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be conf ident
of their perf ormance and durability. 135
136
183 185
199
186
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.
172
Page 175 of 258

Î
Î
Ì Ì
Î
Ì
ÎÎ
Maintenance Minder
173
: 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:
172
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 Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds results in higher transmission temperatures.
This requires transmission fluid changes more
frequently than recommended by the maintenance
minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under
these conditions, have the transmission fluid
changed at 60,000 miles (100,000 km), then every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) .
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
A
B
Symbol
Symbol
1
2
3
4
5
Automatic transmission1
1
2
Maintenance Minder
Page 178 of 258
Fluid Locations
176
ENGINE OIL
DIPSTICK
(Orange loop) ENGINE OIL
FILL CAPAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK (Yellow loop)BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap) CLUTCH FLUID
(Manual
Transmission only)
(Gray cap)
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR
Page 180 of 258

Your vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
af f ect the engine or transmission
perf ormance and durability.Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
Open the hood, and remove the
engine oil f ill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer f rom the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
Always change the oil and f ilter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the inf ormation
display. The oil and f ilter collect
contaminants that can damage your
engine if they are not removed
regularly.
Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lif t f or this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given f or a conventional motor oil, it
displays the API Certif ication Seal,
and it is the proper weight. You must
f ollow the oil and f ilter change
intervals given in the maintenance
schedule.
1.
2.
Synthetic Oil
Engine Oil A dditives
Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
A dding Engine Oil, Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
178
WASHER
OIL DRAIN BOLT
Page 185 of 258

Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.Park the vehicle on level ground.
Shut of f the engine.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth. Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the f iller hole
to bring it to the upper 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 engine
compartment.
Remove the dipstick, and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks. Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission f luid). If it’s
not available, you may use a
DEXRON
III automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect the shift quality. Have
the transmission f lushed and ref illed
with Honda ATF-Z1 by your dealer
as soon as it is convenient.
1.
2. 3.
5. 4.
CONT INUED
T ransmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
183
DIPSTICK
UPPER
MARK
LOWER
MARK