Page 49 of 228

The instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important
info rmation about your vehicl e.
This indicator has two functions:
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 you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position before fastening
your seat belts, the beeper sounds,
and the indicator flashes. If you do
not fasten your seat belts before the
beep er stops, the indicator stops
fl ashing but remains on.
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 .
If
either of you do not fasten your
seat belt while driving, the beep er
will sound and the indicator will flash
again at regular intervals. For more
info rmation, see page .
If
your passenger does not fasten
their seat belt, the indicator comes
on about 6 seconds after the ignition
switch is turned to the ON (II)
position.
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 information, see
page .
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. It reminds you and your
passenger to f asten your seat belts.
A beeper also sounds if you and your
passenger have not f astened your
seat belts.
2. 1.
16
186
186 188
Instrument Panel Indicators
Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator Parking Brake and
Brake System
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
46
U.S. Canada
Page 112 of 228
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 .110
.................
Fuel Recommendation . 110
.........
Service Station Procedures . 111
....................................
Ref ueling .111
OpeningandClosingthe .......................................
Hood .112
...................................
Oil Check .113
.............
Engine Coolant Check . 114
...............................
Fuel Economy .114
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 115
.............................
Carrying Cargo .117
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving
109
Page 116 of 228
Remove the dipstick again, and
ch eck the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page .
Wait a f ew minutes af ter turning the
engine of f bef ore you check the oil.
Remove the dipstick (black
handle).
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into its hole. Wipe of f the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
To close the hood, lif t it up slightly to
remove the support rod f rom the
hole. Put the support rod back into
its holding clip. Lower the hood to
about a f oot (30 cm) above the
f ender, then let it drop. Make sure it
is securely latched. Holding the grip, pull the support
rod out of its clip. Insert the end
into the designated hole in the
hood.
3. 4.
1.
2.
3.
146
Service Station Procedures
A dding Engine Oil
Oil Check
Bef ore Driving
113
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
DIPSTICK
CLIP
SUPPORT ROD GRIP
Page 136 of 228

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 .134
....................
Maintenance Minder . 135
....................
Maintenance Record .143
..............................
Fluid Locations .145
........................
Adding Engine Oil .146
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 147
..............................
Engine Coolant .149
....................
Windshield Washers .151
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 152
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .153
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 154
.............................................
Lights .155
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 160
.....................................
Floor Mats .161
..................
DustandPollenFilter . 161
..............................
Audio Antenna .161
.................................
Wiper Blades .162
...........................................
Wheels .163
...............................................
Tires .163
...................
Checking the Battery . 169
.............................
Vehicle Storage .171
215
Maintenance
Maint enance
133
Page 144 of 228

µµ
Ì µµµ
U.S.
Vehicles:
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specified interval s. If
you are unsure of how to perform
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page . Lights
Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
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
pe rformed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the
info rmation display. Tires Check the tire pressu re
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Brakes
and clutch Check the
fluid level monthly. See page .
Engine
coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
youfillthefueltank.Seepage .
113
114
154
164 155
CONT INUED
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.
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maintenance Minder
Maint enance
141
Page 145 of 228

Î
Ì Ì
Ì
Î
Maintenance Minder
142
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
Su spension 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
Check tire inflation and condition
Replace air cleaner element
Replace dust and pollen filter
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission fluid
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace rear differential fluid
:
A
B
Symbol
Symbol
1
2
3
4
5
61
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Independent
of the maintenance minder messages, replace the brake fluid
every 3 years.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page . If the message ‘‘SERVICE’’ does not appear more than 12 months after the
display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
NOTE: 1:
141
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
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).
Driving in mountainous areas results in higher level
of mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. This requires
differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the maintenance minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km).
Maintenance Minder
Page 149 of 228
Make sure the API Certif ication Seal
says ‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’
Oil is major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade
detergent oil displaying the API
certif ication seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda motor oil in your vehicle f or
as long as you own it.
Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on the valve cover. Pour in
the oil slowly and caref ully so you do
not spill any. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment. Reinstall the engine
oil f ill cap, and tighten it securely.
Wait a f ew minutes, and recheck the
oil level on the engine oil dipstick.
Do not f ill above the upper mark; you
could damage the engine. Recommended Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
146
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
Page 151 of 228
Remove the oil f ilter, and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.
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. Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
Refill the engine with the
recommended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):
Install the engine oil f ill cap. Start
the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine, and check your work.
Make sure the oil f ilter gasket is
not stuck to the engine block. If it
is, remove it bef ore installing a
new oil f ilter.
2.
3. 4.
5.
6.
7.
Changing the Oil and Filter
148
WASHER OIL DRAIN BOLT
OIL FILTER
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m)
5.1 US qt (4.8
)