Page 216 of 333

215
Driving
When Driving VSA®
(Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
VSA
■®
On and Off
This button is on the driver side control panel. To turn the VSA®
system on and off, press and
hold it until you hear a beep. VSA ®
will stop and the indicator will come on.
To turn it on again, press the
(VSA ®
off)
button until you hear a beep. VSA ®
is turned on every time you start the
engine, even if you turned it off the last time you drove the vehicle.
VSA ®
OFF
Indicator
VSA ®
(Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic
Stability Control), System
Without VSA ®
, your vehicle will have normal
braking and cornering ability, but it will not have VSA ®
traction and stability enhancement.
In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier to free it with the VSA ®
temporarily switched
off. When the VSA ®
system is off, the traction control
system is also off. You should only attempt to free your vehicle with the VSA ®
off if you are not able
to free it when the VSA ®
is on.
Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to switch VSA ®
on again. We do not recommend
driving your vehicle with the VSA ®
and traction
control systems switched off. If the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator comes on or blinks, the VSA ®
system comes on automatically.
In this case, you cannot turn the system off by pressing the
button.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being performed immediately after starting the engine or while driving. This is normal.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 221 of 333

220
Driving
Braking Brake System
Foot Brake
■
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A power assist helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking very hard.
Brake Assist System P.222
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P.221
Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water, or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the pedal several times. If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a lower gear. With manual transmission use a lower gear for greater engine braking. Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 222 of 333

221
Driving
Braking ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
ABS
■
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you can do. The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading. You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as “stomp and steer.”
ABS Operation
■
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice. When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
NOTICE The ABS may not function correctly if you use an incorrect tire type and size. When the ABS indicator comes on while driving, there may be a problem with the system.While normal braking is not affected, there is a possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer immediately. The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control during hard braking. In the following cases, your vehicle may need more stopping distance than a vehicle without ABS: When driving on rough road surfaces, including
•
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or snow.When tire chains are installed.
•
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being performed immediately after starting the engine or while driving. This is normal.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 232 of 333

231
Driving
Refueling
Fuel InformationFuel Recommendation
■
Unleaded gasoline, pump octane number 87 or higher
Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause a persiste nt, heavy metallic knocking noise
that can lead to engine damage.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 U.S. gal (40 L)
■
Fuel Information
NOTICE We strongly recommend that you do NOT use gasoline that contains manganese-based fuel additives such as MMT.Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely affect performance of the emissions control system, breach the emissions warranty, and cause the malfunction indicator lamp to come on. If this happens, have it checked by a dealer.
NOTICE Use of gasoline that contains these additives presents the following risks:
Damage to the exhaust system including the
•
catalytic converterDamage to the engine and fuel system
•
Detrimental effects on the engine and other
•
systems
Some gasoline today is blended with oxygenates such as ethanol. Your vehicle is designed to operate on oxygenated gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by volume. For more information, visit www.hondacars.com,
www.honda.ca for Canadian customers. For details
about the factors affecting fuel economy ratings, see www.fueleconomy.gov (www.vehicles.gc.ca
for Canada).
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 238 of 333

Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
237
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ................... 238
Safety When Performing Maintenance ... 239Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service .................................................. 240
Maintenance Minder ™
............................ 241
Maintenance Under the Hood Maintenance Items Under the Hood ....... 245
Opening the Hood ................................. 246
Recommended Engine Oil ...................... 247
Oil Check ............................................... 248
Adding Engine Oil .................................. 249
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter .... 250 Engine Coolant ...................................... 252
Transmission Fluid .................................. 254
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................. 256
Refilling Window Washer Fluid ............... 257
Replacing Light Bulbs ............................. 258
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades Checking Wiper Blades ........................... 266
Changing the Front Wiper Blade Rubber 266
Changing the Rear Wiper Blade Rubber .. 268
Checking and Maintaining Tires Checking Tires ........................................ 269
Tire and Loading Information Label ........ 270
Tire Labeling ........................................... 270 DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
.272
Wear Indicators ...................................... 274
Tire Service Life ...................................... 274
Tire and Wheel Replacement .................. 275
Tire Rotation .......................................... 276
Winter Tires ............................................ 277
12 Volt Battery ........................................ 278
Remote Transmitter Care ....................... 279
Replacing the Battery ............................. 279
Climate Control System Maintenance ... 280
Cleaning ................................................... 281
Interior Care ........................................... 281
Exterior Care .......................................... 283
Main Menu
Page 244 of 333

243
Maintenance
Maintenance Minder™
Maintenance Service Items
■
System Message Indicator Maintenance Minder Message
Sub Items
Main Item
Maintenance Service Items
Independent of the maintenance minder
•
messages, replace the brake luid every 3 years. 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.
*1: Change the engine oil according to the maintenance minder messages, or annually, whichever comes irst.
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen ilter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
Code Maintenance Main Items
A Replace engine oil*
• 1
B Replace engine oil*
• 1
and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
•
Check parking brake adjustment
•
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear
•
box, and boots
Inspect suspension components
•
Inspect driveshaft boots
•
Inspect brake hoses and lines
•
(including ABS/VSA ®
)
Inspect all fluid levels and
•
condition of fluids
Inspect exhaust system
• #
Inspect fuel lines and connections
• #Code Maintenance Sub Items
1 Rotate tires •
2 Replace air cleaner element* • 2
Replace dust and pollen
•
filter* 3
Inspect drive belt
•
3 Replace transmission fluid •
4 Replace spark plugs •
Inspect valve clearance
•
5 Replace engine coolant •
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 249 of 333
248
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the Hood Oil Check
Oil Check We recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel. Park the vehicle on level ground.Wait approximately 3 minutes after turning the engine off before you check the oil.1. Remove the dipstick (orange handle).Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
2.
paper towel.Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
3.
hole.
4. Remove the dipstick again, and check the level. It should be between the upper and lower marks.
Oil Check
If it is near or below the lower mark, add oil.
Dipstick
Upper Mark Lower Mark
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 250 of 333
249
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the Hood Adding Engine Oil
Adding Engine Oil1. Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap. Slowly pour in the oil.
2.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten
3.
it securely.Wait for several minutes and recheck the
4.
engine oil dipstick.
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Adding Engine Oil
If any oil spills, wipe it up immediately. Spilled oil may damage the engine compartment components.
NOTICE Do not ill the engine oil above the upper limit
mark. Overilling the engine oil may result in engin e
damage.
Main MenuTable of Contents