Page 225 of 351

224
uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Driving
Use the paddle shifters to change between 1st and 5th gears without removing your
hands from the steering wheel. The transmission will switch to the sequential shift
mode.■When the shift lever is in
(D:
The vehicle will go into the sequential shift mode momentarily, and the gear position
indicator will come on.
Once you start traveling at a constant speed, the sequential shift mode will
automatically switch off, and the gear position indicator will go off.
Hold the
(+ paddle shifter for two seconds to return to normal drive.
■When the shift lever is in
(S:
The vehicle will go into the sequential shift mode, and the M (sequential shift)
indicator and gear position indicator will come on. At speeds of 6 mph (10 km/h) or
less, the vehicle automatically shifts down into 1st gear. It will not automatically shift
up, even if vehicle speed increases.
You can only pull away in 1st or 2nd gear.
When switching out of the sequential shift mode, move the shift lever from
(S to
(D. When the sequential shift mode is canceled, the sequential shift mode indicator
and shift indicator go off.■Sequential Shift Mode
Page 227 of 351
226
uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Driving
ShiftingFully depress the clutch pedal to operate the shift lever and change gears, then
slowly release the pedal.
Depress the clutch pedal, and pause for a few seconds before shifting into
(R, or
shift into one of the forward gears for a moment. This stops the gears so they do not
“grind.”
■Shift Lever OperationManual transmission models
1ShiftingNOTICEDo not shift to
(R before the vehicle comes to a
complete stop.
Shifting to
(R before stopping can damage the
transmission.
NOTICEBefore downshifting, make sure the engine will not
go into the tachometer's red zone. Should this occur,
it can severely damage your engine.
There is a metallic part on the shift lever. If you leave
the vehicle parked outside for a long time on a hot
day, be careful before moving the shift lever. Because
of heat, the shift lever may be extremely hot. If the
outside temperature is low, the shift lever may feel
cold.
Page 229 of 351
228
uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Driving
The manual transmission has a lockout mechanism that stops you from accidentally
shifting into
(R from a forward gear while the vehicle is moving above a certain
speed.
If you cannot shift to
(R when the vehicle is stopped, do the following:
1.Depress the clutch pedal, move the shift
lever all the way to the left, and shift to
(R.
2.If you still cannot shift into
(R, apply the
parking brake, and set the power mode to
ACCESSORY or VEHICLE OFF (LOCK).
3.Depress the clutch pedal and shift into
(R.
4.Keep depressing the clutch pedal and start
the engine.
Have the vehicle checked by a dealer if you
have to go through this procedure repeatedly.
■Reverse Lockout
Page 230 of 351

229
uuWhen DrivinguCruise Control
Continued
Driving
Cruise ControlMaintains a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the
accelerator. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can travel at a
constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.
1Cruise Control
It may not be possible to maintain a constant speed
when driving uphill or downhill.
When not using cruise control:
Turn off cruise control by pressing the CRUISE
button.
When the engine speed slow down, try to downshift.
You can maintain the set speed if you change gear
within fives seconds.
3
WARNING
Improper use of the cruise control can lead
to a crash.
Use the cruise control only when traveling
on open highways in good weather.Manual transmission models
■Shift positions for cruise control:
In (D or
(S
When to use
Always keep sufficient distance
between you and the vehicle in
front of you.
■Vehicle speed for cruise control:
Desired speed in a range above
roughly 25 mph (40 km/h) ~
How to use
CRUISE MAIN is on in the
instrument panel.
Cruise control is ready to use.
■Press the CRUISE button on
the steering wheel.Automatic transmission models
Page 239 of 351

uuBrakinguBrake System
238Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum 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.2Brake Assist System P. 240
2ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P. 239■Foot Brake
1Foot 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.
Page 242 of 351
241Driving
Parking Your VehicleWhen Stopped1.Depress the brake pedal firmly.
2.Firmly apply the parking brake.
3.Move the shift lever from
(D to
(P.
3.Move the shift lever to
(R.
4.Turn off the engine.
Always set the parking brake firmly, in particular if you are parked on an incline.
1Parking Your Vehicle
Do not park your vehicle near flammable objects,
such as dry grass, oil, or timber.
Heat from the exhaust can cause a fire.1When StoppedNOTICEThe following can damage the transmission:•Depressing the accelerator and brake pedals
simultaneously.•Holding the vehicle in place when facing uphill by
depressing the accelerator pedal.•Moving the shift lever into
(P before the vehicle
stops completely.
Raise the wiper arms when snow is expected.
Automatic transmission models
Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission models
Page 248 of 351

247
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 248Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 249Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 250
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 251
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 256Opening the Hood ........................... 258
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 259
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 261
Oil Check ......................................... 262
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 264
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 265Engine Coolant ................................ 268
Transmission Fluid ............................ 270
Brake/Clutch Fluid ............................ 272
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 273
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 274Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades.......................................... 284Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 286Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 287Tire Labeling .................................... 287DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 289
Wear Indicators ............................... 291
Tire Service Life ................................ 291
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 292
Tire Rotation .................................... 293
Winter Tires ..................................... 294
Battery............................................... 295
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 296Climate Control System Maintenance
.... 297
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 298
Exterior Care.................................... 300
Page 249 of 351

248Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.■Periodic inspections
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.2Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 270
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2Brake/Clutch Fluid P. 272
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 286
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 274
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 284
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display.
2Maintenance Service Items P. 254
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com.
2Authorized Manuals P. 341
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.U.S. models