Page 224 of 411

The alarm also activates if a
passenger inside the locked vehicle
turns the ignition switch on.Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it.
Once the security system is sets,
opening any door, the hatch, or the
hood without using the key or the
remote transmitter, will cause the
alarm to activate. It also activates if
the audio unit is removed f rom the
dashboard or the wiring is cut.
The security system helps to protect
your vehicle and valuables f rom thef t.
The horn sounds and a combination
of headlights, parking lights, side
marker lights and taillights f lashes if
someone attempts to break into your
vehicle or remove the audio unit.
This alarm continues for two
minutes, then the system resets. To
deactivate the system before the two
minutes have elapsed, unlock the
driver’s door with the key or the
remote transmitter.
The security system sets
automatically 15 seconds after you
lock the doors, hood, and the hatch.
For the system to activate, you must
lock the doors and the hatch f rom
the outside with the key, or use
driver’s lock tab, door lock master
switch, or remote transmitter. The
security system indicator on the
instrument panel starts blinking
immediately to show you the system
is setting itself .
To see if the system is set
af ter you exit the vehicle, press the
LOCK button on the remote
transmitter within five seconds. If
the system is set, the horn will beep
once. The security system does not set if
the hood, hatch, or any door is not
f ully closed. If the system will not set,
check the door and hatch open
indicator on the instrument panel
and multi-inf ormation display (see
page ) to see if the doors and
hatch are f ully closed. Since it is not
part of the monitor display, manually
check the hood. 12
On LX and EX models
Security System
221
NOTE:SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR
12/07/13 17:04:40 31TM8630_226
FeaturesTOC
2013 Insight
Page 257 of 411

Your dealer has Honda accessories
that allow you to personalize your
vehicle. These accessories have
been designed and approved f or your
vehicle, and are covered by warranty.Bef ore installing any accessory:
When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interfere with your vehicle’s
computer controlled systems, such
as your airbags, anti-lock brakes,
and tire pressure monitoring
system (if equipped). Do not install accessories on the
side pillars or across the rear
windows. Accessories installed in
theseareasmayinterferewith
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags. Bef ore installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer for assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the f inal installation. Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits
(see
page ) or interfere
with the prop er operation of
your vehicle. Make sure the accessory
does not obscure any lights, or
interfere with proper vehicle
operation or performance.
Although non-Honda accessories
may f it on your vehicle, they may not
meet f actory specif ications, and
could adversely af f ect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, and reliability. Modif ying your vehicle, or installing
non-Honda accessories, may make
your vehicle unsaf e. Bef ore you
make any modif ications or add any
accessories,besuretoreadthe
f ollowing inf ormation. 367
A ccessories
A ccessories and Modif ications
254
Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
vehicle’s handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding
accessories and modifications.
12/07/13 17:09:27 31TM8630_259
Bef ore DrivingTOC
2013 Insight
Page 265 of 411

Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely.
Check the seat adjustment (see
page
).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page).
Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked. Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see
page).
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure (see page).
Check that the hood and hatch are
f ully closed. When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel, and the
messages on the multi-inf ormation
display (see pages
,and
).
1.
2.
3.
8. 7. 6.9.
4.
5.
61 7217
10.
141
147
128 89
338
Preparing to Drive
262
12/07/13 17:10:27 31TM8630_267
Bef ore DrivingTOC
2013 Insight
Page 287 of 411

If the vehicle is facing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward
the curb.
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.
Set the parking brake bef ore you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the vehicle from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission. 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.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area or take them
with you. Turn of f the lights. Make sure the windows are closed.
Lock the doors and the hatch.
If the vehicle is facing uphill,
turn the front wheels away
from the curb. 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. Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set.
LX and EX models
Parking T ips
Parking
284
12/07/13 17:13:24 31TM8630_289
Bef ore DrivingTOC
2013 Insight
Page 288 of 411

Your vehicle is equipped with f ront
disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels are drum. A power assist
helps reduce the ef f ort needed on
thebrakepedal.TheABShelpsyou
retain steering control when braking
very hard.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, reduces their ef f ectiveness and
reduces brake pad lif e. In addition,
f uel economy can be reduced. It also
keeps your brake lights on all the
time, conf using drivers behind you.Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their
ef f ectiveness. Use the engine to
assist the brakes by taking your f oot
of f the accelerator and downshif ting
to a lower speed.
Braking System
285
12/07/13 17:13:29 31TM8630_290
Bef ore DrivingTOC
2013 Insight
Page 300 of 411

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
pagef or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.
U.S. Vehicles:
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
Maintenance Minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions for simple
maintenance tasks you may want
to take care of yourself.
......................Maintenance Saf ety.298
.................Maintenance Minder .299
..............................Fluid Locations.309
........................Adding Engine Oil.310
.........Changing the Oil and Filter .312
..............................Engine Coolant.315
....................Windshield Washers. 317
....Automatic Transmission Fluid .318
Continuously Variable
............Transmission (CVT) .318
....................................Brake Fluid.319
.............................................Lights.321
..............................Audio Antenna.331
................Cleaning the Seat Belts .331
.....................................Floor Mats.331
..................DustandPollenFilter .332
.................................Wiper Blades.332
...............................................Tires.338
......Checking the 12 Volt Battery. 344
.............................Vehicle Storage.346
397
Maintenance
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.
Maint enance
297
TM
12/07/13 17:14:50 31TM8630_302
2013 Insight
Page 310 of 411

µµµ
µ µ
Ì µ
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
youfillthefueltank.Seepage .
Automatic transmission Check
the fluid level monthly. See
page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page. Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See
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 multi-
inf ormation display. Lights Check the operation of
all the lights monthly. See
.
249
250
318 319 338
321
CONT INUED
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maintenance Minder
307
TM
12/07/13 17:16:01 31TM8630_312
Maint enanceTOC
page page
.
2013 Insight
Page 324 of 411

CONT INUED
Open the hood.
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb,
handle it by its base, and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass,
clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth. Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
cargo area, readjustment may be
required. Adjustments should be
done by your dealer or another
qualif ied technician.
To change the bulb on the right
side, remove the upper part of the
windshield washer reservoir tank.
Use a f lat-tip screwdriver to
remove the holding clip, then
remove the upper part by pulling it
straight up.Remove the electrical connector
f rom the cover by pushing on the
tab to unlock it, then slide the
connector of f the cover.
Remove the cover on the back of
the headlight assembly by turning
it counterclockwise.
1.
2.
3.
Headlight A iming
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Lights
High Beam Headlight
321
HOLDING CLIP
CONNECTOR
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
12/07/13 17:17:39 31TM8630_326
Maint enanceTOC
2013 Insight