Page 476 of 595

475
uuBraking uBrake System
Driving
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.
2 Brake Assist System P. 477
2 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P. 476
■
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 477 of 595

476
uuBraking uABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and help s you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
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
1 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
NOTICEThe 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 the ABS:•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow.•When snow chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediatel y after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
Page 478 of 595
477
uuBraking uBrake Assist System
Driving
Brake Assist SystemDesigned to assist the driver by generating greater braking force when you depress
the brake pedal hard during emergency braking.■
Brake assist system operation
Press the brake pedal firmly for more powerful braking.
When brake assist operates, the pedal may wiggle slightly and an operating noise
may be heard. This is normal. Keep holding the brake pedal firmly down.
■
Brake Assist System
Page 486 of 595

485
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 486
Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 487Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 488
Maintenance Minder
TM
..................... 489
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 497Opening the Hood ........................... 499
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 501
Oil Check ......................................... 502
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 504Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 505
Engine Coolant ................................ 507
Transmission Fluid ............................ 509
Brake/Clutch Fluid ............................ 511
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 512
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 513
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 523Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 525
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 526Tire Labeling .................................... 526DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 528Wear Indicators................................ 530 Tire Service Life ................................ 530
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 531
Tire Rotation .................................... 532
Winter Tires ..................................... 533
Battery ............................................... 534
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 535
Heating and Cooling System
*/Climate
Control System
* Maintenance ....... 537
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 538
Exterior Care.................................... 540
* Not available on all models
Page 487 of 595

486Maintenance
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 brake fluid level monthly.
2 Brake/Clutch Fluid P. 511
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 525
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 513
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 523
■
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 information display
*/multi-
information display
*.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 491, 495
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require mor e skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 581
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
* Not available on all models
Page 498 of 595
497
Continued
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood4-cylinder models
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Coolant
Reservoir Radiator Cap
Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap) Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Handle)
Clutch Fluid
(Light Gray Cap)
Engine Oil Fill Cap
BatteryManual transmission
models
Page 500 of 595

499
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOpening the Hood
Continued
Maintenance
Opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set
the parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
u The hood will pop up slightly.
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center
of the hood to release the lock mechanism,
and open the hood.
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp
using the grip. Mount the support rod in
the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the
hood. Remove your hand at a height of
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the
hood close.
1 Opening the Hood
NOTICEDo not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised.
The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage
either the hood or the wipers.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Hood Release Handle
Pull
Lever
Support Rod Grip
Clamp
4-cylinder models
Page 514 of 595

513
Continued
Maintenance
Replacing Light BulbsHeadlight BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.1.Unlock the holding clips, then remove the
upper part of the air intake duct and the air
intake tube.
1. Remove the engine coolant reservoir.High beam headlight:
60 W (HB3 for halogen bulb type)
Low beam headlight:
LED type
*
Low beam headlight:
55 W (H11 for halogen bulb type)
*
■
High Beam Headlight
1Headlight Bulbs
NOTICEHalogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overheat and shatter.
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the trunk or tow a trailer, have the
aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.
When replacing a halogen 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.
The exterior lights' inside lenses (headlights, brake
lamps, etc.) may fog temporaril y after a car wash or
while driving in the rain. This does not impact the
exterior light function.
However, if you see a large amount of water or ice
accumulated inside the lenses, have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
Tube
Holding Clip
Holding Clips
Driver side6-cylinder modelsPassenger sideAll models
* Not available on all models