Honda Accord 1993 Owner's Manual
1993 Accord Sedan Online Reference Owner's Manual
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Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference.
For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com.
Owner's Identification Form
Features & Safety ................................................................................................................................ 2
What you should know before driving your car.
Starting & Driving............................................................................................................................. 92
What gas to use, how to change gears, etc.
Maintenance .......................................................................................................................................110
The Required Maintenance Schedule and some items you can service.
Emergency Service .......................................................................................................................... 148
Changing a flat, jump starting, towing.
Specifications ................................................................................................................................... 158
Dimensions, weights and capacities.
Consumer Information .................................................................................................................... 160
Reporting Safety Detects, warranty service, vehicle identification numbers, etc.
Index ................................................................................................................................................ 169
Gas Station Information
Contents
Introduction
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This manual contains important information about the safe
operation and maintenance of your car.
We urge you to read it carefully, become familiar with the controls it
describes, and follow its recommendations, to help make your
driving trouble-free and enjoyable.
Statements or labels on the product preceded by the following
words are of special significance:
indicates severe personal injury or death will result if
instructions are not followed.
indicates a strong possibility of severe personal
injury or death if instructions are not followed.
means hazards or unsafe practices which could
cause minor personal injury or product or property
damage.
NOTE: gives helpful information.
Break-in Period
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of driving, avoid full throttle
starts and cruising for extended periods at a constant speed.
NOTE:
This break-in procedure also applies to exchanged or overhauled
engines.
During and after the break-in period, drive the car at moderate
speeds until the engine is fully warmed up.
During the first 200 miles (300 km), try to avoid severe braking.
Brake misuse during this period will reduce future braking efficiency,
Remember, your Honda Automobile dealer knows your car best,
and should be consulted for service assistance and advice.
Keys and Locks
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Keys
Your car is supplied with a master
VALET KEY MASTER KEY
key that fits the ignition and all locks,
and a valet key that fits the ignition
and doors but not the trunk, trunk
remote release, rear seat trunk
access or glove box.
The valet key is provided for times
when you must leave the key with a
parking attendant or repair person,
but still want to keep valuables
safely locked-up.
Write down the numbers stamped on both keys and keep the
information in your wallet or purse in case you ever need to have
duplicates made. Both the master and valet keys are double-edged,
so you can insert them in the locks with either side up.
Door Locks
You can lock the doors by pushing the plunger down.
The doors must be unlocked before you can open them. The
passenger doors can be locked when open, and will stay locked
when you close them; the driver's door cannot be locked when
open unless you hold the door handle open. The front doors can be
locked and unlocked from the outside with the key.
Unlock
Unlock
LockLock
(cont'd)
Keys and Locks (cont'd)
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Power Door Locks
(US: LX/EX/SE/Anniversary Edition, Canada: EX/EX-R/SE)
All doors can be simultaneously locked and unlocked by operating
the master door lock switch located on each front door.
Unlock
Lock
In addition, the passenger doors will lock automatically when the
plunger on the driver's door is pushed down, or when the driver's
door is locked from the outside with the key.
Lock
Unlock
Lock
Trunk
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The trunk can be opened by pulling up the lever at the left side of
the driver's seat.
To open the trunk lid from the outside, put the master key in the
lock and turn clockwise. The trunk lid opener lever is lockable with
the master key.
Pull up
Open
Lock
MASTER KEY
Keep the trunk lid closed while driving to keep poisonous carbon
monoxide exhaust fumes out of the interior; prolonged exposure
can cause unconsciousness that may lead to death.
Child Proof Door Locks
The child proof door locks are designed to prevent accidental opening of the rear doors. To activate
LOCK TAB
the locks, push down the lock tabs
located on each rear door, then
close the doors. When the rear
doors are locked in this way, they
can only be opened from the
outside.
Lock
Seats
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Front Seat
Adjust the seat position by pulling up on the adjustment lever under
the front edge of the seat cushion, and sliding the seat to the
desired position. Then release the lever and make sure the seat is
locked in position by moving it back and forth.
Pull up
Pull up
The angle of the seat-back can be changed by pulling up on the lever
at the outside edge of the seat and leaning forward or back. Release
the lever and let the seat lock into place when it reaches the desired
angle.
Seat belts are most effective when the driver and passenger are
sitting up straight and well back in each seat.
Do not adjust the driver's seat while the car is moving; the seat
could move suddenly, causing loss of vehicle control.
To reduce the risk of sliding under the seat belts in a collision,
adjust the seat-backs to an upright position and sit well back in
the seat.
Front Seat Head Restraints
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The head restraints are designed to help reduce injuries due to
whiplash. They are located at the top of each seat-back and have
several height positions. They can be adjusted by pulling up to the
recommended position. To lower them, slide the button next to the
restraint's height bar, while pushing the restraint down.
Adjust so the top of the restraint is approximately level with the
tops of your ears.
If a head restraint must be removed (for cleaning, fabric repair, etc.)
pull the restraint up to its highest position, then slide the button
while pulling the restraint out.
To reinstall, reverse the above procedure.
Slide
Do not drive the car with head restraints removed.
Do not try to adjust head restraints while driving.
(cont'd)
Seats (cont'd)
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Driver's Lumbar Support
(US: EX/SE, Canada: EX-R/SE)
Support of the lower back can be
adjusted by turning the knob on the
driver's armrest to give more or less
support.
Do not try to adjust lumbar support
while driving. Make the adjustment
while sitting in your normal driving
position before driving away.
Driver's Seat Center Armrest
(US: LX/EX/SE/Anniversary Edition,
Canada: EX/EX-R/SE)
The angle of the driver's armrest on
the driver's seat adjusts to five
positions. To lower the armrest,
push the button on the driver's side
of the armrest and lower the
armrest.
Push
Do not try to adjust the armrest
while driving. Make the adjustment
before driving away.
Rear Seat Armrest
(US: LX/EX/SE/Anniversary Edition,
Canada: EX/EX-R/SE)
The rear seat armrest is located at
the center of the rear seat-back and
can be used by pulling the tab out.
Pull out
Trunk Access from Rear Seat
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The rear seat-back can be released by turning the lock on the rear
shelf with the master key and pulling down the top of the seat-back.
This allows you access to the trunk and makes it possible to carry
long objects inside the car.
The rear seat-back can also be released from inside the trunk by
pulling the release.
Open
Pull
MASTER
KEY
RELEASE
Passengers or pets must not sit on the folded portion of the rear
seat.
Make sure any luggage or cargo within the trunk, or extending
through the rear seat trunk access is secured.
Make sure the seat-back latches engage securely when the
seat-back is returned to its normal position.
Weight limits shown on the label located on the driver's door
jamb must be observed. The total weight of passengers and
cargo must not exceed the total weight limit on the label.
Do not store any items on the shelf behind the rear seat; they
may become dangerous projectiles in a collision.
Store any luggage or cargo in the trunk. If you are carrying more
items than will fit in the trunk, use the floor space between the
front and rear seats.
Make sure both rear shoulder belts are positioned in front of the
rear seat-backs whenever the seat-backs are in their upright
position.
When closing the rear seat trunk access, push the seat-back firmly
into place, then pull on the top of the seat-back to make sure it is
secure.
Your Occupant Protection System
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Your Accord is equipped with seat belts and other features that
work together to protect you and your passengers during a crash.
Seat belts are the most important part of your occupant protection
system. When worn properly, seat belts can reduce the chance of
serious injury or death in a crash.
For added protection during a severe frontal collision, all Accords
have a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with a driver's airbag.
The SE model also has a passenger's airbag.
Two indicator lights are also part of your safety system. One
reminds you to make sure you and your passengers wear your seat
belts. The other alerts you to a possible problem with your
supplemental restraint system (see page 22 ).
The seats, head restraints, and door locks also play a role in
occupant safety. For example, reclining your seat-back can
decrease the effectiveness of your seat belt. Head restraints can
help protect your neck and head, especially during rear-end impacts.
Door locks help keep your doors from being accidentally opened
during a crash.
To get the maximum protection from your occupant protection
system, check the following before you drive away:
Everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt properly (see page 13 ).
Infants and small children are properly secured in child safety
seats (see page 27 ).
All doors are closed and locked (see page 25 ).
Seat-backs are upright and head restraints are properly adjusted
(see page 24 ).
There are no loose items that could be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash or sudden stop (see page 25 ).
By following these guidelines, you can reduce injuries to yourself
and your passengers in many crash situations. Remember, however,
that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that can
occur in severe crashes.
The Seat Belt System and How It Works
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Why Wear Seat Belts
Wearing seat belts, and wearing them properly, is fundamental to
your safety and the safety of your passengers.
During a crash or emergency stop, seat belts can help keep you
from being thrown against the inside of the car, against other
occupants, or out of the car.
Of course, seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash.
But, in most cases, seat belts reduce your chance of serious injury,
and can even save your life. That is why many states and all
Canadian provinces require you to wear seat belts.
Not wearing a seat belt increases the chance of being killed or
seriously hurt in a crash.
Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear
them properly.
Important Safety Reminders
Seat belts are designed for adults and larger children. All infants and
small children must be properly restrained in child safety seats (see
page 27 ).
A pregnant woman needs to wear a seat belt to protect herself and
her unborn child (see page 18 ).
Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they
could be very seriously injured in a crash.
Do not place the shoulder portion of a lap/shoulder belt under your
arm or behind your back. This could increase the chance of serious
injuries in a crash.
Do not put shoulder belt pads or other accessories on seat belts.
They can reduce the effectiveness of the belts and increase the
chance of injury.
(cont'd)
The Seat Belt System and How It Works (cont'd)
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Seat Belt System Components
Your Accord has seat belts in all five seating positions. The front
seats and the outside positions of the rear seat have lap/shoulder
belts. The center position of the rear seat has a lap belt.
Your seat belt system also includes a light on the instrument panel
to remind you to fasten your seat belt, and to make sure your
passengers fasten theirs. This light comes on when you turn on the
ignition if you have not fastened your seat belt. A beeper also
sounds for several seconds (see page 39 ).
The following pages cover more about the seat belt components
and how they work.
Lap/Shoulder Belt
This style of seat belt has a single belt that goes over your shoulder,
across your chest, and across your hips.
Each lap/shoulder belt has an emergency locking retractor. In normal
driving, the retractor lets you move freely in your seat while it
keeps some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop,
the retractor automatically locks the belt to help restrain your body.
ADJUSTER
SHOULDER
PORTION
LATCH
PLATE
BUCKLE
LAP PORTION
UPPER
SEAT BELT
ANCHOR
Lap Belt
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The lap belt has one manually-adjusted belt that fits across the hips.
It is similar to safety belts used in airplanes.
BELT END
LATCH PLATE
BUCKLE
Wearing Seat Belts Properly
You can increase the effectiveness of your seat belts if you take a
little time to read the following pages and make sure you know how
to wear seat belts properly.
Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash.
Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear
them properly.
(cont'd)
The Seat Belt System and How It Works (cont'd)
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Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt
Before putting on
forward or backward to a good driving or riding position and the
back of your seat is upright (see page 24 ).
1. Pull the latch plate across your body and insert it into the buckle.
Tug on the belt to make sure the latch is securely locked.
2. Check that the belt is not twisted.
3. Position the lap portion of the belt as low as possible across your
hips, not across your stomach. This lets your strong pelvic bones
take the force of a crash.
a
front seat belt, be sure your seat is adjusted
4. Pull up on the shoulder part of the belt to remove any slack. Make
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sure the belt goes over your collarbone and across your chest.
5. If the belt crosses your neck, you need to adjust the belt anchor
height or your seating position.
Front seats: Adjust the belt anchor by squeezing the two
buttons and sliding the anchor downward (it has
four positions).
Rear seat: Move toward the center of the seat until the belt
fits over your collarbone.
RELEASE BUTTON
RELEASE BUTTON
(cont'd)
The Seat Belt System and How It Works (cont'd)
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To unlatch the seat belt, push the red PRESS button on the buckle.
Guide the belt across your body to the door pillar. If the belt doesn't
retract easily, pull it out and check for twists or kinks.
Wearing the Lap Belt
1. Pull the latch plate across your hips and insert it into the buckle
marked CENTER.
If the belt is too short, hold the latch plate at a right angle and pull
to extend the belt. Insert the latch plate into the buckle.
2. Position the belt as low as possible across your hips and pelvic
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bones, not across your stomach. Pull the loose end of the belt to
adjust for a snug but comfortable fit.
To unlatch the belt, push the red PRESS button on the buckle.
(cont'd)
The Seat Belt System and How It Works (cont'd)
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Advice For Pregnant Women
Protecting the mother is the best way to protect her unborn child.
Therefore, a pregnant woman should wear a properly-positioned
seat belt whenever she drives or rides in a car.
If possible, use a lap/shoulder seat belt, remembering to keep the lap
portion as low as possible (see page 14). Each time you have a
check-up, ask your doctor if its okay for you to drive and how you
should position a lap/shoulder seat belt.
Seat Belt Maintenance
For safety, you should check the condition of your seat belts
regularly.
Pull out each belt fully and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear.
Check that the latches work smoothly and the lap/shoulder belts
retract easily. Any belt not in good condition or not working
properly should be replaced.
If a seat belt is worn during a crash, have your dealer replace the
belt and check the anchors for damage.
If your seat belts get dirty, you can use a soft brush with a mixture
of mild soap and warm water to clean them. Do not use bleach, dye,
or cleaning solvents. They can weaken the belt material. Let the
belts air-dry before you use the car.
Dirt build-up in the metal loops of the seat belt anchors can cause
the belts to retract slowly. Wipe the inside of the loops with a clean
cloth dampened in isopropyl alcohol.
Supplemental Restraint System
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All Accords are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) to help protect your head and chest during a severe frontal
collision. This system does not replace your seat belt. It supplements, or
adds to, the protection offered by your seat belt.
The system on the SE model also includes a front passenger's airbag.
Not wearing a seat belt increases the chance of serious injury or
death in a crash, even if you have an airbag.
Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear
them properly.
PASSENGER'S
AIRBAG
RIGHT SENSOR
LEFT SENSOR
S R S
DRIVER'S
AIRBAG
SRS CONTROL UNIT
The main components in your SRS are:
An airbag in the steering wheel for the driver.
(On SE model)
An airbag in the dashboard for the front passenger.
A diagnostic system that, when the ignition is ON (II), continually
monitors the sensors, control unit, airbag activator, and all related
wiring.
An indicator light to warn you of a possible problem with the
system.
Emergency power backup in case your car's electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
(cont'd)
Supplemental Restraint System (cont'd)
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Important Safety Reminders
FRONTAL COLLISION RANGE
Even with an airbag, you need to wear a seat belt. The reasons are:
Airbags only inflate in severe frontal collisions. They offer no
protection in rear impacts, side impacts, rollovers, or moderate
frontal collisions.
An airbag inflates and deflates very quickly. It cannot protect you
during any additional impacts that can occur during a crash.
A seat belt helps keep you in the proper position when an airbag
inflates. An airbag opens with considerable force and can hurt you
if you are not in the proper position.
How the Driver's Airbag Works
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If you ever have a severe frontal collision, your airbag will instantly
inflate to help protect your head and chest.
When the airbag inflates, you may hear a fairly loud noise and you
might see smoke and powder. This is normal; it is caused by the
inflation of the airbag.
To do its job, the airbag inflates with considerable force. So, while it
can reduce serious injuries and even save your life, the airbag might
cause some facial or other abrasions.
After the bag completely inflates, it immediately starts deflating so
it won't interfere with your visibility, ability to steer, or ability to
operate other controls.
The airbag is stored in the center of the steering wheel. For safety,
do not attach any items to the steering wheel. They could interfere
with the proper operation of the airbag. Or, if the airbag inflates,
they could be propelled inside the car and hurt someone.
(cont'd)
Supplemental Restraint System (cont'd)
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How the Passenger's Airbag Works (SE)
If you ever have a severe frontal collision, the passenger's airbag will
inflate at the same time as the driver's airbag.
This airbag is quite large and inflates with considerable force. It can
seriously hurt an adult who is not in the proper position and wearing
the seat belt properly. The bag's force could also hurt a small child
who is not properly restrained in a child seat.
Because of the airbag, we strongly recommend that you do not put
an infant seat in the front passenger's seat. If the airbag inflates, it
can dislodge the infant seat and seriously injure the infant.
S R S
The purpose of the SRS light on your instrument panel is to alert
you of a potential problem with your supplemental restraint system.
Have the system checked if:
The light does not come on when you turn the ignition ON (II).
The light stays on after the engine starts.
The light comes on or flashes while you are driving.
How the SRS Indicator Light Works
System Service
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Your supplemental restraint system is virtually maintenance-free.
There are no parts you can safely service.
You must have the system serviced by an authorized Honda dealer:
If your airbag ever inflates. The bag must be replaced. Do not try
to remove or discard the airbag by yourself. This must be done by
a Honda dealer.
If the SRS indicator light alerts you of a problem. Have the
supplemental restraint system checked as soon as possible.
Otherwise, your airbag might not inflate when you need it.
When the car is ten years old. Have the dealer inspect the
system. The production date is on the left rear door jamb for your
convenience.
System Service Precautions
Do not modify your steering wheel or any other part of the
supplemental restraint system. Modifications could make the
system ineffective.
Do not tamper with the system components or wiring. This could
cause the airbag to inflate inadvertently, possibly injuring someone
very seriously.
Tell anyone who works on your car that you have a supplemental
restraint system. Failure to follow the procedures and precautions in
the official Honda service manual could result in personal injury or
damage to the system.
Scrapping an entire car that has an uninflated airbag can be
dangerous. Get assistance from a Honda dealer if your car must be
scrapped.
If you sell your car, please be sure to tell the new owner that the car
has a supplemental restraint system. Alert them to the information
and precautions in this part of the owner's manual.
Additional Safety Information
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Your seat belts and airbag are obviously important parts of your
occupant protection system.
In addition, you should know that sitting upright, adjusting the head
restraints to the proper positions, locking the doors, and stowing
things properly can increase your safety and possibly even save
your life.
Seat-back Position
The seat-backs should be in an upright position for you and your
passengers to get the most protection from the seat belts.
If you recline a seat-back, you will reduce the protective capability
of your seat belt. The farther a seat-back is reclined, the greater the
risk that you will slide under the belt in a severe crash and be very
seriously injured.
For information on how to adjust the seat-back, see page 6.
Head Restraint Position
Head restraints can help protect you from whiplash and other
injuries. For the best protection, the top of the head restraint should
be even with the top of your ears, or as high as possible. For
instructions on how to adjust the head restraints, see page 7.
Door Locks
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It is not safe to leave your car doors unlocked. A passenger,
especially a child, could open a door and accidentally fall out. Also,
there is a greater chance of being thrown out of the car during a
crash when the doors are not locked.
Storing Cargo Safely
Before you drive, make sure you first securely store or tie down any
items that could be thrown around the car and hurt someone, or
interfere with your ability to operate the controls.
Do not put any items on top of the rear shelf. They can block your
view and they could be thrown about the car in a crash.
Be sure to keep compartment doors closed when the car is moving.
If a front passenger hits the door of an open glove box, for example,
he could injure his knees.
(cont'd)
Additional Safety Information (cont'd)
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Driving With Pets
Loose pets can be a hazard while you are driving. An unrestrained
pet can interfere with your ability to drive the car. In a crash or
sudden stop, loose pets or cages can be thrown around inside the
car and hurt you or your passengers. It is also for their safety that
pets should be properly restrained in your car.
The recommended way to restrain a medium-sized or larger dog is
with a special traveling harness. This harness can be secured to the
rear seat with a seat belt. Travel harnesses are available at pet
stores.
A small dog, cat, or other small animal will be safest in a pet carrier
with rigid sides. Choose a style that allows you to secure it to the
car's seat by routing a seat belt through the carrier's handle.
For further information, contact your veterinarian or local animal
protection society.
Child Safety
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Children depend on adults to protect them. To help make sure we
do, every state and Canadian province has laws requiring infants
and young children to be properly restrained whenever they ride in a
car.
An infant or child who is not properly restrained can be killed or
seriously injured in a crash.
Be sure any child too small for seat belts is properly secured in a
child restraint.
Where Should Children Sit?
According to accident statistics, children of all sizes and ages are
safer when they are properly restrained in the rear seat rather than
the front seat.
We recommend that, whenever possible, you secure your child's
infant or toddler seat in the center position of the rear seat with the
lap belt.
For cars with passenger airbags, we strongly recommend that you
do not put an infant seat in the front passenger seat. If the airbag
inflates, it can hit the seat with great force. The infant seat can be
dislodged and the baby seriously injured.
We also recommend that any child who is too large to use an infant
or toddler seat ride in one of the outside positions of the rear seat.
The child should then wear the lap/shoulder belt properly for
protection.
(cont'd)
Child Safety (cont'd)
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Important Safety Reminders
Never hold a baby or child on your lap when riding in a car. If you are
wearing your seat belt, the violent forces created during a crash will
tear the child from your arms. The child could be seriously hurt or
killed.
If you are holding a child and not wearing a seat belt in a crash, you
could crush the child against the inside of the car.
Never put your seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash,
the belt could press deep into the child, causing serious internal
injuries.
Two children should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they
could be very seriously injured in a crash.
If you are driving with small children in the car, you should use the
childproof door locks to prevent them from opening the rear doors
(see page 5 ).
General Guidelines for Restraining Children Under 40 Pounds
(18kg)
Use an approved child seat. The seat must meet Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS-213) or Canadian Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards. Look for the manufacturer's statement of
compliance on the box and seat.
Use a seat of the right size. Make sure the seat fits your child. Check
the seat's instructions and labels for height and weight limits.
Secure the child seat to the car. All approved child seats are designed
to be secured in the car seat by the lap belt or the lap belt portion of
a lap/shoulder belt. A child whose seat is not properly secured to
the car can be endangered in a crash.
To properly route a seat belt through a child seat, follow the seat
maker's instructions. If you use a lap/shoulder belt, be sure you
install a locking clip on the belt (see page 32 ).
Secure the child in the child seat. Make sure the infant or child is firmly
secured to the child seat. Use the straps provided, and carefully
follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Restraining an Infant Who Weighs Less Than 20 Pounds (9 kg)
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An infant up to about 20 pounds (9 kg) must be restrained in an
infant seat or a convertible seat designed for a baby. Because
infants must ride in a reclining position, be sure the infant seat
always faces the REAR of the car as shown.
We recommend that, whenever possible, you put the infant seat in
the center position of the rear seat and secure it to the car with the
lap belt.
If you decide to put an infant seat in any other seating position, you
must use a locking clip with the car's lap/shoulder belt (see page
32 ).
Special Precaution for SE models
We strongly recommend that you do not put an infant seat in the
front passenger's seat.
In a severe frontal collision, the inflating airbag can hit the infant
seat with considerable force.
The infant seat can be dislodged, causing serious injury to the infant.
(cont'd)
Child Safety (cont'd)
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Restraining a Child Who Weighs Between 20 and 40 Pounds
(9 — 18 kg)
Toddler seats are designed for children who weigh between 20 and
40 pounds (9 — 18 kg). The preferred place to put a toddler seat is
the center position of the rear seat. Use the car's lap belt to secure
the seat to the car.
If you decide to put a toddler seat in any other seating position, you
must use a locking clip with the lap/shoulder belt (see page 32 ).
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