Honda Accord 1996 Owner's Manual

1996 Accord Sedan Online Reference Owner's Manual

Information Provided by:

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

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... i

A Few Words About Safety

Driver and Passenger Safety .............................................................................................................. 3

Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.

Instruments and Controls................................................................................................................. 33

Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.

Comfort and Convenience Features .............................................................................................. 73

How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.

Before Driving.................................................................................................................................. 101

What gasoline to use, how to break -in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.

Driving .............................................................................................................................................. 113

The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.

Maintenance..................................................................................................................................... 133

The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take you r vehicle to the dealer.

Appearance Care.............................................................................................................................. 195

Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs.

Taking Care of the Unexpected...................................................................................................... 203

This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, an d how to handle them.

Technical Information..................................................................................................................... 227

ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.

Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada only)........................................................ 241

A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us.

Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...................................................................................................... 247

How to order manuals and other technical literature.

Index...................................................................................................................................................... I

Gas Station Information

A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.

Contents

................................................................................................................. ii

Introduction

Congratulations ! Your selection of a 1996 Honda Accord was a wise investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure.

One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Honda is to read this manual. In it, you will learn about your vehicle's many safety features, and how to operate its driving controls and convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner's manual in your vehicle so you can refer to it at any time.

Several warranties protect your new Honda. Read the warranty booklet thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities.

Maintaining your vehicle according to the schedules given in this manual helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda dealer's staff is specially-trained in servicing the many systems unique to your Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns.

The Anniversary Edition (25th Anniversary Edition) model referred to in this manual is a DX model sold in the U.S. with a special option package.

Safety Messages

Your safety and the safety of others is very important. We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on the vehicle. Please read these messages carefully.

A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or

others. Each safety message is preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three words, DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION. These mean:

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions.

Each safety message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen and what

you can do to avoid or reduce injury.

You will also see another important

symbol:

NOTICE

Your Honda or other property can be

damaged if you don't follow instruc-

tions.

The purpose of these messages is to help prevent damage to your vehicle,

other property, or the environment.

Driver and Passenger Safety

This section gives you important

information about occupant protection. It shows how to use seat belts properly. It explains the Supplemental Restraint System. And it gives useful information about how to protect infants and children in

your car.

Your Occupant Protection System.. 4 The Seat Belt System

and How It Works...................... 5

Why Wear Seat Belts.................... 5

Important Safety Reminders........ 5

Seat Belt System Components..... 6

Lap/Shoulder Belt......................... 6

Lap Belt........................................... 7

Wearing Seat Belts Properly........ 7

Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt...... 8

Wearing the Lap Belt.................. 10

Advice for Pregnant Women...... 11

Seat Belt Maintenance................ 11

Supplemental Restraint System..... 12

SRS Components......................... 12

What Happens In a Crash........... 13

Important Facts About

Airbags...................................... 14

How the Driver's Airbag

Works........................................15

How the Passenger's Airbag

Works........................................ 16

How the SRS Indicator Light

Works........................................17

System Service............................. 17

System Service Precautions....... 18

Additional Safety Information........ 19

Seat-back Position........................ 19

Head Restraint Position.............. 19

Door Locks................................... 20

Storing Cargo Safely................... 20

Driving with Pets......................... 20

Child Safety...................................... 21

Where Should Children Sit?....... 21

Important Safety Reminders...... 22

General Guidelines

for Restraining Children

Under 18 kg (40 Ibs)............... 23

Restraining

an Infant Who Weighs

Less Than 9 kg (20 Ibs).......... 23

Restraining

a Child Who Weighs Between

9 and 18 kg (20 and 40 Ibs)..... 24

Restraining a Child Who Weighs

Over 18 kg (40 Ibs).................. 25

Securing a Child Seat with a

Lap/Shoulder Belt................... 25

Using Child Restraints

with Tethers............................. 26

Storing a Child Seat..................... 27

Alcohol and Drugs........................... 28

Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 29

Safety Labels.................................... 30

Driver and Passenger Safety

Your Occupant Protection System

Your Honda is equipped with seat

belts and other features that work together to protect you and your passenger 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, your Accord has a Supplemental Restraint System

(SRS) with airbags for the driver and

a front seat passenger.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Two indicator lights are also part of your safety system. One reminds you to make sure you and your passengers wear seat belts. The other alerts you to a possible problem with your supplemental restraint system

(see page 17).

The seats, head restraints, and door locks also play a role in occupant

safety. For example, reclining the seat-back can decrease the effec-

tiveness 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:

Eveiyone in the car is wearing a seat belt properly (see page 7). Infants and small children are properly secured in child safety seats (see page 21).

All doors are closed and locked

(see page 20). Seat-backs are upright and head restraints are properly adjusted

(see pages 19 and 59). There are no loose items that could be thrown around and hurt someone during a crash or sudden stop (see page 20).

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

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

the

car.

Of course, seat belts cannot com-

pletely protect you in every crash.

But, in most cases, seat belts reduce your chance of serious injury. They

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 21).

A pregnant woman needs to wear a

seat belt to protect herself and her unborn child (see page 11).

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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Seat Belt System Components

Your Honda 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 36). The following pages cover more

about the seat belt components and how they work.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Lap/Shoulder Belt

SHOULDER PORTION

LATCH PLATE

BUCKLE

UPPER SEAT BELT ANCHOR

To retractor

LAP PORTION

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.

The lap/shoulder belt retractor in each passenger seating position has an additional locking mechanism that is intended to secure a child seat

(see page 25). If the shoulder part of the belt is pulled all the way out, this mechanism will engage. The belt will retract, but it will not allow the passenger to move freely. If the belt feels too tight, unlatch it, let it retract fully, then pull it out as far as needed.

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Lap Belt

BUCKLE

LATCH PLATE

The lap belt has one manuallyadjusted belt that fits across the hips. It is similar to safety belts used in airplanes.

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 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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt

Before putting on the seat belt, move the driver's seat as far back as is practical while still allowing you to maintain full control of the vehicle. Make sure the seat-back is upright

(see page 19). The front seat passenger should move the seat as far back as possible.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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.

RELEASE BUTTON

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

RELEASE BUTTON

4. Pull up on the shoulder part of the belt to remove any slack. Make 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.

To unlatch the seat belt, push the red PRESS button on the buckle. Guide the belt across your body to the door pillar.

After you exit the vehicle, make sure the seat belt is out of the way and will not get closed in the door.

Driver and Passenger Safety

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

2. Position the belt as low as possible across your hips and pelvic 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.

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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 the lap/shoulder seat belt, remembering to keep the lap portion as low as possible (see page

8).

Each time you have a check-up, ask

your doctor if it's 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

inspect the anchors for damage.

For information on how to clean your

seat belts, see page 200.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Supplemental Restraint System

Your car is equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) to help protect the head and chest of the driver and front seat passenger during a severe frontal collision.

This system does not replace your seat

belts. It supplements, or adds to, the

protection offered by seat belts and other occupant protection features.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Not wearing seat belts increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even if you have airbags.

Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them properly.

SRS Components

Your supplemental restraint system includes:

One airbag in the steering wheel for the driver and another in the dashboard for the passenger.

Sensors that can detect a severe frontal collision.

Supplemental Restraint System

A sophisticated electronic system that continually monitors the sensors, control unit, airbag activators, and all related wiring when the ignition is ON (II).

An indicator light on the instrument panel to alert you to a possible problem with the system.

Emergency backup power in case your car's electrical system is disconnected in a crash.

What Happens In a Crash

If you ever have a severe frontal collision, the sensors will detect rapid deceleration and signal the control unit to instantly inflate the airbags.

During a crash, your seat belt will help to restrain your lower body and torso. The airbags will provide a cushion to absorb crash energy and help keep the head and chest of the driver and front passenger from striking the interior of the car.

After inflating, the airbags will immediately deflate. The entire process, from detection to deflation, takes a fraction of a second. This process occurs so quickly that you may not hear the loud noise created by the airbag inflators, or realize what has happened.

After the crash, you may see what looks like smoke. This is actually powder from the airbag's surface.

People with respiratory problems

may experience some temporary

discomfort from the chemicals used

by the airbag's activators.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Supplemental Restraint System

Important Facts About Airbags

Airbags inflate only when needed; in

a severe frontal collision. A severe collision would be similar to a crash into a parked vehicle of similar size at 25 mph (40 km/h). Airbags will not inflate in a moderate frontal collision, or during a rear impact, side impact, or rollover — even if the impact is severe.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Frontal collision range

Airbags inflate and deflate only once. They cannot protect you during any

additional impacts that can occur during a crash sequence.

Injuries, including fatal injuries, can occur in a severe collision, even if seat belts are worn properly and the airbags inflate. No safety system can provide complete protection in a severe crash.

Just from viewing the vehicle

damage after a crash, it is very difficult to accurately determine if the airbags should or should not have inflated. In some cases where the airbag did not inflate, extensive visible damage indicated that the car absorbed much of the crash energy, and the airbags were not needed. In other cases, a severe jolt, such as an impact to the undercarriage, may not cause extensive body damage but cause the airbags to inflate.

Supplemental Restraint System

How the Driver's Airbag Works

If you ever have a severe frontal collision, your airbag will instantly inflate to help protect your head and

chest.

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 abrasions or other

injuries. To reduce the possibility of injury, you should always sit back as

far from the steering wheel as is

practical while still maintaining full

vehicle control.

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 total time for inflation and deflation takes a fraction of a second. You may not even be aware that the airbag has been fully inflated.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

Supplemental Restraint System

The driver's airbag is stored in the

center of the steering wheel. For your 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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

How the Passenger's Airbag

Works

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 a front seat passenger who is not in the proper position and wearing the seat belt properly. Front seat passengers should move the seat as far back as practical and sit well back in the seat.

We strongly recommend that you do not put an infant seat in the front passenger's seat. If the airbag inflates, it can hit the infant seat with great force. The infant seat can be dislodged or struck with enough force to cause very serious injury to the infant.

If a toddler seat is used in the front passenger's seat, the vehicle seat should be moved as far back as possible. If the passenger's bag inflates, it could seriously hurt a toddler who is not in the proper position or properly restrained.

Supplemental Restraint System

The passenger's airbag is stored near the top of the dashboard, under a lid marked SRS. Do not place any objects on top of this lid. If the airbag inflates, those objects can be propelled inside the car and possibly hurt someone.

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:

How the SRS Indicator Light Works

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.

If you see any of these indications, the airbag may not work when needed in an accident. Take the car to your dealer promptly for

diagnosis and service.

System Service

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 airbags ever inflate, the airbags and control unit must be replaced. Do not try to remove or discard the airbags 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 airbags might not

inflate when you need them. When the car is ten years old.

Have the dealer inspect the system. The production date is on the driver's doorjamb for your convenience.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Supplemental Restraint System

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's components or wiring. This could

cause the airbags 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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Scrapping an entire car that has uninflated airbags 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

The seat belts and airbags are obvi-

ously important parts of your occupant protection system.

In addition, you should know that

sitting upright, adjusting the head

restraints properly, locking the doors,

and stowing things properly can also

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 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 56.

Head Restraint Position

Head restraints can help protect you from whiplash and other injuries. For the best protection, adjust the top of the restraint so it is even with the tops of your ears, or as high as possible. For instructions on adjusting the head restraints, see page 59.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Additional Safety Information

Door Locks

It is not safe to leave your car doors

unlocked. A passenger, especially a

child, could open a door and acci-

dentally 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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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.

For information on loading cargo, seepage 111.

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 protec-

tion society.

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.

Child Safety

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.

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.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

Child Safety

We also recommend that any child who is too large to use an infant or toddler seat ride in one of the out-

side positions of the rear seat. The child should then wear the lap/ shoulder belt properly for protection.

If the child is not large enough to wear the lap/shoulder belt properly, you should use a booster seat.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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 car's interior.

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 54).

For their safety, do not leave

children alone in your car without

adult supervision.

Child Safety

General Guidelines for Restraining Children Under 18 kg (40 Ibs)

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 manufacturer'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 to 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, follow the instructions on page 25.

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 9 kg

(20 Ibs)

An infant up to about 9 kg (20 Ibs) 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.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

Child Safety

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, make

sure the infant seat is held securely by the locking mechanism of the lap/shoulder belt (see page 25).

Driver and Passenger Safety

Restraining a Child Who Weighs Between 9 and 18 kg (20 and 40 Ibs)

Toddler seats are designed for

children who weigh between 9 and

kg (20 and 40 Ibs).

The preferred place to put a toddler

seat is in 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 an outside seating position, make

sure the toddler seat is held securely by the locking mechanism of the lap/shoulder belt (see page 25).

If you are using a toddler seat in the front passenger's seat, move the passenger's seat as far back as possible before installing the child seat. If the passenger's bag inflates, it could seriously hurt a toddler who is not in the proper position or properly restrained.

Child Safety

Restraining a Child Who Weighs

Over 18 kg (40 Ibs)

We recommend that, whenever

possible, a child who has outgrown a toddler seat ride in one of the outside positions of the rear seat and use a lap/shoulder belt.

Put the seat belt on your child and check its fit. The shoulder belt should fit over the collarbone and across the chest. The lap belt should sit low on your child's hips, not across the stomach.

If the shoulder belt crosses the neck, have your child move toward the center of the rear seat until the belt fits properly. If the belt still crosses the child's neck, you should use a booster seat.

Several styles of booster seats are available. We recommend a design that allows the child to use the car's lap/shoulder belt.

Whichever style you select, follow the booster seat manufacturer's instructions.

Securing a Child Seat with a Lap/

Shoulder Belt

The lap/shoulder belt retractors in

the passenger seating positions have

a built-in locking mechanism

intended to secure a child seat. If

you are placing a child seat in one of

the outside seating positions, do the

following:

1. Place the child restraint in the desired seating position. Route the lap/shoulder belt through the seat according to the seat manufacturer's instructions.

2. Insert the latch plate into the buckle. Make sure it is fully latched.

3. Slowly pull the shoulder portion of the belt out of the retractor until it stops.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

Child Safety

4. Allow the belt to slowly feed back into the retractor. You should hear a clicking noise that indicates the locking mechanism has engaged.

5. After the belt has retracted fully, pull up on the shoulder portion to remove any slack.

6. Push and pull on the child seat to

verify that it is held firmly in place.

If not, unlatch the seat belt, allow it to retract fully, and repeat these steps.

To unlatch the seat belt, push the red PRESS button on the buckle.

Guide the belt across to the door

pillar. If the belt doesn't retract

easily, pull it out and check for twists or kinks.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Using Child Restraints with

Tethers

111 mm (4.4

310 mm (12.2 in)

in) 306

mm (12.0

in)

Your Honda has three attachment

points for tether-style child seat.

They are located on the rear shelf.

U.S. Models

Use the dimensions in the illustration to locate either of the outside attachment points you want to use. Cut a 22 mm (7/8 inch) diameter hole in the rear shelf.

Canadian Models

Select the attachment point you want to use and remove the plug with a

small flat-tipped screwdriver or

fingernail file.

Install the tether hardware that came with the child seat. Tighten to:

22 N.m (2.2 kgf.m , 16 lbf.ft)

If you are not sure how to install the bracket, have it installed by your

Honda dealer.

If you need an anchor plate and mounting hardware, you can obtain them by writing to:

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Consumer Affairs

1919 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90501-2746

Child Safety

Canadian Cars

TOOTHED WASHER

The anchor plate and mounting

hardware for a top tether are supplied with the car. When installing, make sure the toothed washer is on the bottom of the bolt.

The supplied anchor plate is

designed only for mounting a child restraint. Do not use it for any other

purpose.

Storing a Child Seat

When you are not using an infant

seat or other child restraint, either

remove it or make sure it is properly

secured so it cannot be thrown around the car during a crash.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Alcohol and Drugs

Driving a car requires your full attention and alertness. Traffic conditions change rapidly. You must be able to react just as rapidly. Alcohol or drugs directly affect your alertness and ability to react. Even pre-

scription and non-prescription medi-

cines can have this effect. There are laws that deal with

drunken driving. These laws define

how much alcohol it takes in your

system to be legally "drunk." However, your judgment and reaction

time get worse with every drink

even the first one.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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The safest thing you can do is never

drink and drive. This can be done if you plan ahead. If you know you are going to be drinking, make plans to ride with a friend who will not be drinking.

What if you find that you've been

drinking and cannot get a ride from a friend? Find alternative transportation. Call a taxi. Take a bus. Many communities have transportation services devoted to shuttling people who have been drinking.

If you have no choice but to drive, stop drinking and give yourself lots of time to sober up. Time is the only thing that can make you sober. Things like coffee or a cold shower don't speed up the process.

If you see friends trying to get behind the wheel after drinking, stop them. Drive them yourself or arrange other transportation. If you think you are interfering, remember that your interference will keep them from sharing the road with you.

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

Your car's exhaust contains carbon

monoxide gas. You should have no problem with carbon monoxide entering the car in normal driving if

you maintain your car properly.

Have the exhaust system inspected

for leaks whenever:

The car is raised for an oil change. You notice a change in the sound of the exhaust. The car was in an accident that may have damaged the underside.

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.

Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and can even

kill you. Avoid any enclosed areas or

activities that expose you to carbon monoxide.

High levels of carbon monoxide can collect rapidly in enclosed areas, such as a garage. Do not run the engine with the garage door closed. Even with the door open, run the engine only long enough to move the car out of the garage.

With the trunk lid open, air flow can

pull exhaust gas into your car's interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the trunk lid open, open all the windows and set the heating and cooling system as follows.

If you must sit in your parked car, even in an unconfined area, with the

engine running, adjust the heating and cooling system as follows:

1. Push the button.

2. Select the mode.

3. Turn the fan on high speed.

4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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